ANNUAL 20REPORT 22 ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022 AGAM LTD
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CONTENTS 01. AGAM LTD STRATEGIC PLAN 02. OVERVIEW OF CHARITY 03. WELCOME MESSAGE 04. LEADERSHIP 05. OUR WORK 06. THE YEAR AHEAD 07. GOVERNANCE 08. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 02
AGAM LTD 03 STRATEGIC PLANS
MISSION To cultivate a pipeline of trained theatre practitioners, showcase high quality theatre productions and grow an audience base beyond Tamil speaking public. VISION AGAM ORIGINALS Fuel the future of new writing by producing and presenting the best new plays, that challenge and change audiences here and now. AGAM EXPLORATION Explore relevantly or connection to our roots. AGAM LABORATORY Nurture, train and inspire artists, leaders and young people through artist development programmes. Enable theatre makers to engage creatively with communities and audiences, altering the perception of what theatre can be. AGAM SERVICES We, share our knowledge with other organisation and individual artist who needs assistance in theatre making. Accountability: AGAM serves as an institution in which theatre practitioners are seriously engaged in the life of Singapore's artistic endeavour and united by common values and mutual respect by practising transparency and formal accountability structures to facilitate decision-making and enable the group to acquit its obligations as a custodian of received funding. We strongly believe that we need to do it right before sharing that knowledge with others. AGAM LTD 04
AGAM LTD 05 OVERVIEW OF CHARITY
AAGAM Ltd. (the Company) in incorporated and domiciled in Singapore with its registered office at 513 Canberra Drive, #04-32 Canberra Residences, Singapore 768130 and Principal place of business at Blk B #05-12, 90 Goodman Rd, Singapore 439053. THE PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES OF THE COMPANY ARE: (a) Production of stage presentations and events. (b) Technical services for stage productions. The Company is a public company limited by guarantee and not having share capital. COMPANY DETAILS: Organisation: AGAM Ltd. Address: 513, Canberra Drive, #04-32 Singapore 768130 Contact: 65 9832 6434 | 65 8189 6740 Website: www.agam.com.sg REGISTRATION DETAILS: UEN 201903610E UEN Issue Date: 30 January 2019 Issuance Agency: ACRA Charity status 17 September 2020 effective date: Institute of Public 20 May 2022 to 19 May 2023 Character Oakfield and Associates effective date: Auditors: AGAM LTD 06
AGAM LTD WELCOME MESSAGE 07
AZHAGIYA PANDIYAN CHAIRPERSON 2022 - 2025 AGAM Theatre, established in 2019 by Mr. Subramainam Ganesh, a passionate theatre practitioner balancing a prominent corporate career, has made remarkable strides in the field of Tamil theatre. Recognizing the need for structure and guidance, AGAM formed a Board in 2020. With the invaluable assistance and direction from the Board, AGAM achieved the distinction of being the sole Indian theatre charity in Singapore to hold the Institute of Public Character (IPC) status. This prestigious status was attained in May of last year. Subsequently, in the following month, AGAM became the first Tamil theatre company to receive start-up funding from the National Arts Council, a significant milestone. Despite the formidable challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, AGAM has maintained a consistent stream of exceptional and innovative theatre productions. These remarkable achievements would not have been possible without the unwavering support of various stakeholders, donors, sponsors, and well-wishers. AGAM remains committed to pushing the boundaries with its theatre productions. As part of our new initiatives, we are excited to be launching a comprehensive Children's Theatre program, featuring weekly classes. More details about this exciting venture will be announced soon. AGAM LTD 08
GANESH SUBRAMANIAN FOUNDER The arts are more important than ever, and at Agam Theatre Lab, we believe in the transformative power of theatre and creativity. We're grateful for the overwhelming support, generous donations, and unwavering goodwill we've received since our inception four years ago. As the founder of Agam Theatre Lab, I deeply appreciate the boundless love and encouragement from the Singaporean theatre community. Your kindness, support, and generosity have been a guiding light during these challenging times and with it, AGAM continues to create extraordinary theatre experiences. We're committed to nurturing education, generating employment opportunities, providing scholarships, fostering partnerships, and creating a space for the community to come together and grow. Agam Theatre Lab is a registered not-for-profit organization and an IPC. Your contributions make a tremendous difference. They enable us to produce more theatre, create innovative works, and share them with audiences in Singapore and worldwide. It also allows us to bring the joy of theatre to students across the country and provide opportunities for talented performers to shine. We're proud to be Singapore's only Tamil Theatre company with IPC status. Once again, we express our heartfelt gratitude for your support in various forms. We look forward to your continued partnership and the opportunity to have you as one of our esteemed donors. Thank you, and may love and happiness surround you and your loved ones. . AGAM LTD 09
LEADERSHIPThe charity is governed by a Board, which is a governing body responsible for overseeing and managing a charity. It is also sometimes known as a Management Committee. Reporting to the Management Committee, are Sub-Committees that look into specific areas such as Audit and Finance. The charity is also headed by an Executive Director. AGAM LTD 10
MANAGEMENT MS LAVANIAH COMMITTEE BALA MS SIVARANI M EDUCATOR, RAJANGAM ADELAIDE FOUNDER, RUPINIS MR SREE GANESH UTHAYAKUMAR MS AISHWARIYA SHANMUGANATHAN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, MEDIACORP PRESIDENT, SINGAPORE DRAMA MR SUBRAMANIAN EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION GANESH MR AZHAGIYA FINANCE DIRECTOR PANDIYAN TOWERTRANSIT SINGAPORE HEAD, MR NALLU TAMIL LANGUAGE SERVICES OF DHINAKARAN THE NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD TEACHER, MS NAZHATH MINISTRY OF EDUCATION FAHEEMA FOUNDER, HASH PEACE MOVEMENT MR RAMESH SELVARAJ PARTNER, ALLEN & GLEDHILL LLP EXECUTIVE 11 COMMITTEE The company operates through projects led by Subramanian Ganesh, relying on the dedication of volunteers. These projects are artistically driven, reflecting Ganesh's creative vision. Our artists come from a wide range of backgrounds, encompassing full-time practitioners, teachers, accountants, scientists, army personnel, film producers, and everything in between. Additionally, we attract a significant number of \"resting\" professional actors who find joy in collaborating with a distinguished theatre company. This opportunity allows them to explore and experiment with new ideas in a less stressful environment compared to the professional realm. AGAM LTD
OUR WORK AGAM LTD 12
MAHAKAVI Date: 18 January - 3 April 2022 Time: 9.30pm Venue: Vasantham Mediacorp and MeWatch AGAM LTD Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathi (1882-1921), or Bharathiyar as he’s popularly known, one of the most iconic Tamil poets, remains relevant even in the current day, particularly for his views on women empowerment. Based on his ideaolgies, we have developed a contemporary play that will be recorded and screen on Vasantham Mediacorp. This will be the first time Vasantham has commissioned a project covering the making of a theatre production. In this 10 part series, there will be focus on how the production is made, behind the scenes of rehearsals, capturing discussion of collaborations with musicians, dancers, singers, set design, lighting design etc. We feel it’s important that art be used as a medium to reflect current society. Bharathiyar was way ahead of his time. He was someone who presented us with profound poetry, in very simple language. And so, his reach was phenomenal. His works have been visited and revisited multiple times. That’s why I decided to throw light on this composer, but from a different lens The concept of having multiple art forms that complement each other is not new, but has existed since the Sangam time. Mostly in the current day, we see dance and hear music along with it. But, there are also other aspects to our art forms. The idea is to collaborate and bring discourse, drama, dance and music together for this production. 13
VINCENT Date: 1 - 2 March 2022 Time: 8pm Venue: Goodman Arts Centre Blackbox Vincent van Gogh is dead. His brother, Theo, who was too overcome with grief to speak at the memorial, has invited artists, friends and anyone who would listen to him to an evening of shared memories of his beloved brother. It is his hope that he will finally be able to express himself that night and do justice to Vincent's legacy and reputation. Originally presented by the Guthrie Theatre, this multi- image dramatic staging received rave reviews when it was toured with Leonard Nimoy (famous as Spock from 'Star Trek') playing the one extraordinary role. As the Variety critic put it, \"The actor doesn't have the stage to himself. He plays against the celebrated artist's brilliant painting...\" This performance was followed by a 20-minute discussion with the audience on Environmentally Sustainable Theatre-Making Practices in Singapore. On the panel were Key Researcher/Producer Charlyn Linda Pereira, Director Wisely Chow, Actor Adib Kosnan, and Representing Designers. Moderated by Koh Yi Wei. AGAM LTD 14
ANIMAL FARM Date: 17 - 19 June 2022 Time: 3pm and 8pm Venue: Esplanade Theatre Studio Tickets: $35 This is the tale of a revolution gone awry, where the genuine discontent of those yearning for change is twisted and corrupted by a ruthless political elite. From the oppressive Stalinist regime that inspired Orwell to pen this story in 1945, to the hollow promises of modern demagogues, Animal Farm serves as a chilling reminder of how absolute power is acquired and maintained. In this world premiere of a new dramatic adaptation, curated by P. Krishnan, a recipient of the cultural medallion, and brought to life by an acclaimed creative team, Animal Farm presents a dynamic, audacious, and contemporary interpretation of a timeless narrative. Originally written as a full-length play in 1971, only a fraction of it was aired as a two-hour radio drama in May of that year. Now, 50 years later, Agam Theatre Lab proudly presents the first-ever full-length stage production of this legendary radio play by Mr. P. Krishnan. AGAM LTD 16
THENALI Date: 24 November 2022 AGAM LTD Time: 2pm Venue: Golden Village VIVO City This November, the beloved children’s Indian classic Thenali is presented by AGAM with Thinkidz children aged 2-5 Four short stories. Four different Countries. Four different Cultures. Thenali Ramakrishna was a poet and an advisor to King Krishnadevaraya. He was known for his amazing wit, humour, and extraordinary intelligence. All the stories of Tenali Raman tell us about his relationship with the king, his wisdom and his problem-solving capabilities. Acquaint your child with Tenali Ramakrishna with his amazing tales with a twist. It’s so important that children become familiar with the classic tales. They provide a story-telling structure that is essential to developing early composition by following a familiar path of introducing characters and settings from the get-go, as well as a plot that always includes a beginning, build-up, problem, resolution and end. Having deep familiarity with these story structures as well as classic characters and themes in children’s literature is a spring board for children to become authors themselves, and only once children know these stories inside out can they start to have fun with challenging those structures and the stereotypes within them. They can begin to reimagine these stories – retellings that follow a familiar narrative but that have an exciting twist or that turn the plot and characters on their heads. 16
URIYADI Date: 16 - 17 December 2022 Time: 3pm & 8pm Venue: Stamford Arts Centre Blackbox Tickets: $18 - $20 TWhen opportunities are within plain sight, what chains us down? Is it our flaws? Is it the burden of relationships? Or is it all a ventriloquist act? This play follows the story of 5 individuals who have been awarded the opportunity to break the ‘unbreakable’ Uri, each finding their own motivation to complete this task to find fame and glory. The intangibility of success is what makes it special. But what is success you ask? To each, their own. Breaking a Uri may be all fun and games, but who is the real winner? Will anyone dare to let their guard down? Will they be willing to make way for new bonds to blossom? Will everyone take the high road? Or will they all fall into a rabbit hole? Uriyadi answers these questions, poking at human behavioral traits in our current society, revealing who has the last laugh. AGAM LTD 16
NADAGAVAATHI 4.0 Date: 18 December 2022 Time: 10am Venue: Facebook Live and YouTube Live Tickets: Free online AGAM LTD ‘Nadagavaathi’ (Alluding to an individual who speaks the language of Theatre) is Agam Theatre Lab’s promise to create a platform for practitioners in the local Indian theatre scene as well as the larger theatre fraternity to share their journey and experiences in theatre with a key focus on the process of theatre-making. It serves as a veritable teaching platform for the current and future generations of theatre makers as also serves as a point for aspiring academics to refer to the transcribed forum together with the digital recording of the forum for anecdotal reference in their research. The live telecast of the video in social media will also cater to reach the larger theatre fraternity to be involved in a live online discussion with the presenters and us, the organiser. In the multi-lingual tapestry of Singapore theatre, Nadagavaathi 4.0 will be the fourth installation of the forum which is designed to play a crucial role in providing a comprehensive view of the whole scene. It will seek to explore topics pertaining to the journey of three renowned playwrights, Dr Umayal Thiruselvam, Dr Elavazhagan Murugan and Ms Aswani Aswath. Under the theme of ‘The Wright Voice’, they will collectively explore their experiences that led to them becoming a playwright, the fundamentals of their craft including desired skillsets and attitudes, challenges that they faced and how they overcome them continuously as well as anchoring it on the humanistic element of their craft being the core of their ethos. 15
AGAM LTD 17 GOVERNANCE
ROLE OF THE BOARD The Board's role is to provide strategic direction and oversight of Agam's programmes and objectives and to steer the charity towards fulfilling its vision and mission through good governance. As part of its role, the following matters require the Board's approval: (a) constructively challenge and help develop proposals on strategy; (b) scrutinise the performance of management in meeting agreed goals and objectives and monitor the reporting of performance; (c) Satisfy the integrity of financial information and that financial controls and systems of risk management are robust and defensible; (d) determine appropriate levels of remuneration of executive directors and have a prime role in appointing and, where necessary, removing executive directors, and in succession planning; (e) devote time to developing and refreshing knowledge and skills (f) uphold high standards of integrity and probity and support Agam and other directors in instilling the appropriate culture, values and behaviours in the boardroom and beyond; (g) insist on receiving accurate information sufficiently in advance of board meetings and; (h) take into account the views of stakeholders and other stakeholders where appropriate AGAM LTD 18
TIME LIMIT OF BOARD The board will be expected to devote such time as is necessary for the proper performance of their duties and members are to be prepared to spend a reasonable amount of time on company business after the induction phase. This is based on preparation for an attendance at: (a) scheduled quarterly board meetings; (b) the Annual General Meeting; (c) any other ad-hoc meetings of the non-executive directors, executive directors or with the management team as necessary The nature of the role makes it impossible to be specific about the maximum time commitment, and there is always the possibility of additional time commitment in respect of preparation time and ad-hoc matters that may arise from time to time, and particularly when the company is undergoing an increase of activity. At certain times it may be necessary to convene additional Board, Committee or shareholder meetings. The average time commitment will increase with should a member choose to take on the role of a committee member or chair, or if you are given additional responsibilities such as being appointed as a Senior Independent Director, [or] non-executive director on the board of any of the company's subsidiaries. Details of the expected increase in the time commitment will be covered in any relevant communication confirming the additional responsibility with mutual concent. AGAM LTD 19
BOARD MEETINGS AND ATTENDANCE The board was formed in 2020. A total of three board meetings and one AGM were held during the financial year. The following sets out the individual board member's attendance at the meetings: MS SIVARANI M RAJANGAM 100% MS AISHWARIYA SHANMUGANATHAN 80% MR AZHAGIYA PANDIYAN MS NAZHATH FAHEEMA 100% MR RAMESH SELVARAJ 100% MS LAVANIAH BALA 100% MR SREE GANESH UTHAYAKUMAR 100% MR SUBRAMANIAN GANESH 80% MR NALLU DHINAKARAN 100% 100% AGAM LTD 20
DISCLOSURE OF REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS RECEIVED BY BOARD MEMBERS No board members are remunerated for their board serves in the financial year. DISCLOSURE OF REMUNERATION OF KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL The charity runs with volunteers. Non of the charity's staff receives more than $100,000 in annual remuneration each. The charity has no paid staff, who are close members of the family of the Executive Head or Board members who each received total remuneration of more than $50,000 during the year. AGAM LTD 21
WHISTLE-BLOWING POLICY Our charity has in place, a whistle-blowing policy to address concerns about possible wrongdoing or improprieties in financial or other matters in the charity. CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY All board members and staff are required to comply with the charity's conflict of interest policy. The board has put in place documented procedures for Board members and staff to declare actual or potential conflicts of interests on a regular and need-to basis. Board members also abstain and do not participate in decision- making on matters where they have a conflict of interest. AGAM LTD 22
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AGAM LTD AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENT 28
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