Singapore's first dedicated thrust stage takes shape

Founded in 2000 by Ivan Heng, W!ld Rice's mission is to celebrate the diversity of Singapore and to inspire and challenge the communities it serves through original work and new interpretations of classic works from across the world.

Now the company are in the construction phase of a new performing arts facility in the new Funan centre development. The theatre, designed by Zarch Collaboratives with Charcoalblue and Radian Acoustics, will include a dedicated 350-seat thrust stage – a first for the country and is inspired by both Asian theatre tradition and international influences. Besides the main theatre, the site includes the company's headquarters and rehearsal spaces.

"There is a real sense of excitement working on the new home for W!ld Rice," said designer James. "The whole design team, led by Zarch Collaboratives, is committed to giving Artistic Director Ivan Heng and Tony Trickett the executive director and their team the best theatre possible which will be unique to Singapore. As the biggest independent producer in Singapore, they are a fantastic and engaging client team who have a huge passion for producing work that inspires, challenges and entertains. Committed to telling local stories, dynamically presented, they relish in celebrating the shared experience which the new thrust-format theatre hopes to enhance."

The new theatre is set to open in September 2019.