ETC. Fest 2025: 'The Retreat' by Michelle Tan (Astena Theatre, Universiti Tenaga Nasional)

The Retreat, playwright by Michelle Tan

After surviving a shipwreck, Mira arrives at a secluded villa that advertises peace and healing. Instead, she and several strangers are cut off from civilization, surrounded by secrets, paranoia, and death. A hypnotist, a journal, and the relentless sound of Chopin’s nocturne tie together their unravelling minds. As accusations fly and murders unfold, the group must face a terrifying truth, not everyone is who they seem, and survival may come at the cost of confronting one’s deepest guilt.

Genre: Psychological Thriller / Mystery 

Contains mature themes, psychological tension, strong language, and depictions of violence. Viewer discretion is advised. 

"Be prepared for sudden twists, sharp dialogue, and moments that will challenge your perception of truth. The Retreat doesn’t just ask “Who will survive?” it dares you to reflect on what it truly means to escape, heal, and confront the past."

Step into a world where beauty masks danger, and healing turns into horror. The Retreat is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from the very first note of Chopin’s nocturne to the shocking final reveal. 

"If you are drawn to plays that test the human psyche, explore moral grey areas, and blend haunting atmosphere with raw emotion, The Retreat is a production you cannot miss."

The Retreat explores the journey into the hidden corners of the human mind. Set in an isolated villa cut off by stormy seas, the story unfolds like a puzzle where every character guards a secret and every silence speak louder than words. Audiences will find themselves questioning not only who the real killer is, but also how guilt, trauma, and memory shape human behaviour.

"Chopin’s haunting nocturne echoes throughout the play, symbolizing grief and loss, while the storm outside mirrors the chaos within each character."

This play is not just a story, it’s an experience. The immersive staging pulls you into the storm, the flickering lights, and the suffocating silence of the secluded villa. Every scene is designed to heighten suspense, with moments that will make you gasp, question, and even doubt your own instincts about who to trust, blurring the line between reality and delusion.