Cover A production still from Fair Play, 2019 (Photo: Wild Rice)
A production still from Fair Play, 2019 (Photo: Wild Rice)
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Singapore’s theatre scene is as vibrant as ever with these exciting shows to entice audiences
Singapore’s very own collection of homegrown theatre companies has been delighting audiences with quirky, dark, and upbeat themes for years. Old productions are revived and new productions are introduced every year to the public. If you’re looking to get a taste of local talent, a trip to the theatre is a must, especially when the scripts are interesting.
Boasting several new and familiar productions, Singapore’s theatre scene continues to draw in audiences for their upcoming seasons. So get your tickets, grab your fellow theatre geeks and catch these upcoming local productions that are sure to entertain.
In case you missed it: Asia’s Most Influential: Esplanade CEO Yvonne Tham on Making the Arts Accessible and Inclusive
1. Cabaret
Descend upon the Kit Kat Club (a cabaret) and marvel at the Jazz Age as Sing’Theatre presents the iconic musical Cabaret to Singapore audiences. With a host of local talents in its 18-member cast, the musical is directed by Singaporean stage and screen actor Hossan Leong. Groove to infectious musical numbers played by a live band as the musical transports audiences to life in Berlin shortly before Nazism rose to power.
When: October 5 to 15
Where: Drama Centre Theatre
2. Fair Play
Above A production still from Fair Play, 2019 (Photo: Wild Rice)
A production still from Fair Play, 2019 (Photo: Wild Rice)
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Last staged in 2019, Fair Play is a witty exploration of gender stereotypes. Written by local playwright Thomas Lim, follow the trials and tribulations of Boy and Girl as they navigate through their expected roles in society. What exactly is gender equality? Wild Rice explores the social norms in this intriguing play.
When: October 16 to 19
Where: Wild Rice @ Funan
3. Into the Woods
10 time Tony Award nominated musical Into the Woods has just snatched up a host of local talents who are set to take the stage this October. Follow your favourite children’s book characters, including Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and the Beanstalk), and Cinderella on their mission to save the world. Set to legendary American composer Stephen Sondheim’s fantastic score, dive into the world of fairytales with friends and family for Pangdemonium’s final production of the season.
When: October 27 to November 12
Where: Singtel Waterfront Theatre @ Esplanade
4. Hotel
Founded in 2000, Wild Rice focuses on celebrating diversity and reflecting on the problems and possibilities of contemporary society. The company is beloved for producing plays that are local in flavour, including Emily of Emerald Hill and A $ingapore Carol. Its distinctive plays have since toured around the world and won great acclaim at international arts festivals in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Russia.
Set in the time of colonial rule in Singapore, Hotel is a telling tale of its temporary inhabitants. Follow Indian mutineers, Cantonese nannies, and Malay film stars among many others and explore the themes of empire, nationhood, migration, and identity.
When: June 8 to July 8
Where: Wild Rice @ Funan
5. Doubt: A Parable
Pangdemonium is Singapore’s answer to theatre productions that tackle challenging themes, pose difficult questions, and provoke constructive debate. Since its establishment in 2010, the company has been home to budding and experienced theatre practitioners alike.
Doubt: A Parable, first staged in America and thereafter adapted into an Oscar-nominated film starring Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman, comes to Singapore this June. Reflect on morals and question your faith with this thought-provoking production.
When: June 2 to 18
Where: Singtel Waterfront Theatre @ Esplanade
6. Every Student Is A Good Student/In My Head
Wild Rice’s Singapore Youth Theatre presents this double bill that is written for, by, and about young people. The play draws inspiration from the current education landscape in Singapore, drawing from themes of academic pressure and youthful emotions. Navigate the education system through the eyes of the youthful cast, embarking on an intimate journey where only young people can tell.
When: June 15 to 18
Where: The Studio @ Wild Rice
7. Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Singapore Repertory Theatre is the proud owner of many of Singapore’s well known theatre repertoire including Forbidden City: Portrait of an Empress. It also produces the popular Shakespeare in the Park seasons.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears is set to delight your little ones and the popular children’s classic is being re-spun for Singapore audiences this July. Borrowing music and lyrics from award-winning West-End musical theatre song writing duo George Stiles and Anthony Drewe (the musical brains behind Mary Poppins and Peter Pan), get ready for a fun and exciting adventure that teaches the importance of caring for our natural environment.
When: From July 26
Where: KC Arts Centre
8. Three Years in the Life and Death of Land
You would probably recognise The Necessary Stage (TNS) as the organisation behind the annual M1 Singapore Fringe Festival. Established in 1987, TNS focuses on creating theatre productions that are challenging, indigenous, and innovative.
This year, Three Years in the Life and Death of Land returns to the stage after its first run in 1994. Rediscover the timeless story of familial relationships and love as you follow two families, a ghost, a cat, and three mosquitoes on their journey.
When: August 5 to 13
Where: Singtel Waterfront Theatre @ Esplanade
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