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Esplanade Presents
Theatre
History, Whose Story?
An Esplanade Co-production
The Necessary Stage
(Singapore)
2 Jul 2025, Wed, 2.30pm & 5pm
3 Jul 2025, Thu, 2.30pm & 5pm
4 Jul 2025, Fri, 2.30pm & 5pm
View dates and time1hr 20mins
(Intermission: None)
Esplanade Theatre Studio
Synopsis
Sir Stamford Raffles
Tan Kah Kee
Sultan Iskandar Shah
Naraina Pillai
Munshi Abdullah
Who are these historical figures, and what did they do to earn a place in our textbooks?
Join us for an uproarious, whirlwind journey at The Necessary Stage’s History, Whose Story? as we discover these colourful characters who have played important roles in the rich history of Singapore. Rediscover our island home as we take a riotous odyssey through our past, navigating through war and racial riots, colonisation, adventure, loyalty, and betrayal.
Written by Cultural Medallion recipient Haresh Sharma, and co-directed by Sharma and Associate Artist Deonn Yang, History, Whose Story? is an interactive youth theatre experience that promises to be a delightful introduction to Singapore’s vibrant history. Through an exploration of history, culture and language, the play encourages young people to think deeply about our common heritage despite our differences.
Learning Objectives
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Gain exposure to theatre as an art form through an interactive work written by a renowned local playwright
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Examine and reflect on issues related to Singapore’s historical and socio-cultural contexts
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Develop a deeper sense of belonging as Singaporeans and greater understanding and empathy for all based on Singapore’s shared values and heritage
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Be empowered and motivated to play a positive role in Singapore’s future and be part of an active citizenry towards an inclusive Singapore society
Accessibility
Assistive Listening
Recommended Age: 13 – 16 years old.
Admission Age:
7 and above.
Language: English
Things to Note:
Accessibility: All our venues are wheelchair-accessible. We offer various services to support patrons with access needs. For assistance, please contact Esplanade Customer Experience at 6828 8377. Concessions are available for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and one accompanying companion. To learn more, read our accessibility guide.
Ticketing: Prices exclude ticketing agent’s booking fees. Entry to performance venues is granted to patrons with tickets that have been purchased through authorised ticket agents only. Read about ticketing or check our FAQs.
For information about late seating, photography and more, please read our general advisory.
With the growing threat of online phishing scams, please remain vigilant. Use official ticketing channels such as Esplanade.com or Sistic.com.sg and check that you are on legitimate websites before logging in to book tickets.
Artist Information
The Necessary Stage
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Established in 1987, The Necessary Stage (TNS) is a non-profit theatre company with charity status. Our mission is to create challenging, indigenous and innovative theatre that touches the heart and mind. TNS has the honour of being the only arts company in Singapore helmed by two Cultural Medallion recipients: Artistic Director and Founder Alvin Tan and Resident Playwright Haresh Sharma. The company also organises and curates the annual M1 Singapore Fringe Festival.
Having presented more than 100 original plays in Singapore and abroad, TNS remains focused on breaking new ground in original local content and intercultural exploration. For its Main Season, we produce an average of two plays a year at various venues. The plays are original, mostly devised pieces created in a collaborative process that is based on research, improvisation before scripting, and input from all members of the production.
TNS has also been unwavering in its efforts to nurture new talents and local content, through various platforms including youth and senior-oriented training initiatives, commissions at the Fringe Festival, and laboratory and developmental platforms such as The Orange Playground, The Orange Production, and most recently in 2020, the TNS Devising Platform. The company also has a comprehensive online archival portal at tnsarchives.com, providing the public access to its 30 years of history.
Assistive Listening
Assistive listening system is available for this venue. Hearing aid users with a Telecoil-enabled programme can benefit from the system provided. Please arrive at the venue 30 min before the performance so we can assist with the setup.
Date & Time
Tickets & Prices
Schools
(All Mainstream Primary and Secondary Schools, Junior Colleges and Centralised Institute)
For every 20 student tickets purchased per performance, one complimentary teacher ticket will be issued.
The complimentary offer is only available for purchases made in a single transaction for the same show title.
SPED Schools
For every 10 student tickets purchased per performance, two complimentary teacher tickets will be issued.
The complimentary offer is only available for purchases made in a single transaction for the same show title.
Homeschools and International Schools
To make a booking, please contact Esplanade Box Office at 68288389 or email boxoffice@esplanade.com.
For enquiries, email education@esplanade.com.
Tote Board Arts Grant
All Secondary Schools, Junior Colleges / Centralised Institute & ITEs may use the Tote Board Arts Grant to subsidise up to 50% of the programme cost.
All SPED Schools may use the Tote Board Arts Grant to subsidise up to 70% of the programme cost.
For more details, please contact Esplanade Box Office at 6828 8389 or email boxoffice@esplanade.com.
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