The Necessary Stage (TNS) continues to champion innovation and inclusivity in socially engaged theatre by welcoming two groundbreaking additions to its 2025 Associate Artists Programme (AAP). For the first time, the programme will feature designers, with sound designer and composer Safuan Johari and lighting designer Faith Liu Yong Huay joining the current dynamic cohort.

This move marks an exciting evolution in the AAP, spotlighting the integral role of designers in theatre – making. With these additions, the AAP will grow to include six Associate Artists , each bringing unique perspectives to Singapore’s creative landscape, and united in their commitment to developing their craft in socially relevant, challenging and thought – provoking Singapore theatre.

Launched in April 2023, the AAP’s objective was to give voice and nurture promising young artistic voices interested in socially engaged theatre. The programme adopts these potential talents as an active contributing part of the company’s collective. The AAP also serves as an integral part of TNS’ succession planning, so that the company can identify and enroot future leaders of the company while their unique creative visions can flourish and be holistically supported.

Since its inception, the AAP has nurtured emerging talents passionate about socially conscious theatre. The current Associate Artists, including theatre – makers Sindhura Kalidas, Deonn Yang, A Yagnya, and Lim Shien Hian, have made waves as directors and playwrights, with bold, thought – provoking and engaging works like Happy Indian Women, Hi, Can You Hear Me?, Survivor Singapore, International Friendship Day and White, All White. They have also been actively facilitating workshops, providing consultations and directing works – in – progress under TNS’s Devising Platform All four current Associate Artists will also have their terms continue through 2025.

On the expansion of the AAP to include designers from 2025. Resident Playwright of The Necessary Stage Haresh Sharma notes, “ This is very much in line with The Necessary Stage’s belief that in the creative and devising process all artists are core collaborators. By giving these artists a platform and company support, we hope to see more innovative and inter – disciplinary collaborations happening with playwrights, directors and actors.” Specifically on the addition of Safuan Johari and Faith Liu Yong Huay as Associate Artists, he adds, “Both Yong Huay and Safuan are outstanding artists who approach theatre making with openness and generosity, and a willingness to take risks and push the envelope.

Throughout the year – long training, mentorship and presentation programme, the six 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.

“The Necessary Stage is always known for its provocative and socially engaged works that are both universal and uniquely Singaporean. Unearthing new voices and providing them with a platform is what the company does best,” Safuan shares. He continues, “With such a foundation strongly cemented, I am truly grateful to be invited as an Associate Artist and looking forward to weave myself in and find my footing in search of new pathways of explorations.”

On her selection as one of t he new TNS Associate Artists for 2025 , Liu enthuses, “I am thankful to be the lighting associate of The Necessary Stage, and I hope to share my understanding of light with other directors, associates and also to humbly learn from them their craft. It is a precious community that TNS has chosen to build and nu rture and I am glad to be part of this journey.” She adds, “I hope we will carry on this nurturing spirit as we continue our journey in the arts industry.”

More information about the production s that all six Associate Artists will be working on in 2025 will be released in due course. The Necessary Stage’s Associate Artists Programme 2023 – 2025 is generously supported by the late Mr William Lim and his wife, Ms Lena Lim.