SIFA 2026 Unveils Let's Play! with Bold Performances Across Singapore
The Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) will return from 15 to 30 May 2026 under the theme Let’s Play!. Led by Festival Director Chong Tze Chien, this edition continues a three-year exploration of the city’s performing arts scene. Audiences can expect a mix of bold performances across Singapore’s Civic District and heartland venues.
SIFA 2026 is built around five key pillars: Festival Stage, Festival Village, Festival Play!Ground, Festival House, and Festival Late Nites. Each strand offers distinct experiences, from large-scale productions to intimate late-night events.
One highlight is *Strangely Familiar* by T.H.E Dance Company, a work examining how culture, digital identities, and daily routines shape modern life. Another standout is *LACRIMA* by Caroline Guiela Nguyen, which peels back the layers of a fictional Parisian haute couture royal wedding, revealing the human stories behind the glamour. The festival also features *Noli Timere*, a collaboration between choreographer Rebecca Lazier and artist Janet Echelman. This aerial performance blends contemporary dance with avant-garde circus, pushing physical and artistic boundaries. Meanwhile, *Salesman之死*—a reimagining of Arthur Miller’s *Death of a Salesman* by Jeremy Tiang and Danny Yeo—challenges ideas of cultural ownership in a globalised world. Theatre veterans from different backgrounds come together in *Last Rites* by Liu Xiaoyi, a piece reflecting on endings and legacy. For classic drama with a twist, *Hedda Gabler* stars Lee Hye-young in a fresh take on Ibsen’s tale of desire and societal pressure.
SIFA 2026 promises a dynamic mix of performances, from reworked classics to cutting-edge collaborations. With events spread across the city, the festival aims to engage both long-time arts lovers and new audiences. Tickets and full programme details will be released in the coming months.
