merEKA
Since the inception of the company, we have created spaces for people to learn, experiment, develop their practice and find their way into the arts. merEKA continues that work, giving participants the opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners, build their skills, explore ideas and create work of their own.
Our programmes are open to people at different stages of their journey, whether you’re just starting out, looking to build on an existing practice or simply curious to try something new. And they’re free of charge, because we believe that access to learning and artistic development should be open to everyone.
Over the years, artists who have come through Ekamatra’s development programmes have gone on to become writers, directors, actors, producers and arts practitioners in Singapore. Some came with years of experience, while others were simply looking for a place to begin.
Wherever you’re starting from, merEKA is a space to learn, make, experiment and see where it takes you.
Creating Malay Language Theatre for Young Audiences
The Creating Malay Language Theatre for Young Audiences Development Programme supports the growth of Malay-language theatre for children and youth, providing theatremakers with opportunities to develop their skills and explore different approaches to creating work for young audiences.
The programme featured a series of masterclasses led by practitioners from across the industry, covering different aspects of theatre-making for young audiences.
Past Programmes
An Evening with Polygot Theatre
17 March 2025
The workshop brought together Polyglot Theatre’s Artistic Director, Cat Sewell, for an exploration of participation, process, and design in creating theatre and immersive experiences for children and families.
Cat shared insights into Polyglot Theatre’s approach to developing work, followed by hands-on and playful activities that introduced participants to different ways of creating theatre for young audiences. The session also included time for discussion and questions, allowing participants to reflect on the processes and ideas explored during the workshop.
The Creating Malay-Language Theatre for Young Audiences Development Programme
November 2023
The Creating Malay-Language Theatre for Young Audiences Development Programme brought together a series of free masterclasses led by practitioners from across the industry. The programme supported theatremakers in developing their skills and exploring different approaches to creating theatre for young audiences, with sessions covering puppetry, directing, storytelling, accessibility, and devising.
Puppetry in Theatre for Young Audiences by Ellison Tan
3 November 2023
The puppet - a soft, gentle being that comes alive at the hands of the puppeteer. In Puppetry for Theatre for Young Audiences, the puppet provides a safe distance - allowing the young audience to fill in gaps with their imagination, base on their comfort levels. Using Sharon Ismail's The Ghost With Dirty Feet as reference, participants will be introduced to basic skills of puppetry, various puppet forms, and through praxis-based discussions, investigate which forms are most appropriate and suitable for the delicate work they will be producing for young audiences.
Storytelling Techniques for Young Audiences by Kamini Ramachandran
16 November 2023
In Storytelling Techniques for Theatre for Young Audiences, we will explore tools such as off-script interactions, non-verbal storytelling, and the artistry of language, crafting narratives that weave a web of fascination for our young audiences. Challenge yourself in thinking outside the box, as you uncover how to turn the simplest of props into your companions in storytelling, forging immersive experiences that transport audiences to extraordinary realms. Join us in this masterclass of creating not just theatre, but unforgettable adventures for our youngest and most eager imaginations!
Accessibility in Theatre for Young Audiences by Access Path Productions
17 November 2023
Participants will learn about accessibility in theatre through the social model of disability, which is a different way of viewing the world, developed by disabled people. The social model’s message is simple. People are disabled by barriers in society, not by their impairment or difference. The social model helps us recognise barriers that make life challenging for the disabled. By committing to remove these barriers, we as a caring and compassionate society can create equal opportunity, independence and autonomy for the disabled and marginalised. Participants will acquire practical learning through scenario based case studies and learn more ways to communicate effectively by applying a range of problem-solving-driven and empathy-based communication strategies in face to face situations.
Directing in Theatre for Young Audiences by Ian Loy
6 November 2023
In Directing for Theatre for Young Audiences, we'll explore how to infuse unique techniques into your directing approach, ensuring that your productions for young audiences leave a lasting impact for your audience and yourself. This masterclass aims to discover the joy of creating and to direct with an unwavering focus on delighting the young hearts in our audience. Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, the workshop will begin with and leave you questioning, “When was the last time I created and felt good about it?”
Devising in Theatre for Young Audiences by Thomas Lim
22 November 2023
This 3-hour masterclass offers a wide-ranging exploration of devising theatre for young audiences. Through a series of case studies, discussions and practical explorations, participants will delve into the pivotal questions and decision points that often arise in the devising process: How do we set up the structures and processes for creative collaborations? What are some of the key considerations when devising with young people in the room? How do we navigate between the structure of a performance and what is largely an unstructured process? The workshop is suitable for theatre practitioners who are interested in working with young people or making work for young audiences.