third space: I(n) Nature by n:ow arts

I(n) Nature by n:ow arts

We are constantly surrounded by trees. We walk past them every day. But do we truly acknowledge their presence?

This year, NUS planted its 50,000th tree on campus, marking the halfway point in its pledge to plant 100,000 trees by 2030, supporting the OneMillion Trees movement. With the growing number of trees and carefully designed architecture that integrates nature into built spaces, I(n) Nature re-examines our relationship with the trees that surround us.

Guided by acclaimed movement artist Pat Toh, this second project by n:ow arts continues to engage with the NUS community and push the boundaries of performance-making. Conceptualised and directed by chong shen hao and Evangel Wong, I(n) Nature runs from Wednesday 15 January to Saturday 25 January 2025, featuring performers chong shen hao, Lim Jia Ying, and Renee Chia.

Part 1 Dates & Times:
Wednesday 15 January - Friday 17 January, 6:15pm
Sunday 19 January, 3pm & 6:15pm
Venue:
Tembusu Tree at UTown Education Resource Centre, near Mac Commons

Part 1 Important Information:

The duration of the performance is 1 hour.
This performance is weather dependent as it is held outdoors. In the event of wet weather, the performance will be moved to Level 3 of Education Resource Centre, facing the Tembusu Tree, outside Ian & Peony Ferguson Study.
We will be sending updates if the performance venue has changed 2 hours before the show via the email you have signed up with, as well as on our Instagram: @now.arts. (https://www.instagram.com/now.arts/)

Part 2 Dates & Times
Friday 24 January 2025, 6:30pm
Saturday 25 January 2025, 12pm
Venue:
UTown Plaza Trees, near Fine Foods

Part 1 Details

I(n) Nature: Part 1 examines the evolving relationship between humanity and the natural world, framed by Singapore’s colonial past and the present-day efforts to restore and preserve nature within the urban landscape.

By weaving together intimate and broader perspectives, the piece urges a deeper, more individual engagement with the environment, challenging us to consider how to nurture and protect the world we share.

I(n) Nature: Part 1 features performers chong shen hao, Lim Jia Ying, and Renee Chia.

Part 2 Details

I(n) Nature: Part 2 takes place at the UTown Plaza Trees. Not native to UTown, these trees were introduced after the buildings were constructed.

Inspired by the idea that trees communicate through underground mycorrhizal networks, this performance piece reflects on the isolation and disconnection that come with Singapore’s sustainability efforts to integrate greenery into urban spaces.

Through movement and durational actions, we invite you to form a personal connection with nature, specifically with the trees intentionally placed within our built environment.

I(n) Nature: Part 2 runs from Friday 24 to Saturday 25 January 2025, featuring performer chong shen hao.

Featured Artists

n:ow arts

n:ow arts is a new theatre-based art collective, formed by chong shen hao, Evangel Wong, Koh Tzee Yen, Lew Yi Wei and Lim Kai Ling. n:ow arts aims to spark meaningful dialogue through nuanced performances that shine a light on the human experience and pressing social issues. By doing so, we wish to expand the boundaries of what the arts can be and who it is for. We believe that there is no better time than n:ow to create.

chong shen hao | Conceptualiser, Co-Director, Performer

shen hao is a final-year Philosophy and Theatre Studies student who has spent most of his university life creating theatre. With a strong interest in experimental art forms, movement-based theatre, and performance art, shen hao co-founded n:ow arts to further expand the vocabulary of art-making. His recent acting and directing credits include Lao Jiu: A Play Within A Play (NUS Stage, 2024) and dear cfa, (n:ow arts, 2024).

Evangel Wong | Conceptualiser, Co-Director

Evangel is a Year 3 Theatre Studies major. As a multidisciplinary artist, she has dabbled in various mediums, including acting, writing, photography, and sometimes videography, always challenging herself creatively. Beyond being involved with NUS Stage, her recent works include co-writing dear cfa, by n:ow arts, and putting up an exhibition in her suite titled, Cracked by Wecey Collective.

Pat Toh | Movement Coach, Mentor

Lim Jia Ying | Co-Deviser, Performer

Jia Ying is a final-year undergraduate who has devoted the past four years to passionately engaging in the performing arts (and majoring in chemistry). Her journey began with musical theatre productions in secondary school, leading her to NUS Stage, and later, NUS Dance Synergy. Eager for new experiences and seeking to broaden her artistic horizons, Jia Ying is thrilled to be a part of I(n) Nature where multiple disciplines intersect.

Renee Chia | Co-Deviser, Performer

Renee is a second-year student majoring in Theatre Studies, Performing Arts (Contemporary Dance), and minoring in Sociology. With a strong interest in exploring different dance and art forms, Renee was a choreographer for NUS Dance Synergy’s Venture 2024, and is co-director and choreographer for The Waltz at Lover’s Garden (2025) with Jia Ying. Renee currently serves as President of NUS Dance Synergy and was a member of the Committee for Spaces for Performing Arts in NUS.

Organised By

NUS Office of Student Affairs, Centre for the Arts as part of third space supported by ExxonMobil Asia Pacific