Firmly dedicated to staging meaningful programmes that highlight social issues and serve the various communities, Gateway Arts is a not-for-profit arts organisation that constantly seeks to inspire people and bring about greater awareness under the passionate direction of experienced arts professionals, especially through their repertoire of theatre productions that discuss social issues faced by children and youth under 18.
Returning for their 2023 season, Gateway Arts turns the spotlight to youth mental wellness, exploring the heightened state of stress and anxiety faced by youths in Singapore after three years of pandemic measures.
Approaching the gap between youths and adults in understanding mental health and managing mental struggles, their 2023 line-up aims to shed light on the intricacies of the topic and encourage more in-depth dialogues among loved ones.
Kicking off the year is Gateway’s live presentation of The Monster in the Mirror, a funny yet moving pop musical that follows the journey of an average school girl through the world of teenage politics, romance, and social media drama. Developed under their Collective-In-Residence Programme from 2020 to 2021, it was originally produced as a digital theatre performance. Collaborating with TOUCH Mental Wellness, they bring the film to the live stage this year, further engaging audiences with pre-show audience participation activities and post-show discussions.
The season also presents a first-of-its-kind immersive theatre experience that transforms an actual classroom into a creative installation where the fun and educational 12 Going On 13 is performed. Accompanied by live music, the unique experience explores the uncertainties of adolescence, overcoming anxiety, and finding strength in community. Touring through different schools across the island, students will also be given various tools to help them engage with the topics presented and encourage revisits to the installation.
Back by popular demand, I and You will be returning this season with lead actress Evangel Wong and lead Actor Zulfiqar Izzudin reprising their roles as Caroline and Anthony – two vastly different characters who form an unlikely bond over the sharing of their anxieties and dreams, before culminating in a dramatic twist. Lauded by critics locally and abroad, the thought-provoking play examines relationships and connections between contemporary youths and will be directed by Gateway Arts’ own Artistic Director, Samantha Scott-Blackhall.
To find out more Gateway Arts and their upcoming productions, head over to their website here.
