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.

Commissioned by the National Arts Council.

Photo Credits: Joseph Nair