Opening on 28 August at Gateway Theatre’s Black Box, Gateway Arts and Eagles Mediation & Counselling Centre (EMCC) present Third Man Syndrome, an intriguing two-hander confronting the urgent, rising epidemic of quiet depression and suicide among youth in Singapore. Written by Terrance Tan, based on actual anecdotes, and directed by theatre veteran Ian Loy, the 90-minute play follows a young man seeking to unravel the truth.

“Why did you jump?” This is a question that Albert (Krish Natarajan) thought could never be answered. His best friend Erwin (Clement Yeo) had everything going for him—he was a valedictorian, a national youth gymnast, and also had a gorgeous girlfriend. Albert was none of those things. And yet, their friendship was unshakeable. So why did Erwin end his life so suddenly? Third Man Syndrome follows Albert as he falls into Erwin’s final dream, a surreal consciousness where memories blur, secrets hide in shadows, and sadness speaks in silence.

What starts as a desperate search for answers soon becomes a journey of self-confrontation and difficult truths. “Directing Third Man Syndrome allows me to create a theatrical, experiential way to speak to my kids, or anyone their age, about the psyche of someone going through darkness,” says Director Ian Loy, who has adolescent children. While his career has long focused on theatre for young audiences, this is the most intense, dark lesson he has ever had to craft.

This production brings together some of Singapore’s most compelling storytellers, each rooted in socially resonant work. Terrance Tan, playwright of Third Man Syndrome, wrote the script during his time in Gateway Arts’ Artist-in-Residence programme, where award-winning playwright and director Chong Tze Chien made him construct and deconstruct his scripts multiple times – tearing down his “house of cards” repeatedly until it segued into a seamless storyline.

Terrance’s credentials include writing for theatrical productions such as The Monster in the Mirror musical, and directing music videos such as the Star Awards 2021. In this production for the youth, expect familiar music and lyrics to strike an emotional chord with the audience. Third Man Syndrome was shaped by real-life interviews that Terrance had conducted with people who experienced suicidal ideation. “Almost all of them said the one thing they wished for was someone to talk to, someone who would just be there,” he highlights.

Actor Krish Natarajan draws from his own experience as a director and theatre-maker to bring depth and nuance to the role of Albert, the grieving friend caught between memory and meaning. “At its heart, this play isn’t just about suicide—it’s about friendship. The joy, the banter, but also, the things we never say. That duality makes it hit even harder,” confides Krish.

As Erwin, a high-achieving teen whose suicide sets the story in strange motion, Clement Yeo ups the notch in his acting chops here, after his Top 12 spot on Mediacorp’s Star Search 2024. He shares insights that have helped him understand the purpose of his role for the audiences, “This story really made me appreciate how important it is to simply be there for someone. A friend of mine once shared the “Eight-Minute Rule”: if you’re feeling low, just send a message saying, ‘I need eight minutes.’ That way, your friend knows it’s not a big ask—just eight minutes to talk, cry, or vent, whatever you need. It’s a simple gesture, but it means a lot.”

Both artists benefited much under the directorial ingenuity of Ian Loy, who constantly had them explore physical engagements, from wrestling to ball play, to experience the pull-and- push tension between the characters. The founder of MySuperFuture Theatrical Productions is a recipient of the Young Artist Award and a key figure in community-engaged theatre in Singapore, his unusual perspective presents every scene with fresh revelations for the audiences with its immersive format, deepening the story.

“This show becomes a coliseum of thoughts—two people fighting for each other’s lives, the value of friendship, and how far you’d go for someone,” Ian shares his thought, which is why his “PE lessons” are designed to help the two characters realise their fullest potential in their roles.

For young people navigating pressure in silence, and are looking for their identity, this production offers a rare mirror. It’s a reminder that even the most “put-together” among us may be carrying invisible burdens. “People assume you have it easy when you seem to have it all, but they don’t know what’s going on inside,” says Clement. He explains his awakening in being deeply entrenched in this role, “We’re so caught up in everything else, but really, being present and checking in doesn’t take much.”

As the presenting sponsor, EMCC collaborated with Gateway Arts to bring Third Man Syndrome to life not just as a play, but as a timely intervention. The production serves as a gentle yet urgent invitation for reflection—on the signs we may miss, the pain that often goes unspoken, and the support that can make all the difference. By using theatre as a medium, the partners hope to reach audiences who may not otherwise engage with mental health topics, and prompt parents, educators, or peers to better understand the inner worlds of those they care for.

As an affordable mediation and counselling centre that aims to ensure help is within reach for every individual and family, EMCC holds a vision for this production to bring hope, peace, and restoration to those in emotional distress. “Theatre doesn’t just reflect life — it reveals what lies beneath. Especially for men, many suffer in silence, and that silence can be fatal. Our collaboration with Gateway Arts was truly symbiotic: through storytelling and performance, we break the stigma and remind each other that pain has a voice, and being heard is the beginning of healing,” says Elaine Tan, Executive Director of EMCC.

To extend care beyond the stage, a post-show discussion will be held after each performance in partnership with EMCC, and moderated by community partner, Samaritans of Singapore (SOS). These sessions offer a safe, guided space for audiences to process their emotions, reflect on the performance, and be reminded that support is available. In line with EMCC’s mission to make help accessible, a limited number of complimentary counselling sessions will also be extended to audience members who reach out, offering a gentle starting point for those ready to seek support.

Each performance is followed by a live post-show discussion, where audiences can ask questions, reflect on the performance, and learn about available mental health resources through open sharing. In this second collaboration with Gateway Arts, Gasper Tan, Chief Executive Officer of SOS, says, “Following the resonance of Every Brilliant Thing, which was also staged by Gateway Arts last year with our post-show discussion, Samaritans of Singapore is honoured to deepen our partnership with Gateway Arts. The immersive nature of theatre and its compelling narratives allow us to confront taboo subjects like suicide in a controlled yet impactful setting, prompting audiences to re-evaluate their perceptions on these topics, and normalise mental health conversations.”

With encouraging results, he shares his motivation for SOS to participate again, “Our previous collaboration has connected SOS with new groups of people, some of whom might not have come across crisis support services like ours before. It’s a meaningful step in our ongoing commitment to being an available lifeline to anyone in crisis, ensuring that those who are struggling know support is always within reach.”

“By embedding our Be A Samaritan (BAS) Programme and a post-performance panel conversation with our counsellors into the experience, we bridged the gap between art and support—offering attendees a safe space to explore emotional well-being and access practical resources,” highlights Gasper.

In a society still learning how to talk about suicide, this is more than a performance. It’s a starting point for empathy, understanding, and even self-admittance—especially for young men, whose pain is often masked. “I hope this play opens up the idea that your friends won’t judge you for your feelings, and that you’re not a burden,” adds Krish.

“To ensure mental health support remains accessible to those in need, EMCC will be holding a special fundraising show on 29 August featuring Third Man Syndrome. Proceeds will go towards EMCC’s Hope is at Hand Subsidy Fund, which provides financial assistance for individuals who cannot afford counselling,” says Elaine. “This effort reflects EMCC’s commitment to journeying with those in distress, beyond the theatre and into real-life care.” EMCC’s participation ensures the production reaches audiences not just as a performance, but as a message that support and care are always within reach—even after the curtains close. So how will Albert find closure with Erwin’s sudden death? Will he find the answer to the question, “Why did he jump?”, or will he delve even deeper with yet more questions driving him up the wall?

At a time when one in three youths report poor mental health and silent struggles with societal and social media pressure, this heartfelt, yet haunting tale meets them where words often fail, and delves into the invisible weight of expectations by bringing audiences into a dreamscape. Don’t miss Third Man Syndrome, only at the Gateway Theatre Black Box.

Third Man Syndrome plays from 28th August to 7th September 2025 at Gateway Theatre Black Box. Tickets available here

EMCC will be holding a special fundraising show on 29th August 2025, to raise funds for EMCC’s Hope is at Hand Subsidy Fund, which provides financial assistance for individuals who cannot afford counselling. To purchase a ticket or donate, visit this link.