This March holiday season, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay invites you to reconnect with your inner child, or bring a child along, as they present a plethora of children’s programming during the annual March On – A Children’s Festival.

Running from 6th to 17th March, this fourth edition will feature specially commissioned immersive experiences by homegrown companies as well as international co-productions and presentations exploring the themes of home, adventure and coming of age, finding the power of play and imagination. This edition in particular focuses on the theme of “shelter”, exploring its diverse expressions and forms through captivating performances and interactive workshops.

Among the highlights are Jungle Book Reimagined, created by legendary dancer and choreographer Akram Khan. Embark on a thrilling adventure in a future world ravaged by climate change, and join a family’s escape to a modern city, where a child discovers allies among wild animals. Based on Rudyard Kipling’s book of the same name, Akram Khan’s Jungle Book Reimagined is a captivating dance-theatre production that reinvents the journey of Mowgli through the eyes of a climate refugee, as audiences celebrate the importance of belonging and respecting nature, while enjoying an original score, ten international dancers and state-of-the-art animation and visuals.

Returning to the Esplanade for yet another immersive production after last year’s Changeling, Void Deck Games presents Caliban’s Island where children and their guardians go on an interactive adventure to complete quests to reverse a malevolent curse that has transformed adults into strange animal hybrids. Guided by the enigmatic sorcerer Prospero, they must gather four extraordinary ingredients from an enchanted, mysterious island to brew a potion of transformation, to learn the power of redemption, sacrifice and the enduring bond between adults and children.

From the minds of Singapore-based artist collective PLAY! comes Aki’s Playground, a multi-sensory and interactive experience where participants of all ages are invited to explore magical worlds. Traverse mystical forests, journey across cosmic galaxies, and unearth oceanic treasures in interactive light and sound displays, alongside carefully curated workshops.

Using a unique blend of puppetry, music, and evocative storytelling, Denmark’s Theatre Madam Bach presents their show HOME. Come on this journey of self-discovery in this captivating visual theatre experience about belonging and feeling at home—in the world and in oneself, as this performance sparks curiosity and invites children to explore the profound concept of “home” as more than just a physical space.

Outdoors along the Esplanade Waterfront, Australia’s Playable Streets brings the interactive installation The Plants, connecting visitors to nature by inviting revellers to play the plants as musical instruments to create music with one another. Meanwhile, Shining in Space is a family musical adventure to space with an orchestra, storytelling and multimedia. An Esplanade Production, this concert experience is a collaborative creative undertaking by artists from diverse arts practices and ages, featuring musicians from Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music and Singapore Youth Philharmonic Orchestra.

In a bid to make the arts more accessible, both Jungle Book Reimagined and Shining In Space will feature performances with Relaxed Environment (RE) settings, allowing audiences to leave and return to their seat or access the toilets during the performance.

The festival will also continue to host the SEEDLINGS programme that brings together a group of enthusiastic and arts-loving young people aged 7 – 12 years to participate in various discussions and activities with artists. In addition, the Tak Takut Kids Club children’s community from Boon Lay will also return to the festival with a participatory life-drawing project I Draw You, You Draw Me, while the festival will also feature workshops for children, families, and caregivers conducted by SOMAYOKE and ARTFOLD.

With children at the heart, everyone of all ages can be inspired by the 2024 edition of March On to re-imagine, play, and reach out for the shining stars in space, and fill themselves with hope, as March On returns this March holiday season.

March On – A Children’s Festival 2024 runs from 6th to 17th March 2024 at the Esplanade. Full programme and tickets available here