Third Man Syndrome: A Gateway Arts Production

Opening on 28 August at Gateway Theatre’s Black Box, Gateway Arts and Eagles Mediation & Counselling Centre (EMCC) present Third Man Syndrome, an intriguing two-hander confronting the urgent, rising epidemic of quiet depression and suicide among youth in Singapore.

Written by Terrance Tan, based on actual anecdotes, and directed by theatre veteran Ian Loy, the 90-minute play follows a young man seeking to unravel the truth. Traversing his late friend’s final dream, he makes unsettling discoveries about loss, friendship, and silent pain.

At a time when one in three youths report poor mental health and silent struggles with societal and social media pressure, this heartfelt, yet haunting tale meets them where words often fail, and delves into the invisible weight of expectations by bringing audiences into a dreamscape.

Ticket prices start at $25 for the preview on 28 August; standard tickets are $45.