Category: Theatre in SingaporePage 1 of 2
Nothing quite compares to the experience of watching a play unfold at the theatre. From the masterful stage production to the riveting live performances of the actors, the magic of theatre must be seen to be felt.
If you’re fan of the arts and culture scene in Singapore, we’ve got a treat for you. We’ve compiled our best reviews and most insightful interviews with stage actors, directors and playwrights. Enjoy the read!
10 – 11 January 2025: Be sure to attend this one-weekend-only concert that celebrates the iconic works of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber.
14 November – 1 December 2024: Direct from West End and Broadway, the six wives of Henry VIII takes the stage in the smash hit musical SIX.
18 – 26 October 2024: Checkpoint Theatre closes out a stellar 2024 Season with a new play by award-winning playwright Faith Ng, commissioned by the National Arts Council
5 – 28 July 2024: A masterpiece of local theatre returns with a play based on the true story of Singaporean Wayang star Madam Oon Ah Chiam.
19 April – 26 May 2024: Watch the iconic musical that’s brought to audiences in Singapore by BASE Entertainment Asia.
Sing’theatre presents “Little Shop of Horrors”, a classic, fun, and family-friendly musical that is sure to delight audiences of all ages this April.
The Esplanade presents its April 2024 theatre production that’s part of The Studios: TRIP programme, a platform showcasing work by early-career directors.
Online Editor Arman Shah pens his thoughts on “Tender Submission”, the latest play that’s proudly staged by Checkpoint Theatre.
In episode 01 of our brand new podcast “Deeper Conversation with Arman Shah”, Lucas Ho talks about his latest play “Tender Submission” that’s presented by Checkpoint Theatre.
“Being a part of the musical felt amazing, because as ITE students, we were already looked at as the black sheep of society. So there was this genuine sense of unity; this sense of brotherhood and sisterhood. Everyone in the production really looked out for one another.”
Playwright Myle Yan Tay takes an intimate look at the realities and conundrums faced by Malay and Indian men in Singapore.
“Society puts a huge pressure on us to be attached to someone, to want children and to reach other societal milestones. Ann is wondering: ‘Do I really want that? And on what terms do I want that? Is it possible to find what you want, and what does it require of our partners?’”
We take a look at the weeks and months of rehearsals that went into bringing Faith Ng’s latest play on adulthood, parenthood, and what it means to be happy in contemporary Singapore, live on stage.
“I hope audiences who watch ‘The Fourth Trimester’ will have more empathy and compassion for others. Stop putting pressure on and asking people when they’re going to have kids. It’s such a sensitive question…”
“And to everyone who’s watching this play, I hope you come to realise that it’s okay if your life is turning out differently from what you thought it would be. If you want to remain unmarried until the age of 35, so be it. Don’t want kids? That doesn’t make you any less normal. Go write your own story.”
“I think it’s important to tell this story because often, once children come into the picture, especially in a city as stressful as Singapore, everything becomes about them and whether you, as parents, have enough to provide for them. If we neglect that relationship, then problems may arise and eat into how we feel about parenthood.”
“What convinced me to take up this role were the many cultural touchpoints that I very much identify with. Faith talks about our struggles with work-life balance, societal and self-imposed pressures, and the gender roles that we conform to or rail against.”
“With stories like ‘The Fourth Trimester’ painting a very realistic picture of parenthood, I hope more people understand that dads need help and support too. And if you’re a dad who may not be doing that much right now, I hope this play reminds you that parenting is a team effort!”
“When the audience watches ‘The Fourth Trimester’, I hope they understand that at the end of the day, it’s not about embodying or being an ‘ideal’. We shouldn’t be so dogged by the idea of perfection that we lose what it means to be in the present.”
“So it always comes back to the same question of ‘Are you happy?’ And what does it even mean to be happy? Does it even matter? Because it’s really hard to be happy in Singapore. There are so many expectations and it’s all very heartbreaking.”