★★★★★ Review: The Feelings Farm by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

A moving, necessary primer on emotional intelligence for both children and adults. The beauty of the arts often lies in how they are able to produce powerful emotional responses, representing and platforming a degree of authenticity onstage that allows for audiences to undergo catharsis. And in a country like Singapore, where emotional and mental health are just beginning to enter mainstream conversation, it seems more … Continue reading ★★★★★ Review: The Feelings Farm by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

★★★☆☆ Review: KAGAMI by Tin Drum and Ryuichi Sakamoto

A spiritual connection to the lingering ghost in the music and the machine. There has always been something immensely timeless about the compositions of the late Japanese pianist Ryuichi Sakamoto, with avant garde works that capture listeners from their opening notes filled with emotion, to more sparse, esoteric pieces that evoke entire landscapes in the journey they take us through, connecting the individual to the … Continue reading ★★★☆☆ Review: KAGAMI by Tin Drum and Ryuichi Sakamoto

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: 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

Preview: Steven Berkoff’s ‘Metamorphosis’ by Intercultural Theatre Institute

Intercultural Theatre Institute presents Steven Berkoff’s adaptation of Metamorphosis, directed by Aarne Neeme and performed by the ITI graduating class of 2024. This gripping retelling of Franz Kafka’s iconic novella melds abstract physical theatre and psychological drama with elements of dark comedy. The story follows Gregor Samsa, a young man who wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a giant insect. As he … Continue reading Preview: Steven Berkoff’s ‘Metamorphosis’ by Intercultural Theatre Institute

Preview: Pangdemonium’s 2025 Season

After three five star shows in 2024, we expect great things from Pangdemonium’s recently announced 2025 Season, a thoughtfully curated lineup that explores the essence of our existence, the power of choice, and the pursuit of happiness. Each production delves into deep and meaningful themes, questioning how we navigate the lives we’ve been given. They invite audiences to consider whether we are at the mercy … Continue reading Preview: Pangdemonium’s 2025 Season

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

The Feelings Farm: An Interview with Amanda Chong on connecting with children and managing emotions

“Like a Pixar film onstage.” That’s how writer Amanda Chong imagines any kind of Theatre For Young Audiences theatre should feel like, rather than talking down or infantilising it in any way, able to connect not just with children, but even with the adults accompanying them by speaking to some fundamental, universal, relatable truths. And in many ways, that is precisely what she’s achieved with … Continue reading The Feelings Farm: An Interview with Amanda Chong on connecting with children and managing emotions

Staging Ryuichi Sakamoto: An Interview with Todd Eckert, founder of Tin Drum and co-creator of KAGAMI on technology and friendship in the arts

In March 2023, Ryuichi Sakamoto, one of Japan’s greatest contemporary composers and pianists, passed on after a long battle with cancer. Known for his ambient, sparse compositions that were capable of evoking powerful reactions and emotions from his listeners, his fans mourned him, while also knowing they would never get to see him perform live again. Yet, one of those fans, who also happened to … Continue reading Staging Ryuichi Sakamoto: An Interview with Todd Eckert, founder of Tin Drum and co-creator of KAGAMI on technology and friendship in the arts

★★★★★ Review: Dear Evan Hansen by Pangdemonium!

The hit musical promises to bring you to tears in its depiction of our fundamentally human reactions to grief and the need to belong. Few recent musicals in the 21st century can claim to have as much impact and widespread appeal as Steven Levenson, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul’s Dear Evan Hansen. With an irresistibly replayable soundtrack that balanced catchy tunes with witty and emotionally … Continue reading ★★★★★ Review: Dear Evan Hansen by Pangdemonium!