Jesus Christ Superstar musical gets Advisory 16 rating in Singapore amid religious sensitivity concerns
“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 authorities said in a joint statement.
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SINGAPORE: Base Entertainment Asia’s Jesus Christ Superstar musical has been given an Advisory 16 rating by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), with the consumer advice of "Some Mature Content", amid concerns over religious sensitivities.
The move is in consultation with the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the authorities said in a joint media statement on Thursday (Jun 11).
The Advisory 16 rating and consumer advice are intended to alert audiences to the mature and religiously sensitive nature of the content.
The rating is one of IMDA's four classification ratings, assigned to content with mature themes that are more suitable for audiences aged 16 and above.
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The others are General, Advisory and Restricted 18, which is the only rating that requires organisers to enforce the age limit.
“In arriving at the classification for the production, IMDA reviewed the materials submitted for the production against the Arts Entertainment Classification Code,” the authorities said.
IMDA also consulted MCCY and MHA on community and religious sensitivities.
It said it had sought the views of its advisory panels, which drew members from a "broad cross-section of Singapore society".
IMDA added it took into account the work’s long history, including the fact that the film adaptation had previously been screened in Singapore.
Jesus Christ Superstar was first staged as a musical in 1971 in the US before being adapted into a film in 1973.
The film was approved for screening in Singapore and shown here in 1974. The musical and film have since been produced and shown around the world.
“The production presents a dramatised, artistic interpretation of biblical figures and events. It does not purport to be a religious or doctrinal account. Audiences should keep this context in mind if they view the show," the authorities said in their statement.
“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.”
They added that they have engaged them to hear their views and to explain the government’s approach to arts classification, including how religiously sensitive content is assessed.
The classification of the production is not an endorsement of the production, they said.
The musical arrives in Singapore's Marina Bay Sands Theatre in August.
What to know about the Jesus Christ Superstar musical
- Jesus Christ Superstar is a rock opera with music by famed composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.
- The story is told entirely through song and explores the relationships between biblical figures Jesus Christ, Judas, Mary Magdalene and others.
- The musical is set against the backdrop of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus, as seen through the eyes of Judas.
- Originally released as an album in 1970, the show opened on Broadway in 1971 in New York City's Mark Hellinger Theatre, before being adapted into a film in 1973.
- The film was approved for screening in Singapore and shown here in 1974.
- The musical and film have since been produced and shown around the world.
- Since its debut, Jesus Christ Superstar has proved controversial with religious groups for its portrayal of biblical figures.
- The musical had been banned in India's Kerala, but the ban was struck down by the country's Supreme Court in 2015, according to the Times of India.
- The Singapore production will run from Aug 19 to Sep 6, 2026, at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, and is presented by Base Entertainment Asia.
Base Entertainment Asia has included a disclaimer on ticketing platforms and will do so at the event venue.
The disclaimer will make clear that the production is presented for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended to be a biblically accurate representation of the life of Jesus.
“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,” the authorities said in the statement.
They added that they will continue consulting and engaging advisory panels and key stakeholders closely, especially on content that may be religiously sensitive.
“Productions that denigrate any religion, incite hatred or ill-will, or pose a real risk to religious harmony will not be allowed to be staged,” they said.
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