In conjunction with the company’s Golden Jubilee celebrating 50 years of artistic excellence, Apsaras Dance Company is proud to collaborate with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) and Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay to present Agápe.

Agápe is a multidisciplinary work exploring the beauty of human relationships: with oneself, with others, with nature and across cultures. It serves as an artistic response to contemporary challenges surrounding mental wellbeing, societal disconnection and digital alienation. The performance brings together leading Indian classical and crossover musicians from Singapore and India, performing alongside musicians from the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and Singaporean dancers from Apsaras Dance Company, featuring some guest dancers from India.

The title is inspired by the Greek word agápe (Greek: Ἀγάπη, pronounced uh-GAH-pay) which encapsulates the idea of deep human connection, encompassing the complexities of love, compassion and the spiritual ties that bind humanity beyond romance or familial relationships. In ancient Greek philosophy and theology, agápe represents the highest form of love: one that connects all human beings through empathy, sacrifice and shared humanity. As a poetic title and thematic anchor for the production, Agápe expresses a universality that resonates with audiences around the world.

This groundbreaking production represents a proudly Singaporean artistic endeavour led by Artistic Director and Cultural Medallion recipient Aravinth Kumarasamy, in collaboration with conductor Joshua Tan, a Young Artist Award recipient. The creative team also features distinguished international collaborators, including choreographer and guest dancer Rama Vaidhyanathan (India), principal dancer Mohanapriyan Thavarajah (Sri Lanka), music composer Dr Rajkumar Bharathi (India), music arranger and director Sai Shravanam (India), costume design by MOHA by Priyan (Singapore), set designer Wong Chee Wai (Singapore), and dramaturg Lim How Ngean (Australia).