ITI began as the Theatre Training & Research Programme (TTRP), founded in 2000 by renowned dramatist, Kuo Pao Kun (1939–2002), and the current Director, T. Sasitharan, after a period of research, reflection and preparatory work, including discussions with an international panel of consultants. TTRP was inspired by the unique experience of contemporary theatre in Singapore over four decades and, in particular, by Pao Kun’s artistic vision and multicultural practice.

ITI Infographic 2024

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Apr 2000

TTRP founded by Kuo Pao Kun and T. Sasitharan. Starts operations, as a division of arts charity Practice Performing Arts Centre Ltd (renamed The Theatre Practice Ltd in 2010), with seed funding from the Lee Foundation and Sim Wong Hoo. It was located at the Creative Technology building in International Business Park. Later, the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts also gave a grant for 2001 to 2003. 

Dec 2003

Pioneering cohort of students graduate. Click here for our alumni. 

2007

TTRP moves downtown to 11 Upper Wilkie Road as anchor tenant and co-founds Emily Hill Enterprise Ltd, a prototype of a new model for the arts, together with four artists/organisations. Emily Hill is not just an arts venue and school campus, but also Singaporeʼs first confluence of art, creativity and commerce. 

May 2008

 

As part of its research work, TTRP organised the inaugural Asian Intercultural Conference with the theme “Theatre Today: Seeking New Paradigms”. A landmark event, it was very well received and attended by leading theatre practitioners and academics from all over the world.

Jun 2008

Fourth cohort of students complete their training. 

July 2008

TTRP suspends teaching and training activity. The organisation sets out to work on reviewing all aspects of the first phase of its development and to map its next phase. 

2009

TTRP continues to engage with the community, faculty and partners with overseas visits, public talks and events. Click here for our community outreach activities. 

Jul 2010 

TTRP accepts invitation to launch the Singapore School Project, in collaboration with Airan Berg, founder of the highly successful education project, “I Like to Move It Move It”, in Linz, Austria. 

Aug 2011

TTRP relaunched with new name, Intercultural Theatre Institute (ITI).

Oct 2012

Co-Founder and Director T. Sasitharan receives Cultural Medallion award from the President of Singapore.

Dec 2013

ITI presents at Intercultural Actor Training Symposium in Berlin.

Nov 2014

ITI holds inaugural ITI Angels Initiative Dinner

Nov 2014 

ITI holds the second edition of the Asian Intercultural Conference in collaboration with the Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay.

Apr 2015

ITI is named a recipient of the National Arts Council
Major Grant award.

2015 

Final-year students invited to perform at Singapore International
Festival of Arts (SIFA) and Singapore Writer’s Festival

2016

Director T. Sasitharan, together with members of ITI's academic board, Anuradha Kapur and Phillip Zarrilli, co-edited a special issue of Theatre, Dance and Performance Training, published by Routledge (UK).

Aug 2017

ITI launches the Möbius Fund, the first student revolving loan fund.

Nov 2017

ITI holds the third edition of the Asian Intercultural Conference in collaboration with the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.

2018

National Arts Council renewed its support for ITI through the Major Company Scheme Grant.

2019

Director T. Sasitharan, Anuradha Kapur and Phillip Zarrilli co-edited Intercultural Acting and Performer Training, published by Routledge (UK).

2020

COVID-19 pandemic hits. ITI events went online.

2021

ITI becomes the master tenant of 11 Upper Wilkie Road.

2022

Director T. Sasitharan received the 2022 Harvard Club of Singapore Fellow Award.

Jul 2023

Koh Wan Ching appointed as Head of Acting.

Nov 2023

Asian Intercultural Conference (AIC) returns with 4th edition, in collaboration with Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.

Apr 2024

Andrew Nai appointed as Chairman of Board of Directors, succeeding Arun Mahizhnan.

Nov 2024

Justin Deimen appointed as Executive Director, succeeding General Manager Goh Su Lin.