To round off the year, The Necessary Stage (TNS) is presenting an exciting lineup of works-in-progress by the latest batch of creatives from its Devising with Actors and Playwrights (DAP) workshops.

Led by Resident Playwright and Cultural Medallion recipient Haresh Sharma, Devising with Actors and Playwrights 2023 is part of TNS’ devising platform and sees 20 theatre-makers undergo an intensive training programme over a six-month period to take a deep dive into the company’s unique devising methodology, as well as undergo dramaturgy workshops and lecture sessions with established theatre makers.

This group comprises Afiszan Amat, Ethel Yap, Hoe Wei Qi, Mitchell Fang, Amitha Pagolu, Euginia Tan, Jayden Lim, Nicole Shaan, Benedict Lim, Flora Yeo, Johanna Van, Peh Jun Kai, Benjamin Lye, Goh Ming Siu, Mel Peh, Weiqi Chuah, Daya AJ, Heng Jia Min, Miriam Cheong, and Wong Jin Yi.

The latest edition of the programme features works delving into a diverse array of themes: from faith, to mortality, to neurodivergence. This showcase presents five different devised works-in-progress created by the participants—one at each performance—at Practice Space, The Theatre Practice. Each presentation will be followed by a post-show dialogue with the participants.

“The participants have created five plays that grapple with relevant and pressing issues of the day,” Sharma says. “Using The Necessary Stage’s devising methodology, as well as other processes, the groups have created important works that challenge the conventions of theatre. The artists have taken risks and pushed the boundaries of theatrical exploration, resulting in fresh, innovative and stimulating performances.”

Associate Artists of TNS, Deonn Yang and Sindhura Kalidas, have both been assisting with the workshops for the participants, in terms of dramaturgical and directorial guidance. “I’m particularly thrilled that there is an increased emphasis on dramaturgy in this year’s DAP,” says Sindhura Kalidas. She noted that almost all the groups have a participant “who has bravely taken on the role of dramaturg, helping to shape and scaffold the sometimes daunting devising process.”

“This iteration of the DAP programme has provided the participants an ample and realistic amount of time to develop a work-in-progress that deeply engages them with their starting points, says Deonn Yang, on the devising process and training. “It has been wonderful to see them fully embrace and immerse themselves with The Necessary Stage’s devising methodology.”

Featured Image credit: The Necessary Stage

Devising with Actors and Playwrights 2023 runs from 30th November to 3rd December 2023 at Practice Space, The Theatre Practice, 54 Waterloo Street. Singapore 187953. Tickets available from BookMyShow