Upcoming production Jesus Christ Superstar musical given Advisory 16 rating

Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has assigned an Advisory 16 rating to the upcoming production of the musical 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' accompanied by the consumer advice "Some Mature Content." This classification follows consultations involving the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

The Advisory 16 rating is designed to alert potential audiences to the mature themes and religiously sensitive aspects of the production. IMDA utilizes four classification ratings: General, Advisory, Advisory 16, and Restricted 18. Only the Restricted 18 rating mandates age restrictions for entry.

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The government recognises that some Christian leaders and members of the Christian community are concerned that the production does not present a biblically accurate account of the life of Jesus Christ.

In making its decision, IMDA reviewed the production's materials against the Arts Entertainment Classification Code. The authority also sought input from its advisory panels, which comprise individuals from diverse segments of Singaporean society, and consulted with MCCY and MHA regarding community and religious sensitivities. IMDA noted the musical's long history, including the film adaptation's prior screening in Singapore in 1974.

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The production presents a dramatised, artistic interpretation of biblical figures and events. It does not purport to be a religious or doctrinal account.

The IMDA statement clarified that the production offers a dramatized, artistic interpretation of biblical figures and events, and does not claim to be a doctrinally accurate religious account. "The government recognises that some Christian leaders and members of the Christian community are concerned that the production does not present a biblically accurate account of the life of Jesus Christ," the statement read. Authorities have engaged with these community members to understand their views and explain the government's approach to arts classification.

Base Entertainment Asia, the production company, will include a disclaimer on ticketing platforms and at the venue, stating that the show is for entertainment purposes only and not intended as a biblically accurate representation. The government emphasized its commitment to balancing artistic expression with the safeguarding of mutual respect and religious harmony in Singapore's multicultural society.

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The government is mindful of the diverse views and sensitivities in our multicultural and multireligious society. Our approach seeks to balance support for artistic expression with the safeguarding of mutual respect and religious harmony.