Checkpoint Theatre has revealed its highly anticipated 2025 season, featuring a trio of original productions that promise to deliver a dynamic exploration of art, history, and family life in Singapore. The season opens with Statement Piece, an ambitious new play by Myle Yan Tay, running from 3 to 13 April 2025 at the Drama Centre Black Box.
Statement Piece marks Yan’s return after his acclaimed 2023 debut, Brown Boys Don’t Tell Jokes. This play delves into the complexities of ambition and artistic legacy in the wake of a significant national event.
It follows an up-and-coming art gallerist preparing for her first major exhibition, only to face turmoil when the final painting arrives, triggering a crisis that disrupts her carefully laid plans.
Directed by Claire Wong and featuring actors Huzir Sulaiman, Rusydina Afiqah, and Tricia Tan, the play combines Yan’s characteristic wit with an incisive look at the challenges of artistic expression in Singapore.
Speaking about his inspiration, Yan shared that his time studying in Chicago influenced his exploration of themes like freedom of speech and the ethics of representation.
“I’d share Singapore idiosyncrasies with my peers,” he said. “These ideas eventually took root and led to Statement Piece.” Wong, known for her nuanced direction, highlighted the play’s exploration of the boundaries artists face when engaging with national topics.
Following Statement Piece is the August premiere of Escape to Batam, a moving work written and directed by Checkpoint Theatre’s Joint Artistic Directors Claire Wong and Huzir Sulaiman.
This production tells the true story of Wong’s father, who sought refuge on the island of Batam during the Japanese occupation of Singapore in World War II. Described as both poetic and powerful, Escape to Batam is commissioned by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay for its 2025 edition of The Studios.
Rounding out the season is the return of the award-winning The Fourth Trimester in November. Written by Faith Ng, the play earned accolades at the 2023 ST Life Theatre Awards, winning Production of the Year and Best Original Script.
Its 2025 staging will revisit its sensitive and insightful depiction of parenting, marriage, and modern adulthood. Lauded by The Business Times as “this era’s first essential Singapore play,” The Fourth Trimester is expected to resonate once again with audiences navigating the complexities of family life.
Checkpoint Theatre’s commitment to nurturing original Singaporean stories remains central to its mission. Since its founding in 2002, the company has become a hub for local playwrights and multidisciplinary artists.
As Wong stated, the 2025 season reflects their dedication to keeping a finger on Singapore’s pulse, creating works that “connect with, challenge, and inspire” audiences.
Supported by the National Arts Council’s Major Grant for 2023-2026, Checkpoint Theatre continues to champion contemporary Asian plays, showcasing Singapore’s unique narratives on both local and international stages.
With Statement Piece, Escape to Batam, and The Fourth Trimester, the theatre aims to deliver a season that celebrates the nation’s stories through diverse and powerful perspectives.
