A Weekend With Words
9–11 Mar 2018
A Weekend With Words 9–11 Mar 2018 The Arts House
Textures celebrates the power and beauty of words. It invites audiences to experience and appreciate how words give us the ability to express ourselves as well as bring meaning to our lives and the world. With its profound ability to connect and unite, words breathe life into the vast breadth of human thought and feeling, whether spoken or written. In this weekend of words, we also celebrate Singapore literature and the people who have contributed to it. From mastering the craft to those building a community of writers and readers, they are all part of weaving and strengthening the fabric of our literary landscape. Co-commissioned by
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Supported by
CEO’s Message
The words spoken and exchanged by Singapore’s founding parliamentarians in The Old Parliament House–now known as The Arts House–played an important role in shaping the Singapore we know today. Over the years, this space has transformed from a solemn seat of government to a vibrant cultural institution. Despite these changes, words still remain at the heart of what The Arts House stands for, even more so now, as we establish ourselves as a literary arts centre. Textures is a festival that simultaneously embodies The Arts House’s identity as a home of words whilst celebrating Singapore’s literary community, whose writings reflect the country’s consciousness of the past, present and future. Take a trip down memory lane where children’s songs in our national language captured more than the airwaves in Kata-Kata Kita. Conversely, signalling the future is Auguries of Modern Innocence, Marc Nair’s 21st century spin on William Blake’s classic poem of a dystopian world. The present state of society is discussed at New Trends in Tamil Writings as well as in Kiasunomics©, a recently published book that sheds light on how seemingly innocuous decisions can have economic ramifications on our everyday lives. In this weekend with words, we have put together over 30 programmes that transverse forms and genres, melding fiction and theatre, music and poetry, and crossing cultures and languages in translation. 2
We have also extended the usual notion of “Singapore literature” beyond creative writing to champion the myriad of expressions by Singapore’s wider literary community. Understand the “behind the scenes” work of the book business at Trade Secrets and learn more about the pivotal role that reviewers play in the development of a healthy arts ecosystem at Arts Critics and Reviewers. Discover the intricacies involved in translating Malay literary works to Chinese and how translation can enrich Singapore’s tapestry of cultures at Building Bridges. So whether you wish to seek out new writing or encounter writing in new ways, be it as a writer or a reader, we invite you to be part of the many threads that, woven together, strengthen the fabric of our literary landscape. You can also take the leap from reader to creator: collaborate with a writer or an artist to make your very own comic, or work through a challenging period in your life through a workshop that looks at how poetry can heal and transform. As you explore The Arts House this weekend, we invite you to make space for words and share in the simple power and beauty of it. No more, no less – just words.
Sarah Martin CEO, Arts House Limited 3
9 Mar Programme
Venue
Time
Type
Stuck on You
Visitor Services Counter Foyer
10am–11pm
Others
Just Write Your Legacy
Living Room
10am–12pm
Performances & Readings
The Witness of Poetry
Council Room
2.30pm–4.30pm
Workshops
#BuySingLit Bazaar
Blue Room
6pm–9pm
Others
Soul to Speak
Screening Room
6pm–11pm
Others
Proletariat Poetry Factory
Outdoor
6pm–10pm
Others
Recitals of Yesteryear
Play Den
7pm–8pm
Performances & Readings
Note for Note
Chamber
8pm–9pm
Performances & Readings
The Page on Stage
Back of Chamber
9.30pm–10.45pm Performances
Programme
Venue
Time
Stuck on You
Visitor Services Counter Foyer
10am–11pm
Others
Hear Stories! Tell Stories! (Tamil)
Play Den
10am–12pm
Performances & Readings
Editorial Consultations
Council Room
10.30am–1.30pm Workshops
Go Trishaw Go (Mandarin)
Screening Room
11am–12pm
Performances & Readings
Poetry as Social Commentary or Fleeting Memory
Chamber
11am–12.30pm
Performances & Readings
(English & Malay)
& Readings
10 Mar
கைத ேக ! கைத ெசால ் !
(Poetry)
《三轮车跑得快》
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10 Mar Programme
Venue
Time
Building Bridges (Mandarin)
Living Room
11am–1pm
Talks and Panel Discussions
#BuySingLit Bazaar
Blue Room
11am–8pm
Others
Soul to Speak
Screening Room
12pm–2.30pm, 5pm–11pm
Others
The Page on Stage
Back of Chamber
Performances 2pm–3.15pm, & Readings 9.30pm–10.45pm
Open: A Boy’s Wayang Adventure
Living Room
2pm–3pm
Talks and Panel Discussions
Editorial Consultations
Council Room
2pm–5pm
Workshops
Kiasunomics©
Play Den
2pm–3pm
Talks and Panel Discussions
I Want To Go Home Uttering is Feeling
Screening Room
3pm–4.30pm
Others
Living Room
3.30pm–5pm
Talks and Panel Discussions
Editorial Consultations
Council Room
5.30pm–6.30pm
Workshops
Herstory
Living Room
5.30pm–7pm
Talks and Panel Discussions
Pledge, Plays, Prose
Chamber
7.30pm–8.30pm
Performances & Readings
Tanjong Katong Airnya Biru (Malay)
Play Den
8pm–9.30pm
Performances & Readings
Proletariat Poetry Factory
Outdoor
6pm–10pm
Others
(Fiction)
(Non-fiction)
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11 Mar Programme
Venue
Time
Stuck on You
Visitor Services Counter Foyer
10am–10pm
Others
#BuySingLit Bazaar
Blue Room
11am–6pm
Others
Read Me Like An Open Book (Mandarin)
Chamber
11am–1.30pm
Performances & Readings
Go Trishaw Go (English)
Screening Room
11am–12pm
Performances & Readings
The Witness of Poetry
Council Room
11am–1pm
Workshops
In the mood for words
Play Den
11am–2pm
Performances & Readings
Soul to Speak
Screening Room
12pm–2.30pm 5pm–10pm
Others
Making Comics! Use Your Head I Want To Go Home
Council Room
2pm– 5pm
Workshops
Play Den
3pm– 4pm
Others
Screening Room
3pm–4.30pm
Others
Trade Secrets
Living Room
3pm – 4pm
Talks and Panel Discussions
Arts Critics and Reviewers
Living Room
4.30pm–5.30pm
Talks and Panel Discussions
Who Are You My Country
Chamber
5pm–7pm
Others
New Trends in Tamil Writings (Tamil)
Play Den
5.30pm–7pm
Talks and Panel Discussions
Outdoor
4pm–8pm
Others
Back of Chamber
2pm–3.15pm 8.30pm–9.45pm
Performances & Readings
息。字亭 (Mandarin)
மாற ி வ ச ிங ்கப ் இலக ்க ிய பைடப ் கள -் ஓ பார ்ைவ
Proletariat Poetry Factory The Page on Stage
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11 Mar Programme
Venue
Time
Comics of Singapore Histories
Living Room
6pm–7pm
Others
Legend Performances and Readings
Talks and Panel Discussions
Workshops
Exhibitions
Others
Also happening Programme
Venue
Date/Time
Out of Print
Gallery I
27 Feb–19 Mar | 10am–10pm (extension to 11pm on 9 & 10 Mar)
Room of Recommendations
Gallery I
27 Feb–19 Mar | 10am– 10pm (extension to 11pm on 9 & 10 Mar)
Auguries of Modern Innocence
Gallery II
9 Mar–1 Apr | 10am–10pm (extension to 11pm on 9 & 10 Mar) ModBlake Sat, 10 Mar | 2.30pm – 5.30pm Artist Talk Sat, 17 Mar | 4pm – 5.30pm
Room of Lost Books and Wandering Writers
Gallery I
9–11 Mar | 10am–10pm (extension to 11pm on 9 & 10 Mar)
All information is correct at the time of print. Every reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information within, hence, Arts House Limited (AHL) cannot accept responsibility for errors and/or omissions however caused. Every effort has been made to identify copyright holders. We deeply regret that if, despite our concerted efforts, any copyright holders have been overlooked or omitted. Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or the official policy and position of AHL and their related corporations. Any reproduction, retransmission, republication, or other use of all or part of this publication is expressly prohibited, unless prior written permission has been granted by AHL or the appropriate copyright owner. AHL reserves the right to make changes and modifications to the programme without prior notice. For updates, please visit our website at theartshouse.sg.
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“Truth is a victim of war and crisis. Both sides kill it. A toast to truth.” My Cousin Time, My Grandfather Tim, Simon Tay
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The Page on Stage A Performance of Words from the stories of Baratham, Cheong, Jeyaretnam and Tay
9 Mar, Fri 9.30pm–10.45pm 10 Mar, Sat 2pm–3.15pm & 9.30pm–10.45pm 11 Mar, Sun 2pm–3.15pm & 8.30pm–9.45pm Back of Chamber $20 Tickets via bit.ly/thepageonstage Rating TBC
Two actors perform stories by some of Singapore’s most popular writers from the 1990s. A teacher turned life coach finds a brief but powerful connection with a colleague during a period of life rendered increasingly desolate by his own success; an errant relative returns, to the delight and consternation of his idolising but straight-laced cousin; two people meet, fall in love, and co-write the stanzas of their secret romance; a man faces the bewildering achievement of growing old. These finely-sketched characters are from some of the most memorable stories by four unforgettable Singaporean writers–Gopal Baratham, Colin Cheong, Philip Jeyaretnam and Simon Tay–characters given new life as they move from the page to the stage. Director Brendon Fernandez
Sponsor
Producer Tan Kheng Hua Cast
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Rebekah Sangeetha Dorai, Jun Vinh Teoh
Note for Note
Featuring Theophilus Kwek, Charlene Shepherdson and Marc Nair
9 Mar, Fri 8pm–9pm Chamber $10 Tickets via bit.ly/notefornote Rating TBC
Note for Note is a tête-à-tête between poet and musician. Collaborating both in form and content, these artists will take to the stage to perform original works. Much like successful fusion cuisine, there is a natural harmony between the rhythms of poetry and music. Musicians bring their own eclectic genres to the poets' table, resulting in a tasting palette that is rich with intertwined layers of meaning. This edition is the first of three in 2018, and will feature poets Theophilus Kwek, Charlene Shepherdson and Marc Nair. They will be paired with musicians Joses Ho, Daniel Tan and Yvonne Teo. Poet & Musician Pairings Theophilus Kwek & Yvonne Teo Charlene Shepherdson & Joses Ho Marc Nair & Daniel Tan
Photo of Charlene Shepherdson and Theophilus Kwek Copyright Jon Gresham Photo of Marc Nair Courtesy of National Arts Council
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“we are albums with stories much more than where we’re from.” on record, Charlene Shepherdson
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Copyright Jon Gresham
Go Trishaw Go: Read and Play! 《三轮车跑得快》儿童读游会
你看到小熊吗？
Have you seen the teddy bear? 虎威 Wong Hooe Wai
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Performances and Readings Free with registration at bit.ly/Textures2018
Just Write Your Legacy
Guided Autobiography for Seniors 9 Mar, Fri | 10am–12pm | Living Room
Have you ever reminisced about your grandmother’s recipes and cooking? Or felt nostalgic about your secondary school days? Come listen to excerpts from the life stories written by participants of the National Library Board’s Guided Autobiography (GAB) programme. They will also share their experiences of the GAB writing series.
Recitals of Yesteryear - Kata-kata Kita
A talk by Rilla Melati & Cikgu Bahri Rajib with song performances led by Aqmal 9 Mar, Fri | 7pm–8pm | Play Den | In Malay and English
This performance-based forum showcases Malay children songs of yesteryears. Easy to remember and recite, children songs are often imbued with an educational and entertaining nature. However, they are actually filled with rich vocabulary, melodies and rhythms, which make them interesting mediums for analysis. This re-imagining of works written from the 1950s to 1980s from the book Lagu-Lagu Kita also encourages the continuous production of children songs in nurturing creative imagination and timeless values for generations to come.
Go Trishaw Go: Read and Play!
《三轮车跑得快》儿童读游会
10 Mar, Sat | 11am–12pm (Mandarin) | Screening Room 11 Mar, Sun | 11am–12pm (English) | Screening Room Suitable for children aged 6 to 12. Each child may be accompanied by 1 parent. Programme Partner Lingzi Media
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Travel back in time to 1960s Chinatown and embark on an adventure with little Wei, the protagonist of architect and author Francis Wong Hooe Wai’s (虎威) heartwarming new picture book. Discover and explore various historic religious monuments around Singapore – such as the Thian Hock Keng temple and the Jamae Mosque – as Wei pursues his naughty teddy bear through the pages. This fun-filled session, organised in partnership with Lingzi Media, will also include drawing sessions, the singing of nursery rhymes, and a game of “Spot the Building, Find the Teddy Bear”.
Hear Stories! Tell Stories! 10 Mar, Sat | 10am–12pm | Play Den | In Tamil
Programme Partner Association of Singapore Tamil Writers
Storytelling is an art that connects human emotions. The world is full of stories! In this unique workshop-performance, children will learn to tell a great story in Tamil through performances by their peers and interactive exercises with storytellers. Join the fun and be a part of the storytelling community!
Poetry as Social Commentary or Fleeting Memory
Featuring Eunos Asah and Maarof Salleh
10 Mar, Sat | 11am–12.30pm | Chamber | In Malay This poetry recital and forum will feature two veteran writers whose influence on the Malay literary scene has been brought to the fore by a number of recent publications and literary forums. What are some of their interests and observations, and what can they do (or undo) for the Malay literary scene in Singapore? While social commitment is often demanded from writers, do veteran writers themselves fulfil such expectations? Are such questions even relevant today?
Pledge, Plays, Prose
The Literary Works of S. Rajaratnam
10 Mar, Sat | 7.30pm–8.30pm Chamber | Rating TBC
“Yesterday and the day before and before that, there was bitterness and sorrow. Today there is so much joy that I want to sing and dance like that crazy cow-herd Vellan. Yes, where does it all come from?” “From the heart,” he told himself.
S. Rajaratnam was one of Locusts, S. Rajaratnam Singapore’s founding fathers and its first Foreign Minister. He was also instrumental in creating what is possibly the most recited sequence of words in Singapore’s history – the National Pledge. But this journalist-turned-political ideologue was also a man of the literary word. His collections of short stories and radio plays reveal the depth of his intellect, imagination, political convictions and idealism. Pledge, Plays, Prose celebrates S. Rajaratnam’s quiet contributions to Singapore’s literary landscape. Join us at this reading of excerpts of his stories and radio plays, which will be followed by a panel discussion.
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Directed and read by Remesh Panicker, along with R Chandran, Amy Cheng and Gerald Chew. This will be followed by a panel discussion with Dr Kirpal Singh and Ms Irene Ng.
Tanjong Katong Airnya Biru 10 Mar, Sat | 8pm–9.30pm | Play Den | In Malay | Rating TBC To celebrate the launch of an anthology of the same name, new Malaylanguage publisher Unggun Creative will stage a reading of excerpts from different stories with an accompanying wayang kulit performance.
In the mood for words 息。字亭 11 Mar, Sun | 11am–2pm | Play Den | In Mandarin Programme Partner 微.Wei Collective
and Global Publishing
In the mood for words is a two-part durational performance and installation. It is set to《房间絮语》Discourse In A Room, a collection of prose pieces written over the course of ten years by theatre actor and critic Neo Hai Bin and drawn from his reflections on daily life. This interactive and experiential event designed by 微.Wei Collective invites participants to enter the mind of the writer and get a glimpse of his ruminations and inspirations, after which they will get to pen down their thoughts and read their creations aloud.
Read me like an open book
《我和我的新书》新华作品分享会
11 Mar, Sun | 11am–1.30pm | Chamber | In Mandarin Ten writers, ten new books. Get a taste of some of the most exciting Chinese titles published recently in Singapore, spanning genres from fiction to non-fiction, prose to poetry. Hear from writers such as Cultural Medallion recipient Lin Gao, theologist and painter Dr Choong Chee Pang and Golden Point Award winner Chen Yu Yan as they share about the inspirations and challenges in their creative process. Pick up a plethora of writing tips and techniques, as well as secrets on finding your writer’s voice. This event is produced by the Singapore Association of Writers and the Contemporary Arts Research Association.
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Talks and Panel Discussions Free with registration via bit.ly/Textures2018
Building Bridges
Culture and Language in Translation Featuring Chan Maw Woh 陈妙华 and Wing Chong 温昌
走进马来文学的广阔天地 ——《小语种大舞台》座谈会 10 Mar, Sat | 11am–1pm | Living Room | In Mandarin Moderated by Lee Chuan Low This dialogue session by Singaporean Malay-to-Chinese translators Chan Maw Woh and Wing Chong opens doors into the rich and layered world of local and regional Malay literature, illuminating significant Malay writers and their works, as well as providing updates on the latest developments in contemporary Malay literature. Both speakers will also discuss the intricacies, rewards and challenges of serving as a bridge between worlds, looking at how the act of translation goes beyond mere linguistic interpretation and to elucidate and embody a culture’s spirit and essence.
Programme Partner Singapore Literature Society
Open: A Boy’s Wayang Adventure 10 Mar, Sat | 2pm–3pm | Living Room How can Singapore literature play a part in encouraging inclusivity? Join author Eva Wong Nava and film director Raymond Tan—the creative minds behind Open: A Boy’s Wayang Adventure—for a dialogue about representation, acceptance, and preserving our cultural histories. Open is a middle-grade novel based on the upcoming film The Wayang Kids, by Brainchild Pictures.
Programme Partner Ethos Books
Kiasunomics©
Featuring Ang Swee Hoon and Sing Tien Foo
10 Mar, Sat | 2pm–3pm | Play Den Have you ever wondered whether “He had always been told by Ah Mah individuals born in the year of the that as a Dragon baby, he would always Dragon are truly blessed? Or why be blessed with good fortune, and that life you can’t find a taxi when you need would be smooth sailing. So what is this one? What about the effects of about not doing well?” superstitious beliefs on housing Kiasunomics© Sumit Agarwal, Ang Swee Hoon and Sing Tien Foo prices? Join two of the authors of Kiasunomics©, Ang Swee Hoon and Sing Tien Foo, who will share excerpts of their findings and discuss how research can be made relevant to our everyday lives. 16
Open: A Boy’s Wayang Adventure
What a wonder it must be to be stars in the sky. Eva Wong Nava Open: A Boy’s Wayang Adventure
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Herstory
Clockwise: Meira Chand, Suchen Christine Lim and Catherine Lim
“I will look and learn.� Sita replied, surprising herself at the confidence she heard in her voice. Sacred Waters, Meira Chand
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Uttering is Feeling: Poetry of Dissent Featuring Dr Nazry Bahrawi
10 Mar, Sat | 3.30pm–5pm | Living Room This talk will see Dr Nazry unpacking the imagery and social meaning in Mohamed Latiff Mohamed’s latest collection of poetry, Uttering is Feeling: Poetry of Dissent. Dr Nazry will also comment on its translated version vis-à-vis its Malay original. There will also be a poetry recital as part of this session.
Herstory
Featuring Meira Chand, Catherine Lim and Suchen Christine Lim
10 Mar, Sat | 5.30pm–7pm | Living Room | Moderated by Clarinda Choh The doyennes of Singapore literature come together for the first time to share and discuss the triumphs and challenges of literary careers that have spanned several decades.
Trade Secrets
Featuring Fong Hoe Fang, Felicia Low and Helen Mangham
11 Mar, Sun | 3pm–4pm | Living Room | Moderated by William Phuan A publisher, a book buyer and a literary agent get together to share the secrets of their trade. This panel will delve into the behind-the-scenes work of the book business.
Arts Critics and Reviewers
Featuring Stephanie Burridge, Matthew Lyon and Cyril Wong
11 Mar, Sun | 4.30pm–5.30pm | Living Room Moderated by Kenneth Kwok This panel – featuring reviewers of dance, theatre, and literary work – will explore the role of art reviewers and critical writing as an important facet of a vibrant arts and cultural scene.
New Trends in Tamil Writings 11 Mar, Sun | 5.30pm–7pm | Play Den | In Tamil A panel of writers will come together to read passages from new literary works and share their thoughts on the trends in current Tamil writings. 19
Workshops
Free with registration at bit.ly/Textures2018
The Witness of Poetry: Emotions, Trauma and Healing by Desmond Kon Zhicheng-Mingdé and Eric Tinsay Valles
9 Mar, Fri | 2.30pm–4.30pm & 11 Mar, Sun | 11am–1pm Council Room
“Poetry can be deeply moving. As we read or write our lines, the mere activity of attending to our emotions can offer respite and healing. This is a poetry of therapy, where language helps the self do the work of retrieval, engagement, and contemplation. It’s about sitting with our personal history, and allowing our small stories to freely relate themselves on the page.” Desmond Kon Zhicheng-Mingdé
This workshop will help participants discover how poetry may offer a powerful means of healing as they excavate buried emotions and express them in crafted language – and how the truth of one’s experience may articulate itself through captivating image and sound.
Programme Partner Squircle Line Press
Editorial Consultations 10 Mar, Sat | 10.30am–1.30pm (Poetry) | 2pm–5pm (Fiction) 5.30pm–6.30pm (Non-fiction) | Council Room The editorial consultations target serious writers who are working on manuscripts with the intention to publish. Writers were invited to submit their work to be part of these consultations and selected participants will receive a 30-minute one-to-one consultation with an established editor. Manuscripts for poetry, fiction and non-fiction were accepted with the publishers Math Paper Press, Epigram Books and Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) conducting the consultations respectively. Applications are now closed. These sessions are for selected participants only.
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Making Comics!
Working with others in the Sequential Arts
11 Mar, Sun | 2pm–5pm | Council Room Sonny Liew’s Eisner wins for The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye have turned the spotlight on Singapore comics and the Singapore comics auteur – one who writes and draws his or her own comics. This workshop will explore how writers and artists collaborate to produce comics with a practical exercise to get budding creators to start working together. Join Lim Cheng Tju and Benjamin Chee, the writer and artist team of Guidebook to Nanyang Diplomacy, and Dave Chua and Max Loh of We’ll Eat When We’re Done for a fun-filled afternoon.
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For a maximum of 20 participants – 10 writers and 10 artists – who will work in pairs and collaborate on the various comics exercises. Suitable for teenagers and adults with a passion for comics. No previous experience is required.
Exhibitions Auguries of Modern Innocence 9 Mar–1 Apr , Fri–Sun | 10am–10pm (extension to 11pm on 9 & 10 Mar) ModBlake Workshop 10 Mar, Sat | 2.30pm–5.30pm | Drop-in workshop Artist Talk 17 Mar, Sat | 4pm–5.30pm | Gallery II | Free This exhibition features a 21st century spin on William Blake’s classic poem Auguries of Innocence. In keeping with Blake’s legacy as a poet, painter and sometime prophet, eight graphic and comic illustrators— Dan Wong, Jerry Teo, Neo Ann Gee, Chen Yan Yun, Brenna Tan, Caleb Tan, Russell Ong and Wu Yanrong—have come together with poet Marc Nair to write and illustrate a modern version that depicts the world in all its dystopian glory.
Programme Partner Marc Nair & Dan Wong
Drop-in Workshop (Walk-ins are welcomed, subject to available space) ModBlake is an interactive ekphrastic experience that showcases the artistic process behind Auguries of Modern Innocence. In this drop-in workshop, participants will modernise a fragment from one of William Blake’s poems together with Marc Nair. They will then bring their modernised verse over to an illustrator, who will work with them to create a customised drawing on the spot. Participants will be able to take their newly minted artwork home for a minimum donation. Artist Talk (Walk-ins are welcomed, subject to available space) Join poet Marc Nair and artists Dan Wong, Neo Ann Gee and Caleb Tan as they discuss modern innocence and the collaborative process in the making of the exhibition and the book.
Room of Lost Books and Wandering Writers 9–11 Mar, Fri–Sun | 10am–10pm (extension to 11pm on 9 & 10 Mar) Gallery I | Free Second-generation Singapore literature published between the 1960s to the turn of the century could well be unfamiliar to readers of contemporary SingLit. Enter the mesmerising Room of Lost Books and Wandering Writers to explore and find treasures that connect pioneer authors and writers of today. Produced by Landmark Books. 22
Auguries of Modern Innocence
We are the fulcrum of our need And now its time: refresh the feed Auguries of Modern Innocence, Marc Nair
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Out of Print
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Out of Print 27 Feb–19 Mar, daily | 10am–10pm (extension to 11pm on 9 & 10 Mar) Gallery I | Free
Programme Partners Sing Lit Station, Sarah and Schooling Also happening 9 Mar (Fri), 8pm–8.45pm Singapore Design Week 2018 exhibition tour with Sarah and Schooling 10 Mar (Sat), 2pm–2.45pm & 4pm–4.45pm #BuySingLit 2018 exhibition tour with Sing Lit Station 11 Mar (Sun), 2pm–2.45pm & 4pm–4.45pm #BuySingLit 2018: Exhibition tour with Sing Lit Station
Out of Print is an exhibition presented by Sing Lit Station in collaboration with graphic design firm Sarah and Schooling. Curated by poet Daryl Lim Wei Jie, this exhibition showcases the history and early development of Singapore literature alongside modern graphic design techniques, shining the spotlight on significant literary works that had left an impact on our cultural landscape. Visitors to the exhibition will discover the historical importance of 16 titles published between 1965 and 1995 and appreciate contemporary reinterpretations of their covers by Sarah and Schooling. Combining various media and design approaches such as typography, illustration, photography, and printing techniques, the artworks inject fresh energy, curiosity and interest in past literary works that might be forgotten in our present-day understanding of local literature.
Room of Recommendations 27 Feb–19 Mar, daily | 10am–10pm (extension to 11pm on 9 & 10 Mar) Gallery I | Free Are you new to Singlit and wondering where to start? Or are you a seasoned reader hungry for your next Singlit binge? Sit back, grab a cuppa and browse a selection of local favourites recommended by writers, publishers and thinkers in Singapore’s literary scene and find out why these titles are absolute page-turners.
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Others #BuySingLit Bazaar 9 Mar, Fri | 6pm–9pm & 10 Mar, Sat | 11am–8pm & 11 Mar, Sun | 11am–6pm | Blue Room | Free The #BuySingLit Bazaar is a weekend-long showcase of the best in the local publishing scene. After a successful run last year at Gillman Barracks, it returns bigger and bolder and features established and independent literary content makers.
Programme Partner BooksActually
Soul to Speak
Readings by Singapore Poets
9 Mar, Fri | 6pm–11pm & 10 Mar, Sat | 12pm–2.30pm, 5pm–11pm 11 Mar, Sun | 12pm–2.30pm, 5pm–10pm Screening Room | Free Give yourself an auditory treat with this cinematic recording of poetry read aloud by eight Singaporean poets—including Alfian Sa’at, Gwee Li Sui and Pooja Nansi—as they weave an eclectic tapestry of life in an urban jungle. The poetry selections tend towards intersections between the monstrous and the manicured, the enigmatic and prosaic, the spontaneous and the orchestrated – with an eye to towards the multifarious threads of human nature.
Stuck on You 9–10 Mar, Fri–Sat | 10am–11pm & 11 Mar, Sun | 10am–10pm Visitor Services Counter Foyer | Free Create your own poems or pieces of flash fiction with this installation modelled after the popular magnetic poetry sets!
Proletariat Poetry Factory 9–10 Mar, Fri–Sat | 6pm–10pm & 11 Mar, Sun | 4pm–8pm Outdoor | Free The Proletariat Poetry Factory clocks in at The Arts House during Textures! Come by and place an order for a personalised poem or piece of flash fiction which will be composed on the spot.
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Book launch of
Who Are You My Country 11 Mar, Sun | 5pm–7pm | Chamber | Free From the 1930s to 1965, the youth of colonial Singapore discussed and wrote about identity, seeking to enkindle the idea of a nation that did not yet exist. Student publications like The Malayan Undergrad, The New Cauldron and The Malayan Orchard facilitated their dedication and literature became the avenue of our national imagination. 50 years after independence, the young Singaporean writers under 35 respond to these historical works as a reflection of the collective imagination of Singapore.
I Want To Go Home
Film Screening and Book Talk by Wesley Leon Aroozoo
10 Mar, Sat | 3pm–4.30pm & 11 Mar, Sun | 3pm–4.30pm Screening Room | Free On the 11th of March, 2011, Yasuo Takamatsu lost his wife to the tsunami during the Great East Japan earthquake. Since that fateful day, he has been diving in the sea every week in search for her. Compelled and inspired to share his story, I Want To Go Home is a journey from Singapore to Onagawa through the lens of the intrigued to meet him. In addition, the narrative has most recently been published as a duallanguage novel of the same name in both Japanese and English. Come hear from director and author Wesley Leon Aroozoo on the process on conceiving both works and the challenges and rewards of working across disciplines.
Book launch of
Use Your Head 11 Mar, Sun | 3pm – 4pm | Play Den | Free
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Join award-winning Singaporean poet Felix Cheong on his first foray into the creative and colourful field of children’s illustrated story books! Use Your Head is an interactive hybrid of an activity book and a picture book, about the power of the imagination being able to create worlds. Written in simple rhyming couplets, this is the perfect book for young children aged four and above. Join the author for a reading of the book and fun activities for the little ones!
Book launch of
Comics of Singapore Histories 11 Mar, Sun | 6pm–7pm | Living Room | Free Comics of Singapore Histories (COSH Studios) is a new series of graphic albums that brings to light little-known stories of Singapore’s past, real or otherwise. The storytellers whisper in the gutters between the factual and the fantastical to imagine futures, pluralities and alternatives. Join Dave Chua, Max Loh, Cheah Sin Ann, Don Low, Joelyn Alexandra and Elvin Ching for the launch of the second series of COSH books.
About The Arts House Occupying an almost 200-year-old building that was home to Singapore’s first parliament, The Arts House continues in the distinguished tradition of this gazetted national monument and now plays a key role in the country’s arts and creative scene. The Arts House at the Old Parliament, as it is a affectionately referred to, promotes and presents multidisciplinary programmes and festivals within its elegant spaces. It focuses in particular on the literary arts, celebrating the works of written and spoken word artists from Singapore and beyond. As a key partner of the annual Singapore Writers Festival, the House is the hub of this premier literary event and organises some of the key festival highlights. The Arts House is managed by Arts House Limited.
Getting to The Arts House Esplanade MRT
Parliament House
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Victoria Theatre & Victoria Concert Hall
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The Fullerton Hotel Raffles Place MRT Raffles Place MRT
Getting to The Arts House 1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429
Bus Supreme Court 195, 961
Train 10–15 minute walk from Clarke Quay, City Hall, Esplanade, Fort Canning and Raffles Place MRT stations
Car Parking is available at the Parliament House, National Gallery Singapore, The Adelphi and Fullerton Hotel.
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Dear
Yours sincerely,
Dear Author Ever read a book by a local author that made your day? Here’s the perfect opportunity to thank him or her who had spent many sleepless nights for your reading pleasure. Write your thoughts on this card and bring it to The Arts House from 9 to 11 March, and we will deliver it to your favourite author*. What’s more, by showing this card to The Arts House Visitor Services Counter staff, you can stand to receive a $10 #BuySingLit voucher** – a perfect excuse to buy that book you’ve always wanted. Make your favourite author’s day – it’s time to return that favour! *Authors who are featured at the #BuySingLit Bazaar, organised by BooksActually. **First-come-first-served, while stocks last.