What happens when a group of theatre lovers, united by their passion for creating and experimenting with art , decides to take a leap of faith? You get n:ow arts, an arts collective formed by five NUS students who believe there’s no better time than now to create. Founded in July 2024, n:ow arts is driven by a mission to explore the human experience and pressing social issues through thought-provoking performances. Its members—Chong Shen Hao (Year 4, FASS), Evangel Wong (Year 3, FASS), Koh Tzee Yen (Year 3, FASS), Lew Yi Wei (Year 3, FASS), and Lim Kai Ling (Year 3, FASS) —reached a major milestone when they were named third space artists-in-residence for AY24/25.
I(n) Nature, their first project in this residency, invites the NUS community to reconsider their relationship with trees—an everyday presence often overlooked. Conceptualised and directed by Shen Hao and Evangel, this free site-specific performance at UTown will run from 15 to 25 Jan 2025 and is open to public.
now:arts during a rehearsal of I(n) Nature.
n:ow arts informs us about their artistic visions for the future, and what we can expect from I(n) Nature which opens this week.
OSA: What inspired you to establish n:ow arts?
n:ow arts: n:ow arts was born out of our shared love for art-making and a drive to experiment with different mediums. We wanted to push ourselves to create and grow as artists after working together for several productions in NUS Stage. The idea first took shape in March 2024, after the final performance of our production, Lao Jiu: A Play Within a Play. As we reflected on the production, which centres on the theme of dreams, we found ourselves discussing our own dreams as artists. That night, we made a commitment to support one another and take a leap of faith to form our own collective.
Four member of n:ow arts met during their time with NUS Stage. They are from left to right: Lim Kai Ling, Evangel Wong, Chong Shen Hao and Koh Tzee Yen.
OSA: How did the collective come together?
n:ow arts: Our journey began with Shen Hao, Evangel, Kai Ling, and Tzee Yen brainstorming ways to push artistic boundaries and explore new creative avenues beyond NUS Stage. A turning point was the CFA Studios Block Party, which allowed us to conceive projects like a verbatim piece (dear cfa,), an art exhibition (Staging __), an installation, and a photo series (dear cfa studios,). Yi Wei helped with documenting this journey and officially joined us a month later.
Being named third space artists-in-residence for AY24/25 marked a significant milestone for us. It reinforced our belief that as university students, this is the perfect time to experiment and grow in a safe, supportive environment that encourages learning and collaboration.
A scene from dear cfa, a site-specific verbatim performance inspired by the memories of students and alumni who passed through the doors of CFA Studios. (Photo: Christopher Chee).
OSA: What is your most memorable showcase?
n:ow arts: Our most memorable showcase has to be dear cfa,, a site-specific verbatim performance reflecting on the impending demolition of the CFA Studios. Over a month, we conducted more than 20 interviews with arts group leaders, alumni, and CFA staff, uncovering stories that spanned generations.
The process wasn’t just about creating a performance—it became a communal experience. We connected with people from groups we rarely interact with, like NUS Dance Synergy, Electronic Music Lab, and NUS Chinese Orchestra, and discovered the studio’s deep history. It was our way of honouring its legacy while giving it a meaningful farewell.
A scene from dear cfa, a site-specific verbatim performance which paid tribute to CFA Studios, an arts space to NUS students since 1985. The venue shuttered in Aug 2024 to make space for new development.
OSA: What is I(n) Nature about?
n:ow arts: I(n) Nature is our first attempt to push the boundaries of art-making. We are interested in exploring the intersection of movement, theatre, and performance art – and I(n) Nature embodies exactly that. Comprising text, movement, and visual installation, all driven by the concept of connecting humans to the nature around us, the process has been deeply fulfilling.
I(n) Nature doesn’t fit neatly into a single genre. Sometimes it looks like dance, sometimes theatre, but most of the time, we just refer to it as a performance art piece. We are honoured to receive guidance from acclaimed movement artist Pat Toh.
The performance is presented in two parts, the public is warmly invited to attend both —free tickets are available here!
n:ow arts received mentorship from acclaimed movement artist Pat Toh, as part of their third space residency.
What are some things you’ve learned through this process?
Shen Hao (Conceptualiser, Co-director, Performer of I(n) Nature):I’ve learned to see beyond human existence and connect with the environment in ways I hadn’t imagined. Spending time with trees, we found parallels between them and ourselves, like the way trees communicate through underground fungi networks, akin to human neural pathways. The process also taught me to slow down. In Singapore’s fast-paced life, being with trees feels grounding—a chance to pause and be present. That’s what n:ow arts means to us: a reminder to stay in the moment.
Evangel (Conceptualiser, Co-director of I(n) Nature): For me, every project is an opportunity for growth. This time, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for physical theatre and movement-based work. It’s fascinating how intertwined our thoughts and physicality are, and I feel like I’m building my artistic toolbox with every new movement technique I learn.A standout insight came during our research: “It’s hard to take care of nature if you don’t take care of yourself first.” That resonated with me deeply and shaped how I view sustainability—not just for the environment, but for ourselves as artists and individuals.
Publicity poster of I(n) Nature. This production opens third space in Sem 2 of AY24/25.
What are some challenges you faced?
n:ow arts: Creating I(n) Nature without a script and working purely from concept was daunting. Translating abstract ideas into concrete movement felt overwhelming at times. Thankfully, we’ve had guidance from Pat, and immense support from our performers, Jia Ying and Renee, whose openness have been invaluable.
Balancing multiple projects and our academic commitments, has been another challenge. Burnout happens, but we remind ourselves of why we create: to tell stories that matter and explore the boundaries of art.
What can we expect from n:ow arts in the near future?
n:ow arts: After I(n) Nature, we’re diving into a multisensory room project scheduled for September 2025. This immersive piece will explore themes of gender identity and sexuality through the senses of sight, scent, and sound. We’re experimenting with 360-degree visual experiences, experimental soundscapes, and integrating scent—a rarely explored element in performance.
We also value collaboration deeply. For this project, we’re conducting an open call for student collaborators to co-create and learn alongside us, mentored by industry professionals.
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