SINGAPORE – Award-winning works from Australia, Iran and Malaysia headline the Esplanade’s The Studios, which returns from July 24 to Sept 6. 

Following the land-themed trilogy that ran from 2023 to 2025, the 2026 season kicks off a new three-year story arc exploring aspects of power, themed Precarious Bodies. Early-bird tickets go on sale from May 7, 10am. 

Senior producer Shireen Abdullah says the umbrella theme, as well as 2026’s focus on precarity, feels particularly resonant given current global uncertainties. “In the world today, there are certain structures, ideals and values that we used to hold dear that seem to be shifting quite a lot. Borders are redrawn, allegiances are in flux, what is true and what isn’t – all that is being contested. It’s a very evocative theme that we would like to dissect over three years. 

“Precariousness is inextricably linked to the relational aspect of power. It’s a personal lens with which we experience power. By looking at what makes us precarious and how we cause others to become precarious, we also consider this relative power that each has with respect to others.”

The long-running showcase of contemporary theatre and performance works organised by the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay will launch on July 24 with a work from across the Causeway.

Fragments Of Tuah, directed by Malaysian theatremaker Mark Teh under the auspices of Five Arts Centre, is a one-man show which examines the facts and fiction underlying the legendary figure of Hang Tuah. The work won four awards at the Boh Cameronian Arts Awards in Malaysia on May 4, including for Best Original Script for Teh’s meticulously researched narrative.

Ms Shireen describes it as “a very poetic documentary theatre that… peels back the layers of this composite image of a hero, drawn from archival texts, songs and stories”. 

What will also pique theatre fans’ interest is Iranian-led production Blind Runner, which will be on from July 31 to Aug 2. Written by one of Iran’s leading playwrights Amir...