SINGAPORE : Get set for a splashing good time as the Singapore Arts Festival brings you two major water spectacles this year.

“Water Fools” by French theatre company Ilotopie, kicks off the festival with a dazzling opening show on the Singapore River at Boat Quay on Friday, 23 May.

Marrying theatre and water, "Water Fools" tells the story of a man whose life goes awry one morning when his head suddenly bursts into flames.

Watch as performers decked out in stunning costumes walk, dance, drive and even cycle on water. Giant mechanical sets that turn everyday objects into fantastic machines will definitely wow audiences as fireworks and pyrotechnics add light, colour and explosion to the performance, opening the festival in spectacular fashion.

From the Singapore River, the festival heads east to Bedok Reservoir for the closing event – “Hydro Sapiens” which makes its world premiere in Singapore on 20 June.

With the belief that there’s an answer to every question, The Lunatics from the Netherlands attempt - through an intensive and hilarious search - to find out why tears taste salty, if Jaws is still alive and in how many ways can a man drown.

The powerful theatrical acts by The Lunatics - the name speaks for itself - will wreak havoc at the closing celebrations.

This is the first time PUB, Singapore's national water agency, has open up its scenic river and pristine reservoir for the National Arts Council to stage performances. Part of “Water Wonders – Enjoy the Arts, Enjoy our Waters”, “Water Fools” and “Hydro Sapiens” mark the start of a partnership that promises to add more vibrancy to Singapore’s waterways and water catchments.

Both events are free of charge.

Apart from the opening and closing acts, audiences will also be treated to an extensive programme of free outdoor performances exhibitions and special events under the festival’s Outreach Programme. So be on the lookout when you are at the MRT station or as you chomp down your dinner at the hawker centre, you might just bump into some street performers.

Catch “Water Fools” at Boat Quay from 23-25 May at 8pm, and “Hydro Sapiens” at Bedok Reservoir from 20-22 June at 8pm.

Ponchos not required.

- CNA/il