The Studios is Esplanade’s longest running platform for presenting challenging, innovative and exploratory contemporary theatre and performance. Since 2003, it has established a reputation for presenting thought-provoking works and giving space for theatre-makers to explore different issues in a variety of forms.

As The Studios season moves into its next decade of growth and with the recent opening of the new Singtel Waterfront Theatre at Esplanade, we wanted to explore new ideas. One of these possibilities is TRIP, a programme aimed at supporting the next generation of theatre directors who are bringing a different energy to Singapore theatre.

We saw an opportunity to create a programme within The Studios that could support early-career directors by giving them opportunities, resources and a platform. Through connecting them with an experienced creative and technical team, and providing them with a professional venue, we wanted to create a safe and supportive environment for these directors.

With this in mind, we launched an open call for TRIP in May 2022. Each selected director will have the chance to direct two productions over the course of two years. In the first year, they will select a work from an assigned pool of scripts. In Year 2, they will be able to stage a work of their choice. It is our hope that the selected directors can build on their experiences in TRIP to broaden their capacity and develop their careers.

After interviews and discussions with our Resource Panel of experienced theatre professionals (Aidli ‘Alin’ Mosbit, Edith Podesta, Sean Tobin), we selected Sim Yan Ying “YY” and Renee Yeong as our directors for the inaugural edition for TRIP. In April 2023, YY will be directing No Particular Order by Joel Tan and Renee will be directing I am trying to say something true by Michelle Tan.

We’re excited to see these two passionate, thoughtful and articulate directors step up to this challenge, and invite audiences to join us in supporting their journeys.

Alicia Chong

Programmer

The Esplanade Co Ltd