An Invitation to Play: SIFA’s new Festival Director Chong Tze Chien to honour Legacy and evoke paradigm shifts for his tenure

“Let’s play” sounds like an unexpected invitation at a time like this. In recent years, Singapore’s arts ecosystem has felt increasingly brittle, one defined by closures, stagnant funding, and a growing sense that artistic labour must constantly justify itself in numbers, outcomes, and economic value. Against this pragmatic backdrop, theatremaker Chong Tze Chien has emerged from the wings and prepares to stage his first act … Continue reading An Invitation to Play: SIFA’s new Festival Director Chong Tze Chien to honour Legacy and evoke paradigm shifts for his tenure

SIFA – Singapore International Festival of Arts 2026 promises explorations of play and tradition under new festival director Chong Tze Chien

by D.Y. The Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) has been an annual highlight of the local Arts calendar, inviting artists and enthusiasts alike to create meaningful experiences through its extensive programmes. Yet, this year’s edition is looking to be a particularly exciting one as the mantle of Festival Director is passed on from Natalie Hennedige to first-timer Chong Tze Chien. Running from 15 to … Continue reading SIFA – Singapore International Festival of Arts 2026 promises explorations of play and tradition under new festival director Chong Tze Chien