2025 marks the year of the snake, often associated with ideas of transformation, renewal, and spiritual growth. And as with every Chinese New Year, the Esplanade is back with a brand new edition of the annual Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts, with a line-up of Chinese works that appeal to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Now in its 23rd edition, Huayi will run from 7th to 16th February 2025, and has only grown from strength to strength over the years.

Huayi 2025 will be headlined by two shows at the Esplanade Theatre, with the hugely successful tour of Beijing Artists Management Corp., Ltd’s Rickshaw Boy, adapted from Lao She’s story of the same name. Xiangzi, a rickshaw puller is a strong and ambitious young man from the countryside, and dreams of building an ideal life through his own efforts. However, fate repeatedly thwarts his aspirations, and despite his hard work and determination, his circumstances remain unchanged. In the context of modern society, Xiangzi’s helplessness and confusion reflect the struggles of modern workers caught in similar cycles of hardship.

From Taiwan’s Greenray Theatre Company comes the new edition of the hugely successful Human Condition series, with Human Condition VIII, which tells the story of Mingcan, a retiree who finds himself adrift and without a purpose in life. His status as a respected patriarch has long disappeared as his adult children have their own families and lives to deal with. Unable to contribute to the economy and unneeded by his family, Mingcan questions his self-worth as his dignity slowly fades with each listless, monotonous day. Just as he feels that he has struck rock-bottom, he instead strikes the lottery jackpot, and immediately finds himself to be of interest to his family once more. Mingcan feels respected, needed, wanted. But is this unexpected windfall a stroke of luck or a harbinger of misfortune?

Local artists will also take to the stage during Huayi 2025, with Alvin Chiam’s solo play Last Luncheon. Inspired by Krapp’s Last Tape by Samuel Beckett, watch as every day, an elderly man eats a can of luncheon meat, to keep a promise to his wife. Alone and adrift, he revisits past moments and memories, in search of meaning and closure. As the days pass, he gets closer to his last can of luncheon meat, as we reflect with him on the meaning of solitude.

Cultural Medallion recipient and choreographer Low Mei Yoke of Frontier Danceland proves that age doesn’t mean lonely though, as she embarks on a journey of friendship in Dance With Me, as she unites with her friends of 40 years who share a similar passion for dance. They reminisce about their youthful days, recalling the reckless pursuit of their dreams and the fearless dedication of their younger selves. What did they believe in? What did they hold onto? In the end, how have they changed? Now, with their wealth of experience, they learn new steps as they once again dance together, rediscovering one another through their shared movements. They embrace their differences, welcome spontaneous participation, and respect those who choose to step away. Perhaps dance is more than just dance; it is a reflection of life. Through their dance together, they aim to reveal the traces of their life journeys, showcasing the many possibilities of body and dance.

Singapore’s very own Siong Leng Musical Association, in collaboration with Taiwanese director Lee Yi Hsiu, presents The Heart of Jun: Memoirs of Zhaojun, combining music and theatre to tell a story of three women leave China and set sail for Southeast Asia in the early 20th century, their voyage echoing the journey of Wang Zhaojun, one of the legendary Four Beauties of ancient China. Finding themselves on a cargo ship, they are inescapably embroiled in sinister struggles for power as a mysterious man reveals secrets they have yet to understand, all told through the beauty of nanyin music.

On the music front, learn about Qin music with Zi De Qin Studio’s What Is Qin?, while Taiwan’s Uni Percussion presents The Temple of Resonance. Huayi 2025’s in::music platform is here to showcase some of the biggest singers and songwriters of today, with Taiwan’s Golden Melody Award winner and indie darling ANPU, followed by Hong Kong’s Yoyo Sham, Taiwan’s GoodBand and Singapore’s Boon Hui Lu.

Finally, take a walk on the lighter side with Malaysian artist Cheryl Lee, well known across the Causeway for her hilarious brand of Cantonese stand-up comedy, and her show The Perfect Detox Soup, which unpacks the various “toxins” of modern life from outdated mindsets to toxic relationships and the negativity of online troll culture. For the little ones, Candy House in the Mountain by Bon Appétit Theatre of Taiwan takes inspiration form Hansel and Gretel, fusing storytelling and foley as it promotes plenty of interaction and the sounds of the Chinese language.

Laughter and festive spirit galore, don’t miss out on Huayi 2025 in February for a heart dose of the arts, and celebrate the year of the Snake with the Esplanade as they ring in yet another bountiful year full of good vibes, good health and good luck for all.

Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts 2025 runs from 7th to 16th February 2025 at the Esplanade. Tickets and full programme available here