Hard Mode by Checkpoint Theatre

From the powerhouse team behind The Fourth Trimester (2023 Production of The Year, Straits Times Life Theatre Awards) and Normal (2015 and 2017), playwright Faith Ng, director Claire Wong and dramaturg Huzir Sulaiman return with Hard Mode, a riveting deep dive into the world of Gen Alpha.

Adam has lived in Sengkang his whole life, and things don’t really change around here. Except nothing is quite the same anymore.

The indomitable Sengkang Squad – Adam, Rian and XY – have split up into different secondary schools, and it’s been pretty hard making new friends (they’re betas with no rizz?). K-pop stan besties Arissa and Maya have found community in the huge online fanbase, but somehow nothing’s as lonely as real life. With mounting pressures from parents, friends, school and their own expectations, they don’t feel like children any longer — but also no closer to being grown-ups. What exactly is this limbo stage called teenagehood? And where is the tutorial for being an adult?

A love letter to the perennial task of growing up and navigating the world, Hard Mode is essential viewing for anyone who has ever struggled with adolescence. Critically acclaimed playwright Faith Ng’s new work embraces the beautiful messiness of youth and friendship with her keen understanding and sensitive portrayal of life as we know it.

Dramaturg Huzir Sulaiman deftly sculpts this illuminating work while veteran director Claire Wong delicately brings this masterpiece to the stage with affirming tenderness and unflinching honesty. With a fresh, exciting ensemble cast comprising Chaney Chia, Izzul Irfan, Janine Ng, Kyra Lefebvre and Shahid Nasheer, Hard Mode confronts the joys, heartaches and adventures of coming of age.

Commissioned by the National Arts Council.