In April 2023, The Necessary Stage (TNS) launched a new iteration of its Associate Artists Programme (AAP) , featuring two young Associate Artists — theatre – makers Sindhura Kalidas and Deonn Yang — who have been attached to the company since then. The company has now announced two more new Associate Artists joining its team: theatre – makers A Yagnya and Lim Shien Hian. All four Associate Artists will have their terms continue through 2024.

The AAP follows TNS’ longstanding desire to give voice and nurture new generations of young artistic voices keen on socially engaged theatre. Like the company’s variety of initiatives and platforms over its 36-year history, the AAP aims to develop potential creative artists that can be part of the company’s collective. The AAP is also an integral part of TNS’ succession planning, with the longer-term objective of identifying and enrooting future leaders of the company , as well as developing their creative vision

On the selection of Yagnya and Lim as Associate Artists for 2024, Resident Playwright of The Necessary Stage Haresh Sharma notes: “Both Shien Hian and Yagnya represent the future of Singapore theatre; they are young artists who are bold, confident and gifted. Yagnya has stood out among her peers for her exploratory plays with a clear point of view. She is also an actor and director. Shien Hian is a born leader and theatre maker. He has been pursuing all aspects of theatre, including playwriting, directing and producing.”

Throughout the year-long training, mentorship and presentation programme, the four selected artists for the AAP will work alongside TNS’ creative heads, Artistic Director Alvin Tan and Sharma, to create brand new Singapore theatre with a social conscience. As part of the company’s core creative team, they will helm or contribute to TNS productions, as well as conduct and facilitate training workshops for other young practitioners via TNS’ Devising Platform.

“Like so many other theatre – makers in Singapore, one of my first forays into professional theatre began at TNS,” Yagnya shares. “ TNS has taught me to care for the society around me with a critical eye, to deeply investigate the issues that disturb me, to engage with my audience, and most of all to be proud of my identity as a Singaporean theatre – maker. I hope to be a reflection to TNS and the Singapore theatre scene of everything it has given me so far and to continue my lifelong endeavour to be able to be a representation of this country.”

On his selection as one of the new TNS Associate Artists for 2024, Lim says, “13 years ago, I watched my first play by TNS , Model Citizens , and was floored. Since then, it has been my dream to work with the company, and I am beyond honoured that I have the opportunity to do it now as an Associate Artist. I hope to learn and grow in creating meaningful work, to touch hearts, and to bring more light to the communities around me.”

“I hope that the artists will use their role as Associate Artists to hone their craft, take artistic risks and feel at home at The Necessary Stage,” Sharma says. “They all have the potential to be outstanding artists and future leaders of Singapore theatre.”

More information about the productions that all four Associate Artists will be working on in 2024 will be released in due course . They will also be assisting with the company’s workshops, including its popular Devising with Actors and Playwrights workshops (2023) and Playwrights’ Cove (2024) for emerging theatre – makers. The Necessary Stage’s Associate Artists Programme 2023 – 2025 is made possible by the generous support of William and Lena Lim.

More information about the Associate Artist Programme available here