da:ns focus – Out of Site: An Interview with choreographer Rachid Ouramdane on ‘Corps extrêmes’ and staging the power of the human spirit

In a feature article on French choreographer Rachid Ouramdane, New York Times arts critic Gia Kourlas described him as ‘the choreographer bringing hope to the stage and beyond’. It’s a big title to live up to, but one that Rachid lives up to and carries well, particularly with his work Corps extrêmes. Playing at the Esplanade this weekend as part of their da:ns focus – … Continue reading da:ns focus – Out of Site: An Interview with choreographer Rachid Ouramdane on ‘Corps extrêmes’ and staging the power of the human spirit

★★★★★ Review: Invisible Habitudes《看不见的归属》(2024) by T.H.E Dance Company

Searching, finding, longing, connection. In an increasingly fractured world, our own identity can enter a state of flux, where we no longer feel comfortable at home, and the familiar becomes strange. It becomes difficult when we’re constantly shouted at from all fronts, yelled at to listen to someone else’s opinion, when we haven’t even settled on our own. In exploring that, T.H.E Dance Company explores … Continue reading ★★★★★ Review: Invisible Habitudes《看不见的归属》(2024) by T.H.E Dance Company

Review: Still In Motion by RAW Moves

Let the water flow, and find peace in the shared soundscape. If dance is all about movement – is it possible to find it even within stillness? That is the central question at the heart of Still In Motion, a collaborative, immersive performance by Andy Lee from Unlock Dancing Plaza (Hong Kong) alongside Matthew Goh from RAW Moves (Singapore). Central to the performance is the … Continue reading Review: Still In Motion by RAW Moves

da:ns focus – Out of Site: An Interview with choreographer Hwa Wei-An on the power of falling, and what keeps him going

To make art is to live life dangerously and vulnerably, consistently putting one’s creativity and a part of one’s self up and subject it to as much criticism as awe and adoration. For Malaysian choreographer Hwa Wei-An, that danger comes very literally, and plays out prominently in his solo dance piece A Reason For Falling, which plays this December as a part of the Esplanade’s … Continue reading da:ns focus – Out of Site: An Interview with choreographer Hwa Wei-An on the power of falling, and what keeps him going

Preview: 2025 M1 Singapore Fringe Festival to tackle themes of displacement across seven local and international works

The annual Singapore Fringe Festival, organised by The Necessary Stage (TNS) has become an institution for independent theatremakers both locally and internationally to present their work, providing a platform for them to stage provocative, cutting-edge performances that deal with pertinent discussions in society and about those on the margins. Now in its 21st edition, watch as Fringe 2025 tackles the theme of displacement, from people … Continue reading Preview: 2025 M1 Singapore Fringe Festival to tackle themes of displacement across seven local and international works

Preview: da:ns focus – Out of Site by Esplanade

In the final edition of da:ns focus this year, the Esplanade presents da:ns focus – Out of Site, a weekend of dance performances that foregrounds the intersection of extreme sports and dance. Presented from 6 – 8 December, it’s time to break new ground as these programmes consider how sites of extreme sports function as catalysts for dialogues with risk that unlock new thresholds and stir … Continue reading Preview: da:ns focus – Out of Site by Esplanade

Preview: Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts 2024 by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

As Deepavali approaches, so does the Esplanade’s annual Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts, as it returns to celebrate the rich tapestry of Indian arts and culture. From timeless traditions to contemporary offerings, the 2024 edition of the festival brings a carefully-curated selection of artists presenting new and exciting work, both local and international, aiming to touch the heart and ignite the imagination. Headlining … Continue reading Preview: Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts 2024 by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

The Necessary Stage calls for urgent donor support to continue annual Singapore Fringe Festival in 2026 and beyond

Each year, The Necessary Stage has been consistently curating and bringing together a plethora of local and international fringe performance work that becomes the Singapore Fringe Festival, calling to attention urgent issues affecting community and society. After a successful 2024 edition, the 2025 edition of the Singapore Fringe Festival will mark M1’s final year as its dedicated donor, after 20 years of support. The Necessary … Continue reading The Necessary Stage calls for urgent donor support to continue annual Singapore Fringe Festival in 2026 and beyond

★★★★☆ Review: PEARLS by Joshua Serafin (CAN 2024)

The non-binary body finds healing and solace in decolonisation and community. To be queer is to resist norms, and to live as a queer person inherently means to stand apart from the majority, incurring curiosity and perhaps even fear in others. The queer existence then is one often fraught with pain and violence, to face prejudice on account of one’s differences, and a constant search … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: PEARLS by Joshua Serafin (CAN 2024)

★★★★☆ Review: Magic Maids by Eisa Jocson and Venuri Perera (CAN 2024)

Collision course of the monstrous and magical elements of femininity, prejudice and Britney Spears. From the moment one enters the Esplanade Annexe Studio for Magic Maids, there is the sense that we are participating in something sacred or ritualistic. Hanging from the back wall is an armoury of brooms of various lengths and types, while above us, white and red string is layered and arranged … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: Magic Maids by Eisa Jocson and Venuri Perera (CAN 2024)