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Now in its fourth year, this fantastic festival has been a roaring success with children and parents alike, offering a mix of immersive experiences created by both homegrown companies and international collaborations.
This year, March On explores the themes of home and shelter, presenting a wide array of performances and workshops that encourage children to reflect on what really protects and inspires them.
Get ready for a spectacle at the Esplanade Theatre with the Akram Khan Company’s Jungle Book reimagined. This isn’t just any old retelling, this version emanates a sense of urgency, speaking directly to the children of today.
March On 2024 will also feature two brand-new works commissioned by Esplanade - Caliban’s Island, an interactive adventure around Esplanade where children and adults alike can role-play characters, face challenging choices, and complete quests, and Aki’s Playground, a multi-sensory and interactive experience that invites participants of all ages to explore magical worlds.
And that’s not all! Alongside these performances, there will also be a stellar lineup of ticketed and free programmes ranging from puppetry, theatre, and interactive installations, to musical performances, storytelling sessions, parent-child workshops, and even productions with Relaxed Environment settings.
Relaxed Environment performances are designed with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere in mind, and are great for anyone who appreciates the need to make a noise, leave and return to their seat, or go to the toilets during the performance.The performance itself remains unchanged.
March On 2024 truly offers something for everyone in the family.
Get ready to be thrilled, amazed, and inspired!
Save on tickets to programmes at March On 2024 when you sign up for the Esplanade@Me Pip’s Club Membership.
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An Esplanade Co-Production
Akram Khan Company (UK)
Step into a world of enchanting dance and compelling storytelling with Akram Khan's Jungle Book reimagined!
Set in a future world grappling with climate change, it follows the escapades of a family fleeing to a modern city, where a child finds unexpected allies among the wild animals.
Parents, prepare to be enthralled as you and your little ones embark on an extraordinary adventure, as the journey of Mowgli is reinvented through the eyes of a climate refugee.
Featuring an original score, a team of 10 international dancers, and stunning animation and visuals, Jungle Book reimagined beautifully underscores the importance of belonging and respecting nature.
Brought to life by Akram Khan, one of the most celebrated and respected dance artists globally, this captivating theatre and dance performance has wowed audiences at prestigious venues like the Edinburgh International Festival and New York’s Lincoln Centre.
Admission age: 6
Recommended age: 8 and up
Dates:
Duration: 2 hrs including 15 mins intermission
Where: Esplanade Theatre
Tickets: $40, $60, $80
Esplanade&Me Specials:
An Esplanade Production
Featuring musicians from Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music and Singapore Youth Philharmonic Orchestra
Directed by Jeremy Leong and NONFORM (Singapore)
Shining in Space is an intergalactic musical adventure that will captivate your child’s imagination and infuse them with a sense of wonder and curiosity about the cosmos.
At the centre of the story is Shining, a girl who pours her thoughts, feelings, and memories into a special notebook.
Her trusted confidant is Star, her treasured stuffed toy. When a mishap threatens to obliterate her notebook along with her precious memories, something magical happens - Star springs to life!
With a thrilling proposition to embark on an extraordinary space adventure, Star and Shining launch into an unforgettable journey.
This wondrous space odyssey comes alive through the talented musicians from Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music and Singapore Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, intertwining orchestral music with gripping storytelling and engaging multimedia.
So come aboard, fasten your seatbelts, and join Shining as she creates fond memories, makes new friends, and unravels the mysteries of space!
Admission age: 2
Recommended age: 5-8
Dates: 9 Mar 2024 (Sat), 2:30pm
Duration: 1 hr, no intermission
Where: Esplanade Concert Hall
Tickets: $25
Esplanade&Me Specials:
An Esplanade Commission
Void Deck Games
Caliban’s Island is an immersive and interactive play where audiences are invited to become part of the action.
The adventure unfolds around you as children and adults role-play characters, make tough choices, and complete quests around Esplanade.
Drawing inspiration from William Shakespeare's "The Tempest," Caliban’s Island weaves a powerful narrative of redemption, sacrifice, and the enduring bonds between adults and children.
As an audience member, you'll join a group of shipwrecked children who have been thrust into a daring mission.
A malevolent curse has turned adults into strange animal hybrids, and only a potent potion can reverse the effects. Guided by the wise and enigmatic sorcerer Prospero, you'll embark on a daring quest to gather four remarkable ingredients from a mysterious island.
Every decision you make shapes the story, adding a layer of suspense and excitement to the performance.
Will you succeed in your quest? The fate of the adults hangs in the balance!
Admission age: 5
Recommended age: 7 and up
Dates: 8-17 Mar 2024 (Fri-Sun)
Duration: 1 hr 30 mins, no intermission
Where: Various locations. Starting point: Esplanade Basement 2 Carpark Foyer
Tickets: $30. All children must be accompanied by an adult at least 16 years old. Tickets are required for all attendees.
Esplanade&Me Specials:
An Esplanade Commission
PLAY!
Aki’s Playground is a magical journey across three enchanting realms that will captivate adventurers young and old.
From the moment you step foot in Aki’s Playground, your senses will be swept up in a symphony of light, sound, and interactive displays.
Weave through mystical forests, soar through cosmic galaxies, and dive under the seas to unearth oceanic treasures. Then complete your journey with carefully curated workshops.
Ready for an adventure? Aki’s Playground awaits, promising an exploration that’s beyond your wildest imagination!
Admission age: 0
Recommended age: 3-8
Dates: 14-17 Mar 2024 (Thu-Sun)
Duration: Approximately 45 mins, free and easy
Where: Esplanade Annexe Studio
Tickets: $15. All children must be accompanied by an adult at least 16 years old. Tickets are required for all attendees.
Esplanade&Me Specials:
Theatre Madam Bach (Denmark)
Embark on a journey of self discovery with “HOME”, a spellbinding visual theatre experience that will spark children’s curiosity and invite them to uncover the deep concept of “home”.
The performance explores the profound concept of belonging and feeling at home - in the world and in oneself. “HOME” is about finding a space that feels uniquely yours, a space where the heart resides.
In a world that's always on the go, "HOME" serves as a heartfelt reflection on the quest to find one's place. It's a soul-stirring exploration of identity and belonging that will resonate with inquisitive young minds.
“HOME” is produced by Theatre Madam Bach, a renowned artistic theatre for children between the ages of 0-6. Since its founding in 1997, Theatre Madam Bach has been enthralling young audiences worldwide with its rich imagery, captivating soundscapes, and poetic use of words.
Their performances speak directly to children's senses, creating a language in which they feel at home.
Admission age: 0
Recommended age: 3-7
Dates: 7-10 Mar 2024 (Thu-Sun)
Duration: 45 mins, no intermission
Where: Esplanade Annexe Studio
Tickets: $30. All children must be accompanied by an adult at least 16 years old. Tickets are required for all attendees.
Esplanade&Me Specials:
Madam Theatre Bach (Denmark)
Based on the performance of HOME by Theatre Madam Bach, this parent-child workshop is designed to awaken your child’s curiosities and fuel their creative spirits while exploring the concept of home.
Children will get a chance to let their imagination take flight as they craft their own distinctive houses, to the accompaniment of live music and songs brought to life through expressive movements.
Recommended age: 7-12
Dates: 11-12 Mar (Mon-Tue), 10am & 2pm
Duration: 45 mins, no intermission
Where: Esplanade Bay Room
Tickets: $20. Tickets are sold in twos (1 adult + 1 child) or threes (1 adult + 2 children or 2 adults + 1 child). All children must be accompanied by an adult at least 16 years old. Tickets are required for all attendees.
Esplanade&Me Specials: Family Fun Pass (For PIP’s Club members): 15% savings (min. 4 tickets per show or across shows)
SOMAYOKE x ARTFOLD
"Come Under my Umbrella" is an interactive family workshop designed to explore the body's role as a shelter. This workshop invites caregivers and children to delve into a world of self-reflection, expression, and discovery through a series of fun games and activities.
In this safe and nurturing space, children get to explore potential threats they may encounter in their lives and discover what they need to feel protected. They'll learn about body safety, understand personal boundaries, and gain the confidence to assert them when necessary.
At the same time, Caregivers are encouraged to reflect on their vital role as a shelter, providing safety and security for their loved ones. They'll also learn the importance of self-care – because even the strongest shelters need maintenance!
The workshop fosters open discussions and promotes a better understanding of how to listen to our bodies and trust our body wisdom.
And as a meaningful memento of this experience, each caregiver-child group will have the chance to collaborate in an art-making project to personalise their own umbrella - A symbol of physical and metaphorical shelter that can safeguard them from life’s inevitable storms.
Admission age: 6
Recommended age: 6-10
Dates: 9 Mar 2024 (Sat), 4pm
Duration: 2 hrs, no intermission
Where: Esplanade Rehearsal Studio
Tickets: $20. Tickets are sold in twos (1 adult + 1 child) or threes (1 adult + 2 children or 2 adults + 1 child). All children must be accompanied by an adult at least 16 years old. Tickets are required for all attendees.
Esplanade&Me Specials: Family Fun Pass (For PIP’s Club members): 15% savings (min. 4 tickets per show or across shows)
Playable Streets (Australia)
Experience the magical fusion of music, nature, and technology in this innovative parent-child workshop.
"The Plants," is a high-tech interactive installation that transforms your everyday house plants into extraordinary musical instruments.
In this workshop, participants will get the chance to interact with The Plants and discover different ways to play them.
Through a series of interactive exercises that blend music-making, drawing, design, and technology, you’ll be guided to create your very own musical compositions using The Plants.
And the best part? No prior musical experience is required!
This workshop is all about unleashing creativity and discovering the joy of creating music, regardless of skill level.
Admission age: 5
Recommended age: 5-12
Dates: 14-16 Mar 2024 (Thu-Sat)
Duration: 1 hr, no intermission
Where: Esplanade Rehearsal Studio
Tickets: $20. Tickets are sold in twos (1 adult + 1 child) or threes (1 adult + 2 children or 2 adults + 1 child). All children must be accompanied by an adult at least 16 years old. Tickets are required for all attendees.
Esplanade&Me Specials: Family Fun Pass (For PIP’s Club members): 15% savings (min. 4 tickets per show or across shows)
Apart from the ticketed events, March On 2024 will feature a whole lineup of free programmes waiting for families to explore.
Here’s a sneak peek of some of the free programmes you can look forward to.
For the full programme lineup, visit the March On 2024 microsite.
Playable Streets (Australia)
Experience the joy of making music with marigolds, composing with chrysanthemums or even listening to lavenders.
It’s all possible with The Plants!
This unique fusion of flora and technology lets you literally touch nature to create music. Each plant becomes an organic instrument, responding to your touch with a symphony of sound. This is made possible through bespoke digital sensors, developed by the brilliant minds at Playable Streets.
For the first time, the public is invited to play these extraordinary instruments.
This installation is a playground for collaborative composition, inviting everyone to interact, explore, and create together.
Regardless of your musical prowess, "The Plants" offer an exciting and novel way to experience the beauty of nature.
With The Plants, every leaf and petal becomes a note in your own personal symphony!
Dates: 7 – 10 & 14 – 17 Mar 2024 (Thu – Sun), 5pm – 8pm, performance at 7pm
Where: The Lawn, Singtel Waterfront Theatre @ Esplanade
3 Pumpkins and Tak Takut Kids Club
Join children youth centre Tak Takut Kids Club in life-drawing sessions.
In these sessions, children will have the opportunity to explore their creativity and artistic skills by drawing others and being drawn by their peers.
Beyond just drawing, these sessions are also a wonderful way for children to connect with others through art.
Dates: 8 – 10 & 15 – 17 Mar 2024 (Fri – Sun), 5pm – 9pm
Where: Esplanade Courtyard
SOMAYOKE x ARTFOLD
“A Shelter for All of Me” is a unique children's workshop that employs a variety of methods to guide kids on an exploration of their own bodies which serve as lifelong shelters.
Our bodies are constantly communicating with us, sending signals like "Look out! This person is hurting you" or "I like this place because I feel safe here." By tuning into these messages, children can foster a deeper connection with their bodies.
Through engaging storytelling, fun games, creative art-making, and lively movement exercises, children will learn how their bodies work to protect them.
Even when they might be confused or uneasy about what their bodies are telling them, this workshop helps them trust in their body's wisdom, particularly when dealing with emotions like fear and anxiety.
The workshop also teaches children important life skills such as setting boundaries and understanding consent. This empowers them with practical tools to take necessary action to ensure their safety.
Admission age: 7
Recommended age: 8 and up
Dates: 16 Mar 2024 (Sat), 4pm
Duration: 2 hrs, no intermission
Where: Esplanade Rehearsal Studio
Tickets: $20. Children-only workshop. Parents/caregivers can drop their child off 10mins before the workshop. The pick up after the session will be at the same location.
Esplanade&Me Specials: Family Fun Pass (For PIP’s Club members): 15% savings (min. 4 tickets per show or across shows)
This article was brought to you by Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay
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Date: 6-17 Mar 2024
Location: Various locations around Esplanade
Booking Contacts:
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