CONTENTS
2
4
6
Forewords
SWF Commission
SWF Stage
16
18
22
Exhibitions
Programmes:
Programmes:
4 November
5–6 November
64
84
126
Programmes:
Programmes:
Country Focus:
7–11 November
12–13 Novmber
Japan
131
139
193
Malay Conference
Authors and
SWF Programmes
and Literary Pioneers
Presenters
for the Deaf
198
200
203
Visitor information
Festival Map
Acknowledgments
INFORMATION IS CORRECT AS OF 5 OCTOBER. REFER TO SINGAPOREWRITERSFESTIVAL.COM FOR L ATEST UPDATES.
LEGEND
Marquee
101 Talks, Workshops
Family-friendly events
events
& Masterclasses
(spot the events in different colours for easy reference!)
Transcending
Fun & Surprising
Language and Genre
Pop-ups
FOREWORD
The ritual is familiar to Singaporeans. Standing at a school assembly or a public function, you’d sing the lyrics of community tunes. They include 'Xiao Ren Wu De Xin Sheng' (Voices From The Heart), 'Munnaeru Vaalibaa' (Forward O Youth) and yes, 'Rasa Sayang' (Loving Feeling). Memories of belting out that last song welled up while my team and I were planning this year’s Singapore Writers Festival. But do we really know what the song means? Are we paying lip service to multi-lingualism, of getting to know each other? That is why we chose Sayang as the theme for this year’s festival. Found in Malay, Tagalog, Sundanese and various languages of the Malay Archipelago, the word ‘sayang’ means love and tenderness. Significantly, it also refers to regret and pity, delivered with a wistful sigh. We savour the nuances, its shades of loves and losses.
Yeow Kai Chai Festival Director
The word provides the guiding principle for our programming: What do we love and what sacrifices have we made?
which tells the story of Singapore literature. We also team up with Berita Harian as they rally some of Singapore’s literary luminaries. Deepening our SWF Class programming, we have launched a new Classroom series of talks on wide-ranging topics such as football and the link between poetry and fishing. Look out too for the new Sequential Arts focus, highlighting the rise of graphic novelists and comic artists. Lastly, we are chuffed by the writers and speakers we have this year, who will rue on matters personal and communal, national and universal. We like to think we have created a global village of sorts, with thinkers coming together, sharing thoughts, hanging out with one another. That is the ultimate connection we look for this year. See you around in the next 10 days.
02
F E S T I V A L
We think you’ll love Between The Lines: Rant And Rave II, a theatrical production
W R I T E R S
collaborations and lectures.
S I N G A P O R E
approach last year, and we continue to do so this year, with productions,
2 0 1 6
We are heartened, for instance, that you have embraced our inter-disciplinary
FOREWORD
After the celebratory mood of the Golden Jubilee, and following the passing of two truly historic figures—Mr Lee Kuan Yew and Mr S R Nathan—2016 offers a chance for reflection. Mr Lee and Nathan penned substantial memoirs, in part because they both understood that deeds (and lessons to be learned) live on in words. This year’s theme, Sayang, offers an affectionate, tender and personal framing for the 19 th edition of the Festival; a way of looking back on paths traversed, and forward to the road ahead. Poignantly, we may recall what we have lost along the way. Confidently, we may affirm what we have gained. Love and loss, desire and affection, such feelings animate our explorations of past and present, of personal trajectories of triumph or failure, and of history and the broader world. Philip Jeyaretnam
Whether you are a lover of books or a follower of news and contemporary opinion,
Chairman,
SWF 2016 presents a wide array of programmes, ranging from panel discussions
Steering Committee
about Singapore and the South-east Asian region to hard-hitting talks about global affairs. Don’t miss respected literary figures Gwee Li Sui and Boey Kim Cheng who will speak of the future of Singapore that is yet to be written, of a literature still uncharted. From the international stage, join the audience for Jonathan Friesen’s lecture, 'Creating a Society of Empathy', or listen to Atia Abawi’s personal experiences as a war correspondent and her timely analysis of the refugee crisis in
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
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Europe and the Middle East. The festival continues to broaden its multi-lingual, multi-disciplinary approach. There’s Cache, the musicians-writers collaboration co-presented with The Esplanade; as well as a special performance by television and theatre actress Siti Khalijah in a script written by Alfian Sa’at. Directed by Aidli ‘Alin’ Mosbit, Siti will share her literary and theatrical inspirations in An Actress Prepares. There’s much to love and savour indeed—enjoy serendipitous encounters with more than 300 authors and speakers, and events where you can imbibe the beauty of words across all art forms.
03
SWF2016 COMMISSION – GENGGA M AN SAYANG (LOVE ' S GR A SP) NOOR HASNAH ADAM
MOTHER My love, learn from the learned. Share with those who
Sayang, berguru pada yang tahu. Berkongsi pada yang
want to learn too. Surrender to the One. As the Malay
mahu. Berserah pada yang Satu. Kata orang Melayu,
saying goes, be someone dignified, not loathed.
kalau besar nanti jadi orang, jangan jadi hantu.
When you were born, your tiny fingers reached for
Sewaktu sayang dilahirkan, jari-jemari mungilmu
my hand, and together, we made a strong bond. Your
mencapai jemari ibu lantas menggenggam kuat menjadi
hands refused to let go. It was a beautiful gesture. And
satu. Bagai tak mahu melepaskan. Indah. Naluri ibu
it filled me with maternal joy.
terus terpaut bahagia.
As you grew up, your grip loosened. My heart began
Semakin Sayang beranjak dewasa, jemari itu turut
to worry.
membesar. Genggaman jemari semakin longgar. Hati ibu semakin bimbang.
My love, those fingers keep secrets. Place your right hand on the right side of your face. Notice its position.
Sayang, jari-jemari itu memiliki rahsia. Letakkanlah tangan kanan ke bahagian kanan muka. Lihatlah di
The thumb falls on the ear. While firm and solid, it
mana letak jatuhnya.
does not have the reach of the other fingers. Therefore, not everything we hear should reach our ears. Listen
Jari jempol jatuh di telinga. Walaupun jempol kukuh dan
only to the good.
padat, tidak sepanjang jari-jemari yang lain. Ini bererti tidak semua patut kita dengar. Dengarlah hanya yang
The forefinger lands on your temple, exhorting us to
baik-baik.
think with a sound mind. Jari telunjuk di pelipis kepala, adalah petunjuk yang As for the middle finger pointing at the eye, it
jelas menyuruh kita berfikir menggunakan akal.
symbolises that we often see vices around us. So do not be deceived.
Jari hantu di mata, adalah lambang kejahatan yang banyak berpunca daripada mata. Jangan terpedaya.
The ring finger, which is on the nose, encourages us to distinguish between scent and stench. May you
Jari manis di hidung, menggalakkan kita tahu mana
choose what’s right.
yang harum dan busuk. Supaya bijak memilih jalan yang benar.
Lastly, the little finger on the lips reminds us to speak wisely. After all, much ill-health and many broken relationships are caused by a blabbermouth. “If there is nothing good to be said, it is better to remain silent.”
Sementara jari kelengkeng di mulut, mengingatkan kita supaya kecilkan penggunaan mulut. Banyak kerosakan hubungan dan gangguan kesihatan bermula daripada mulut. 'Jika tidak ada yang baik-baik untuk dikatakan, baiklah diam sahaja.'
The elders have lived life. Their reproach is love. Their advice is affection.
Orang tua banyak makan garam. Setiap teguran itu, tanda sayang. Setiap nasihat itu, tanda kasih.
My love, should my grip loosen when I’m gone, hold tightly to my
Sayangku, andai genggaman jari ibu telah
words… so that our children and
hilang, pesanan ini harus dipegang…
their children will grow up right.
agar anak cucu menjadi orang.
SWF2016 COMMISSION – GENGGA M AN SAYANG (LOVE ' S GR A SP) NUR A ISYA H LYA N A
DAUGHTER Ibu, dahulu kuhanya segumpal darah; wujudku
Mother, I was once a speck of blood until
mentah, dagingku putih. Semakin aku genggam
you brought me into existence. The more I
jemarimu, ibuku guruku, semakin kujadikan teguran
grasped your fingers, my mother, my mentor,
pahitmu pedoman hidupku.
the more your tough words guided me.
Ibu, kini diriku beranjak dewasa; terlalu banyak
Mother, now that I’ve grown up, your advice
pesananmu. Leteranmu laksana pepasir bertaburan
overwhelms me. Your words are like sand
di pantai, kadangkala ditelan ombak khayalan,
strewn on the beach, washed over by waves
kadangkala terdampar semula bercanggah kata.
of fantasy. Sometimes, they hit back at
Jurang generasi kita berbeza. Namun, kufaham ibu
you, carried by waves crashing along
cuma bimbang. Semakin dewasa, semakin longgar
the shore.
genggaman jemariku. We may think differently, but I know Yakinlah ibu, jari-jemari kita masih lagi terjalin.
you care about me. The older I am, the more I loosen my grip on you.
Jari jempolku tanda setuju: nasihat mutiaramu mendendang pendengaran, semakin perlu dalam dunia
But have faith, Mother. Our
remaja saban hari. Kini kutampak sendiri gejala maksiat
fingers are still intertwined.
bermaharajalela. My thumb says I agree with you. Jari telunjuk menuding silap. Di media sosial, aib
I now realise that your words of
terbuka menyingkap rahsia. Hanya akal paksi
wisdom are vital in my teenage years,
kebenaran. Sebelum menuding, baik bercermin.
as I start witnessing vice around me.
Jari hantu menconteng arang dalam pandangan
My forefinger is quick to judge. In social
kepalsuan. Loloskan diri ke dunia hiburan. Dandankan
media, it is easy to uncover a person’s
tubuh dengan tatu berseni. Legakan dahaga dengan
disgrace. Only a discerning mind can tell
bebuih arak kebebasan.
the truth.
Jari manis lambang haruman cinta. Kusedar, restu ibu
My middle finger reminds me of shame. Of people
tetap perlu.
losing themselves in material wants, destroying their own bodies, and giving in to wanton indulgences.
Namun, jari kelengkeng sebaliknya cerminan janji di bibir kan kekal. Usahlah khuatir ibu, akan terus
The ring finger represents romantic love, but I now
kuteguhkan lagi pendirianku.
realise love without your blessing means nothing. Ibu, andainya jemarimu tiada
Finally, with my little finger, I promise I will stand by my values. Please don’t worry.
lagi, kususun sepuluh jariku. Akan kuwasiatkan kata-kata emasmu, biarpun tinta berganti darah… agar anak cucu menjadi orang.
Mother, should your grip loosen when you’re gone, I will clasp my fingers in prayer, and hold your hand tighter. I will then share your golden words with my children, and their children, so they can become people you can be proud of.
SWF STAGE
S W F S TA G E
BETWEEN THE LINES: R ANT AND R AVE II Tracing the evolution of SingLit on stage Singapore Writers Festival × The Finger Players
$35
PERFOR M ANCE
Between The Lines: Rant and Rave II takes you on an odyssey
Chong Tze Chien
8:00PM–9:30PM
of how the English-language literature scene in Singapore has
Cast
6 November,
post-colonial days, to the advent of book retail giant Borders
Jean Ng,
3:00PM–4:30PM
in the 1990s, to the literary activism that has galvanised
evolved through the decades: from the literature during our
Serene Chen, Chong Gua Kee Lighting design Lim Woan Wen Music and sound Darren Ng
writers and readers of today. Relive the conversations and Venue
events that have made history with actors Serene Chen and
School of the Arts,
Jean Ng as they take on the roles of real-life poets, novelists,
Studio Theatre
publishers and many more in this loving tribute to the written word. This play will make history, quite literally. There will be an exclusive post-show book sale. Payment in cash only. This production is by The Finger Players and commissioned by Singapore Writers Festival.
06
F E S T I V A L
Simultaneously a crash course in, and a love letter to SingLit,
4–5 November,
W R I T E R S
Date and time
directed by
S I N G A P O R E
Written and
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BET WEEN THE LINES: R ANT AND R AVE II
SWF STAGE
S W F S TA G E
FARISH A NOOR The Whens and Whys of 'Sayang': How a Word Captures our Region's History
$15
SWF LECTURE
THE WHENS AND WHYS OF ‘SAYANG’: HOW A WORD CAPTURES OUR REGION’S HISTORY Featuring
Date and time
How a word can have multiple meanings at the same time,
Farish Noor
5 November,
and have their meanings change over time, is an interesting
11:30AM–12:30PM
mirror to the unfolding of history. This lecture looks at
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
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one word in particular, ‘sayang’, charting its path of adaptation Venue
from pre-colonial and colonial histories to the post-colonial
The Arts House,
present; and considering how the changes in its meanings
Play Den
and applications—from fables to novels to cinema and pop culture—tells us more about ourselves, like how our own sensibilities and worldviews have evolved, leading to the postmodern present which we inhabit today. The word remains the same, but do we sayang today as our ancestors did? This session is curated by The Arts House and commissioned by Singapore Writers Festival.
07
SWF STAGE
S W F S TA G E
UNWRITTEN COUNTRY Gwee Li Sui × Boey Kim Cheng
$15
SWF LECTURE
Featuring
Date and time
Two astute writers, one evocative topic: Unwritten Country.
Gwee Li Sui,
5 November,
Gwee Li Sui and Boey Kim Cheng ruminate on the subject.
Boey Kim Cheng
3:00PM–4:00PM
Gwee will play warlock and gaze into a crystal ball to imagine
Moderated by
Venue
someone who was born here, left, and then returned to his
Tan Tarn How
The Arts House,
homeland, prodigal son Boey will then present his take on
Chamber
what the topic means to him.
S I N G A P O R E
W R I T E R S
F E S T I V A L
scenarios for how Singapore’s literature will change. As
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UNWRITTEN COUNTRY
S W F S TA G E
LITER ARY COMEDY NIGHT Singapore Writers Festival × Berita Harian
$30
PERFOR M ANCE
M AL A M L AWAK SASTER A / LITER ARY COMEDY NIGHT Mengemukakan /
Tamar dan Masa /
Berita Harian dan Pesta Penulis Singapura bekerjasama
Featuring
Date and time
untuk mempersembahkan edisi ke-tiga 'Malam Sastera'—
M Saffri A Manaf,
5 November,
dengan tumpuan kepada komedi. Persembahan beraneka
Norsiah Abdul
8:00PM–10:00PM
ini mengetengahkan orang-orang penting dalam kalangan
Hamid, GT Lye,
sasterawan Melayu serta seniman-seniman dari arena seni
Junaidah Eksan,
Lokasi / Venue
dan hiburan. Ia merangkumi para penyair, pelakon dan para
Ariff Isa,
Victoria Theatre
pelawak. Mereka akan persembahkan pelbagai babak lawak
Zainal Ihim
yang akan membuat para penonton tidak kering gusi. Acara kemuncaknya adalah pertarungan antara dua pakar pantun, GT Lye dan M Saffri A Manaf, yang akan berjual beli rangkap-
08
SWF STAGE
rangkap pepatah. Barisan bintangnya termasuk pelakonjuruhebah radio Junaidah Eksan, tokoh TV veteran Norsiah Hamid serta pelawak-pelakon Ariff Isa dan Zainal Ihim. Sesi ini dipersembahkan bersama dengan Berita Harian. Berita Harian and Singapore Writers Festival join hands to present the third edition of 'Malam Sastera' ('Literary Night') with a special focus on comedy. This variety show features the who’s who of the Malay literary scene and the arts and entertainment circle, from poets to comedians. They will perform various lawak (comedy acts) that will have the audience in stitches. A highlight will be the battle between pantun masters GT Lye and M Saffri A Manaf, who will trade epigrammatic stanzas. The stellar lineup includes actressradio presenter Junaidah Eksan, veteran TV personality Norsiah Hamid and comedian-actors Ariff Isa and Zainal Ihim.
N O V E M B E R
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This session is in Malay and is co-presented with Berita Harian.
S W F S TA G E
MARJORIE PERLOFF
4 – 1 3
Reinventing Poetry for the Internet Age
$15
SWF LECTURE
REINVENTING POETRY FOR THE INTERNET AGE Featuring
Date and time
Is your idea of poetry limited to verses merely to be read out
Marjorie Perloff
6 November,
loud? Broaden your mind in this lecture by one of the world’s
2:30PM–3:00PM
pre-eminent critics of contemporary poetics. Marjorie Perloff,
Moderated by Divya Victor
heralded as the godmother of postmodern and avant-garde Venue
poetry, will open your eyes to some of the most exciting poetic
The Arts House,
ventures in recent years. These range from Susan Howe’s
Play Den
Tom Tit Tot and Christian Bök's The Xenotext to Kenneth Goldsmith’s Soliloquy and Christian Marclay’s The Clock, an art piece that functions as a time-keeper. This session is made possible with the assistance of the U.S. Embassy Singapore.
09
SWF STAGE
S W F S TA G E
FREDERIK OBERMAIER What the Panama Papers Mean for Everyone in the 21st Century
$25
SWF LECTURE
PRIVACY VERSUS SURVEILL ANCE: WHAT THE PANA M A PAPERS MEAN FOR EVERYONE It is regarded as the largest data breach ever, and its impact
12 November,
is still being felt. The leakage of the so-called Panama
Obermaier
4:00PM–5:00PM
Papers—11.5 million financial and legal files of the rich and
Moderated by
Venue
public personalities, even leading to the downfall of one
TBC
Victoria Theatre
European prime minister. The lecture by Frederik Obermaier,
powerful—exposed the names of many political leaders and
one of the two German journalists who broke the news on the Papers, will tackle a range of issues which implicate every global citizen: personal privacy; hacking and cybersecurity; public accountability; and transparency in the Internet Age.
S I N G A P O R E
This session is co-presented with the Goethe-Institut Singapur.
F E S T I V A L
Date and time
Frederik
W R I T E R S
Featuring
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IN THE 21ST CENTURY
S W F S TA G E
JONATHAN FRIESEN Creating a Society of Empathy
$20
SWF LECTURE
CREATING A SOCIET Y OF EMPATHY Featuring
Date and time
To anyone who has struggled with feeling out of place, this
Jonathan Friesen
12 November,
lecture is for you. Jonathan Friesen’s personal experience with
11:30AM–12:30PM
Tourette syndrome and epilepsy was the inspiration behind
Moderated by Leila Boukarim
his highly lauded novel, Jerk, California. Look at the world Venue
through his eyes, and understand how kindness and empathy
National Gallery
are even more crucial in today’s crisis-riven world.
Singapore, Auditorium 10
SWF STAGE
S W F S TA G E
FLOWERS OF TAIPEI Taiwan New Cinema Singapore Writers Festival × 無界限講堂 UnThinkTank
$20
影片 播 映 / F I L M S C R E E N I N G + D I A L O G U E
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
光阴的故事：台湾新电影 / FLOWERS OF TAIPEI: TAIWAN NEW CINEM A 嘉宾 / Featuring
日期与时间 /
1980 年代的台湾，民歌、民运解严前夕，社会酝酿着一股即将引爆的自由思
小野, 王耿瑜
Date and time
潮。1982 年，以电影《光阴的故事》和《儿子的大玩偶》为起点，台湾一群新浪
Hsiao Yeh,
12 November,
潮导演掀起新电影运动，使台湾电影跳脱以往窠臼，迈入全新篇章。一晃三十
Wang Ken-Yu
7:00PM–10:00PM
年，有多少人还记得当年这场运动？不仅赋电影艺术予新面貌，也唤醒了台湾身
主持人 / Moderated by
地点 / Venue
符诗专
National Gallery
Foo Tee Tuan
Singapore,
份认同的自我意识和追求。通过纪录片，再走一次台湾新电影的历史之路。新电
Auditorium
影运动推动人小野和纪录片监制王耿瑜将在放映会后与观众进行交流。 以上节目与無界限講堂 UnThinkTank 联合呈现。
How many of us still remember the Taiwan New Cinema from 30 years ago? What Taiwan New Cinema achieved was not just the revolution of the cinematic styles, but, more importantly, the awareness and pursuit of Taiwan’s sense of self-identity. Revisit the engagement with history in Taiwan New Cinema at this screening and post-screening dialogue session. This session is co-presented with 無界限講堂 UnThinkTank and is in Mandarin.
11
SWF STAGE
PERFOR M ANCE
$25
CACHE Featuring
Date and time
Major transitions often leave us displaced and disoriented —
Jennifer Anne
12 November,
physically, mentally and emotionally. Cache is an exploration
Champion, enec.e,
8:00PM–9:00PM
of remembrance and longing for a treasured time that has
Hassan Hasaa’Ree
the festival theme Sayang in a double-bill that touches on
SA(仨 )
Esplanade,
the value and significance of memory. Poet Jennifer Anne
Recital Studio
Champion pairs up with shoegazing/dream-pop band enec.e while Chinese poet Tan Chee Lay and Malay sci-fi writer Hassan Hasaa’Ree Ali will join exploratory music trio SA(仨 ). The writers and musicians will be present at the end of the performance for a Q&A session.
W R I T E R S
This session is co-presented with Esplanade – Theatres
S I N G A P O R E
on the Bay.
S W F S TA G E
LIONEL SHRIVER An Unflinching Eye into Truth
$20
SWF LECTURE
LIONEL SHRIVER: AN UNFLINCHING EYE INTO TRUTH Featuring
Date and time
Lionel Shriver is feted for the way she takes on huge
Lionel Shriver
13 November,
contemporary issues. In her latest novel, The Mandibles:
11:30AM–12:30PM
A Family, 2029-2047, she wrestles with the spiralling
Moderated by Divya Victor
effects of economic meltdown, such as poverty, theft and Venue
prostitution. The 2005 Orange Prize winner for We Need to
National Gallery
Talk About Kevin will speak about her latest work, and its eerie
Singapore,
resonance today.
Auditorium
The 30-minute lecture will be followed by 30 minutes of Q&A. This session is made possible with the assistance of the U.S. Embassy Singapore.
12
F E S T I V A L
Venue
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since passed. Two cross-disciplinary pairings will explore
Ali, Tan Chee Lay,
SWF STAGE
S W F S TA G E
SITI KHALIJAH An Actress Prepares
$25
PERFOR M ANCE
SITI KHALIJAH: AN ACTRESS PREPARES Featuring
Date and time
Get to know what fuels theatre and TV actress Siti Khalijah
Siti Khalijah
13 November,
through this one-woman show, scripted by Alfian Sa’at.
5:00PM–6:30PM
Based on the iconic book An Actor Prepares by Konstantin
Scripted by
Directed by Aidli ‘Alin’ Mosbit
Stanislavski, the performance will reveal the growth of Siti Venue
from a wide-eyed student encountering the power of literature
The Arts House,
to the respected thespian that she is today. She will reflect on
Play Den
the roles she has played and the dream roles she would like to play in the future. The 1-hour performance will be followed by 30 minutes of Q&A.
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
Alfian Sa’at
13
SWF STAGE
S W F S TA G E
THIS HOUSE BELIEVES THAT SINGAPOREANS ARE IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE
FREE
C L O S I N G D E B AT E
with eight speakers jousting verbally with one another over
David Wong
7:00PM–8:30PM
one of the most commonly used four-letter words: L-O-V-E.
Hsien Ming,
With rising divorce rates, and the country strategising for
Shivram Gopinath,
Venue
more couples to get hitched to go forth and multiply, is our
Adrian Tan,
Victoria Theatre
island city fated to fail in the love department? It would seem
Leong Liew Geok
not, judging from the rise in marriage and birth rates in 2014.
(Opposition)
So, are Singaporeans in the mood for love?
Fakkah Fuzz, Tan Tarn How, Oniatta Effendi, Gwee Li Sui Moderated by Petrina Kow
14
F E S T I V A L
The festival ends on a high note with the Closing Debate,
13 November,
W R I T E R S
Date and time
(Proposition)
S I N G A P O R E
Featuring
2 0 1 6
THIS HOUSE BELIEVES THAT SINGAPOREANS ARE IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE
EXHIBITIONS
PHOTO CREDIT: TYPESET TINGSG
FREE
EXHIBITION
THE SWF BROADSIDES Artist
Venue
Appreciate the beauty of text and paper in this exhibition
Typesettingsg
The Arts House,
of five limited-edition broadsides, made from handmade
Gallery II
Japanese Kozo paper and letter-pressed traditionally. Produced by Sun Yao Yu, founder of Typesettingsg, the
typeset. Possibly Singapore’s first literary broadsides printed in traditional letterpress, these hand-crafted, autographed and serialised collectibles are available for sale in only 10 limited copies at the festival bookstore for your keepsake. This exhibition is curated by Typesettingsg and commissioned
S I N G A P O R E
by Singapore Writers Festival.
F E S T I V A L
English typeset; and Yeng Pway Ngon in Chinese character
W R I T E R S
Thumboo, Catherine Lim, Gwee Li Sui, and Cyril Wong in
2 0 1 6
broadsides feature a selection of key works by Edwin
PHOTO CREDIT: WONG MAYE-E
FREE
EXHIBITION
SHADES OF SAYANG Artist
Venue
This exhibition explores the different interpretations of the
Wong Maye-E
Film Gallery
word ‘sayang’ in Singapore literature, ranging from love and pity to regret, through the photographic lens of Wong Maye-E. Inspired by extracts from over 20 works of Singapore literature across different genres and the official languages, Wong crafts images which are intimate, pensive and joyful.
16
EXHIBITIONS
Text and visuals interweave to show how the concept of sayang is so subtly ingrained in our lives that we feel every shade, fifty and beyond, without realising it. This exhibition is curated by The Arts House and commissioned by Singapore Writers Festival.
FREE
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
EXHIBITION
THE GREAT WALL OF SAYANG Visual artists
Venue
In line with the 2016 Singapore Writers Festival, 12 artists
Adeline Tan,
The Arts House,
and writers have come together to work on a sprawling
Dawn Ang,
Lawn
bookcase made out of wine crates conceptualised specially
Allison Marie Low, Ho Wai Kit, John Fan, Mary Bernadette Lee Writers Cyril Wong, Daryl Qilin Yam,
for the occasion. Six visual artists will work on interpreting the theme of the festival, using the back of the wine crates as a canvas. On the flip side, a free publication by Math Paper Press, featuring the stories of six homegrown writers, will be made available to the general public.
Krishna
Engage in a conversation between visual arts and written
Udayasankar,
word, and be moved by this labour of love and affection this
Rosemarie Somaiah,
November. The bookcase installation will be on display on the
Stephanie Ye,
lawn of The Arts House.
Annaliza Bakri
This exhibition is curated by BooksActually and Mary Bernadette Lee and commissioned by Singapore Writers Festival.
17
PROGRAMMES 0 4 NOVEMBER 2016, FRIDAY
FREE
I N S TA L L AT I O N
LUCK OF THE DR AW Featuring
Time
Eight artists from the Organisation of Illustrators Council
Organisation of
6:00PM–10:00PM
present their take on the popular photo booth with a session
Illustrators Council
of interactive drawing. In this one-night-only installation, Venue
head to Gallery II and draw a quote from the box provided.
The Arts House,
Enter one of the booths where the artist within will react and
Gallery II
improvise according to your quote, to create a unique piece of art. Featuring some of OICSingapore’s young illustrators, expect the unexpected with this assembly of eclectic styles. This session is part of the Illustration Arts Fest, co-organised by Organisation of Illustrators Council, LASALLE College of the Arts and Singapore Writers Festival.
$35
PERFOR M ANCE
Between the Lines: Rant and Rave II takes you on an odyssey
Chong Tze Chien
8:00PM–9:30PM
of how the English-language literature scene in Singapore has
Cast
Venue
post-colonial days, to the advent of book retail giant Borders
Jean Ng,
School of the Arts,
in the 1990s, to the literary activism that has galvanised
Serene Chen,
Studio Theatre
writers and readers of today. Relive the conversations and
evolved through the decades: from the literature during our
Chong Gua Kee
events that have made history with actors Serene Chen and Jean Ng as they take on the roles of real-life poets, novelists,
Lighting design
publishers and many more in this loving tribute to the written
Lim Woan Wen
word. This play will make history, quite literally. There will be an exclusive post-show book sale. Payment in
Music and sound
cash only.
Darren Ng
This production is by The Finger Players and commissioned by Singapore Writers Festival.
FREE
READING
IF MUSIC BE THE FOOD OF LOVE, PL AY ON! Featuring
Time
From love to deceit, ambition to madness, and even suffering
Omar Musa, Jennifer
8:30PM–9:30PM
to transformation, Shakespeare’s works have resonated
Anne Champion,
through the ages. Join us for this dynamic showcase of wit
Philip Terry,
Venue
and charisma featuring established performance poets
Pooja Nansi,
The Arts House,
and artists from here and overseas. They will debate on
Bani Haykal,
Chamber
Shakespeare’s relevance, riff off ideas and themes from his
Deborah Emmanuel,
plays and read works that will reveal universal truths about
Shivram Gopinath
the human condition.
Hosted by Arianna Pozzuoli 18
This session is made possible with the assistance of the British Council.
F E S T I V A L
Time
W R I T E R S
Simultaneously a crash course in, and a love letter to SingLit,
directed by
S I N G A P O R E
Written and
2 0 1 6
BET WEEN THE LINES: R ANT AND R AVE II
PROGRAMMES 0 4 NOVEMBER 2016, FRIDAY
FEST PASS
PERFOR M ANCE
STILL I SAYANG Featuring
Time
Inspired by the Chinese legend of the Butterfly Lovers,
Santha Bhaskar,
8:30PM–9:30PM
this dance performance is a fusion of poetry, music and
BV Balasai,
movement. Using the dance forms of bharatanatyam and
Bhaskar’s Kathakali
Venue
kathakali, and accompanied by Chinese pipa and Malay
Troupe,
The Arts House,
percussion, The Butterfly Lovers’ Violin Concerto will provide
Bhaskar’s Orchestra,
Play Den
the musical soundscape to two poems: 'Still I Rise' by Maya
Cedric Chin,
Angelou and 'Orang-orang Sunyi' by Rasiah Halil. This
Qamar Baba
piece is conceptualised and choreographed by Bhaskar’s Arts Academy. This session is co-presented with The Select Centre.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
STORY OF MY LIFE Featuring
Time
The art of the autobiography is a tricky thing—an
Alan John,
8:30PM–9:30PM
autobiography can allow its author to take stock of his or her
Angjolie Mei Moderated by
life, or it can be a navel-gazing exercise. A retired newspaper Venue
editor, a funeral director and a sports personality explain why
The Arts House,
they decided to take a risk and write their memoirs, sharing
Blue Room
insights on what they chose to leave in, what to leave out.
Pamela Ho
FEST PASS
PA N E L
THE PL ACES I WRITE ABOUT
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
Aleksandar Duric,
Featuring
Time
Li Yongping,
8:30PM–9:30PM
Tash Aw Venue LI YONGPING
Moderated by
The Arts House,
Tan Dan Feng
Living Room
Taiwanese-born Malaysian novelist Tash Aw and Malaysianborn Chinese novelist Li Yongping share more than just a little in common—they both cite Western literary influences, tell stories set in Malaysia and Taiwan, and their characters move TASH AW PHOTO CREDIT: ANDREW MILLS
across geographical spaces. How do their own multicultural backgrounds and histories influence their writing? How has the sense of place and belonging shaped their work?
19
PROGRAMMES 0 4 NOVEMBER 2016,FRIDAY FILM SCREENING
FEST PASS
UTTER 2016: ONE HOUR TO DAYLIGHT Time
Venue
This film is inspired by four Singapore short stories—
8:30PM–9:45PM
The Arts House,
'Harmonious Residences' by Jeremy Tiang; 'Dream Device 1.0'
Screening Room
by Chempaka Aizim; 'Alyssa' by Latha and 'We'd Wanted to Rob a Bank' by Xi Ni Er.
NC-16 • 75 minutes
A lift technician, Chen, dies in an unfortunate worksite accident, and his wife travels to Singapore from China to collect his body. Overseeing this case is ambitious Malay lawyer, Andy, who disregards both his wife’s objections and the possible consequences of giving their daughter, Dela, a Dream Device, to better her studies. Dela’s classmate, Alyssa, has to live with both her grandparents in the absence of her mother, and she knocks heads with them constantly due to their class difference. She seeks comfort in her best friend, Wei Ting, whose father, a middle-aged
Their lives, though separate, are intertwined, and all collide in the Curry Incident. This film is produced by Sinema Media Pte Ltd and
S I N G A P O R E
W R I T E R S
commissioned by Singapore Writers Festival.
F E S T I V A L
co-worker, Nayeem.
2 0 1 6
jobless man, decides to rob a bank with Chen’s Bangladeshi
FREE
SECRET SAYANG Time
Venue
Spend 30 intimate minutes with one of the featured authors
9:30PM–10:00PM
The Arts House
in the Shades of Sayang exhibition and hear them talk about ‘sayang’ and how it features in their work. What’s the secret? The location and which writer will be hosting you! There are only eight spaces available for each session, so look out for the poster board somewhere on Level 1 of The Arts House, which will designate the meeting point. This session is curated by The Arts House and commissioned by Singapore Writers Festival.
20
PROGRAMMES 05 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
$20
TOUR
THE PAPER TR AIL: A BACKROOM TOUR OF SINGAPORE PUBLISHERS Featuring
Time
Hop on a tour to five Singapore publishing houses. Led by
Epigram Books,
9:00AM–1:00PM
poet, Yong Shu Hoong, the stops include the premises of
Ethos Books,
(Meet at 8:45AM)
Epigram Books, Ethos Books, NUS Press, Lingzi Media
NUS Press,
and Mini Monsters. At each stop, you’ll get to hear from the
Lingzi Media,
Meet at
publishing team, possibly even the head honchos themselves.
Mini Monster
The Arts House,
Gain insights into the Singapore publishing scene, and find
Entrance
out what challenges lie ahead in years to come. There will also
Curated by
be opportunities to purchase books at discounted prices.
Yong Shu Hoong
Refreshments will be provided. Children below the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants are to meet at 8.45am at the entrance of The Arts House.
The story of India is a fascinating and complex one—it has
10:00AM–11:00AM
risen quickly since independence to be one of the new great
Nisid Hajari, Ravi Velloor Moderated by
powers. Three authors will discuss the past, the present and Venue
the future of the country following the partition of the British
The Arts House,
Indian Empire. Ravi Velloor examines the gelling of Indian
Chamber
nationhood and the decade leading up to Narendra Modi;
Ashwini Devare
Nisid Hajari takes a closer look at the political and social ramifications of the partition on India today; and Amardeep Singh writes about the displacement of the Sikhs and their heritage in the wake of the partition.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
HOW TO WRITE LONELINESS Featuring
Time
What does loneliness feel like and how do you describe
Cyril Wong,
10:00AM–11:00AM
loneliness? Masters at their craft, these writers explore
Sara Baume, Risa Wataya Moderated by Clara Chow
22
and skilfully convey this complex emotion in their works. Venue
They will examine human connection and separation as
The Arts House,
cause and effect of isolation, and why this is a recurring
Blue Room
theme in literature.
F E S T I V A L
Time
Amardeep Singh,
W R I T E R S
Featuring
S I N G A P O R E
INDIA UNBOUND
2 0 1 6
FEST PASS
PA N E L
PROGRAMMES 05 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
FEST PASS
座 谈 会 / PA N E L
此刻。文学 / LITER ATURE NOW 嘉宾 / Featuring
时间 / Time
《联合早报》副刊《文艺城》上世纪九十年代起，承接合并前《南洋商报》与
林高, 黄凯德, 梁海彬,
10:00AM–11:00AM
《星洲日报》文艺副刊推广本地文学的使命，坚持为新华文学创作者提供发表园
Lin Gao,
地点 / Venue
编选出56位作者的 89 篇作品，成书定名《 2015文字现象》。配合新书发布，
Wong Koi Tet,
The Arts House,
《文艺城》也邀请选集中三位作家林高、黄凯德与梁海彬，以“此刻•文学”为题
Neo Hai Bin,
Living Room
对谈。
《文艺城》策划年度选集，邀请诗人、报人兼文化工作者杜南发， 地。2015 年，
杜南发, 谢裕民
Toh Lam Huat,
以上节目与《联合早报》联合呈现 。
Chia Joo Ming
Since the 1990s, Lianhe Zaobao has been promoting
主持人 / Moderated by
Singapore Chinese literature through Literary City, its weekly
牛油小生
literary page dedicated to the works of Singaporean Chinese
Niu You Xiao Sheng
writers. Last year, Literary City invited poet and former news editor, Toh Lam Huat to put together an anthology of the best pieces from 2015. The result is Literary Phenomena 2015, a selection of 89 works by 56 authors. Wong Koi Tet, Lin Gao and Neo Hai Bin, three of the anthology’s featured authors, will speak on the topic of ‘Literature Now’.
2 0 1 6
This session is co-presented with Lianhe Zaobao and is
N O V E M B E R
in Mandarin.
PA N E L
FEST PASS
4 – 1 3
WRITING FROM DIASPOR A Featuring
Time
Catherine Torres,
10:00AM–11:00AM
Jon Gresham, Robin Hemley
Venue The Arts House,
CATHERINE TORRES
Moderated by
Screening Room
Eric Tinsay Valles Diasporic writers have ambivalent feelings about the elusive concept of ‘home’ and how it is represented in prose or poetry. Three writers will share how they represent communities, both native and adopted ones, while managing the conflict JON GRESHAM
ROBIN HEMLEY
between their voice and that of the dominant culture. Is displacement a deprivation or a remoulding of their character?
23
PROGRAMMES 05 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY B O O K L AU N C H
FREE
NEW TITLES BY ARMOUR PUBLISHING I Featuring
Time
Stacey Goes to National Gallery Singapore • Happy Mooncake
the works of
10:00AM–11:00AM
Festival, Elena
Lianne Ong, Dingli Stevens
Venue The Arts House,
Published by Armour Publishing
Gallery II
Armour Publishing celebrates the publication of two new children’s titles: Stacey Goes to the National Gallery by Lianne Ong and Happy Mooncake Festival, Elena by Dingli Stevens. Lianne Ong’s Stacey is a popular children’s picture book character who has made National Gallery her next stop. Dingli Stevens’ book is about Chinese culture seen through a child’s eyes. Elena shares with Bunny what she has learnt about the mooncake festival, different types of mooncakes and how to make a paper lantern!
$60
M ASTERCL ASS
Venue Asian Civilisations Museum, Discovery Room Always wanted to write for children? Looking to keep a young audience entertained by your stories? Don’t miss this comprehensive masterclass by Jacqueline Harvey, author of bestselling series of children’s books about the adventures of Alice-Miranda and Clementine-Rose. Suitable for: Intermediate to Advanced levels
FREE
STORY TELLING
TIGER, HORNBILL AND PENGUIN HAVE TEA AT R AFFLES Featuring
Time
Fleur Vella-Chang
10:00AM–10:45AM Venue Asian Civilisations Museum, Shaw Foyer
What do the animals at the Singapore Zoo do on their day off? They meet for tea at Raffles, of course. Join Fleur Vella-Chang as she takes you on a magic ride through Singapore with some loveable animals! For ages 1.5 to 3. Kids, bring your parents—this session involves craft! 24
F E S T I V A L
10:00AM–1:00PM
W R I T E R S
Time
Jacqueline Harvey
S I N G A P O R E
Instructed by
2 0 1 6
WRITING FOR CHILDREN
PROGRAMMES 05 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
FREE
A J LOW: VILL AIN SCHOOL Featuring
Time
AJ Low
10:00AM–11:00AM Venue Empress Lawn, SWF3 Tent
When heroes need to mobilise their mammoth muscles and mighty minds to save the world, they can count on only one
AJ LOW
group of people to give them the excuse: bring on the bad guys! AJ Low, the writers of the Sherlock Sam series of books, will work with children to create nefarious ne’er-do-wells and shady scoundrels. Join them as they conjure up a vile villain from the children’s collective consciousness with truly treacherous technique! For ages 8 to 12.
FEST PASS
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
PA N E L
THE STANDING OF JAPANESE FICTION IN THE WORLD Featuring
Time
The shadow of Haruki Murakami looms large in the global
Risa Wataya,
11:30AM–12:30PM
consciousness of contemporary Japanese fiction, but there
Hiromi Kawakami, Taiyo Fujii Moderated by
is a whole other brigade of exciting fiction writers worth Venue
checking out. Risa Wataya explores inner worlds of women
The Arts House,
in her novels; Hiromi Kawakami pens offbeat stories about
Chamber
urban anomie and loneliness; Taiyo Fujii delves into alternative
Motoyuki Shibata
realities in his cyberpunk fiction. What makes their works quintessentially Japanese, and how would they like to be perceived in the international literary scene? This session is in Japanese with English translation. This session is made possible with the assistance of The Japan Foundation Asia Center and is part of Country Focus: Japan.
$15
SWF LECTURE
THE WHENS AND WHYS OF ‘SAYANG’: HOW A WORD CAPTURES OUR REGION’S HISTORY Featuring
Time
How a word can have multiple meanings at the same time,
Farish Noor
11:30AM–12:30PM
and have their meanings change over time, is an interesting mirror to the unfolding of history. This lecture looks at one
Venue
word in particular, ‘sayang’, charting its path of adaptation
The Arts House,
from pre-colonial and colonial histories to the post-colonial
Play Den
present; and considering how the changes in its meanings and applications—from fables to novels to cinema and pop culture—tells us more about ourselves, like how our own sensibilities and worldviews have evolved, leading to the 25
PROGRAMMES 05 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
postmodern present which we inhabit today. The word remains the same, but do we sayang today as our ancestors did? This session is curated by The Arts House and commissioned by Singapore Writers Festival.
M ATTIAS ADOLFSSON: IT’S ALL IN
FEST PASS
THE DETAIL Featuring
Time
Mattias Adolfsson
11:30AM–12:30PM
Moderated by
Venue
Chris Shaw
The Arts House, Blue Room
Freelance illustrator Mattias Adolfsson has worked on
made. This session will end with a live demonstration. This session is part of the Illustration Arts Fest, co-organised by Organisation of Illustrators Council, LASALLE College of the Arts and Singapore Writers Festival. This session is made possible with the assistance of the Embassy of Sweden.
FEST PASS
CL ASSROOM SERIES
WRITING NEW POEMS USING ANCIENT MY THS Featuring
Time
Gerður Kristný
11:30AM–12:30PM Venue The Arts House, Living Room
Uncover Norse mythology and how their powerful narratives can shape and transform tales in this modern age with Icelandic poet and novelist, Gerður Kristný. In this SWF Classroom Series talk, she will share myths that have inspired her works, which includes her award-winning poetry collection Bloodhoof, and how these myths help modern tales transcend the mundane.
26
F E S T I V A L
brain for insights on how his beautifully detailed tableaux are
W R I T E R S
a-kind. Join moderator Chris Shaw who will pick Adolfsson’s
S I N G A P O R E
pen, ink, and water colours, his All in line books are one-of-
2 0 1 6
everything from computer games to children’s books. Using
PROGRAMMES 05 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
FEST PASS
கலந்துரையாடல் / PA N E L
ச�ொல்லாடல்: வ ிமர்சனம் எனும் இலக் கியப் பரிமாணம் / THE GREAT TA MIL DEBATE:
THE CRITICAL GA ME OF LITER ARY CRITICISM பங்குபெறுபவர் / ்
நேரம் / Time
ச ிங்கப்பூர்த் தமிழ் எழுத்துலக ில் வ ிமர்சனக் கலை ச ிறப்பான
Featuring
11:30AM–1:30PM
நீண்ட பாரம்பர ியத்தை உடையது. பல எழுத்தாளர்கள்
கண்ணப ிரான், லதா
இடம் / Venue
அனல்பறக்கும் வ ிமர்சனங்களை முன்னெடுத்துள்ளார்கள்.
Chitra Ramesh,
The Arts House,
ச ிங்கப்பூர ின் இன்றைய எழுத்துலக ில் வ ிமர்சனத்தின் ந ிலை,
Rama Kannabiran,
Screening Room
எத ிர்காலத் தேவை ஆக ியவை பற்றி கலந்துரையாடல் ஆராயும்.
ச ித்ரா ரமேஷ், இராம
படைப்புக்கலை குற ித்து நாள ிதழ்கள ிலும், சஞ்சிகைகள ிலும்
Latha
Literary criticism in the Singapore Tamil scene has a long and illustrious past, with writers engaging in fiery debates in
வழி நடத்துபவர் /
newspapers and journals. But has literary criticism dwindled
Moderated by
in Singapore Tamil literature now? This session explores the
ச ித்ரா சங்கரன்
current state of literary criticism in Singapore Tamil and its
Chitra Sankaran
future directions. This session is in Tamil.
FREE
B O O K L AU N C H
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
A FIGHTING CHANCE Featuring
Time
the works of
11:30AM–12:30PM
Pauline Loh Venue
4 – 1 3
The Arts House, Gallery II This is a tale of brotherhood, betrayal and love in Singapore’s underworld. Alan Chung was just a teenager when he formed his own secret society. He had many enemies but only two people could have betrayed him, his sworn brother Bei Lung or his right hand man, Old Man Ong. After being thrown in prison he watches as first, his gang, and then his girl, Gigi Toh, are taken away from him. When Alan’s authority, control and confidence are stripped away, what will be left?
FEST PASS
PA N E L
FOOTBALL NATIONS Featuring
Time
Football is arguably the most popular sport in the world.
Aleksandar Duric,
11:30AM–12:30PM
Academic and foreign correspondent James M Dorsey shows
James M Dorsey, Neil Humphreys
that football fans can be a powerful civic force in the Middle Venue
East and North Africa, while former national footballer
Asian Civilisations
Aleksandar Duric assesses the state of Singapore football.
Moderated by
Museum, Ngee Ann
In his fiction, Neil Humphreys has written about match-
Kelly Latimer
Auditorium
fixing in Singapore, and the sleaze and corruption behind the Premier League. Together they will discuss if football can divide or unite a nation. 27
PROGRAMMES 05 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
FREE
STORY TELLING
BUILD A GIANT COOKIE-SNATCHING ROBOT I Featuring
Time
Kids, join Harry and Horsie on their adventure to build a giant
Katie Van Camp
11:30AM–12:15PM
robot called Cookiebot to steal some cookies! Author Katie Van Camp will get everyone to make one enormous cookie-
Venue
snatching robot. Let your imagination run wild! Oh yes, don't
Asian Civilisations
forget to bring something from home, like boxes, paper towel
Museum, Shaw
rolls or glitter foil to add to the project.
Foyer
For ages 2 to 4. Kids, bring your parents—this session involves craft!
FREE
WORK SHOP
PIR ATE HAIKU FOR YOU? Featuring
Time
Lynette Morrison
11:30AM–12:30PM
WITH REGISTRATION
née Tan Yuen Ling
Arrrr, ahoy maties! Come on a haiku journey with author and poet Lynette Morrisson, as she takes you through a pirate haiku workshop. Pick up fun pirate vocabulary and compose your very own haiku across the seven seas! For ages 7 to 10. Seats for this workshop are limited. Visit piratehaiku.peatix.com to register.
CR AFT TIME WITH DOTTIESHOP:
FREE
THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILL AR I Featuring
Time
Dottieshop
12:00PM–12:45PM Venue Asian Civilisations Museum, Lobby
“And it became a beautiful butterfly.” Take a break at our craft corner as mummy blogger and crafts lady Dorothea Chow aka Dottieshop brings Eric Carle's picture book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, to life. Make your own beautiful butterflies out of simple craft materials.
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W R I T E R S
SWF3 Tent
S I N G A P O R E
Empress Lawn,
F E S T I V A L
2 0 1 6
Venue
PROGRAMMES 05 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY B O O K L AU N C H
FREE
THE MOUNT EMILY SERIES Featuring
Time
The Mount Emily Series: Mount Emily • Mount Emily Revisited
the works of
1:00PM–2:00PM
• Midnight at Mount Emily
Low Ying Ping Venue Published by
The Arts House,
Epigram Books
Gallery II
Best friends—and sometimes frenemies—Patsy and Elena discover a magical time crystal that whisks them back in time, but are trapped in their mothers’ bodies. The Mount Emily book series sees the two teenage school girls embroiled in different time crises, learning to overcome their differences in order to battle the evil Midnight Warriors and
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
save the world.
FREE
PERFOR M ANCE
SEYR A Featuring
Time
SEYRA enchants listeners with their blend of dreamy folk
SEYRA
1:00PM–2:00PM
pop and alternative indie music. Refined and uncomplicated yet assuredly pop-centric, the multi-ethnic sextet is always
Venue
pushing boundaries, exploring composite elements of jazz,
The Arts House,
funk, reggae and soul in their music. Come under their sway
POP Stage
as they serenade you with their tunes and sultry vocals.
FREE
PERFOR M ANCE
PL AY DATE Featuring
Time
Unfold mysteries of Prince Rama and Sita as ACT 3
ACT 3 International
1:00PM–1:30PM
International presents one of the most popular ancient epics in Asian literature. Find out if good triumphs over evil.
Venue Asian Civilisations
For ages 4 and above.
Museum, Shaw
This session is co-presented with the Asian Civilisations
Foyer
Museum as part of Saturdays@ACM. 29
PROGRAMMES 05 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
FREE
CR AFTS
YOU'RE JUST WRITE FOR ME Featuring
Time
Show your love and express your gratitude to your family or
Lollibox Pte Ltd
1:00PM–5:00PM
friends by making a badge and penning a message.
Venue
For ages 4 and above.
Asian Civilisations
This session is co-presented with the Asian Civilisations
Museum, Tang
Museum as part of Saturdays@ACM.
Shipwreck Gallery
$10
WORK SHOP
WRITE YOUR OWN PIR ATE STORY Instructed by
Time
Gareth P Jones
2:00PM–3:30PM
and a talking coconut. Help the author behind the popular Adventures of Steampunk Pirates series navigate his way through a story with more holes than a badly damaged merchant ship. Expect swashbuckling similes and action, laughs and songs. Join in to create a story together, while learning how to pen your own piratical tale… if you don’t get sea sick, that is. For ages 10 to 12. Seats for this workshop are limited. Visit piratestory.peatix.com to register.
FREE
TOUR
SWEET SAYINGS Featuring
Time
Listen to fascinating tales inspired by rare and precious
Story Whisperers
2:00PM–2:30PM
objects in the galleries. The stories will be told by the Friends of the Museum Story Whisperers.
Venue Asian Civilisations Museum, Lobby
For ages 4 and above. This session is co-presented with the Asian Civilisations Museum as part of Saturdays@ACM.
30
F E S T I V A L
A secret treasure, a mysterious captain with a golden hook
W R I T E R S
Museum, Discovery Room
S I N G A P O R E
Asian Civilisations
2 0 1 6
Venue
PROGRAMMES 05 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
FREE
CR AFT TIME WITH DOTTIESHOP: THE R AINBOW FISH I Instructed by
Time
Swim on down to the craft corner and learn the value of
Dottieshop
2:00PM–2:45PM
sharing. Based on The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister, mummy blogger and crafts lady Dorothea Chow aka
Venue
Dottieshop will guide you through the process of creating
Asian Civilisations
a beautiful fish. Once you’re done, share it with someone
Museum, Lobby
you love!
FREE
SECRET SAYANG Time
Venue
This session is curated by The Arts House and commissioned
2:00PM–2:30PM
The Arts House
by Singapore Writers Festival. Refer to page 20 for full details.
FEST PASS
CL ASSROOM SERIES
Featuring
Time
Much has been discussed lately on the need for more diversity
Lyn Gardner
2:30PM–3:30PM
across various art forms. The Guardian’s eminent theatre
Moderated by
Venue
theatre “is not just default white, it's default able-bodied,
TBC
The Arts House,
middle class and frequently predominantly male, too”. In this
Play Den
talk as part of our inaugural SWF Classroom Series, she will
critic Lyn Gardner points out that in the United Kingdom,
argue about how diversity is necessary for the survival of the theatre scene and how it also spurs creativity and triggers
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
THEATRE CASTING: DIVERSIF Y OR DIE
new, exciting ideas.
FEST PASS
座 谈 会 / PA N E L
说故事，论社会 / STORY TELLING AS
SOCIAL COMMENTARY 嘉宾 / Featuring
时间 / Time
智海, 徐则臣, 李昂
2:30PM–3:30PM
Chihoi, Xu Zechen,
徐则臣 XU ZECHEN
Li Ang
PHOTO CREDIT: GUO BIN
地点 / Venue
The Arts House, 主持人 / Moderated by
Blue Room
希尼尔
Xi Ni Er 深具感染力的文学叙事创作，往往能够揭露活生生的人生经历，展现普世真 理。作家怎么借着说故事，激起读者对所处现实世界的深刻体察与反思，进而对 智海 CHIHOI
李昂 LI ANG
现状提出问题？来自香港、中国和台湾的座上嘉宾，探讨如何让文学叙事创作充 当透视社会状况的折射镜。
Powerful stories can communicate a range of human experiences and proffer universal truths. How do writers use storytelling to get readers to reflect on the world they live in, 31
PROGRAMMES 05 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
and ask probing questions? This panel, featuring authors from Hong Kong, China and Taiwan, examines literary narratives as mirrors to social conditions. This session is in Mandarin.
$50
WORK SHOP
LITER ARY LETTERPRESS Instructed by
Time
Typesettingsg
2:00PM–5:00PM Venue The Arts House, Living Room
Sun Yao Yu, founder of Typesettingsg, will conduct this workshop on traditional printing methods, such as letterpress
featuring iconic works by Singapore writers, such as Edwin Thumboo’s 'Ulysses by The Merlion'. Suitable for: Beginner levels
FREE
READING
EMERGING SINGAPOREAN VOICES I Featuring
Time
Today’s nascent voices could be tomorrow’s literary stars.
S Mickey Lin,
2:30PM–3:30PM
Meet the new writers in the Singapore literary scene at this
Daryl Lim Wei Jie,
special reading. Here’s an opportunity to get to know the
Euginia Tan,
Venue
Clara Chow
The Arts House,
persons behind the books.
Gallery II Hosted by Annaliza Bakri
FEST PASS
CL ASSROOM SERIES
EUROPE’S MIGR ANT CRISIS Featuring
Time
The images are haunting: from the lifeless body of a drowned
Atia Abawi
2:30PM–3:30PM
Alan Kurdi washed up on a Turkish beach to the constant trail of overcrowded vessels which sunk in the Mediterranean
Venue
Sea. News correspondent and writer Atia Abawi, who has
Asian Civilisations
witnessed the atrocities up close and personal, will share her
Museum, Ngee Ann
thoughts on this topic.
Auditorium
This session is made possible with the assistance of the U.S. Embassy Singapore.
32
F E S T I V A L
with an exhibition of limited-edition SWF Broadsides,
W R I T E R S
beautiful memento. This event is organised in conjunction
S I N G A P O R E
favourite line or two, and learn to typeset the phrase into a
2 0 1 6
and silkscreen printing. Participants can bring along a
PHOTO CREDIT: TYPESET TINGSG
PROGRAMMES 05 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
FEST PASS
PA N E L
HOW POETRY IS LIBER ATED IN MIXED MEDIA Featuring
Time
Collier Nogues,
2:30PM–3:30PM
Nancy Perloff, Divya Victor
COLLIER NOGUES
Venue The Arts House,
Moderated by
Screening Room
Desmond Kon Zhicheng-Mingdé With the popularisation of digital platforms, poetry has become a multi-media pursuit. Poet Collier Nogues engages NANCY PERLOFF
DIVYA VICTOR
with varied forms such as found poetry and visual arts; Nancy Perloff, curator of Modern and Contemporary Collections at the Getty Research Institute, focuses on sound poetry, the Russian avant-garde and postwar sound; and Divya Victor works with performance traditions, installations and participatory medias. These three discuss
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
the exciting ways poetry can be created and experienced for the modern reader, with different media giving outlets for ceaseless experimentation.
$15
SWF LECTURE
UNWRITTEN COUNTRY Featuring
Time
Two astute writers, one evocative topic: Unwritten Country.
Gwee Li Sui,
3:00PM–4:00PM
Gwee Li Sui and Boey Kim Cheng ruminate on the subject.
Boey Kim Cheng
Gwee will play warlock and gaze into a crystal ball to imagine Venue
scenarios for how Singapore’s literature will change. As
Moderated by
The Arts House,
someone who was born here and left and then returned to
Tan Tarn How
Chamber
his homeland, prodigal son Boey will then present his take on what the topic means to him.
33
PROGRAMMES 05 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
FREE
PERFOR M ANCE
PL AY DATE Featuring
Time
Unfold mysteries of Prince Rama and Sita as ACT 3
ACT 3 International
3:00PM–3:30PM
International presents one of the most popular ancient epics in Asian literature. Find out if good triumphs over evil.
Venue Asian Civilisations
For ages 4 and above.
Museum, Shaw
This session is co-presented with the Asian Civilisations
Foyer
Museum as part of Saturdays@ACM.
FREE
PA N E L
URBAN FANTASY AT YOUR DOORSTEP Featuring
Time
How can we tell stories based on our immediate
Joyce Chng,
3:00PM–4:00PM
surroundings? Join Joyce Chng (Jan Xu Adventures series),
Nicholas Yong,
advice about setting stories in contemporary times and
SWF3 Tent
concrete jungles.
Lin Xueling
2 0 1 6
Empress Lawn,
For ages 14 and up.
FREE
F YNN JA M AL: MY CHOICE TO ADOPT Featuring
Time
Rising Malaysian star, Fynn Jamal, is a writer, singer,
Fynn Jamal
4:00PM–5:00PM
educator and, ultimately, a mother. Her road to becoming
Moderated by
Venue
arrangements that fell through. Come listen to how she
TBC
The Arts House,
overcame these obstacles and the blessings that arose from
Play Den
this journey.
one was paved with long waiting lists and heart-breaking
This session is in English. For all families and those who are waiting, as Fynn once was.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
ST CONVERSATIONS: THE RHYME AND REASON PANEL: HEARING THE VOICE OF SINGAPORE Featuring
Time
For 15 weeks earlier this year, The Straits Times published a
Eric Tinsay Valles,
4:00PM–5:00PM
successful literary series called 'Rhyme and Reason', featuring
Meira Chand,
prose and poetry writers based in Singapore. What is the
Koh Buck Song,
Venue
Singaporean voice in a country made up of so many disparate
Huzir Sulaiman
The Arts House,
groups? What are the challenges and adventures of marketing
Gallery II
our literature overseas?
Moderated by Akshita Nanda
34
This session is co-presented with The Straits Times.
F E S T I V A L
Min (Dragonhearted) as they share their views and offer
W R I T E R S
Moderated by
Nicholas Yong (Land of the Meat Munchers) and Xie Shi Venue
S I N G A P O R E
Xie Shi Min
PROGRAMMES 05 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
FREE
B O O K L AU N C H
NEW TITLES BY GREY PROJECTS Featuring
Time
the works of
4:00PM–5:00PM
Jason Wee,
SOFTBLOW • Night of Desirable Objects SOFTBLOW was founded by Singapore-based poet Cyril Wong and co-edited with poet Eric Low and Jason Wee,
Cyril Wong,
Venue
writer and founder of Grey Projects. SOFTBLOW has been a
Andrea Fam,
The Arts House,
home for contemporary poetry from all over the world since
Bruce Quek,
Gallery II
September 2004. More information about the book can
Melissa Tan
be found at softblow.org. Night of Desirable Objects is an exhibition catalogue for the synonymous exhibition at Grey
Published by
Projects featuring works by Bruce Quek and Melissa Tan.
Grey Projects
The exhibition opens up the space for the viewer to contemplate the relationship between objects and their desired states.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
LIVING THROUGH ADVERSIT Y Featuring
Time
Can trauma be accurately captured and represented in
Deborah Emmanuel,
4:00PM–5:00PM
written narratives after the fact? Can writing make processing
Sabata-mpho
pain easier? These questions haunt the works of spoken-word
Mokae,
Venue
artist Deborah Emmanuel, post-Apartheid writer-academic
Ryoichi Wago
Asian Civilisations
Sabata-mpho Mokae, and Fukushima poet Ryoichi Wago.
Museum, Ngee Ann Moderated by
Auditorium
Alice Clark-Platts
STORY TELLING SESSION WITH SINGAPORE KINDNESS MOVEMENT
FREE
Featuring
Time
After five months of channelling their creative juices into a
Singapore Kindness
4:00PM–5:00PM
children’s book with a kindness theme of ‘Pay it Forward’,
Movement
the first prize group of the Write for Kindness story-writing Venue
competition will be showcasing their kindness story at SWF.
Asian Civilisations
Watch the stories come to life from page to stage and be
Museum, Shaw
inspired to start sharing and showing kindness.
Foyer About Write for Kindness: Write for Kindness, a national story-writing competition organised by the Singapore Kindness Movement (SKM) is a platform for secondary school, junior college and centralised institute students to promote kindness to pre-schoolers by creating age-appropriate and culturally relevant children’s stories through creative writing and illustration.
35
PROGRAMMES 05 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY WORK SHOP
$10
DR AW YOUR DAILY DIARIES Featuring
Time
Live your days with more colour and creativity in this
Gemma Correll
4:30PM–6:00PM
workshop by Gemma Correll. The illustrator behind the Daily Diaries series, Gemma is also the brains (and hand)
Venue
behind titles such as A Pug’s Guide to Etiquette, It’s A
Asian Civilisations
Punderful Life and Doodling for Book Lovers. Leave with
Museum, Discovery
a cool drawing of a day in your life that makes even the
Room
mundane look life-changing. For ages 13 and up. Seats for this workshop are limited. Visit dailydiaries.peatix.com to register.
FREE
PA N E L
Peeta Mellark (The Hunger Games), Tobias Eaton aka Four
Moderated by
Venue
it out in this battle of words and wit and crown your favourite
Denise Tan
Empress Lawn,
male characters!
(Divergent) and Jae (RunHideSeek) face-off? Join us and fight
SWF Tent 3
For ages 14 and up.
座 谈 会 / PA N E L
FEST PASS
解析实验写作 / ACCESSING AND INTERPRETING EXPERIMENTAL WRITING 嘉宾 / Featuring
时间 / Time
实验写作展现文学的多重面向，挑战着读者对叙事艺术原有的既定观念。我们
残雪，郑泳文, 智海
5:00PM–6:30PM
邀请三位分别来自中国内地、香港和韩国的先锋派文学作家，探讨实验创意写
Can Xue,
作所能发挥的作用，鼓励读者摆脱阅读的既定概念，多接触非传统的创新叙事
Jung Young Moon,
地点 / Venue
Chihoi
The Arts House, Screening Room
艺术。
Experimental writing presents multiple ways of looking at
主持人 / Moderated by
literature, ranging from playing with the form to challenging
陈志锐
readers' preconceived concepts of narrative. This panel of
Tan Chee Lay
writers from China, South Korea and Hong Kong looks at the role of experimental creative writing—how readers could, and why readers should, get in touch with nontraditional narratives. This session is in Mandarin.
36
F E S T I V A L
What happens when Ezra Mason (The Illuminae Files),
4:30PM–5:30PM
W R I T E R S
Time
Teen bloggers
S I N G A P O R E
Featuring
2 0 1 6
BATTLE OF THE HEROES
PROGRAMMES 05 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
FEST PASS
PA N E L + P E R F O R M A N C E
AN EVENING OF LOVE: A MUSICIAN’S TRIP THROUGH JAPAN Featuring
Time
Kojima Keitaney-love,
5:30PM–6:30PM
Yutaka Ito
KOJIMA KEITANEY-LOVE
Venue Moderated by
The Arts House,
Roland Kelts
Chamber
Rocker-turned-indie folk artist Kojima Keitaney-love travelled around Japan as part of a multi-disciplinary show involving song, oral narrative and spoken word performances, based on the words of famous author and poet Kenji Miyazawa.
YUTAKA ITO
Yutaka Ito was from a region of Japan devastated by the 2011 Fukushima disaster. They will chat with translator and journalist Roland Kelts about music, literature and music’s role in pop culture. Together with multi-musician Yutaka Ito, Kojima will also perform songs. This session is made possible with the assistance of
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The Japan Foundation Asia Center and is part of Country
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N O V E M B E R
Focus: Japan.
CL ASSROOM SERIES
FEST PASS
SHUBIGI R AO: THE BOOK AS A VEHICLE OF RESISTANCE Featuring
Time
Books have been revered for their ability to educate, enchant
Shubigi Rao
5:30PM–6:30PM
and enlighten. Historically, books have also been destroyed
Moderated by
Venue
over society. Shubigi Rao delves into the history of book
TBC
The Arts House,
destruction and censorship to discuss cultural genocide
Play Den
through the ages, and whether books still hold the same
by leaders and regimes that feared their power and influence
power today.
ஷ�ோபாசக்தியும் ஆன்மாவ ின் அகத ியும் / SHOBASAKTHI AND THE REFUGEE
FEST PASS
OF THE SOUL பங்குபெறுபவர் /
நேரம் / Time
ஷ�ோபாசக்தியைச் சந்திக்கும் நேரம். குழந்தைப் ப�ோராள ி, அடுத்து
Featuring
5:30PM–6:30PM
அரச ியல் அகத ி, எழுத்தாளர் மற்றும் வசனகர்த்தா. தற்போது கான்
ஷ�ோபாசக்தி
Shobasakthi வழி நடத்துபவர் /
Moderated by
த ிரைப்பட வ ிழாவ ில் வ ிருதுபெற்ற “தீபன்” படத்தின் கதாநாயகன் இடம் / Venue
அவர். இப்படி பல்வேறு பர ிமாணங்கள் அவருக்குண்டு.
The Arts House,
அங்கதம் கலந்த கனமான நகைச்சுவைய�ோடு கலந்த அவரது
Blue Room
கதைகள் இலங்கை உள்நாட்டுப் ப�ோர ின்போது அவருக்கேற்பட்ட அனுபவங்களை அடிப்படையாகக் க�ொண்டவை.
நெப்போலியன்
Nepolian
Meet Shobasakthi, child soldier-turned-asylum seeker-turned writer and scriptwriter, and now lead actor in the Canneswinning film, Dheepan (2015). His writings, characterised by 37
PROGRAMMES 05 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
dark humour, are inspired by his own experiences during the civil war in Sri Lanka. This session is in Tamil.
FREE
B O O K L AU N C H
THIS IS HOW YOU WALK ON THE MOON: AN ANTHOLOGY OF ANTI-REALIST FICTION Edited by
Time
this is how you walk on the moon: an anthology of anti-realist
Patricia Karunungan,
5:30PM–6:30PM
fiction presents 26 stories selected from 116 submissions
Samuel Caleb Wee, Wong Wen Pu Published by
through an open call. It aims to show the inventiveness of Venue
different approaches to fiction writing, and seeks to open
The Arts House,
up an imaginative space for writers and readers to examine
Gallery II
existential as well as cultural conditions.
Ethos Books
FREE
READING
Time
Hi, boys and girls, Mums and Dads! Don't miss this multi-
Jacqueline Harvey,
5:30PM–6:30PM
lingual session with your favourite authors from lands far and near who will read some of their stories to you. This is
Venue
the start of our international, multi-lingual readings for kids
Jumaini Ariff,
Asian Civilisations
and parents.
David Seow
Museum, Shaw
W R I T E R S
Ang Thiam Poh,
Foyer Hosted by Rilla Melati Bahri
FEST PASS
PA N E L
LYRICAL STANDARDS Featuring
Time
Fynn Jamal,
7:00PM–8:00PM
Omar Musa, Marc Nair
Venue The Arts House,
FYNN JAMAL
Moderated by
Chamber
Kevin Mathews More often than not, a hit song owes its success not only to its tune, but also to its lyrics. Can the lyrics of today’s popular music measure up to those of older classics? Has commercialisation led to the creation of mediocre ditties OMAR MUSA
with throw-away words? This panel comprising musicians and wordsmiths examines the lyrical standards of today’s popular music.
38
S I N G A P O R E
Gareth P Jones,
F E S T I V A L
Featuring
2 0 1 6
EAST-WEST EXPRESS I: A READING SERIES
PROGRAMMES 05 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
FEST PASS
PA N E L
WHAT M AKES A STORY SINGAPOREAN? Featuring
Time
What are the cultural, social and literary values that
Simon Tay,
7:00PM–8:00PM
characterise a text as Singaporean? Must the story or novel
Balli Kaur Jaswal, Philip Holden Moderated by
be physically set within HDB blocks and have SinglishVenue
speaking characters? This panel looks at what makes a story
The Arts House,
‘Singaporean’, and whether there is room for writing that goes
Play Den
beyond expected and conventional themes and motifs.
Richard Angus Whitehead
TAIYO FUJII: IM AGINING THE FUTURE Featuring
Time
Taiyo Fujii
7:00PM–8:00PM
Moderated by
Venue
Koh Buck Song
The Arts House,
FEST PASS
Blue Room 2 0 1 6
Over the years, Japanese science fiction has made impressive accurate predictions about the future through its imaginings
N O V E M B E R
of radical new technologies and changes to the world. One of the most exciting science fiction writers to emerge in the recent years, Taiyo Fujii, casts his eyes over the world in 2036 in his debut novel, Gene Mapper (2013). Meet Taiyo Fujii, as he
4 – 1 3
discusses science fiction and its relationship with the future. This session is in Japanese with English translation. This session is part of Country Focus: Japan.
$30
WORK SHOP
SONNETS FOR MODERN TIMES Instructed by
Time
From medieval Italy to England, the sonnet was one of the
Philip Terry
7:00PM–9:30PM
most popular poetic forms for centuries. Today’s poets are still coming up with creative ways to engage with the form
Venue
and its tradition, creating new meanings and perspectives.
The Arts House,
In this workshop, Philip Terry, the author behind
Living Room
Shakespeare’s Sonnets, will teach the Shakespearean sonnet and demonstrate how one might add a modern twist to literary tradition. Suitable for: Beginner to Intermediate levels This session is made possible with the assistance of the British Council.
39
PROGRAMMES 05 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
FREE
PA N E L
GETTING INSIDE SHORTCUT DREA MS Featuring
Time
Phan Ming Yen, Aaron Lee,
7:00PM–8:00PM
Wayne Ong, Leia Ang Venue PHAN MING YEN
The Arts House,
AARON LEE
Screening Room This discussion and showing held at Singapore Writers Festival looks at the work-in-progress of Shortcut Dreams, a newly commissioned work by Noise Singapore. Conceptualised by Global Cultural Alliance and co-curated with Laniakea Culture Collective, it uses texts by theatre WAYNE ONG
LEIA ANG
doyen Kuo Pao Kun and poet Pooja Nansi to develop an inter-disciplinary approach via dance and literary forms. Choreographers Wayne Ong and Leia Ang join co-artistic
Be sure to join us too for Pop-Up Noise: Shortcut Dreams which takes place on 19 November at Waterway Point.
FREE
B O O K L AU N C H
REM APPING THE NANYANG CHILDHOOD: A STUDY OF THE CHINESE CHILDREN PUBLICATIONS IN POST-WAR M AL AYA Featuring
Time
Children’s publications flourished in Malaya during the ‘50s
the works of
7:00PM–8:00PM
and ‘60s Cold War era. With clear educational concepts
Xu Lanjun, Li Lidan
in mind, these publications aimed to shape citizens of the Venue
future. The contents and editorials of children's periodicals
Published by
The Arts House,
in post-independence Singapore further emphasised the
Global Publishing
Gallery II
role of children as one of the core strengths contributing to the nation’s growth. Remapping The Nanyang Childhood is a compilation of 11 theses which place children publications in the context of historical discourse, with studies based on interviews and oral history provided by publishers on the Singapore publishing and distribution system. This session is in Mandarin.
40
F E S T I V A L
of two sessions that provide insight into the creative process.
W R I T E R S
a choreographic translation of the text. This discussion is one
S I N G A P O R E
dance as commentary on a literary text instead of just being
2 0 1 6
curators Phan Ming Yen and poet Aaron Lee in exploring
PROGRAMMES 05 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
$30
PERSEMBAHAN / PERFOR M ANCE
M AL A M L AWAK SASTER A / LITER ARY COMEDY NIGHT Mengemukakan /
Masa / Time
Berita Harian dan Pesta Penulis Singapura bekerjasama
Featuring
8:00PM–10:00PM
untuk mempersembahkan edisi ke-tiga 'Malam Sastera'—
M Saffri A Manaf,
dengan tumpuan kepada komedi. Persembahan beraneka
Norsiah Abdul
Lokasi / Venue
ini mengetengahkan orang-orang penting dalam kalangan
Hamid, GT Lye,
Victoria Theatre
sasterawan Melayu serta seniman-seniman dari arena seni
Junaidah Eksan,
dan hiburan. Ia merangkumi para penyair, pelakon dan para
Ariff Isa, Zainal Ihim
pelawak. Mereka akan persembahkan pelbagai babak lawak yang akan membuat para penonton tidak kering gusi. Acara kemuncaknya adalah pertarungan antara dua pakar pantun, GT Lye dan M Saffri A Manaf, yang akan berjual beli rangkaprangkap pepatah. Barisan bintangnya termasuk pelakonjuruhebah radio Junaidah Eksan, tokoh TV veteran Norsiah Hamid serta pelawak-pelakon Ariff Isa dan Zainal Ihim. Sesi ini dipersembahkan bersama dengan Berita Harian. Berita Harian and Singapore Writers Festival join hands to present the third edition of 'Malam Sastera' ('Literary Night') with a special focus on comedy. This variety show features
2 0 1 6
the who’s who of the Malay literary scene and the arts and entertainment circle, from poets to comedians. They will
N O V E M B E R
perform various lawak (comedy acts) that will have the audience in stitches. A highlight will be the battle between pantun masters GT Lye and M Saffri A Manaf, who will trade epigrammatic stanzas. The stellar lineup includes actress-
4 – 1 3
radio presenter Junaidah Eksan, veteran TV personality Norsiah Hamid and comedian-actors Ariff Isa and Zainal Ihim. This session is co-presented with Berita Harian and is in Malay.
$35
PERFOR M ANCE
BET WEEN THE LINES: R ANT AND R AVE II Written and
Time
There will be an exclusive post-show book sale. Payment in
directed by
8:00PM–9:30PM
cash only.
Chong Tze Chien Venue Cast
School of the Arts,
Jean Ng,
Studio Theatre
This production is by The Finger Players and commissioned by the Singapore Writers Festival. Refer to pages 6 and 18 for full details.
Serene Chen, Chong Gua Kee Lighting design Lim Woan Wen Music and Sound Darren Ng
41
PROGRAMMES 05 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
FEST PASS
PA N E L
ILLUSTR ATING THE FEM ALE BODY Featuring
Time
Teeteeheehee,
8:30PM–9:30PM
Weng Pixin, Anngee Venue Moderated by
TEETEEHEEHEE
The Arts House, Chamber
Mindflyer Carol Rosetti and Frances Cannon’s illustrations make bold statements about the female body, challenging social constructs of gender, behaviour and identities. Is illustration a viable mode for feminist discourse? What are the strengths and constraints of illustrations of women produced by female WENG PIXIN
ANNGEE
illustrators? This all-female panel examines the role of a woman artist in contemporary times.
CRITICAL STAGE: WHY THE LITER ARY CRITIC M ATTERS EVEN MORE NOW Featuring
Time
The literary critic is both loved and maligned. Playwright John
Marjorie Perloff,
8:30PM–9:30PM
Osborne once said: “Asking a working writer what he thinks
Rajeev Patke, Gwee Li Sui Moderated by
about critics is like asking a lamp-post what it feels about Venue
dogs.” Others bemoan the rise of surrogates such as bloggers
The Arts House,
and ‘influencers’ to the detriment of proper literary criticism.
Play Den
Three academics and critics will interrogate the qualities and
Neil Murphy
work of a good literary critic in the 21st century. This session is made possible with the assistance of the U.S. Embassy Singapore.
FEST PASS
座 谈 会 / PA N E L
书写。情与欲 / LOVE AND DESIRE IN WRITING 嘉宾 / Featuring
时间 / Time
文学世界里的情与欲，从来就不只攸关性。写作人要探索的究竟是人的本性，
黄凯德，李昂，残雪
8:30PM–9:30PM
或者不过是借助情与欲，对更深层的一些什么提出更深刻的抨击与控诉？座谈
Wong Koi Tet, Li Ang, Can Xue
三位嘉宾分享情与欲的书写艺术，探讨文学世界里的“性”，如何超越表象，发挥 地点 / Venue
深远寓意。
The Arts House, 主持人 / Moderated by
Blue Room
Love and desire in literature are never just about sex. Is the
张曦娜
writer exploring what it means to be human, or critiquing
Teoh Hee La
something more insidious? This panel examines the art of writing about love and desire, and explores how sex can be used as a metaphor beyond the physical. This session is in Mandarin.
42
F E S T I V A L
FEST PASS
PA N E L
W R I T E R S
Arts and Singapore Writers Festival.
S I N G A P O R E
by Organisation of Illustrators Council, LASALLE College of the
2 0 1 6
This session is part of the Illustration Arts Fest, co-organised
PROGRAMME 05 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
FEST PASS
PA N E L
COMMUNITIES UNDER THREAT Featuring
Time
From the tribes in the Amazon rainforests to the Aboriginal
Golda Mowe,
8:30PM–9:30PM
groups in Australia, civilisations are beleaguered in the
Sabata-mpho Mokae, Zafar Anjum Moderated by
face of modernity. Golda Mowe writes about the Iban Venue
people in Sarawak; Sabata-mpho Mokae on the danger of
The Arts House,
westernisation on African languages; and Zafar Anjum on the
Screening Room
new generation losing access to the Urdu language.
Laavanya Kathiravelu
FREE
READING
EPIC INTERNATIONAL READING NIGHT ON LOVE
ANNE LEE TZU PHENG
MAMLE KABU
Time
Anne Lee Tzu Pheng,
8:30PM–10:00PM
Mamle Kabu, Wu Huai-chen, Maung Day,
Venue
Alfian Sa'at, Shobasakthi,
The Arts House,
Gerður Kristný,
Gallery II
2 0 1 6
Ryoichi Wago Hosted by WU HUAI CHEN
MAUNG DAY
Aaron Lee In 2015, the Epic International Poetry Night was a rousing success. Reprising the popular event, SWF presents another
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
Featuring
captivating evening of global voices. Kick back, relax, and enjoy the readings by eight writers as they present their takes on love. ALFIAN SA'AT
SHOBASAKTHI
GERÐUR KRISTNÝ
RYOICHI WAGO
FREE
SECRET SAYANG Time
Venue
This session is curated by The Arts House and commissioned
9:30PM–10:00PM
The Arts House
by Singapore Writers Festival. Refer to page 20 for full details.
43
PROGRAMMES 06 NOVEMBER 2016, SUNDAY
FEST PASS
PA N E L
A MERICANS IN THE PACIFIC
ATIA ABAWI
Featuring
Time
Atia Abawi, Nisid Hajari
10:00AM–11:00AM
Moderated by
Venue
Elvin Lim
The Arts House, Play Den
A question swirling around current debates on global affairs: is the US a Pacific power or an outsider? What do American thinkers and writers bring to the conversation on Asia, especially when so many of their Asian counterparts now cover and dissect the region in English? Do American journalists and writers have a unique vantage point from
NISID HAJARI
which to comment on Asia or must they always
Featuring
Time
As non-English fiction gains popularity and critical acclaim
Jung Young Moon,
10:00AM–11:00AM
in the Western world, what does this signify for the role of
Annaliza Bakri, Motoyuki Shibata Moderated by
literary translation and interactions between different cultures Venue
within world literature? This panel looks at the increasing
The Arts House,
popularity of fiction from non-Anglophone countries and
Blue Room
cultures and the influence of literary translators.
William Phuan
This session is in English. This session is made possible with the assistance of The Japan Foundation Asia Center.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
UTTER 2016: FOUR STORIES, ONE FILM Featuring
Time
For the first time, SWF’s adaptation platform Utter presents
Xi Ni Er,
10:00AM–11:00AM
four Singapore short stories across four languages, directed
Chempaka Aizim,
by four directors in one film, One Hour to Daylight. Come chat
Tan Wei Ting,
Venue
with producer Nicholas Chee; authors Xi Ni Er and Chempaka
Sufyan Sam’an
The Arts House,
Aizim; scriptwriter Tan Wei Ting; and director Sufyan Sam'an
Screening Room
to find out how they stitched together a complete story from
Moderated by
separate parts and the challenges and joys of using
Nicholas Chee
Singapore literature.
44
F E S T I V A L
THE FUTURE OF TR ANSL ATION
W R I T E R S
FEST PASS
PA N E L
S I N G A P O R E
This session is co-presented with the U.S. Embassy Singapore.
2 0 1 6
be interlopers?
PROGRAMMES 06 NOVEMBER 2016, SUNDAY
FREE
B O O K L AU N C H
DREA M STOREYS Featuring
Time
Dream Storeys is a hybrid work, comprising nine short stories
the works of
10:00AM–11:00AM
based on interviews with nine Singaporean architects on
Clara Chow
their dream buildings. It explores the fault lines between fact Venue
and fiction, both elaborating on and tugging away from these
Published by
The Arts House,
architects' design philosophies. What kind of nation would
Ethos Books
Gallery II
we be—what citizens or private individuals—had our physical landscape been different? And what if our urban environment were to change in drastic ways?
FEST PASS
THE ART OF SONNY LIEW Featuring
Time
Sonny Liew has created a cast of unforgettable characters
Sonny Liew
10:00AM–11:00AM
in his graphic novels from Jane Austen's women to Malinky
Moderated by
Venue
ever graphic novelist to win the Singapore Literature Prize's
Ian Gordon
Asian Civilisations
English Fiction award this year, he has nabbed critical acclaim
Museum, Ngee Ann
here (Young Artist Award in 2010) and overseas (including
Auditorium
an Eisner nomination for his work on SLG and Disney's
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
Robot to the eponymous Charlie Chan Hock Chye. The first
Wonderland in 2011). Meet the man who has worked with DC Comics and Marvel and hear him talk about his life, achievements and what lies ahead. This session is part of the Sequential Arts focus.
$60
M ASTERCL ASS
COLE SWENSEN: GENER ATING POETRY THROUGH EKPHR ASIS Instructed by
Time
Cole Swensen
10:00AM–1:00PM Venue Asian Civilisations Museum, Discovery Room
Award-winning poet Cole Swensen has published 15 books which respond to, or incorporate elements of works of visual art, whether it’s French baroque gardens or landscapes seen from train windows. This masterclass will explore a series of revisionary processes, and reveal ways in which one can achieve poetic transformation by repeated encounters with a work, or works, of art. Suitable for: Intermediate to Advanced levels This session is made possible with the assistance of the U.S. Embassy Singapore.
45
PROGRAMMES 06 NOVEMBER 2016, SUNDAY
$10
WORK SHOP
A PR ACTICAL GUIDE TO BUILDING CHAR ACTER(S) Instructed by
Time
Uncover what makes a great character in this workshop led
Jacqueline Harvey
11:00AM–12:30PM
by award-winning author, Jacqueline Harvey. Gain a better understanding of the roles heroes, villains, sidekicks and
Venue
everyone in between play and how they can transform your
The Arts House,
stories. Budding writers (which is to say, everyone) will also
Living Room
explore different ideas and writing styles. For ages 10 to 12. Seats for this workshop are limited. Visit buildingcharacters.peatix.com to register.
FREE
PERFOR M ANCE
Gareth P Jones
11:00AM–11:45AM
musical performance by children's author Gareth P Jones who will dress up with a top hat and deliver pirate cheers and Ninja
Venue Asian Civilisations Museum, Shaw
Meerkat raps. Come along and join the singing and dancing! For ages 4 and up.
Foyer
FREE
WORK SHOP
DADDY BOOGIE-WOOGIE Instructed by
Time
Katie Van Camp
11:00AM–11:30AM
WITH REGISTRATION
Venue Empress Lawn, SWF3 Tent Calling all Daddies! Time to get into the groove and show off your dance moves with your little ones. Bond with your sons and daughters in this jam session. (Hey Mums, you can join us too!) For ages 2 to 4. Seats for this workshop are limited. Visit boogiewoogie.peatix. com to register. Each ticket admits one child and one adult.
46
F E S T I V A L
It's SWF POP-sicle, our pop-up series for kids! Don't miss this
W R I T E R S
Time
S I N G A P O R E
Featuring
2 0 1 6
SWF POP-SICLE: STEA MPUNK PIR ATES AND NINJA MEERK ATS
PROGRAMMES 06 NOVEMBER 2016, SUNDAY
EDWIN THUMBOO: CHA MPION OF
FEST PASS
POETRY FOR GENER ATION NEXT Featuring
Time
Edwin Thumboo
11:30AM–12:30PM
Moderated by
Venue
Eric Tinsay Valles
The Arts House, Chamber
Hailed as a pillar of the country's literature and the national-
PHOTO CREDIT: FONG CHENG
building process, Singapore’s unofficial poet laureate Edwin Thumboo has dedicated his entire life to the promotion of poetry among the younger generations. Among his numerous efforts are his tireless work with the Ministry of Education to help set up the Creative Arts Programme for secondary school and junior college students in 1991, as well as the National Poetry Festival (NPF) in 2015. Eric Tinsay Valles, NPF’s festival director, talks to Prof Thumboo about his life work,
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
and his vision for SingLit for the years to come.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
POETRY AS A FORCE FOR CHANGE Featuring
Time
From time immemorial, poets have used language to ask hard
Sabata-mpho
11:30AM–12:30PM
questions, rouse crowds, and even document the aftermath
Mokae, Jennifer
of world-changing events. How does the form of a poem lend
Anne Champion,
Venue
itself to be a catalyst for change? What effect can it have?
Maung Day
The Arts House,
Join these three writers as they contemplate the impact of
Play Den
poetry on the world and what they hope to achieve with their
Moderated by
own writings.
Shivram Gopinath
FEST PASS
PA N E L
WEBCOMICS: THE DEATH OF NEWSPAPER COMICS? Featuring
Time
Comics were once a staple in newspapers, acting as a source
Chihoi,
11:30AM–12:30PM
of light reading, even boosting newspaper readership. In this
Cheah Sin Ann,
digital age, readers have turned to webcomics and daily strips
Foo Swee Chin
Venue
in newspapers are starting to be phased out. Chihoi, creator
aka FSc
The Arts House,
of Fa Fa World; Cheah Sin Ann, former editorial cartoonist
Blue Room
with The Straits Times; and FSc, the brains behind A Lost
Moderated by
Stock of Children, will explore the changes that have affected
Lim Cheng Tju
newspaper comic strips and discuss the ways in which artists can adapt and remain relevant. This session is part of the Sequential Arts focus.
47
PROGRAMMES 06 NOVEMBER 2016, SUNDAY
FEST PASS
கலந்துரையாடல் / PA N E L
வெகுஜன இலக் கியம் எங்கே? / WHITHER GENRE WRITING? பங்குபெறுபவர்/
நேரம் / Time
தமிழில் வெகுஜன எழுத்துக்கள் என்றால் ஜெயகாந்தன், சுஜாதா,
Featuring
11:30AM–12:30PM
ராஜேஷ் குமார், சுபா, இந்திரா ச�ௌந்தரராஜன், ரமண ி சந்திரன்
ஷ�ோபாஷக்தி,
ப�ோன்றோர் ந ினைவுக்கு வருவார்கள். இவர்கள் வழிய ில்
ப�ொன் சுந்தரராசு,
இடம் / Venue
நெப்போலியன்
The Arts House,
வகைகள் (குற்றம், மர்மம், அறிவ ியல் புனைக்கதைகள்
Shobasakthi,
Screening Room
ப�ோன்றவை) குறைந்துவ ிட்டனவா? தமிழ்ப் புனைக்கதைகள்
Nepolian,
இப்போது யார் எழுதுக ிறார்கள்? தமிழில் புனைவெழுத்து
சராசர ி வாசகரை ஈர்க்க முடியாமல் ப�ோய்விட்டனவா? அனைத்துலக
Pon Sundararaju
அரங்கிலும் உள்ளூர் எழுத்திலும் தமிழில் எழுத்து வகைகளை மீண்டும் பெருக்க அவச ியம் ஏற்பட்டுள்ளதா?
வழி நடத்துபவர் /
Moderated by
Think genre writing in Tamil and Jayakanthan, Sujatha, Rajesh
த ிருச்செல்வி
Kumar, Suba, Indira Soundarajan and Ramani Chandran will
க�ோபால்
come to mind. Who are their successors? Has genre writing
Thiruselvi Gopal
(popular fantasies, crime, science fiction, romance) in Tamil dwindled? Has Tamil fiction lost the knack of attracting the
FREE
B O O K L AU N C H
INDONESIA AND NOT: POEMS AND OTHERWISE Featuring
Time
This is a collection of poetry, prose pieces and a short
the works of
11:30AM–12:30PM
stories inspired by the experiences of Max Lane, translator
Max Lane
of Pramoedya Ananta Toer's Buru Quartet and collaborator Venue
with other Indonesian and South-east Asian intellectuals and
The Arts House,
actors in Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines.
Gallery II
FEST PASS
PA N E L
MEMORY IN POST-WAR NARR ATIVES Featuring
Time
What do we choose to remember and forget when it comes
Josephine Chia,
11:30AM–12:30PM
to documenting the aftermath of war through fiction? How
Tan Twan Eng, Meira Chand
might post-war trauma be recounted in fictional narratives? Venue
These three writers probe the question of national memory,
Asian Civilisations
examining it under the light of accuracy, and discuss their
Moderated by
Museum, Ngee Ann
creation of works set during the times of post-war Singapore
Aruna Johnson
Auditorium
and Malaya.
48
W R I T E R S
This session is in Tamil.
S I N G A P O R E
internationally and locally?
F E S T I V A L
2 0 1 6
general reader? Is there a need to diversify Tamil writing,
PROGRAMMES 06 NOVEMBER 2016, SUNDAY
FREE
CR AFT TIME WITH SAB & FRIENDS: MONSTER TO SAYANG I Instructed by
Time
From Sesame Street to Monsters, Inc, monsters can be
Sab & Friends
12:00PM–12:45PM
loveable! Let your imagination run wild and build a kooky and creative monster to sayang. Join Sab & Friends in this crafty
Venue
session to put together your very own monster to take home.
Asian Civilisations Museum, Lobby
FREE
STORY TELLING
THE A M A ZING SARONG PART Y Instructed by
Time
Quek Hong Shin
12:30PM–1:15PM Venue Asian Civilisations Museum, Shaw Foyer
You'll be amazed by how a simple prop like a sarong can inspire endless stories. Join graphic designer-illustrator Quek 2 0 1 6
Hong Shin who will demonstrate how everyone can relive the
N O V E M B E R
good ol' kampung days using a simple piece of cloth.
4 – 1 3
For ages 4 to 6. Kids, bring your parents!
ILLUSTR ATORS’ BATTLE I: GEMM A
FREE
CORRELL VS STEPHANIE WONG — DR AW YOUR PENCILS! Featuring
Time
Gemma Correll,
12:30PM–1:30PM
Stephanie Wong Venue
GEMMA CORRELL
Hosted by
Empress Lawn,
Moof
SWF3 Tent
Get ready for the festival's first-ever battle—on paper, that is. Illustrators Gemma Correll and Stephanie Wong will draw their pencils (or pens or markers) and go head-to-head in this face-off. You can contribute ideas and your vote will decide STEPHANIE WONG
who wins! For ages 4 and up.
49
PROGRAMMES 06 NOVEMBER 2016, SUNDAY B O O K L AU N C H
FREE
LOST BODIES Featuring
Time
A party of four planned a trip to Portugal. One more friend,
the works of
1:00PM–2:00PM
who was earlier unable to participate, joined the group. But
Heng Siok Tian,
at the last minute, another had to drop out. Despite the rocky
Phan Ming Yen,
Venue
start, this writing project of four writer friends took place.
Yeow Kai Chai,
The Arts House,
The book presents an invitation to get away—physically or
Yong Shu Hoong
Gallery II
spiritually—from worldly concerns, to explore a different history, a different culture, a different light, laced with dreamy
Published by
scents and the faint calls of fado.
Ethos Books
FREE
PERFOR M ANCE
A collective of artistes with varying interests, The MadHatter
1:00PM–2:00PM
Project can always be counted on to infuse their own
Project
personal style of quirkiness and rhythm into their songs. Venue
Hear them perform new and maybe familiar tunes in this live
The Arts House,
performance at the POP Stage.
POP Stage
FEST PASS
PA N E L
Featuring
Time
Nilanjana Sengupta told the story of M Bala Subramaniam,
Nilanjana Sengupta,
1:00PM–2:00PM
the first Asian to take over Singapore’s Postal Service from
Ann Wee, Lim Cheng Tju
S I N G A P O R E
SINGAPORE UNTOLD
the British. One of Singapore's pioneering social workers, Venue
Ann Wee remembers rural clan settlements and migrant
Asian Civilisations
dormitories of the past. Lim Cheng Tju looks at the making
Moderated by
Museum, Ngee Ann
of nation-states in Singapore and Malaysia from student
TBC
Auditorium
activists’ viewpoints. These stories are not found in Singapore history textbooks but their importance is undeniable. Three writers share their motivations and processes of uncovering history.
FREE
WORK SHOP
WITH
THE DARK SIDE OF POETRY
REGISTRATION
Instructed by
Time
Enter the world of the supernatural and be inspired by poet,
Christina Sng
1:30PM–3:30PM
writer and artist, Christina Sng as she equips you with spinetingling similes and eerie imagery to create your own horror
Venue
poetry. Be brave as you co-create a horror-themed poem with
The Arts House,
other participants. Not for the faint of heart.
Living Room
For ages 14 and up. Seats for this workshop are limited. Visit darkside.peatix.com to register.
50
F E S T I V A L
Time
The MadHatter
W R I T E R S
Featuring
2 0 1 6
THE M ADHATTER PROJECT
PROGRAMMES 06 NOVEMBER 2016, SUNDAY
FREE
SECRET SAYANG Time
Venue
This session is curated by The Arts House and commissioned
2:00PM–2:30PM
The Arts House
by Singapore Writers Festival. Refer to page 20 for full details.
FEST PASS
座 谈 会 / PA N E L
爱的多重奏 / LOVE ENSEMBLE 嘉宾 / Featuring
时间 / Time
三位背景多元的作家，透过自身的视角和生活经历，诠释对亲人、土地、国家、大
李永平, 张挥, 吴怀晨
2:00PM–3:30PM
自然的爱。一小时半的座谈，引领您游历作家爱的世界。
Li Yongping, Cheong Weng Yat,
地点 / Venue
Wu Huai-chen
The Arts House, Blue Room
主持人 / Moderated by 魏月萍
Ngoi Guat Peng
以上节目与南大中文系联合呈现。
Three authors from diverse backgrounds share their unique takes on different facets of love based on their personal experiences. This 90-minute panel discussion will take you through literary engagements with love for one’s family, nation and nature.
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
This session is co-presented with NTU Division of Chinese and is in Mandarin.
FREE
B E R C E R I TA / S T O R Y T E L L I N G
TIGA, DUA, SATU, ZOOM! / THREE, T WO, ONE, ZOOM! Mengemukakan / Featuring
Masa / Time
Jumaini Ariff
2:00PM–2:45PM Lokasi / Venue Asian Civilisations Musuem, Shaw Foyer
Rara yang berusia 7 tahun terpegun dengan bulan dan berharap dapat mengembara ke sana pada satu hari nanti. Bantulah Rara membina kapal angkasanya daripada barangbarang yang ada di rumah neneknya. Sertai Makcik Ju (juga dikenali sebagai Jumaini Ariff) yang akan terbang ke angkasa dengan Rara, nenek Rara dan anda. Setiap ibu bapa dan anaknya akan membuat kapal angkasa origaminya sendiri semasa sesi kraf tangan. Sesi ini dalam bahasa Inggeris dan Bahasa Melayu. Untuk usia 4 hingga 8.
Seven-year-old Rara is fascinated by the moon and hopes to travel there one day. Help Rara build her space shuttle out of knick-knacks from her grandmother’s house. Join Aunty Ju (aka Jumaini Ariff) as she blasts off into space with Rara, 51
PROGRAMMES 06 NOVEMBER 2016, SUNDAY
Rara’s grandmother and you. You’ll get to make your own origami space shuttle during the accompanying craft session. This session is in English and Malay. For ages 4 to 8.
FREE
ATIA ABAWI & M A MLE K ABU: ON PRIVILEGE, LOSS AND LOVE THROUGH TEENAGE EYES Featuring
Time
If you’ve been quick to dismiss teenagers as moody and
Mamle Kabu,
2:00PM–3:00PM
brooding, it’s time to reconsider their strengths. The Secret
Atia Abawi
Sky tells the tale of two teenagers growing up and making Venue
tough choices in conflict-ridden Afghanistan; and The Kaya-
Empress Lawn,
Girl is a story of unlikely friendship between two youths
SWF3 Tent
from different parts of Ghanaian society. Join authors, Atia Abawi and Mamle Kabu, for an incisive look at perspectives, privileges, and willpower.
Instructed by
Time
Dreamcatchers are hung above beds to trap bad dreams
Sab & Friends
2:00PM–2:45PM
and only let good thoughts through. When the sun rises, all bad dreams just disappear. Design and make your own
Venue
dreamcatcher for sweet dreams and restful sleep with
Asian Civilisations
Sab & Friends.
Museum, Lobby
FEST PASS
PERFOR M ANCE
WORDS AND MUSIC: THE RHY THM OF JAPAN Time
Motoyuki Shibata,
2:30PM–3:30PM
Hiromi Kawakami,
MOTOYUKI SHIBATA PHOTO CREDIT: SATOMI SHIMABUKURO
Featuring
HIROMI KAWAKAMI
Kojima Keitaney-love,
Venue
Yutaka Ito
The Arts House, Chamber
Four Japanese artists come together for a dream-like sequence of Japanese haiku, stories, and music. Acclaimed writer Hiromi Kawakami will narrate her poems and off-kilter stories, accompanied by the simultaneous translations of the KOJIMA KEITANEY-LOVE
YUTAKA ITO
respected translator Motoyuki Shibata. The singer-guitarist duo of Kojima Keitaney-love and Yutaka Ito will also perform a repertoire of songs. This session is in Japanese with English translation.
52
F E S T I V A L
FREE
CR AFT TIME WITH SAB & FRIENDS: DREA MCATCHERS I
W R I T E R S
Embassy Singapore.
S I N G A P O R E
This session is made possible with the assistance of the U.S.
2 0 1 6
For ages 13 and up.
PROGRAMMES 06 NOVEMBER 2016, SUNDAY
This session is made possible with the assistance of The Japan Foundation Asia Center and is part of Country Focus: Japan.
$20
SWF LECTURE
REINVENTING POETRY FOR THE INTERNET AGE Featuring
Time
Marjorie Perloff
2:30PM–3:30PM
Moderated by
Venue
Divya Victor
The Arts House, Play Den
Is your idea of poetry limited to verses merely to be read out loud? Broaden your mind in this lecture by one of the world’s pre-eminent critics of contemporary poetics. Marjorie Perloff, heralded as the godmother of postmodern and avant-garde poetry, will open your eyes to some of the most exciting poetic ventures in recent years. These range from Susan Howe’s Tom Tit Tot and Christian Bök's The Xenotext to Kenneth 2 0 1 6
Goldsmith’s Soliloquy and Christian Marclay’s The Clock, an
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
art piece that functions as a time-keeper. This session is made possible with the assistance of the U.S. Embassy Singapore.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
UNR AVELLING MY THS AND RETELLING STORIES Featuring
Time
Folklore casts a long shadow on the works of these writers
Gerður Kristný,
2:30PM–3:30PM
who employ a mix of fantasy and realism. This panel will
Golda Mowe, Krishna Udayasankar Moderated by
examine the ways in which myths are appropriated and reVenue
invented to capture the imagination of modern readers, while
The Arts House,
still imparting knowledge of the oral tradition and its values.
Screening Room
Ng Yi-Sheng
FREE
B O O K L AU N C H
NEW TITLES BY ARMOUR PUBLISHING II Featuring
Time
the works of
2:30PM–3:30PM
Rosalind Lim, Anita Sebastian
Venue The Arts House,
Published by Armour Publishing
Gallery II
Words of Wisdom (WOW) series • Ranger Anne series Come join Armour Publishing as they introduce four new publications in the Words of Wisdom (WOW) series by Rosalind Lim and the third set of books in Anita Sebastian’s Ranger Anne series featuring a menagerie of animals. The titles being launched in the WOW series are Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover; Look Before You Leap; If You Play with Fire, You Get Burnt; and A Stitch in Time Saves Nine. 53
PROGRAMMES 06 NOVEMBER 2016, SUNDAY
FEST PASS
PA N E L
THE LITER ARY GL ASS CEILING Instructed by
Time
Lee Hui Min, Ning Cai,
2:30PM–3:30PM
Noor Aisya bte Buang, Krishnamurthi Mathangi LEE HUI MIN
Venue Asian Civilisations Museum,
NING CAI
Moderated by
Ngee Ann Auditorium
Rilla Melati Bahri Four outstanding authors writing in different languages and genres discuss their roles in Singapore’s literary landscape. Join 2016 Singapore Literature Prize shortlisted authors Noor Aisya bte Buang, Lee Hui Min, Krishnamurthi Mathangi, and NOOR AISYA BTE BUANG
KRISHNAMURTHI MATHANGI
Ning Cai as they discuss the highs and lows of being a female writer in Singapore. This session is co-presented with the National Book
BET WEEN THE LINES: R ANT AND R AVE II Written and
Time
There will be an exclusive post-show book sale. Payment in
directed by
3:00PM–4:30PM
cash only.
Venue Cast
School of the Arts,
Jean Ng,
Studio Theatre
This production is by The Finger Players and commissioned by the Singapore Writers Festival.
S I N G A P O R E
Chong Tze Chien
Refer to pages 6 and 18 for full details.
Serene Chen, Chong Gua Kee Lighting design Lim Woan Wen Music and sound Darren Ng
FILM SCREENING + DIALOGUE
FEST PASS
DHEEPAN Featuring
Time
Directed by acclaimed French director Jacques Audiard,
Shobasakthi
3:00PM–6:00PM
Dheepan won the coveted Palme d'Or at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival. The film tells a powerful and touching story
Moderated by
Venue
about three Tamil refugees who fled to France to escape the
Tay Yek Keak
The Projector,
atrocities of war-ravaged Sri Lanka. There will be a post-
Redrum
screening dialogue session, with the lead actor and writer
NC-16 • 114 minutes
Antonythasan Jesuthasan, also known as Shobasakthi. The dialogue session is in Tamil with English translation.
54
W R I T E R S
$35
PERFOR M ANCE
F E S T I V A L
2 0 1 6
Development Council of Singapore.
PROGRAMMES 06 NOVEMBER 2016, SUNDAY
FREE
B E R C E R I TA / S T O R Y T E L L I N G
SAYA SEEKOR HARIM AU / I A M A TIGER Mengemukakan / Featuring
Masa / Time
Nur-El-Hudaa Jaffar
3:30PM–4:15PM Lokasi / Venue Asian Civilisations Musuem, Shaw Foyer
Izinkan Nur-El-Hudaa, eksekutif penerbitan dengan penerbit Melayu Singapura Pustaka Nasional, membawa anda ke dunia kucing-kucing besar yang mengagumkan dalam sesi penceritaan yang meriuhkan ini. Para peserta akan belajar bagaimana untuk membuat kipas-kipas kertas dengan wajah-wajah kucing semasa acara tersebut. Sesi ini dalam bahasa Inggeris dan Melayu. Untuk usia 4 hingga 8. Let Nur-El-Hudaa, publications executive with Singapore Malay publisher Pustaka Nasional, transport you to the 2 0 1 6
wonderful world of big cats in this roaring storytelling session. Learn how to make paper fans with feline faces during the
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
event, and transform yourself into a tiger in the jungle. This session is in English and Malay. For ages 4 to 8.
FREE
JACQUELINE HARVEY & ADELINE FOO: WHEN ALICE-MIR ANDA MEETS A MOS LEE Featuring
Time
What happens when two popular fictional characters—plucky
Jacqueline Harvey,
3:30PM–4:30PM
Alice-Miranda and funny boy Amos Lee—collide? Find out
Adeline Foo
when their creators, Jacqueline Harvey and Adeline Foo, meet Venue
in person to chat about their characters’ exciting adventures
Empress Lawn,
and the world of children’s literature in general.
SWF3 Tent
For ages 7 to 12.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
STORIES FROM SINGLE PANEL COMICS Featuring
Time
A single panel comic/illustration is an interesting way to
Mattias Adolfsson,
4:00PM–5:00PM
tell a story or message. Complex issues can be depicted in
Jerry Teo, Gemma Correll Moderated by Lim Cheng Tju
lighthearted ways to pique readers’ interests. How do they do Venue
it? In this panel, illustrators Mattias Adolfsson and Gemma
The Arts House,
Correll, and comic artist Jerry Teo, will discuss the unique
Chamber
features of single panel illustrations, and share some of their behind-the-scene processes and challenges. This session is part of the Illustration Arts Fest, co-organised by Organisation of Illustrators Council, LASALLE College of the Arts and Singapore Writers Festival. 55
PROGRAMMES 06 NOVEMBER 2016, SUNDAY
This session is made possible with the assistance of the Embassy of Sweden and is part of the Sequential Arts focus.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
SUSPENSE IN YOUNG ADULT FICTION Featuring
Time
To hold the attention of today’s social media-savvy youth,
Gareth P Jones,
4:00PM–5:00PM
Young Adult literature is often imbued with mystery or
AJ Low, Simon Chesterman Moderated by
suspense. This panel features the masterminds behind titles Venue
such as The Thornthwaite Inheritance and the Sherlock Sam
The Arts House,
series as well as the Arcadia trilogy. Join them to pick up tips
Play Den
on how to keep readers riveted.
Denise Tan
FEST PASS
座 谈 会 / PA N E L
代先锋派文学的代表人物，同样来自中国的徐则臣以社会写实小说揭露弱势群
Yeng Pway Ngon, Can Xue, Xu Zechen 主持人 / Moderated by
体的挣扎。新加坡文化奖兼文学奖双料得主英培安，对民族集体回忆与阶级斗 地点 / Venue
争提出挑战。三位时代作家齐聚，分享各自如何借助文字的力量，聚焦当代的社
The Arts House,
会文化课题。
Blue Room
胡文雁
They are among the international Chinese literary scene's brightest stars. China's Can Xue is known for her avant-garde
Woo Mun Ngan
fiction while compatriot Xu Zechen evokes the struggles of the underprivileged in his social realist novels. At home, Yeng Pway Ngon, Cultural Medallion recipient and Singapore Literature Prize winner, tackles issues such as national memory and class. Together they'll discuss their engagement with topical social and cultural concerns. This session is in Mandarin.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
MEIR A CHAND & WENA POON: JAPAN IN OUR STORIES Featuring
Time
Meira Chand and Wena Poon are individually inspired by
Meira Chand,
4:00PM–5:00PM
The Land of The Rising Sun. Exploring cultural identity and
Wena Poon
dislocation, five of Chand's eight novels are set in Japan, Venue
while Poon's trio of Pacific War novels span Japan, Shanghai
Moderated by
The Arts House,
and Singapore. As outsiders looking in, these two novelists
Mie Hiramoto
Living Room
discuss how and why Japan figures in their works. This session is part of Country Focus: Japan.
56
F E S T I V A L
他们都是这个时代的国际中文文坛上最耀眼的作家。中国女作家残雪享誉为当
4:00PM–5:00PM
W R I T E R S
时间 / Time
英培安, 残雪, 徐则臣
S I N G A P O R E
嘉宾 / Featuring
2 0 1 6
时代的作家 / WRITERS OF THEIR TIME
PROGRAMMES 06 NOVEMBER 2016, SUNDAY
FEST PASS
CL ASSROOM SERIES
FUNNY SONNETS WITH PHILIP TERRY Featuring
Time
In his book Shakespeare's Sonnets, Philip Terry re-engages
Philip Terry
4:00PM–5:00PM
with the Bard’s works, splicing contemporary culture with Shakespearean themes to hilarious effect. Find out how
Venue
he deconstructs the English language into a celebration of
The Arts House,
creativity, and puts the funny into sonnets, in this Classroom
Screening Room
Series talk. This session is made possible with the assistance of the British Council.
FREE
B O O K L AU N C H
SCEPTRE OF SEA AND SK Y: BOOK T WO OF THE FORBIDDEN HILL CHRONICLES Featuring
Time
Returning to the enchanted world of Erda in search of their
the works of
4:00PM–5:00PM
missing friend, Keith, Anna and Vijay are once again enlisted in the desperate struggle against the Dark. Keith sets off for
Venue
Chapterhouse Manaung, where he is to receive training in
Published by
The Arts House,
the arts of the magi. Anna and Vijay, accompanied by the
Renaissance
Gallery II
Royal Mage of Turasik, a warrior woman and a runaway boy,
Publishing
embark on a voyage of a thousand leagues taking them to the dominions of a lustful queen, a city under the sway of a
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
Terry Ho
sinister abbot, and a land of vengeful spirits.
FREE
4 – 1 3
KUIK SHIAO-YIN: TUITION NATION Featuring
Time
Kuik Shiao-Yin
5:30PM–6:30PM Venue The Arts House, Chamber
Is tuition the only way to get ahead in Singapore? Nominated Member of Parliament, Kuik Shiao-Yin, shares her views on the culture of 'kiasuism', the value of tuition, and why it's important to develop social awareness in youths. For parents wanting to do things differently.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
THE SOUND AND THE FURY: HOW SOUND PROVOKES Featuring
Time
Whether it's a legible word or a wordless howl, sound plays
Nancy Perloff,
5:30PM–6:30PM
a pivotal role in daily human interactions, including poetic
Omar Musa, Bani Haykal Moderated by
creations. Three sound experts—curator Nancy Perloff, Venue
performance poet Omar Musa and sound installation artist
The Arts House,
Bani Haykal—talk about ways in which they have plumbed the
Play Den
depths of sound to arouse, to rebel, and to seek peace.
Lonce Wyse 57
PROGRAMMES 06 NOVEMBER 2016, SUNDAY PA N E L
FEST PASS
USING COMICS TO EDUCATE Featuring
Time
As comics/manga have gained recognition and acceptance
Lim Cheng Tju,
5:30PM–6:30PM
as a significant form of popular culture and mass media, more
Ian Gordon, Deborah Shamoon Moderated by
instructors are using them in the high school and university Venue
curriculum. This includes using comics/manga to teach
The Arts House,
culture or to study aesthetics, genre and narrative. In this
Blue Room
panel, Lim Cheng Tju, Deborah Shamoon, and Ian Gordon will
Dave Chua
talk about taking comics seriously in the classroom. This session is part of the Sequential Arts focus.
FEST PASS
CL ASSROOM SERIES
FOOTBALL: A BATTLEGROUND
Moderated by
Venue
Francesco Mancini
The Arts House, Living Room
Football is played as much on as off the pitch, especially in the Middle East and North Africa. The stadium has become a crucible for political freedom, gender rights and struggles for ethnic, religious and national identity. Foreign correspondent James M Dorsey takes us into the complex arena of football in countries where football is more than just a beautiful game.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
FROM SHORT TO LONG Featuring
Time
O Thiam Chin,
5:30PM–6:30PM
Audrey Chin, Sara Baume
Venue The Arts House,
Moderated by SARA BAUME AUDREY CHIN
PHOTO CREDIT: THOMAS L ANGDON
Screening Room
Kenneth Quek What are the challenges faced when a writer transits from short stories to writing a novel, or the other way round? Should writers attempt short stories before diving into the long form—and does that imply that the short story is easier to master? This panel brings together emerging and established authors who have produced works in both forms.
58
F E S T I V A L
5:30PM–6:30PM
W R I T E R S
Time
James M Dorsey
S I N G A P O R E
Featuring
2 0 1 6
FOR POWER AND JUSTICE
PROGRAMMES 06 NOVEMBER 2016, SUNDAY
FREE
B O O K L AU N C H
NEW TITLES BY M ARSHALL CAVENDISH Featuring
Time
the works of
5:30PM–6:30PM
Nicholas Yong, S Mickey Lin
Venue The Arts House,
Published by
Gallery II
Marshall Cavendish
Track Faults and Other Glitches • Uncanny Valley Marshall Cavendish introduces two new short story collections. The 10 stories in Track Faults and Other Glitches by Nicholas Yong promise to transport the reader from the deeply familiar to the supernatural, exploring things that cannot and should not be. Uncanny Valley by S Mickey Lin is a collection about unusual facets of Singapore, exploring identity and the human psyche using a wide range of characters, ranging from the construction worker to the managing director of a company.
FEST PASS
CL ASSROOM SERIES
THE TRUTH BEHIND THE ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TR ADE IN SINGAPORE Featuring
Time
Did you know that illegal wildlife trade is the 4th most
Elaine Tan
5:30PM–6:30PM
profitable business, behind drugs, human trafficking and
Moderated by
Venue
caught from the wild to be sold as food, pets, accessories,
N Sivasothi
Asian Civilisations
souvenirs and medicine. This could overturn decades of
Museum, Ngee Ann
conservation success, especially for key species like elephants
Auditorium
and tigers. Recently, Singapore was named a smuggling
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
counterfeits? Each year, hundreds of millions of animals are
hub of 'primary concern' for ivory per data from TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, and Environmental
4 – 1 3
Investigation Agency (EIA). With its excellent transport network, Singapore is both a transit hub and a consumer market for illegal wildlife trade such as caged birds for the pet trade; Saiga Antelope horn for TCM; and sharks fins. Find out the truth behind this massive market and how you can play a part to stop the illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade in this Classroom Series talk by Elaine Tan, CEO of WWF-Singapore.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
AFTER FUKUSHIM A Featuring
Time
Five years after the devastating 2011 East Japan Earthquake,
Ryoichi Wago,
7:00PM–8:00PM
not many people outside of Japan are aware that the recovery
Hiromi Kawakami, Kojima Keitaney-love Moderated by Motoyuki Shibata
process is still ongoing for the residents of Fukushima. How Venue
are they coping with the aftermath of the disaster, with many
The Arts House,
of them having lost loved ones and unable to return to their
Chamber
homes? Join this panel as two writers and a musician open up about how they themselves have come to terms with the catastrophe through their works. This session is in Japanese with English translation.
59
PROGRAMMES 06 NOVEMBER 2016, SUNDAY
This session is made possible with the assistance of The Japan Foundation Asia Center and is part of Country Focus: Japan.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
INCULCATING READING HABITS: LESSONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD Featuring
Time
Roland Kelts,
7:00PM–8:00PM
Mamle Kabu, Pooja Nansi,
ROL AND KELTS
Venue The Arts House,
Moderated by
Play Den
Meira Chand With the advent of social media, mobile devices and competing demands for attention, reading a literary
compare the culture of reading of different nations, and exchange views on how to cultivate the next generation of readers. This session is made possible with the assistance of The Japan Foundation Asia Center.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
L AUNCHING A CAREER IN ILLUSTR ATION Featuring
Time
Joined by a special guest from Sweden, this panel will
Esther Goh,
7:00PM–8:00PM
share professional development tips on establishing oneself
Mindflyer, Mattias Adolfsson Moderated by Kelley Cheng
as an illustrator in the arts and design community and Venue
launching a successful career as an illustrator. What are
The Arts House,
the common pitfalls and typical barriers? How big a role
Blue Room
does taking on corporate commissions play? Established illustrators Mindflyer, Mattias Adolfsson and Esther Goh share their insights. This session is part of the Illustration Arts Fest, co-organised by Organisation of Illustrators Council, LASALLE College of the Arts and Singapore Writers Festival. This session is made possible with the assistance of the Embassy of Sweden.
60
F E S T I V A L
commentator from the US, and a writer from Ghana—
W R I T E R S
Three writers—a teacher-poet from Singapore, a cultural
S I N G A P O R E
MAMLE KABU
2 0 1 6
text is seen increasingly as a luxury or worse, a novelty. POOJA NANSI
PROGRAMMES 06 NOVEMBER 2016, SUNDAY
FEST PASS
PA N E L
THE ART OF THE DIDACTIC PANEL Featuring
Time
The simple panel you see next to an artwork at an exhibit
Shabbir Hussain
7:00PM–8:00PM
may look nondescript, but it plays a crucial role. How does
Mustafa,
one distil complex information—theory, context, history—
Lise Macdonald,
Venue
into a succinct guide that illuminates? With a few words, the
Andrea Fam
The Arts House,
curator must be able to invoke and inspire, giving the visitor
Living Room
a new entry to the artwork. Leading curators from National
Moderated by
Gallery Singapore, Singapore Art Museum and ArtScience
Lim Chye Hong
Museum will share with the audience the intricacies of exhibition wall text.
FREE
B O O K L AU N C H
FINDING ARCADIA Featuring
Time
In the second book of the bestselling Arcadia trilogy, Arcadia
the works of
7:00PM–8:00PM
Greentree digs deep into her past to understand the present.
4 – 1 3
After the startling discovery that left her father murdered and Venue
her mother in a coma, Arcadia tries to locate the ‘professor’
Published by
The Arts House,
whom she believes to be ultimately responsible for the
Marshall Cavendish
Gallery II
tragedy. A series of clues leads her to Oxford University and a confrontation with her enemy—but all is not as it seems.
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
Simon Chesterman
FEST PASS
PA N E L
EXPORTING SOUTH-EAST ASIA TO THE WORLD Featuring
Time
With South Korea’s Han Kang nabbing the Man Booker
Golda Mowe,
7:00PM–8:00PM
International Prize this year, the time is ripe for the world
Tash Aw, Sithuraj Ponraj
to discover literary talents from South-east Asia. What can Venue
be done to get more works from this region translated and
Asian Civilisations
distributed internationally? The panel weighs in on this
Moderated by
Museum, Ngee Ann
question, exploring what needs to be done to produce the
Susan Harris
Auditorium
next literary star from this part of the world. This session is co-presented with The Select Centre.
FREE
READING
SINGAPORE MONOLOGUE SL A M Time
Venue
The winners of the inaugural Singapore Monologue Slam
8:30PM–9: 30PM
The Arts House,
present their prize-winning pieces in this showcase, jointly
Chamber
organised by Method Productions and the Haque Centre of Acting & Creativity. Hear the written word brought to life through great live performances and learn more about the craft of speechwriting. About Singapore Monologue Slam: Singapore Monologue Slam believes in empowering young people to pursue their dreams. Participants choose 61
PROGRAMMES 06 NOVEMBER 2016, SUNDAY
a monologue and share their stories to a panel of judges comprising of renowned artists and theatre-makers in Singapore. The competition is divided into two categories— the Teens Slam for those between the ages of 13 to 17 and the Open Slam, for ages 18 to 35. Only the top 10 from each category will proceed to the Grand Slam where they will pit their acting chops against one another, and where expression at its best, is born.
FEST PASS
CL ASSROOM SERIES
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BOOK REVIEW Featuring
Time
Discussions of a book’s literary merit in reviews play an
Marjorie Perloff
8:30PM–9:30PM
important role. However, with so much being published,
Moderated by
Venue
writing—which can be seen cynically as praise by friends—
Philip Holden
The Arts House,
or expositions of external themes. This Classroom Series talk
Living Room
answers a key question: If the book review has indeed become
Embassy Singapore.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
CREATING ART IN DIFFERENT MEDIUMS Featuring
Time
Tania De Rozario,
8:30PM–9:30PM
Shubigi Rao, Maung Day Venue TANIA DE ROZARIO
Moderated by
The Arts House,
Jason Wee
Screening Room
There are those who swear by the literary art form, and then there are those who leap from medium to medium with relative ease to make art. Three authors who are also visual artists are gathered in this panel to exchange thoughts and views on the work of interdisciplinary artists.
SHUBIGI RAO PHOTO CREDIT: S. RAOU
62
MAUNG DAY
F E S T I V A L
This session is made possible with the assistance of the U.S.
W R I T E R S
neglected form of literary criticism?
S I N G A P O R E
an endangered species, what needs to be done to revive this
2 0 1 6
reviewing has increasingly been replaced by a form of blurb-
PROGRAMMES 06 NOVEMBER 2016, SUNDAY
FEST PASS
座 谈 会 / PA N E L
文学杂志：回顾。当下 / CHINESE LITER ARY
JOURNALS: PAST TO PRESENT 嘉宾 / Featuring
时间 / Time
孤星子, 非心,
8:30PM–9:30PM
Gu Xing Zi, Fei Xin 地点 / Venue
孤星子 GU XING ZI
主持人 / Moderated by
The Arts House,
洪均荣
Blue Room
Ang Jin Yong
文学杂志在新加坡的出版史中可说是源远流长。每一个时代都有一群“文青”满 怀热情筹办。上世纪七十年代有《红树林》、 《蜗牛》、 《楼》，九十年代有《风见 鸡》、 《后来》，2000 年之后有《殊途》；以及时下新文潮文学社炙手可热的
非心 FEI XIN
《WhyNot 不为什么》等。文学杂志记载了作家与编辑们“当下”的声音，也见证 了本地文学思潮的发展。“文青”为什么当起编辑、创办杂志？这些文学杂志有什 么特色，又如何带动文学思潮？我们邀请不同年代的文学杂志编辑济济一堂， 一起分享“当下”的思考与心情。
2 0 1 6
以上节目与新文潮文学社联合呈现。
Over the years there have been many Chinese literary
N O V E M B E R
magazines in the Singaporean publishing scene, with each era bearing witness to different groups of passionate and youthful advocates. There was Red Forest, Snail and Storeys in the 70s; The Weathercock and Afterwards in
4 – 1 3
the 90s; Different Roads since the 2000s and TrendLit’s young and vibrant magazine WhyNot since 2010. What makes each magazine special? What is their relationship with literary trends? Editors from different magazines will gather to share their thoughts and feelings on these questions. This session is co-presented with TrendLit and is in Mandarin.
FREE
READING
CROSSING BOUNDARIES I: FOUR M ASTERS READ EXCERPTS FROM THEIR WORKS Featuring
Time
These writers have pulverised boundaries and challenged
Cole Swensen,
8:30PM–9:30PM
norms. Cole Swensen is an expert in postmodern and post-
Nancy Perloff,
language poetry; Nancy Perloff studies the relationship
Desmond Kon
Venue
between music and visual arts; Desmond Kon revels in
Zhicheng-Mingdé,
The Arts House,
multiple realms from the secular to the spiritual; and Collier
Collier Nogues
Gallery II
Nogues’ erasure poetry reinvents existing texts. They will share their ground-breaking works.
Moderated by Bridgette See
This session is made possible with the assistance of the U.S. Embassy Singapore.
63
PROGRAMMES 07 NOVEMBER 2016, SUNDAY
$300
WORK SHOP
3-DAY EDITING CLINIC WITH SUSAN HARRIS Instructed by
Date and time
Susan Harris
7–9 November, 9:30AM–5:30PM Venue The Arts House, Living Room
Susan Harris, the editorial director of renowned online magazine of international literature Words Without Borders, will conduct a three-day editing clinic for translators in Singapore. The aim is to guide participants in their English translations of Singapore literary works, and the pitching of their projects to publishers. There will be a prior call for
upon purchase of tickets. This session is co-presented with The Select Centre.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
THE PERSONAL/PUBLIC DILEMM A OF SINGAPORE POETRY Featuring
Time
How can Singapore poetry be socially relevant yet
Daryl Lim Wei Jie,
7:00PM–8:00PM
introspective at the same time? These four poets have
Christine Chia,
attempted to respond to this question in their work. Christine
Grace Chia,
Venue
Chia’s poetry draws a parallel between her parents’ failed
Madeleine Lee
The Arts House,
marriage and the Singapore-Malaysia separation; Grace
Play Den
Chia’s visceral verses are about identity, feminism and
Moderated by
imagination; Daryl Lim’s poetry engages with socio-historical
Marc Nair
events; and Madeleine Lee captures intimate moments while connecting to the larger workings of the world.
FREE
B O O K L AU N C H
NEW TITLES BY ST PRESS I Featuring
Time
the works of
7:00PM–8:00PM
Teh Hooi Ling, Janice Tay
Venue The Arts House,
Published by ST Press
64
Living Room
Show Me The Money 4 • Kyoto Unhurried ST Press introduces two new books: Show Me The Money 4 by Teh Hooi Ling; and Kyoto Unhurried by Janice Tay. Teh examines investment strategies that have worked in the Singapore market over the years and signposts the lessons to be learnt and pitfalls to avoid. Tay provides an insider’s look at Kyoto, home to no fewer than 17 UNESCO World
F E S T I V A L
submit a manuscript of translated work; details will be emailed
W R I T E R S
Suitable for: Intermediate to Advance levels. Participants must
S I N G A P O R E
will be selected for the clinic.
2 0 1 6
submissions, after which 10 to 15 translators and their works
PROGRAMMES 07 NOVEMBER 2016, MONDAY
Heritage sites, and its inhabitants, telling stories about their lives through a travel guide about the city’s cuisine, shopping, history and language.
FEST PASS
PA N E L (C A N C E L L E D)
FROM PRINT TO THE GR A M —HOW FOOD WRITING HAS CHANGED Featuring
Time
Devagi Sanmugam,
7:00PM–8:00PM
Seth Lui Venue
DEVAGI SANMUGAM
Moderated by
The Arts House,
Christopher Tan
Chamber
As more Singaporeans turn to food blogs and Instagram to decide their next restaurant adventure, how has the craft of food writing changed? In an age that prioritises pretty visuals and encourages the ‘FOMO’ (fear of missing out) sentiment, how relevant are 'traditional' food reviewers and critics? This
SETH LUI
panel will look at the vocation and craft of writing about food
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
and the evolution of the scene in Singapore.
FREE
READING
MY HOME, MY SAYANG Featuring
Time
Listen to bittersweet voices of hope, longing and dreaming—
Md Mukul Hossine,
7:00PM–8:00PM
regardless of current geographical location, these writers have
Lawrence Lacambra
called Singapore home at one point. They share their works in
Ypil, Wena Poon,
Venue
which attempts have been made to define what home means
Balli Kaur Jaswal,
The Arts House,
to them.
Eric Tinsay Valles,
Gallery II
Divya Victor Hosted by Ann Lee
FEST PASS
FILM SCREENING
SAYANG DISAYANG Featuring
Time
Sayang Disayang (My Beloved Dearest) is Singapore's official
Sanif Olek,
7:00PM–9:00PM
2015 Oscar Entry for Best Foreign Language Film. Touted as
Aidli 'Alin' Mosbit
PG • 80 minutes
possibly the first Singapore-made, Malay-language film in Venue
more than 40 years, the film explores the complex relationship
The Arts House,
of a foreign domestic helper with her heartbroken employer
Screening Room
set in the backdrop of Singapore's historical and cultural legacy as part of the Malay archipelago. Join film director Sanif Olek and actress Aidli Mosbit in the post-show dialogue.
65
PROGRAMMES 07 NOVEMBER 2016, MONDAY PA N E L
FEST PASS
READING BET WEEN THE LINES Featuring
Time
Chong Tze Chien,
8:30PM–9:30PM
Kirpal Singh,
CHONG TZE CHIEN
KIRPAL SINGH
Ong Sor Fern,
Venue
O Thiam Chin
The Arts House, Chamber
Moderated by Goh Eck Kheng How did the Singapore literary scene take its shape? As Singapore literature matures, what have been some of the turning points in the last few decades been? Between the Lines: Rant and Rave II depicts the odyssey of literary minds ONG SOR FERN
O THIAM CHIN
and personalities who have had a hand in moulding and giving life to our literary landscape. Director Chong Tze Chien is joined in this post-performance dialogue by Kirpal Singh,
THE CIT Y AND I Featuring
Time
In writing about the city and its spaces, how do writers create
Loh Guan Liang,
8:30PM–9:30PM
works that capture and transcend the humdrum of everyday
Aaron Lee,
Moderated by
life? Join these writers as they share their observations of Venue
living in a city and the ways that urban architecture and
The Arts House,
spaces have influenced their works.
S I N G A P O R E
Clara Chow
Living Room
Zhang Ruihe
FREE
B O O K L AU N C H
FASHION MOST WANTED: SINGAPORE’S TOP INFLUENTIAL NA MES IN THE PAST FIVE DECADES Featuring
Time
This is a book about Singapore’s fashion scene, presenting
the works of
8:30PM–9:30PM
an array of charismatic protagonists and a legion of fashion
Tom Rao, Cat Ong, John de Souza
royalty who have played their own game of thrones in the last Venue The Arts House,
Published by ST Press
66
Gallery II
five decades.
W R I T E R S
FEST PASS
PA N E L
F E S T I V A L
2 0 1 6
O Thiam Chin and Ong Sor Fern.
PROGRAMMES 0 8 NOVEMBER 2016, TUESDAY
FREE
WORK SHOP
WITH
EXPLORING YOUTHS’ PERSPECTIVES OF LOVE, LOSS AND IDENTIT Y
REGISTRATION
THROUGH DR A M A: REMOVE THE VOID Instructed by
Date and time
Join Singapore Polytechnic students from the Diploma in
Elsabella Wong
3:00PM–5:00PM
Applied Drama and Psychology as they take you through what the festival theme, Sayang, means to them.
Venue The Arts House, Play Den
Void decks are places uniquely Singaporean; we play there, we laugh there, we eat there, we experience our greatest joy and sadness there. However, as our lives progress, we became busier, became so enamored with ourselves that we often pass through the space that we once held affection for—now lost. A person cannot exist without purpose, neither can a place. For ages 13 to 16. Seats for this workshop are limited. Visit ohsayang1.peatix.com to register. This session is co-presented with Singapore Polytechnic.
FEST PASS
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
PA N E L
DOES SINGAPORE NEED A POET L AUREATE? Featuring
Time
Is the time ripe for Singapore to appoint her own Poet
Yong Shu Hoong,
7:00PM–8:00PM
Laureate? The title of ‘Poet Laureate’ is an honour traditionally
Kirpal Singh, Amanda Chong Moderated by
conferred by the state. Poet Laureates such as Carol Ann Venue
Duffy (UK) and Juan Felipe Herrera (US) are associated with
The Arts House,
their countries’ literary canons and have composed works
Chamber
in honour of national occasions. Would appointing a Poet
Paul Tan
Laureate elevate the stature of Singapore poetry? This panel discusses.
FREE
READING
CHECKPOINT THEATRE PRESENTS: WORKS IN DEVELOPMENT Featuring
Time
Checkpoint Theatre is the home of new Singapore
Faith Ng, Lucas Ho
7:00PM–10:00PM
playwriting, and its ‘Works in Development’ showcase is
Moderated by
Venue
brings new works from page to stage. Past scripts that have
Huzir Sulaiman
The Arts House,
undergone this careful and considered process include the
Play Den
critically acclaimed Faith Ng's Normal and Joel Tan's The Way
an important part of a rigorous developmental process that
We Go. This one-night-only event presents the dramatised readings of Associate Artists’ Faith Ng and Lucas Ho’s latest plays. Audience members are invited to give detailed feedback as the works continue to be developed for production. Spend an evening with Checkpoint Theatre and play a part in the evolution of these plays of future seasons! Housewarming by Faith Ng There is a housewarming and everyone is late. The conversations 67
PROGRAMMES 0 8 NOVEMBER 2016, TUESDAY
revolve around work, housing and babies. What happens after the wedding? How many milestones does one have to pass to finally ‘make it’ as an adult? And why is a married couple’s sex life everybody’s business? FRAGO by Lucas Ho For their seventh year in reservist training, a group of army mates is engaged in a simulated war exercise, firing blanks at enemy soldiers. In the heat of the ‘battle’, they become aware of the struggles in their personal civilian lives, problems which they can’t simply chao keng out of.
FEST PASS
CL ASSROOM SERIES
HOW TO WRITE ABOUT CHINA WHEN
Moderated by
Venue
TBC
The Arts House, Blue Room
China's rise has proved to be a magnet for pundits who want to make sense of this awakening giant. But where does one begin to access this huge country? Writer Anurag Viswanath will bring an outsider's perspective with her own eye-popping sojourn through the country's margins. Her book Finding India in China wrestles with stereotypes and shibboleths as she encounters a motley cast of characters, ranging from Mongols dressed up for tourism to migrant workers.
FEST PASS
கலந்துரையாடல் / PA N E L
ச ிங்கப்பூரில் தமிழ் வாச ிப்பு / READING TA MIL IN SINGAPORE பங்குபெறுபவர்/
நேரம் / Time
ச ிங்கப்பூர்த் தமிழ் எழுத்தாளர்கள், உள்ளூர் வாசகர்களை
Featuring
7:00PM–8:00PM
ஈர்க்க என்ன உத்திகளைக் கையாள்கிறார்கள்? 2016 ச ிங்கப்பூர்
ப�ொன்ராஜ், அ க ி
இடம் / Venue
அ க ி வரதராஜன், முகமது காச ின் ஷாநவாஸ் ஆக ிய�ோர்
வரதராஜன், முகமது
The Arts House,
இவ்வமர்வின் வழி தங்கள் படைப்பாக்கத்தை வழிநடத்தும்
காச ின் ஷாநவாஸ்
Living Room
சூழ்நிலைகளைப் பற்றியும் குற ிப்பாக உள்ளூர ிலும்
ச ித்துராஜ்
இலக்கியப் பர ிசு வெற்றியாளர்களான ச ித்துராஜ் ப�ொன்ராஜ்,
Sithuraj Ponraj,
வெள ிநாட்டிலும் தமிழ்ப் புத்தகங்களைப் பத ிப் பித்தல் வ ிற்றல்
Varadharajan AK,
சம்பந்தப்பட்ட சவால்களைப் பற்றியும் பேசுக ிறார்கள்.
Mohamed Kassim Shanavas வழி நடத்துபவர் /
Moderated by சீ தாலட்சுமி
Seetha Lakshmi 68
இந்த அமர்வு ச ிங்கப்பூர் தேச ிய புத்தக மேம்பாட்டு மன்றத்துடன் இணைந்து வழங்கப்படுக ிறது.
How do Tamil-language authors ensure their works are read by Singaporean readers? Join 2016 Singapore Literature Prize-winning authors Sithuraj Ponraj, Varadharajan AK, and
F E S T I V A L
7:00PM–8:00PM
W R I T E R S
Time
Anurag Viswanath
S I N G A P O R E
Featuring
2 0 1 6
YOU’RE AN OUTSIDER
PROGRAMMES 0 8 NOVEMBER 2016, TUESDAY
Mohamed Kassim Shanavas as they tackle topics that affect the way they write and publish, such as the market and the challenges of publishing and bookselling locally and abroad. This session is co-presented with the National Book Development Council of Singapore and will be in Tamil.
FREE
B O O K L AU N C H
NEW TITLES BY M ATH PAPER PRESS I Featuring
Time
SingPoWriMo 2016: The Anthology • Destroy All Gods
the works of
7:00PM–8:00PM
( 消灭众神)
Contributing writers, Gu Xing Zi
Venue The Arts House,
Published by
Gallery II
Math Paper Press
Join Math Paper Press to launch two new titles. A challenge to write one poem a day for 30 days was first issued to the internet in April 2014. In 2016, SingPoWriMo 2016: The Anthology, edited by Joshua Ip, Daryl Qilin Yam and Ruth Tang, gathers the best of the 5,110 poems that were submitted for the year. First-time poets are featured with established bards, in a wide swath of languages from Minion to HTML. Alongside the anthology, Gu Xing Zi launches his latest work,
N O V E M B E R
PA N E L
4 – 1 3
2 0 1 6
Destroy All Gods ( 消灭众神).
William Phuan,
FEST PASS
FOR THE LOVE OF THE WRITTEN WORD Featuring
Time
Singapore's literary scene would not be what it is today
Kenny Leck,
8:30PM–9:30PM
without these champions of home-grown writing. Moderator
Chan Wai Han Moderated by
Denise Tan speaks to three familiar names—Chan Wai Han Venue
from Ethos Books; William Phuan from The Select Centre;
The Arts House,
and Kenny Leck, founder of BooksActually and Math Paper
Blue Room
Press—about their love for the written word and their work
Denise Tan
behind the scenes.
FEST PASS
P E R B I N C A N G A N / PA N E L
MENJALIN HUBUNGAN DENGAN PEMBACA SINGAPUR A / CONNECTING WITH THE SINGAPOREAN READER Mengemukakan /
Masa / Time
Bagaimanakah para penulis berbahasa Melayu menjalin
Featuring
8:30PM–9:30PM
hubungan dengan warga Singapura dengan cara yang
Peter Augustine Goh,
bermakna dan menawan? Luangkan masa bersama para
Hartinah Ahmad,
Lokasi / Venue
pengarang yang memenangi Hadiah Sastera Singapura 2016
Ahmad Azmi bin Haji
The Arts House,
Peter Augustine Goh, Hartinah Ahmad, dan Ahmad Azmi bin
Mohamed Ishak
Living Room
Haji Mohamed Ishak yang akan membincangkan khalayak sasaran, para penerbit dan para peniaga buku di Singapura,
Dipengerusikan oleh /
dan lain-lain kuasa yang mungkin membentuk cara mereka
Moderated by
menulis, dan untuk siapa mereka menulis.
Sa’eda Buang
Sesi ini akan diadakan dipersembahkan bersama dengan Majlis Perkembangan Buku Nasional Singapura. 69
PROGRAMMES 0 8 NOVEMBER 2016, TUESDAY
How do Malay-language authors connect with Singaporeans in a meaningful and engaging way? Join 2016 Singapore Literature Prize-winning authors Peter Augustine Goh, Hartinah Ahmad, and Ahmad Azmi bin Haji Mohamed Ishak as they discuss intended audiences, publishers and booksellers in Singapore, and other forces that may shape the way they write, and who they write for. This session is co-presented with the National Book Development Council of Singapore and will be in Malay.
FREE
B O O K L AU N C H
NEW TITLES BY M ATH PAPER PRESS II
Verena Tay and contributing writers
Venue The Arts House,
Published by Math Paper Press
Gallery II
Spaces • Balik Kampung 3A, 3B, 3C Math Paper Press introduces four new titles written and edited by Verena Tay. Spaces is Tay’s second short story collection, exploring the interior landscapes of various protagonists and experimenting with form, point of view, mood and tone. Balik Kampung 3A, 3B, 3C are additions to the popular series. In 3A: Northern Shores, 10 established and new writers offer stories set in Seletar, Yishun, Marsiling, Ang Mo Kio and Upper Thomson. 3B: Some East, More West presents nine exciting tales and fresh insights into the human condition. The stories in 3C: Central Corridor feature the central spine of Singapore —from Bukit Timah, Bukit Merah,
S I N G A P O R E
Farrer Road, Cairnhill, down to the Keppel area.
2 0 1 6
8:30PM–9:30PM
F E S T I V A L
Time
the works of
W R I T E R S
Featuring
70
PROGRAMMES 09 NOVEMBER 2016, WEDNESDAY
FREE
WORK SHOP
EXPLORING YOUTHS’ PERSPECTIVES OF LOVE, LOSS AND IDENTIT Y
WITH REGISTRATION
THROUGH DR A M A: EVERYBODY TALKS Instructed by
Time
Join Singapore Polytechnic students from the Diploma in
Isaac Chan
3:00PM–5:00PM
Applied Drama and Psychology as they take you through what the festival theme, Sayang, means to them.
Venue The Arts House, Play Den
The elderly now makes up the bulk of our society, and with the elderly comes elderly-related issues. The microsystem is defined as the immediate surroundings of an individual, which will be observed through this process drama. ‘Everybody Talks’ is a process drama workshop that explores the concept of elderly interaction; what is said and, for the most part, what is not. For ages 13 to 16. Seats for this workshop are limited. Visit ohsayang2.peatix.com to register. This session is co-presented with Singapore Polytechnic.
FREE
B O O K L AU N C H 2 0 1 6
NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT YOUR
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
CHILLI SAUCE Featuring the works of
Time
Constance Singam
7:00PM–8:00PM
Published by
Venue
Epigram Books
The Arts House, Living Room
Many of us associate home with the comforts of our mother’s kitchen. But food can represent so much more—it can reflect a nation’s history, culture and traditions, as well as society’s changing attitudes. Connie Singam’s love and experience with homecooking sees the evolution of food against a backdrop of Singapore’s social fabric over the past 70 years.
FREE
B O O K L AU N C H
TRIPLE BOOK L AUNCH + NEW VOICES SHOWCASE Featuring
Time
Mirror Image Mirage • FOODPORN cum Maundy Thursday •
the works of
7:00PM–8:00PM
Thirty-Seven Reasons Red Is Rad
Desmond Kon Zhicheng-Mingdé
Venue The Arts House,
Published by Squircle Line Press
Gallery II
Exciting new voices from Ngee Ann Polytechnic and NUS High open this event, followed by a three-book launch from Desmond Kon: a collection of haiku in Mirror Image Mirage; a hybrid work, FOODPORN cum Maundy Thursday; and Thirty-Seven Reasons Red Is Rad, poems written up through eight literary devices (aphorism, anecdote, allegory, anaphora, envoi, ekphrasis, eclogue and elegy). 71
PROGRAMMES 09 NOVEMBER 2016, WEDNESDAY PA N E L
FEST PASS
HOW TO GET YOUR COMIC PUBLISHED Featuring
Time
After putting hours of sweat into completing your comic,
Kenny Leck,
7:00PM–8:00PM
what is the next step? Publishers Kenny Leck from Math
Lim Li Kok,
Paper Press, Edmund Wee from Epigram Books, Lim Li Kok
Edmund Wee,
Venue
from Asiapac Books and Indonesian comic book colourist
Sunny Gho
The Arts House,
Sunny Gho, will discuss the ‘X’ factor in graphic novels and
Play Den
how they assess each work’s appeal to the consumer. Graphic
Moderated by
novelist Troy Chin will moderate and chip in with advice for
Troy Chin
aspiring practitioners. This session is part of the Sequential Arts focus.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
LOVE, LOSS AND EVERY THING IN BET WEEN 7:00PM–8:00PM
David Wong Hsien Ming
2 0 1 6
Heng Siok Tian, Venue
Moderated by
F E S T I V A L
The Arts House,
AL AN JOHN
Blue Room
Carolyn Cameons Former deputy Straits Times editor, Alan John, writes on life, love and loss in his memoir while both Heng Siok Tian and David Wong ruminate on manifestations of familial loss in their verse. They will discuss how writing functions as catharsis in the experience of loving and losing, and the
HENG SIOK TIAN
recovery process.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
CANON-M AKING AND CANON-ANXIET Y Featuring
Time
After 51 years, does Singapore literature in the four
Cyril Wong,
8:30PM–9:30PM
component languages have an established canon of writers
Sa’eda Buang,
and works? Or has it been politically incorrect to even mention
Rama Kannabiran,
Venue
having one? If not, what has taken the place of a canon?
Chow Teck Seng
The Arts House,
Is it then what’s studied in schools and universities? Who
Chamber
decides and how is it decided? This panel will examine these
Moderated by Koh Tai Ann
72
tough questions.
W R I T E R S
Time
Alan John,
S I N G A P O R E
Featuring
PROGRAMMES 09 NOVEMBER 2016, WEDNESDAY
FEST PASS
PA N E L
SINGAPORE’S FUTURE PL AY WRIGHTS Featuring
Time
Irfan Kasban,
8:30PM–9:30PM
Euginia Tan, Lucas Ho
Venue The Arts House,
IRFAN KASBAN
Moderated by
Play Den
Helmi Yusof Singapore's theatre landscape has seen new and promising playwrights in the recent years. Playwright-director Irfan Kasban has directed works that encouraged more dialogue LUCAS HO PHOTO CREDIT: EUGINIA TAN
JOEL LIM, CALIBRE PICTURES
in the Malay theatre scene. An Associate Artist of Checkpoint Theatre, Lucas Ho has also written for and acted on stage locally and overseas. A young poet, Euginia Tan made her foray into theatre earlier this year. What changes would the next generation of playwrights like to see for our theatre scene? Join this panel in their frank discussion on the future
PA N E L
FEST PASS
N O V E M B E R
FROM CONCEPTION TO PUBLICATION: CHALLENGES OF A FIRST-TIME NOVELIST Featuring
Time
They may come from different stages of their lives, but they
Daryl Qilin Yam,
8:30PM–9:30PM
share one thing in common—they have published their first
4 – 1 3
2 0 1 6
of Singapore theatre.
Lisa Beazley
Simon Chesterman,
Moderated by
novels. Daryl Yam, Simon Chesterman and Lisa Beazley talk Venue
about the obstacles they faced and how they overcame them
The Arts House,
in the process of their writing.
Blue Room
Ann Lee
FREE
B O O K L AU N C H
HEAVEN HAS EYES Featuring
Time
Heaven Has Eyes explores estrangement, interconnection
the works of
8:30PM–9:30PM
and belonging in Singapore. Many of the narratives find
Philip Holden
traces of Singapore in unlikely places or at forgotten Venue
moments of history: on a beach in contemporary Canada,
Published by
The Arts House,
at the London Zoo in the late 1940s. Others stay within the
Epigram Books
Living Room
city-state, for instance in HDB landscapes. What links the stories in the collection is their characters’ discovery of moments of transcendence in everyday life, whether through dreaming, personal knowledge or through the redemptive power of storytelling.
73
PROGRAMMES 09 NOVEMBER 2016, WEDNESDAY
FREE
READING
T WIN CINEM A READING BY SING LIT STATION Featuring
Time
Jennifer Anne Champion,
8:30PM-9:30PM
David Wong Hsien Ming, JENNIFER ANNE CHAMPION
DAVID WONG HSIEN MING
Al Lim, See Wern Hao,
Venue
Joses Ho, Joshua Ip
The Arts House, Gallery II
Twin cinema is a poetic form originating in Singapore where the poem is displayed in two columns—each column may be read vertically by itself, or the whole poem horizontally across both columns. The term was coined by poet and SWF Director Yeow Kai Chai after the 2005 album of the same name by AL LIM
SEE WERN HAO
Canadian indie rock band The New Pornographers. See twin cinema and its variants performed live just as they appear on
and SingPoWriMo.
JOSHUA IP
S I N G A P O R E
W R I T E R S
JOSES HO
F E S T I V A L
This session is co-presented with Sing Lit Station
2 0 1 6
the page.
74
PROGRAMMES 10 NOVEMBER 2016, THUR SDAY PA N E L
FEST PASS
THE HIPSTER INVASION OF THE FOOD SCENE Featuring
Time
Laksa served in mess tins, kale pandan smoothies in artisanal
Constance Singam,
7:00PM–8:00PM
mason jars and spam fries on recycled wood plates with a side
Prashant
of deconstructed condiments. Shop designs and menus cater
Somosundram,
Venue
to the young and affluent, and gentrification has made its way
Christopher Tan
The Arts House,
to old estates and HDB heartlands. Is the hipster invasion of
Chamber
the Singapore food scene here to stay? Does this signal the
Moderated by
beginning of the demise of traditional hawker culture? Has our
Victoria Cheng
relationship with food changed?
FEST PASS
PA N E L
SINGAPORE THROUGH THEIR EYES Featuring
Time
Scratch the surface of Singapore and you discover a different
Lesley-Anne Tan,
7:00PM–8:00PM
reality, as channelled through the eyes of three young
Hassan Hasaa’Ree Ali, Nicholas Yong
Venue
Dan series, explores Singapore history what-ifs through
The Arts House,
the eyes of main characters Danger Dan and Gadget Girl.
Blue Room
Hassan Hasaa'Ree Ali’s science fiction novels delve into his
Troy Chin
version of Singapore's future. Nicholas Yong imagines a postapocalyptic Singapore where zombies run amok and MRT stations are safe houses.
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
Moderated by
authors. Lesley-Anne Tan, co-author of the popular Danger
FEST PASS
座 谈 会 / PA N E L
4 – 1 3
相声：在说学逗唱间，见证语言机智幽默的演变 / THE EVOLUTION OF WIT AND
L ANGUAGE PL AY: CROSSTALK 嘉宾 / Featuring
时间 / Time
相声是民间说唱曲艺，用笑话、滑稽问答和说唱方式引人发笑，借诙谐带出嘲
苏维胜, 韩劳达
7:00PM–8:00PM
讽，既反映现实生活的各种现象和人生百态，也是机智和幽默艺术的考验。相声
Soo Wee Seng, Han Lao Da 主持人 / Moderated by
TBC
艺术在本地是否正随着语言环境萎缩而日渐衰退？我们是否日渐失去即兴创作 地点 / Venue
以及参与语文游戏的能力？跟三位嘉宾就本地相声发展的前景来一场坦诚的交
The Arts House,
流，也亲身感受当代相声表演的魅力。
Living Room Crosstalk is a comedic performance in the form of a dialogue, and its mode is satire through puns and allusions. More than anything else, crosstalk is a sparring of wit. Does the decline of the art form suggest that we no longer have the ability to improvise and to engage in language play? Join the panellists for an honest discussion on the state of this art form and experience the appeal of contemporary crosstalk for yourself. This session is in Mandarin.
75
PROGRAMMES 10 NOVEMBER 2016, THUR SDAY
FREE
READING
L AUGHING AT YOU, L AUGHING WITH YOU: SATIRICAL POETS IN SEVER AL L ANGUAGES Featuring
Time
Through the deceptively entertaining mirror of satire,
Felix Cheong,
7:00PM–8:00PM
audiences are ultimately compelled to stare at their own
Gwee Li Sui,
reflection. Calling attention to eminently serious issues while
Aqmal N, Elancharan
Venue
reaching out to a wider audience, satire is an effective tool for
Gunasekaran,
The Arts House,
social commentary. These speakers will share instances from
Nepolian,
Gallery II
their oeuvre which demonstrate the form’s eviscerating power.
Sithuraj Ponraj
This session is co-presented with the National Poetry Festival.
Moderated by Eric Tinsay Valles
FEST PASS
PA N E L
Rifa’ah Ridzuwanulhakim
8:30PM–9:30PM
Djohan A Rahman,
Venue
Norashikin Mohamed Najib
The Arts House,
F E S T I V A L
Abdol Shukor,
Play Den RIFA'AH RIDZUWANULHAKIM ABDOL SHUKOR
Moderated by Shariff Shah Dikir barat is described as a lyrical debate—singing original or improvised pantuns while also employing satire and humour. This art form is now making a comeback. Why is dikir barat on the rise again when it was in decline at one point? How has the use of pantuns changed and has the craft
DJOHAN A RAHMAN
NORASHIKIN MOHAMED NAJIB
been modernised? This discussion includes a performance of the form. This session is in English.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
SG HORROR: ARE YOU AFR AID OF THE DARK? Featuring
Time
Many of us grew up with True Singapore Ghost Stories and
Ng Yi-Sheng,
8:30PM–9:30PM
continue to be fascinated by all things supernatural and
Jon Gresham, Audrey Chin Moderated by TBC
76
spooky. But why has this fascination not culminated in a Venue
greater volume of horror fiction in our literary scene? This
The Arts House,
panel explores why there are so few horror writers
Blue Room
in Singapore.
W R I T E R S
Time
S I N G A P O R E
Featuring
2 0 1 6
THE EVOLUTION OF WIT AND L ANGUAGE PL AY: DIKIR BAR AT
PROGRAMMES 10 NOVEMBER 2016, THUR SDAY
FEST PASS
PA N E L
THE ROLE OF LITER ARY JOURNALS Featuring
Time
Yong Shu Hoong,
8:30PM–9:30PM
Jason Erik Lundberg, Clara Chow
Venue The Arts House,
YONG SHU HOONG
Moderated by
Living Room
Cyril Wong What is the role of the literary journal? From QLRS and Asymptote to LONTAR and SOFTBLOW, they have become invaluable platforms for discovering new literary talent as well as showcasing new works from established authors. JASON ERIK LUNDBERG
CL ARA CHOW
Three editors, Yong Shu Hoong (QLRS), Clara Chow (We Are A Website) and Jason Erik Lundberg (LONTAR), discuss the importance of literary journals.
FREE
READING
Time
Venue
Listen to 20 emerging writers from the Mentor Access Project
8:30PM–9:30PM
The Arts House,
(MAP) as they present creatively-staged excerpts from their
Gallery II
poems, stories and plays in English, Mandarin, and Malay. A 12-month long programme, these emerging literary talents are mentored by some of Singapore's most established authors. This session is co-presented with The Writers Centre Singapore.
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
MENTOR ACCESS PROJECT: MENTEES' PRESENTATION
FEST PASS
PA N E L
UNEQUAL DEVELOPMENT IN SG LIT Featuring
Time
Is the literature in English in Singapore out-stripping that
Latha,
7:00PM–8:00PM
in the other languages in both quantity and quality? What
Azhar Ibrahim, Tan Chee Lay,
Venue
Joshua Ip
The Arts House, Chamber
Moderated by
are the causes, consequences and implications? Is this an inevitable development that can’t be turned around? Four writers dissect the issue, the factors and, if it is indeed the case, suggest ways forward.
Koh Tai Ann
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PROGRAMMES 10 NOVEMBER 2016, THUR SDAY
FEST PASS
PA N E L
LITER ARY FESTIVALS OF THE FUTURE Featuring
Time
From rising costs to festivals popping out of every city
Lyndy Cooke,
7:00PM–8:00PM
and neighbourhood, what is the future of the literary
Anne O’Brien, Geoffrey Taylor
Venue The Arts House,
Moderated by
Play Den
Yeow Kai Chai
festival? How can it remain relevant to its communities, what is its role in a world of declining readership and why should people attend literary festivals? Join our stellar panel of prominent festival directors from Hay Festival, Auckland Writers Festival and International Festival of Authors, Toronto as they discuss the joys and pains of organising festivals.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
UP IN THE AIR: FLIGHTS, TR ANSITS
Balasingamchow
PHILIP HOLDEN
Venue The Arts House,
Moderated by
Blue Room
Zhang Ruihe
Join this discussion on writing about travel—that distinctly modern experience of coming and going by plane, looking YU-MEI BAL ASINGAMCHOW BOEY KIM CHENG
PHOTO CREDIT: WESLEY LOH KAR-WAI
down from the sky on one’s home(s), and interacting with the infinitely replicable architecture of the modern airport. Where—up in the air, caught in the transitory space of the airport or coming home—do we feel we actually belong? This panel looks at transits, connections, and the meaning of travel for the 21st century citizen of the world.
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F E S T I V A L
7:00PM–8:00PM
Philip Holden, Yu-Mei
W R I T E R S
Time
Boey Kim Cheng,
S I N G A P O R E
Featuring
2 0 1 6
AND HOME
PROGRAMMES 11 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 6 , F R I D A Y CL ASSROOM SERIES
FEST PASS
BET WEEN JAPAN AND SINGAPORE: HAIGA AND ITS MODERN LEGACY Featuring
Time
Ponder the power of haiga, a Japanese art form that dates
Koh Buck Song
7:00PM–8:00PM
back to the 16th century, and yet—with its melding of painting or sketching with a haiku—seems so apt for this 21st century
Venue
cyber age. In this talk, Koh Buck Song will elaborate on his
The Arts House,
approach to haiga, and share insights into the wabi-sabi
Living Room
aesthetic and philosophy of haiga that can be an inspiration for ikigai (purpose in life). This session is part of Country Focus: Japan.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
WHAT WE M AY LOSE: NEGLECTED PL ACES & HISTORIES IN SINGAPORE Featuring
Time
Both authors write about the need to preserve places in
Kevin Tan,
7:00PM–8:00PM
Singapore before they are lost to urban development. Kevin
Kostas
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
Ikonomopoulos Moderated by
Tan, who edited and co-wrote Spaces of the Dead: A Case Venue
from the Living, views cemeteries as spaces of historical,
The Arts House,
architectural and social merit. Kostas Ikonomopoulos, the
Screening Room
writer behind Remains: A Singapore Journey, uncovers
Phan Ming Yen
the country's hidden past through graveyards and other unexplored remnants. They discuss the significance of old and forgotten places in our heritage.
FREE
B O O K L AU N C H
NEW TITLES BY M ATH PAPER PRESS III Featuring
Time
the works of
7:00PM–8:00PM
Grace Chia and contributing writers
Venue The Arts House,
Published by
Gallery II
Math Paper Press
The Wanderlusters • We R Family Math Paper Press presents two new titles written and edited by Grace Chia. The Wanderlusters is a novel about a circus and their production Anima, a show about a grotesque anti-hero in a magical subterranean forest that comes alive onstage night after night under the big top. In We R Family, a collection of eight stories edited by Chia, the family comes under scrutiny through the whispers of home in nameless cities to the metropolises of Singapore, New York, Mumbai and Addis Ababa to the suburbs of Indiana and Connecticut.
HANYA YANAGIHAR A: CREATING LIVES LESS ORDINARY
FEST PASS
Featuring
Time
Hailed by Newsweek for her “two exceedingly good and
Hanya Yanagihara
8:30PM–9:30PM
strange novels”, Hanya Yanagihara is able invoke the
Moderated by
Venue
graduates (A Little Life, 2015) and Nobel Prize winner and
Michelle Martin
The Arts House,
virologist Daniel Gajdusek (The People in the Trees, 2013).
Chamber
In her debut at SWF, she will talk about her choice of difficult
emotional lives of characters as diverse as four male college
subject matter (childhood trauma, sexuality, self-harm), 79
PROGRAMMES 11 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 6 , F R I D A Y
and why she has chosen to write about men so far. She will illustrate how one must summon empathy for all characters, even and especially “the despicable ones”, through language brutally honest yet devastatingly tender. This session is made possible with the assistance of the U.S. Embassy Singapore.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
#SGLITFT W Featuring
Time
Goh Eck Kheng,
8:30PM–9:30PM
Kenny Leck, GOH ECK KHENG
KENNY LECK
Paolo Agulto,
Venue
May Tan
The Arts House, Play Den
marketing and savvy publishing, Singapore writers and their PAOLO AGULTO
MAY TAN
books have been making waves locally and overseas. Hear from key industry players on this revival and upcoming plans to promote #sglit.
FREE
B O O K L AU N C H
NEW TITLES BY TRENDLIT AND THE KOAL A M AG Featuring
Time
the works of
8:30PM–9:30PM
Ang Jin Yong, Gu Xing Zi,
Venue
Eleora Irene
The Arts House, Screening Room
Published by Trendlit, The Koala Mag
《WhyNot 不为什么》第五期 • The Koala Mag
Join Trendlit and The Koala Mag in a bilingual sharing session on how two magazines in two different languages work on the same passion of bringing literary works to the masses. Trendlit’s《WhyNot 不为什么》magazine aims to bring life to and explore the depth of literary works, while The Koala Mag aims to expand the width of literary works by bringing them to the lives of people. Both magazines hope to cultivate a new generation of readers, one who cares about the state of literature and socio-cultural issues in the country. This session is in Mandarin and English.
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F E S T I V A L
enjoying a renaissance in recent years. Driven by innovative
W R I T E R S
It would not be a stretch to say Singapore literature has been
S I N G A P O R E
TBC
2 0 1 6
Moderated by
PROGRAMMES 11 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 6 , F R I D A Y
FEST PASS
座 谈 会 / PA N E L
拼凑昔日新马 / CAPTURING OLD SINGAPORE AND M AL AYSIA 嘉宾 / Featuring
时间 / Time
国民记忆在国家历史的阐述中占据多少成分，发挥着什么作用？写作人如何处理
李永平, 丁云, 张挥
8:30PM–9:30PM
甚至挑战国民记忆与历史建构中的微妙关系？丁云的新小说作品《惊栗岛》以上
Li Yongping,
世纪六十年代安乐岛上发生的鲜为人知的历史事迹为背景；张挥忆述老一辈新
Tan Chun An,
地点 / Venue
加坡人都能感同身受的一段经历——在甘榜生活成长的童年回忆。生于马来西
Cheong Weng Yat
The Arts House,
亚的李永平则通过寓言，书写一方想象的故乡。三位作家将探讨一海之隔的新马
Living Room
两地千丝万缕的历史渊源，从另一个角度审视偏颇不全的国民记忆。
主持人 / Moderated by 林安娜
In scripting a nation's past, how does national memory come
Anna Lim
into play and how does an author seek to challenge this? Tan Chun An's new novel 《惊栗岛》 (Terror Island) is based on a historical incident on Pulau Senang in the 60s and Cheong Weng Yat recounts his past growing up in a kampung. Through the use of allegory, Malaysian Li Yongping writes of an imagined homeland. This panel discusses the intertwined histories of two nations separated by a narrow strait, and the (mis)representation of memories.
2 0 1 6
This session is in Mandarin.
FEST PASS
CL ASSROOM SERIES
N O V E M B E R
Instructed by
Time
Frank Dikötter
8:30PM–9:30PM
4 – 1 3
CHINA'S CULTUR AL REVOLUTION
Moderated by
Venue
TBC
The Arts House, Blue Room
Frank Dikötter wrote the final volume of his acclaimed trilogy on communism in China, tapping on unprecedented access to previously classified party documents. Dikötter will speak about the Cultural Revolution, its aftermath, and the shadow it continues to cast on 21st century China.
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PROGRAMMES 11 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 6 , F R I D A Y
FREE
B O O K L AU N C H
CATERWAULING SUPERM ARKETS Featuring
Time
the works of
8:30PM–9:30PM
Jennifer Anne Champion,
Venue
Samuel Lee
The Arts House, Gallery II
Published by
A Field Guide to the Supermarkets of Singapore • Caterwaul Come applaud the launch of two new publications with Sing Lit Station: A Field Guide to the Supermarkets of Singapore by Samuel Lee; and Caterwaul by Jennifer Anne Champion. Caterwaul is a largely autobiographical collection of experimental poetry, loosely centred on childhood, trauma, and contemplations on voice. A Field Guide to the
Ten Year Series,
Supermarkets of Singapore is an attempt to mine the strange
an imprint of Math
and cavernous spaces that separate—as well as connect—
Paper Press
the extraordinary and the mundane.
Time
Venue
This session is curated by The Arts House and commissioned
9:30PM–10:00PM
The Arts House
by Singapore Writers Festival.
S I N G A P O R E
W R I T E R S
F E S T I V A L
Refer to page 20 for full details.
2 0 1 6
FREE
SECRET SAYANG
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PROGRAMMES 12 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
$20
TOUR
THE PAPER TR AIL 2: THE INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE STRIKES BACK Featuring
Time
Independent bookstores play an important role in our literary
BooksActually,
9:00AM–1:00PM
landscape. Oftentimes, they actively contribute to building
Woods In The Books,
(Meet at 8:45AM)
reading communities and are some of the strongest advocates
Grassroots
of Singaporean works. Join writing duo Adan Jimenez and
Bookroom,
Meet at
Felicia Low-Jimenez as they take you on a literary tour of
GGS Publications,
The Arts House,
English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil indie bookstores in
Wardah Books,
Entrance
Singapore. Stops include BooksActually, Woods In The
Basheer Graphic
Books, Grassroots Bookroom, GGS Publications, Wardah
Books
Books and Basheer Graphic Books. Hear from the booksellers themselves as they disclose the book selection strategies in
Curated by
their stores, the names of their favourite authors, and why
AJ Low
they believe in bookselling. Refreshments are provided. Children below the age of 15 must
ST CONVERSATIONS: MICHELIN IN SINGAPORE—WHAT NOW? Featuring
Time
Deputy Life! editor and food critic at The Straits Times Wong
TBC
10:00AM–11:00AM
Ah Yoke speaks with chefs from some of Singapore's first
Moderated by
Venue
had on their establishments half a year later, and what they
Wong Ah Yoke
The Arts House,
are doing to retain their stars or improve on their rating in the
Chamber
next year.
Michelin-starred restaurants about the effect the guide has
This session is co-presented with The Straits Times.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
THE WORLD IN THE AGE OF DIGITAL JOURNALISM Featuring
Time
Edward Snowden, Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning
Frederik Obermaier,
10:00AM–11:00AM
all chose digital media over traditional print media for the
Nisid Hajari, Han Fook Kwang Moderated by Peh Shing Huei
release of information. On news sites, much has been Venue
debated over issues of immigration and terrorism, throwing
The Arts House,
sharp light on the anxieties of those split between inclusivity
Play Den
and protectionism, nationalism and globalism. How has the increasing influence of digital media changed the way news is consumed? Does journalism need to have a greater hand in shaping perspectives and world views in the 21st century? This panel discusses the impact of the changing face of journalism on the world today. This session is made possible with the assistance of the Goethe-Institut Singapur.
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F E S T I V A L
FEST PASS
PA N E L
W R I T E R S
The Arts House.
S I N G A P O R E
Participants are to meet at 8.45am at the entrance of
2 0 1 6
be accompanied by an adult.
PROGRAMMES 12 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
FEST PASS
PA N E L
THE POWER OF WORDLESS STORIES Featuring
Time
To some, a picture says more than a thousand words. In fact,
Mark Pett, Jho Tan
10:00AM–11:00AM
for some artists, words are but distractions, for the drawings
Moderated by
Venue
Join illustrators Mark Pett and Jho Tan as they explore the
Dave Chua
The Arts House,
wordless eloquence of drawings.
themselves are so complete that no words are needed at all.
Blue Room
This session is part of the Sequential Arts focus.
$50
WORK SHOP
BEYOND PLOT AND CHAR ACTER: HOW TO KEEP PRIM ARY SCHOOL READERS HOOKED FROM THE START Instructed by
Time
Primary school readers are choosy. Lose them on the first
Peter Lerangis
10:00AM–1:00PM
page and they may toss a book aside, never reaching the
Venue
a reader’s interest? Peter Lerangis, author of nine New York
The Arts House,
Times bestsellers, including the Seven Wonders and The
Living Room
39 Clues series, will lead a workshop about word choice,
core of your brilliant novel. What are the secrets to keeping
2 0 1 6
pacing, tone, voice, humour, plotting, and the importance of unanswered questions.
N O V E M B E R
Participants should submit either a finished novel or the first three chapters of a novel-in-progress with a synopsis of the full plot. First chapters will be read aloud, discussed, and as time
4 – 1 3
permits, revised. Suitable for: Intermediate level
FEST PASS
PA N E L
EQUATORIAL CALM Featuring
Time
Originating in Japan in the 15th and 16th centuries, haiku is a
David Wong Hsien
10:00AM–11:00AM
minimalist poetic form rooted in the poet's interaction with
Ming, Marc Nair,
nature. Haiku has become an integral part of the poetry
Lynette Morrison née
Venue
scene in languages around the world, finding its way to
Tan Yuen Ling,
The Arts House,
broad audiences of all ages. Earlier this year, Resorts World
Christina Sng
Screening Room
Singapore invited 10 poets to respond to the exhibits in haiku at the S.E.A. Aquarium and Museum. The result is Equatorial
Moderated by Shelly Bryant
Calm, a multilingual haiku anthology. This session is part of Country Focus: Japan, and features poems from Equatorial Calm, first commissioned by Resorts World Singapore.
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PROGRAMMES 12 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
FREE
B O O K L AU N C H
EPIGR A M BOOKS FICTION PRIZE 2015 LONGLIST Featuring
Time
the works of
10:00AM–11:00AM
Daryl Qilin Yam, Imran Hashim
Venue The Arts House,
Published by
Gallery II
Epigram Books
Annabelle Thong • Kappa Quartet Epigram Books introduces two new books: Annabelle Thong by Imran Hashim is a romance novel featuring devout Catholic and former schoolteacher Annabelle Thong who never thought her chastity was a liability until she arrives in Paris and finds love. Kappa Quartet by Daryl Qilin Yam is a novel about a young man who meets a kappa, a river demon, whilst holidaying in Tokyo.
KONFERENS MEL AYU: SENTUH SAYANG,TINGGALPUN SAYANG /
FEST PASS
A CONFERENCE IN TOUCH OF AFFECTION AND REALIT Y Mengemukakan /
Masa / Time
‘Sentuh Sayang,Tinggalpun Sayang’ adalah sebuah konferens
Featuring
10:00AM–6:30PM
berlegar dengan soal kemanusiaan yang mendasar dalam
Azhar Ibrahim,
dan kasihan, keindahan dan kemesraan, kesyahduan dan
Mohd Raman Daud,
Museum, River Room
ketarikan. Kesayangan hanya wajar berdepan dengan realiti.
Okky Madasari,
Manusia Sastera yang berdepan dengan realiti mengungkap
Faisal Tehrani,
kesayangannya kepada manusia, linkungan dan kebenaran.
ZF Zamir,
Jika sastera meninggalkan itu, maka kesayangan itu tentu
Siti Hazirah
tersopak. Itu sayang sekali.
Mohamad, Nazry Bahrawi, Maarof Salleh, Abdul Hamid Besih, Yusoff Abdul Rahman, Suratman Markasan, Sumardi Sarkawi, Eunos Asah
‘Sentuh Sayang,Tinggalpun Sayang’ is a conference about humanitarian issues that are central to life and literature. Literature is a realm of affection, a realm of imagining and feeling for beauty, serenity, bliss and wonder. But it is no magical gift unless the very affection is in touch with reality. What then is reality? Sentuh Sayang is the ideal state where both affection and touch sublimate and manifest. The very opposite of Sayang is neglect, abandonment and even breach. Such concepts are improper, a loss, alas sayang.
Moderated by
This conference is co-organised by NUS Department of Malay
Sa'eda Buang,
Studies, Berita Harian and Singapore Writers Festival.
Annaliza Bakri, Azizah Zakaria
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Refer to page 131 to 136 for full details.
F E S T I V A L
Asian Civilisations
W R I T E R S
pengabdi Sayang, yang bisa saja diseiraskan sebagai kasih
Aminullah,
S I N G A P O R E
Lokasi / Venue
2 0 1 6
kehidupan dan kesusasteraan. Manusia Sastera adalah
Raja Ahmad
PROGRAMMES 12 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
FREE
STORY TELLING
BUILD A GIANT COOKIE-SNATCHING ROBOT II Featuring
Time
Older kiddos, it’s your turn to create the gigantic CookieBot
Katie Van Camp
10:00AM–10:45AM
with author Katie Van Camp! Remember to bring baubles, yarns, cereal boxes, and other similar household materials,
Venue Asian Civilisations Museum, Shaw Foyer
to contribute to the project. For ages 4 to 6. Kids, bring your parents—this session involves craft!
FREE
ADELINE FOO & STEPHANIE WONG PRESENT WEIRD AND WONDERFUL CREATURES Featuring
Time
Adeline Foo,
10:00AM–11:00AM
Stephanie Wong Venue Empress Lawn, 2 0 1 6
SWF3 Tent Explore the jungles of Sarawak and venture into the
N O V E M B E R
Australian wilderness from the bestselling Amos Lee travel diaries. Discover fascinating facts about weird and wonderful animals with author Adeline Foo and illustrator Stephanie Wong as your trusty guides. You will also create your very own
4 – 1 3
animal masks to join this wild jungle adventure. For ages 8 and up.
FREE
ஏட்டிலிருந்து மேடைக்கு: ச ிறப்புப் பய ிலரங்கு / FROM PAGE TO STAGE: A M ASTERCL ASS
WITH REGISTRATION
பய ிற்றுவ ிப்பாளர் /
நேரம் / Time
தமிழில் நன்கற ியப்பட்ட பெண்ணிய நாடக ஆச ிர ியரும்
Instructed by
10:00AM–1:00PM
இயக்குனருமான அ.மங்கை, நூல் வடிவங்களை மேடை நாடகமாக
அ மங்கை
A Mangai
உருமாற்றுவது பற்றி வ ிவர ிப்பார். ச ிங்கப்பூர் எழுத்துக்கள் இடம் / Venue
உட்பட, தற்கால எழுத்துக்கள ில் பெண் பற்றிய ப ிம்பங்கள்
Indian Heritage
எப்படி உருவாக்கப்படுக ின்றன என்பது பற்றியும் அவர்
Centre, Activity
பேசுவார். இந்திய மரபுடைமை ந ிலையத்தில் நடைபெறும் இந்த
Room
ந ிகழ்ச்சிய ில் பங்கேற்பவர்கள், பல்வேறு காட்சிக்கூடங்கள ில் உள்ள காட்சிப்பொருட்களைக் கருத்தில் க�ொண்டு, பாலின ச ித்திர ிப்புகளை ஆராயலாம். இந்த பய ிலரங்கு இந்திய மரபுடைமை ந ிலையத்துடன் இணைந்து வழங்கப்படுக ிறது. 87
PROGRAMMES 12 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
பத ிந்துக�ொள்ள இந்திய மரபுடைமை ந ிலையத்துக்கு NHB_IHC@
nhb.gov.sg என்ற முகவர ிக்கு மின்னஞ்சல் அனுப்புங்கள். A noted feminist playwright and director in Tamil, A Mangai will guide participants on the intriguing process of transforming a literary text into a stage play. She will also shed light on how female representations are constructed in contemporary texts, including those from Singapore. In this session at the Indian Heritage Centre, participants can draw inspiration from the exhibits in the various galleries and examine the ways gender is portrayed. This session is co-presented with the Indian Heritage Centre. Seats for this workshop are limited. Email
[email protected] to register.
$20
SWF LECTURE
Moderated by
Venue
Leila Boukarim
National Gallery Singapore, Auditorium
To anyone who has struggled with feeling out of place, this lecture is for you. Jonathan Friesen’s personal experience with Tourette syndrome and epilepsy was the inspiration behind his highly lauded novel, Jerk, California. Look at the world through his eyes, and understand how kindness and empathy are even more crucial in today’s crisis-riven world.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
THE ALLURE OF THE OTHERWORLDLY Featuring
Time
From a supernatural tale of murder and desire to stories of
Andrew Michael
11:30AM–12:30PM
chilling domestic horror, these three masterful storytellers
Hurley,
explore the purgatorial space between reality and imagination,
Joanne Harris,
Venue
human and spiritual. British writers Joanne Harris and Andrew
Eka Kurniawan
The Arts House,
Michael Hurley as well as Indonesia's Eka Kurniawan share
Chamber
their fascination with the otherworldly.
Moderated by Khoo Sim Eng
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F E S T I V A L
11:30AM–12:30PM
W R I T E R S
Time
Jonathan Friesen
S I N G A P O R E
Featuring
2 0 1 6
CREATING A SOCIET Y OF EMPATHY
PROGRAMMES 12 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY PA N E L
FEST PASS
TR ANSL ATING THE UNTR ANSL ATABLE Featuring
Time
Mabel Lee,
11:30AM–12:30PM
Max Lane, Marie Silkeberg
Venue The Arts House,
MABEL LEE
Moderated by
Play Den
Tan Dan Feng How much creative licence does a translator have? What is the most challenging aspect of each text? The mammoth task of translating great works of literature is discussed by these three expert translators. Max Lane translated Pramoedya MAX L ANE
MARIE SILKEBERG
Ananta Toer’s Buru Quartet; Mabel Lee the writings by NobelPrize winner Gao Xingjian; and Marie Silkeberg the poems of Inger Christensen and Rosemarie Waldrop. This session is made possible with the assistance of the
2 0 1 6
Embassy of Sweden.
FEST PASS
CL ASSROOM SERIES
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
TERRORISM IN FICTION Featuring
Time
Karan Mahajan
11:30AM–12:30PM
Moderated by
Venue
Joshua Lam
The Arts House, Blue Room
A bomb is a “tantrum directed at all things” and a “wail of a being that hadn’t got its own way”, says Karan Mahajan, author of acclaimed novel The Association Of Small Bombs. In this Classroom Series talk, he will delve into the reverberations of terrorism on his characters and their lives.
FEST PASS
TROY CHIN: ASK ANY THING Featuring
Time
Few know that acclaimed graphic novelist Troy Chin once
Troy Chin
11:30AM–12:30PM
worked for a music company in New York for nearly a decade before he turned to his literary calling. In this ‘ask anything’
Moderated by
Venue
session, he will speak about his latest books and the thought
Dave Chua
The Arts House,
processes behind them, together with his other projects such
Screening Room
as a series of murals depicting the changing landscape of the Dawson neighbourhood and Queenstown. This session is part of the Sequential Arts focus.
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PROGRAMMES 12 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
FREE
STORY TELLING
A MM A, TELL ME ABOUT HANUM AN AND KRISHNA! Featuring
Time
Bhakti Mathur
11:30AM–12:15PM Venue Asian Civilisations Museum, Shaw Foyer
Indian mythology comes alive in this storytelling session by New Delhi-born author, Bhakti Mathur. From her Amma, Tell Me series, she will regale you with fascinating stories about Hindu gods Hanuman and Krishna. Come pick up cultural tidbits you might never have known.
Time
Kids, be a superhero and help save Orangutan, Elephant,
World Wildlife Fund
11:30AM–12:30PM
Tiger, Turtle and Rhinoceros from becoming extinct! Learn the
Singapore
facts of and threats to their species and become more aware Venue
of the impact we have on our animal friends. Make a craft
Empress Lawn,
panda headband and play the tiger habitat conservation game
SWF3 Tent
at this session led by WWF Singapore. For ages 7 to 12.
CR AFT TIME WITH DOTTIESHOP: THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILL AR II
FREE
Instructed by
Time
Take a break at our craft corner as mummy blogger and
Dottieshop
12:00PM–12:45PM
crafts lady Dorothea Chow aka Dottieshop brings Eric Carle's picture book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, to life. Participants
Venue
will make their very own butterflies.
Asian Civilisations Museum, Lobby
FREE
B O O K L AU N C H
NEW TITLES BY MONSOON BOOKS Featuring
Time
the works of
1:00PM–2:00PM
Verena Tay, Graham Sage
Venue The Arts House,
Published by Monsoon Books
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Gallery II
Singapore Love Stories • The Phoenix and the Crow Singapore Love Stories is a vibrant anthology of stories by Audrey Chin, Heather Higgins, Elaine Chiew, Damyanti Biswas, Jon Gresham, Verena Tay, Shola Olowu-Asante, Clarissa N Goenawan, Raelee Chapman, Wan Phing Lim, Kane Wheatley-Holder, Vanessa Deza Hangad, Jing-Jing Lee, Alice Clark-Platts, Melanie Lee, Marion Kleinschmidt and
F E S T I V A L
Featuring
W R I T E R S
HELP SAVE THE ANIM ALS!
S I N G A P O R E
FREE
TA L K
2 0 1 6
This session is in English. For ages 4 to 6.
PROGRAMMES 12 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
S Mickey Lin. In Graham Sage’s The Phoenix and the Crow, Wang Bin travels from Beijing to rural Pingyang to photograph a rare Chinese bird, but falls foul of the town’s corrupt police chief. He plots the crooked police chief’s downfall and concocts a plan so far-fetched all agree it might just work.
PERFOR M ANCE
FREE
ZEEAUR A × LEW Featuring
Time
LEW,
1:00PM–2:00PM
ZeeAura, Vick Low
LEW
Venue The Arts House,
PHOTO CREDIT: HADI MURAD
POP Stage Chill out with 2015 NOISE! Mentorship Programme alums ZeeAura and LEW at the POP stage and be charmed by their eclectic musical styling and songs. Writing songs based on her experiences, ZeeAura, accompanied by cellist Vick Low,
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
will be performing her original songs in styles ranging from ZEEAURA
VICK LOW
ballad, bossa to abstract music. LEW will perform his soulful music, singing of his experiences with the accompaniment of simple tunes.
FREE
கதைச�ொல்லுதல் / S T O R Y T E L L I N G
லூலூவும் எலியும் / LULU AND THE MOUSE பங்குபெறுபவர் /
நேரம் / Time
Featuring
1:00PM–1:45PM
மலர்விழி
எலியும் பூனையும் எத ிலும் ஒத்துப் ப�ோவத ில்லை – இது வரைய ில். மலர்விழி இளங்கோவன ின் அழக ிய கதைய ில் எலியும் பூனையும் எப்படி ஒத்துப்போக ின்றன என்பதைக் கண்டறியலாம்.
இளங்கோவன்
இடம் /Venue
கலந்துக�ொள்ளும் ச ிறுவர்கள் அமர்வின்போது தரப்படும் ஏட்டில்
Malarvele Ilangovan
Asian Civilisations
கதைய ில் வரும் பாத்திரங்களுக்கு வண்ணம் பூச ி மக ிழலாம்.
Museum, Shaw Foyer
தமிழிலும் ஆங்கிலத்திலும் நடத்தப்படும் இந்த அமர்வு 4-8 வயது ச ிறுவர்களுக்கானது.
Cats and mice don’t get along—until now that is! Find out how this age-old rivalry was forgotten in Malarvele Ilangovan's whimsical tale. Enjoy colouring in the activity sheets that will be provided during the session, and bring Lulu and her mousy friend to life! This session is in English and Tamil. For ages 4 to 8.
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PROGRAMMES 12 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
FREE
DAVID SEOW: SA M, SEBBIE AND DI-DI-DI Featuring
Time
David Seow has published more than 35 children's books.
David Seow
1:00PM–2:00PM
His latest book, A Royal Adventure, is based on Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the adorable Prince George and
Venue
Princess Charlotte. Meet the author, hear about his celebrity
Empress Lawn,
encounters, and find out where he gets his ideas from!
SWF Tent 3
For ages 7 to 9.
FREE
WORK SHOP
TOP SECRET: HOW TO WRITE A DIARY PEOPLE WANT TO READ
WITH REGISTRATION
Instructed by
Time
Your secret diary could be a future bestseller. Learn how to
Leila Rasheed
2:00PM–3:30PM
use your diaries as early practice for page-turning novels in
For ages 8 to 11. Seats for this workshop are limited. Visit diary. peatix.com to register.
FREE
CR AFT TIME WITH DOTTIESHOP: THE R AINBOW FISH II Instructed by
Time
Swim on down to the craft corner and make your very own
Dottieshop
2:00PM–2:45PM
Rainbow Fish. Inspired by the book, The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister, mummy blogger and crafts lady Dorothea
Venue
Chow aka Dottieshop will bring children through the process
Asian Civilisations
of creating their own fish and lead them to understand the
Musuem, Lobby
value of sharing.
FREE
SECRET SAYANG Time
Venue
This session is curated by The Arts House and commissioned
2:00PM–2:30PM
The Arts House
by Singapore Writers Festival. Refer to page 20 for full details.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
ACCESSIBLE DOES NOT MEAN EASY Featuring
Time
They write highly readable books on a wide range of issues.
Neil Humphreys,
2:30PM–3:30PM
One is a humourist armed with funny anecdotes about life
Nirrosette, Imran Hashim Moderated by Gene Tan
in Singapore. The second writes about girl power, boy-girl Venue
relationships and assorted teenage concerns with a light
The Arts House,
touch. The third is releasing a chick-lit novel about a teacher
Chamber
who moves to Paris in search of love. This panel will show the delicacy in crafting accessible books that appeal to a broad spectrum of readers.
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F E S T I V A L
up storylines.
W R I T E R S
creative writing basics, from developing characters to building
Living Room
S I N G A P O R E
Clarice de Trop's Diary series, Leila will guide you through
The Arts House,
2 0 1 6
this workshop by Leila Rasheed. Author of the Bathsheba Venue
PROGRAMMES 12 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
FEST PASS
PA N E L
THE RISE OF SOUTH-EAST ASIAN SPECUL ATIVE FICTION Featuring
Time
South-east Asia is a culturally rich source of inspiration,
Eka Kurniawan,
2:30PM–3:30PM
with histories rooted in the rise and fall of civilisations and
Krishna
colonialism. Eka Kurniawan is the latest literary star in
Udayasankar,
Venue
the region, leading the charge with his ground-breaking
Ng Yi-Sheng
The Arts House,
speculative fiction novel, Man Tiger. This panel examines the
Play Den
global and regional impact of speculative fiction.
Moderated by Jason Erik Lundberg
FEST PASS
PA N E L
PIECING HISTORIES TOGETHER Featuring
Time
Whether recreating a particular epoch or invoking a locale,
Frank Dikötter,
2:30PM–3:30PM
research is crucial. Shawna Yang Ryan did extensive research
Peter van Dongen, Shawna Yang Ryan
Venue
van Dongen set his graphic novel against the backdrop of
The Arts House,
Indonesia's struggle for independence; and Frank Dikötter
Blue Room
shares stories from his research on the Cultural Revolution
TBC
and its lingering effects on Chinese society. They share their
N O V E M B E R
experiences on putting their books together.
PA N E L
4 – 1 3
2 0 1 6
Moderated by
reviewing archive material while travelling in Taiwan; Peter
FILMS AND GR APHIC NOVELS
FEST PASS
CRITICAL STAGE: HOW TO M AINTAIN OBJECTIVIT Y WHEN REVIEWING MUSIC, Featuring
Time
Kevin Mathews,
2:30PM–3:30PM
Genevieve Sarah Loh,
GENEVIEVE SARAH LOH
Lim Cheng Tju
Venue The Arts House,
Moderated by
Screening Room
Yong Shu Hoong In order to achieve objectivity, reviewers and artists should not fraternise, so goes one axiom. This proves difficult, KEVIN MATHEWS
LIM CHENG TJU
even impossible, in Singapore where the scene is small and insular, and some reviewers are also practitioners in their own right. Three pop-culture reviewers—Kevin Mathews (music), Genevieve Sarah Loh (film) and Lim Cheng Tju (comics)— share their own experiences, and give pointers on writing good reviews.
93
PROGRAMMES 12 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
FREE
READING
CROSSING BOUNDARIES II: FOUR M ASTERS READ EXCERPTS FROM THEIR WORKS Featuring
Time
They are some of today's most eloquent and garlanded
Vijay Seshadri,
2:30PM–3:30PM
narrators. Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Vijay Seshadri weaves
Meira Chand,
Americana and ethnography in his transnational verse; Meira
Boey Kim Cheng,
Venue
Chand’s bestselling novels examine the conflict of cultures
Simon Tay
The Arts House,
from the position of the outsider; one of Singapore's most
Gallery II
respected poets, Boey Kim Cheng, explores the spaces
Moderated by
between private memory and national identity in his verse
Rajeev Patke
and memoir; and Singapore Literature Prize-winning novelist Simon Tay zeroes in on the hopes and dreams of Singaporeans through the decades. Listen to these four speakers read their works.
கதைச�ொல்லுதல் / S T O R Y T E L L I N G
FREE
நிலாச்சொல் வழங்கும் க ிடைக்குமா?் /
இடம் / Venue
Asian Civilisations Museum, Shaw Foyer கடல்வாழ் நண்பர்களுக்கு உதவ ி தேவைப்படுக ிறது. வாருங்கள்! ர ியாவுடன் ஆழ்கடலுக்குள் அடிவைப்போம்! ஆடல், பாடல் ப�ோன்ற பல நடவடிக்கைகளுடன் ‘க ிடைக்குமா?’ என்றக் கதைக்குள் முக்குள ித்து வருவ�ோம்! தமிழிலும் ஆங்கிலத்திலும் நடத்தப்படும் இந்த அமர்வு 4-8 வயது ச ிறுவர்களுக்கானது.
Explore the underwater world with storytellers Janaki and Nanthini whose fictional character, Ria, will take you on a nautical adventure. Be introduced to one of the five books under the newly published series Kidaikumma? (Can we…?), published by NilaaSol. This session is in Tamil and English. For ages 4 to 8.
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F E S T I V A L
2:30PM–3:30PM
NilaaSOL
W R I T E R S
நேரம் / Time
ந ிலாச்சொல்
S I N G A P O R E
பங்குபெறுபவர் / Featuring
2 0 1 6
CAN WE...? BY NIL A ASOL
PROGRAMMES 12 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
$10
WORK SHOP
SPICES HAVE SUPERPOWERS! Instructed by
Time
Namita Moolani Mehra,
2:30PM–3:30PM
Heetal Dattani Joshi Venue Empress Lawn, SWF3 Tent
NAMITA MOOL ANI MEHRA
Spices are magical, mysterious and enticing but did you know they have superpowers too? Join Namita and Heetal as they take you on a spicy adventure through storytelling and a hands-on spice blend creation experience. Materials will be provided and you’ll each take home a spice blend to cook with. This session is perfect for picky and not-so-picky eaters. HEETAL DAT TANI JOSHI
For ages 3 to 6. Kids, bring your parents! Seats for this workshop are limited. Visit spices.peatix.com to register.
2 0 1 6
HELEN OYEYEMI: WHAT IS NOT YOURS
FEST PASS
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
IS NOT YOURS Featuring
Time
Helen Oyeyemi
4:00PM–5:00PM
Moderated by
Venue
Carolyn Camoens
National Gallery Singapore, Auditorium
Helen Oyeyemi was one of Granta's best young British
PHOTO CREDIT: MANCHUL KIM
novelists in 2013. She wrote her first novel, The Icarus Girl, while studying for her GCE ‘A’ Levels, and went on to publish five other similarly acclaimed books. She will speak about her latest publication, a collection of nine intertwined stories called What is Not Yours Is Not Yours.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
WRITING AS MOR AL COMPASS Featuring
Time
Timothy O'Grady's latest book, Children of Las Vegas, offers a
Joanne Harris,
4:00PM–5:00PM
fascinating look at the amoral universe of Las Vegas through
Timothy O’Grady, Karan Mahajan Moderated by Darryl Whetter
10 stories about childhood, youth and growing up. Joanne Venue
Harris explores issues of identity, morality and faith in her
The Arts House,
novels. Karan Mahajan zeroes in on the foibles of modern
Chamber
India. Join these writers as they discuss writing and moral judgment, and how their views of morality have influenced, even directed, their work.
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PROGRAMMES 12 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
STEA MPUNK AND CEPHALOPODS
FEST PASS
WITH GAIL CARRIGER Featuring
Time
Gail Carriger
4:00PM–5:00PM
Moderated by
Venue
Khoo Sim Eng
The Arts House, Play Den
She writes steampunk comedies of manners mixed with paranormal romance and has a huge liking for cephalopods. She is the author of the Parasol Protectorate, Custard Protocol, and Delightfully Deadly series for adults, and the Finishing School series for young adults. Meet the New York Times bestselling author and ex-archaeologist Gail Carriger as she shares her love for steampunk and octopuses, as well as
Time
These writers have changed storytelling by challenging what
Nicole Walker,
4:00PM–5:00PM
each genre can do for the page. What is a lyric essay and
Desmond Kon
what are poetry films? Does genre matter in literature?
Zhicheng-Mingdé,
Venue
Three writers discuss the play of literary genres—whether
Marie Silkeberg
The Arts House,
mastery of one genre has influenced the way they work
Blue Room
in another—and how stories can be told by subverting the
Moderated by
reader's expectations.
Bridgette See
The session is made possible with the assistance of the Embassy of Sweden.
FEST PASS
座 谈 会 / PA N E L
古典诗与现代诗的对话 / NEGOTIATING CL ASSICAL AND MODERN POETRIES 嘉宾 / Featuring
时间 / Time
古典诗词与现代诗歌之间长期存在着某种矛盾与紧张关系。现代诗是摆脱了古
廖伟棠, 孤星子,
4:00PM–5:00PM
典诗教条束缚的自由解放状态，亦或者其实也是古典诗的延伸与变体？从古典诗 到现代诗的发展，如何也折射了中华文学的演进？三位诗人畅谈中华文学世界里
周德成
Liu Wai Tong,
地点 / Venue
Gu Xing Zi,
The Arts House,
Chow Teck Seng
Screening Room
现代诗的价值与意义。
Is modern poetry a rejection of the classical canon, or does classical poetry still have an influence on modern poetry
主持人 / Moderated by
today? How much of the classical to modern transition
陈志锐
is representative of the progress of Chinese literature?
Tan Chee Lay
These poets discuss the tension between classical and contemporary poetic forms and the significance of contemporary poetry in the Chinese literary world. This session is in Mandarin.
96
F E S T I V A L
Featuring
W R I T E R S
ON THE LIMITATIONS AND POSSIBILITIES OF GENRES
S I N G A P O R E
FEST PASS
PA N E L
2 0 1 6
what's next in the pipeline.
PROGRAMMES 12 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
FREE
B O O K L AU N C H
NEW TITLES BY ST PRESS I Featuring
Time
Neither Civil Nor Servant: The Philip Yeo Story • The Loner:
the works of
4:00PM–5:00PM
President Yudhoyono's Decade of Trials and Indecision
Peh Shing Huei, John McBeth
Venue The Arts House,
Published by ST Press
Gallery II
Published by ST Press, Peh Shing Huei and John McBeth launch their latest works in this event. Based on interviews, Neither Civil Nor Servant: The Philip Yeo Story by Peh Shing Huei is a biography of Philip Yeo, who has been both hailed by fans as a brilliant leader and denounced by critics as an arrogant civil servant. The Loner: President Yudhoyono's Decade of Trials and Indecision by John McBeth tells the story of President’s Yudhoyono’s 10 years in power, describing in detail the many challenges he faced and why Indonesia is still struggling with its past.
FREE
STORY TELLING
SYMPHONY IN ‘P’: A STORY TELLING
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
CONCERT IN PA JA M AS Featuring
Time
Rachel Tey,
4:00PM–5:00PM
Joseph Tey Venue Asian Civilisations Museum, Shaw Foyer It’s way past 3pm, but Belle Marie and friends are still in their pyjamas—and trapped in the magical land of Belzerac! Held captive by The Musicians, someone needs to break the cycle of never-ending music before it’s too late. Kids, come in your pyjamas to attend a concert like no other! Limited edition merchandise will be given away to a few lucky pyjamaclad cuties. For ages 7 to 12.
97
PROGRAMMES 12 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
FREE
READING
EAST-WEST EXPRESS II: A READING SERIES Featuring
Time
Bhakti Mathur,
4:00PM–5:00PM
Jonathan Friesen, BHAKTI MATHUR
JONATHAN FRIESEN
Malarvelle Ilangovan,
Venue
Peter Lerangis
Empress Lawn, SWF3 Tent
Hosted by AJ Low Hi, boys and girls, mums and dads! It’s the second session of PETER LERANGIS MAL ARVELE ILL ANGOVAN
PHOTO CREDIT: JOE MABEL
our exciting reading series. Let these writers’ voices transport you to different countries, and even different worlds, as we
Instructed by
Time
What if dinosaurs still walked the earth? Mummy blogger
Dottieshop
4:00PM–4:45PM
and crafts lady Dorothea Chow aka Dottieshop explores the possibility through a dinosaur craft activity. Will it be a Brontosaurus, a Brachiosaurus or a T-Rex? Come and find out
Asian Civilisations
for yourself!
W R I T E R S
Venue Museum, Lobby
SWF LECTURE
$25
PRIVACY VERSUS SURVEILL ANCE: WHAT THE PANA M A PAPERS MEAN FOR EVERYONE IN THE 21ST CENTURY Featuring
Time
It is regarded as the largest data breach ever, and its impact
Frederik Obermaier
4:00PM–5:00PM
is still being felt. The leakage of the so-called Panama
Moderated by
Venue
powerful—exposed the names of many political leaders and
TBC
Victoria Theatre
public personalities, even leading to the downfall of one
Papers—11.5 million financial and legal files of the rich and
European prime minister. The lecture by Frederik Obermaier, one of the two German journalists who broke the news on the Papers, will tackle a range of issues which implicate every global citizen: personal privacy; hacking and cybersecurity; public accountability; and transparency in the Internet age. This session is co-presented with the Goethe-Institut Singapur.
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F E S T I V A L
FREE
S I N G A P O R E
CR AFT TIME WITH DOTTIESHOP: GOOD DINOSAUR
2 0 1 6
celebrate the magic of fiction.
PROGRAMMES 12 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
FREE
WORK SHOP
WITH
WORLD WITHOUT WORDS Instructed by
Time
Mark Pett
4:30PM–6:00PM
REGISTRATION
Venue The Arts House, Living Room You don't always need words to tell a story. Learn from Mark Pett, the US illustrator famous for Lizard From The Park, The Girl and The Bicycle and The Boy and the Airplane. He will teach you how to create your own magical tale through pictures. For ages 10 and up. Seats for this workshop are limited. Visit worldwithoutwords.peatix.com to register.
CREATING DETECTIVE CONAN:
FEST PASS
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
THE LIFE AND WORKS OF GOSHO AOYA M A Featuring
Time
Gosho Aoyama
5:30PM–6:30PM
Moderated by
Venue
Yukari Fujimoto
The Arts House, Chamber
4 – 1 3
Known as the comic author behind the Detective Conan series—which is well-loved by fans all over the world—Japan's revered manga artist Gosho Aoyama is the benchmark that many artists aspire towards. Be inspired by the artist himself as he sheds light on his struggles, achievements, and how Detective Conan has come to be a household name today. This session is part of the Sequential Arts focus and Country Focus: Japan.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
DISLOCATION AND CULTUR AL IDENTIT Y IN TR ANSITION Featuring
Time
Born in Bangalore, Indian-American poet Vijay Seshadri
Miriam Katin,
5:30PM–6:30PM
weaves Indian mythology and religion in his ceaselessly
Gitanjali Kolanad,
mutating poetic adventures. Shawna Yang Ryan touches on
Shawna Yang Ryan,
Venue
cultural memory in her fiction, and explores survival, growth
Vijay Seshadri
The Arts House,
and developing identity as a first generation Taiwanese-
Blue Room
American. Miriam Katin, graphic novelist and Holocaust
Moderated by
survivor, struggles to come to terms with her son’s decision
Balli Kaur Jaswal
to move to Berlin. Indian-Canadian dancer-author Gitanjali Kolanad writes about self-exploration, tracing the life of a young woman sent from Toronto to study dance in India. 99
PROGRAMMES 12 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
Each of them will speak on how movement and migration informs and disrupts one’s sense of identity.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
LOOKING BACK (TO THE FUTURE) Featuring
Time
Rapid industrialisation and other modern developments have
Yu-Mei
5:30PM–6:30PM
engendered in their wake a lingering nostalgia in Singapore,
Balasingamchow,
evident from a survey of Singaporean writing. Is the nostalgia
Christine Chia,
Venue
in our literature overly sentimental and backward-looking?
David Leo
The Arts House,
Or are these gestures of remembrance necessary in any
Screening Room
culture that cherishes the role of the past? This panel
Moderated by
examines the presence of nostalgia in Singapore's recent
Gene Tan
literary works.
FREE
B O O K L AU N C H
narratives created by members of the public, written based
Gwee Li Sui (editor),
on landmarks in the eastern part of Singapore. Part of the
Alan Bay, Adam Ho,
Venue
Arts Node initiative and the ArtSEEN branding, the anthology
Gan Siang Hong aka
The Arts House,
is produced by participants from the P L A C E S mentorship
Everyday Hero,
Gallery II
project series, led by Gwee Li Sui and mentors such as
Ben Lai, Derek Chua,
Drewscape and Dave Chua. P L A C E S Season 2 is published
Low Kay Shim,
by Epigram Books, with the support of the National Library
Cassie Koh
Board and National Arts Council.
影片 播 映 / F I L M S C R E E N I N G + D I A L O G U E
$20
光阴的故事：台湾新电影 / FLOWERS OF
TAIPEI: TAIWAN NEW CINEM A 嘉宾 / Featuring
时间 / Time
小野, 王耿瑜
7:00PM–10:00PM
Hsiao Yeh, HSIAO YEH
Wang Ken-Yu
地点 / Venue
National Gallery Singapore, 主持人 / Moderated by
Auditorium
符诗专
Foo Tee Tuan
1980 年代的台湾，民歌、民运解严前夕，社会酝酿着一股即将引爆的自由思 WANG KEN-YU
潮。1982 年，以电影《光阴的故事》和《儿子的大玩偶》为起点，台湾一群新浪 潮导演掀起新电影运动，使台湾电影跳脱以往窠臼，迈入全新篇章。一晃三十 年，有多少人还记得当年这场运动？不仅赋电影艺术予新面貌，也唤醒了台湾身 份认同的自我意识和追求。通过纪录片，再走一次台湾新电影的历史之路。新电 影运动推动人小野和纪录片监制王耿瑜将在放映会后与观众进行交流。 以上节目与無界限講堂 UnThinkTank 联合呈现。
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F E S T I V A L
P L A C E S Season 2 is an anthology of short illustrated
5:30PM–6:30PM
W R I T E R S
Time
the works of
S I N G A P O R E
Featuring
2 0 1 6
P L A C E S: A GR APHIC ANTHOLOGY ON THE EAST OF SINGAPORE
PROGRAMMES 12 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
How many of us still remember the Taiwan New Cinema from 30 years ago? What Taiwan New Cinema achieved was not just the revolution of the cinematic styles, but, more importantly, the awareness and pursuit of Taiwan’s sense of self-identity. Revisit the engagement with history in Taiwan New Cinema at this screening and post-screening dialogue session. This session is co-presented with 無界限講堂 UnThinkTank and is in Mandarin.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
COMICS VERSUS MOVIE ADAPTATION—WHICH IS BETTER? Featuring
Time
For every comic making the successful transition to television
Sonny Liew,
7:00PM–8:00PM
or the silver screen, ranging from The Walking Dead to The
Nicholas Yong, Jho Tan Moderated by
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
Simon Reynolds
Avengers and X-Men spin-offs, there are many others which Venue
flop, such as The Ghost Rider and the much-derided Batman
The Arts House,
v Superman: Dawn Of Justice. What makes a film adaptation
Chamber
successful, and should such films be judged on their own terms? Graphic novelists Sonny Liew, Jho Tan and novelist Nicholas Yong discuss. This session is part of the Sequential Arts focus.
FEST PASS
CL ASSROOM SERIES
UNR AVELLING THE US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION Featuring
Time
The Nerdwriter
7:00PM–8:00PM Venue The Arts House, Play Den
Nothing in the history of the United States has prepared pundits for this year’s presidential election. One of the most open and democratic processes in the world, it is also one of the most perplexing. Whether you have been rooting for Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump, The Nerdwriter delves into the complexities of the process and what the results mean for Singapore and the rest of the world. This session is made possible with the assistance of the U.S. Embassy Singapore.
101
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FEST PASS
座 谈 会 / PA N E L
人性的道德灰色地带 / MOR AL
A MBIGUIT Y IN HUM AN NATURE 嘉宾 / Featuring
时间 / Time
阿乙, 丁云, 黄凯德
7:00PM–8:00PM
A Yi, Tan Chun An, Wong Koi Tet
阿乙 A YI
地点 / Venue
The Arts House, 主持人 / Moderated by
Blue Room
希尼尔
Xi Ni Er
道德模糊的人物性格，在文学创作中该如何塑造？写作人又该如何突破或模糊 丁云 TAN CHUN AN
黄凯德 WONG KOI TET
既定的是非黑白界线，赋予笔下人物更符合现实的个性与生命？作家节邀请中国 作家阿乙与新加坡写作人丁云、黄凯德，谈谈作品中的人物性格塑造，以及文学 创作里灰色世界的体现。
An and Wong Koi Tet—discuss the role of characterisation in their works, and the use of ambiguity in literature. This session is in Mandarin.
$20
M ASTERCL ASS
MELDING FACT AND FICTION: LIONEL SHRIVER Instructed by
Time
Lionel Shriver
7:00PM–8:00PM Venue The Arts House, Living Room
PHOTO CREDIT: SARAH LEE
Few writers blend fact and fiction as adroitly as Lionel Shriver. The award-winning author-journalist, behind We Need to Talk About Kevin and The Mandibles: A Family, 2029-2047, will give a masterclass on writing fiction based on real-world issues, ranging from school massacres and terrorism to obesity and the economy. You will get rare and exclusive insights into the way she plots, from idea to the final publication. Suitable for: Advanced levels This session is made possible with the assistance of the U.S. Embassy Singapore.
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W R I T E R S
wrong? Three writers—China’s A Yi, Singapore’s Tan Chuan
S I N G A P O R E
How does a writer test preconceived notions of right and
F E S T I V A L
2 0 1 6
What does it take to craft morally ambiguous characters?
PROGRAMMES 12 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
FEST PASS
கலந்துரையாடல் / PA N E L
தமிழில் உடல்மொழிக் கவ ிதைகள் / TA MIL POETRY ON THE BODY பங்குபெறுபவர்/
நேரம் / Time
உடலைப் பற்றியும் பாலுணர்வைப் பற்றியும் எழுதப்படும்
Featuring
7:00PM–8:00PM
எழுத்துக்கள் தமிழில் ஏன் சர்ச்சையைக் க ிளப்புக ின்றன? தங்கள்
அ மங்கை, பூங்குழலி
அக உலகைப் பற்றி எழுதும் தமிழ்ப் பெண் எழுத்தாளர்கள்
வீரன், மாதங் கி
இடம் / Venue
ச ிலரே உள்ளார்கள். உடலையும் பாலுணர்வையும் குற ித்து
A Mangai,
The Arts House,
எழுதும் பெண் எழுத்தாளர்கள் அதன ினும் குறைவு. இந்த அமர்வு
Poongulali Veeran,
Screening Room
Krishnamurthi
தமிழில் உடல்மொழி பேசும் கவ ிதைகள ின் வரலாற்றையும், அவை அமைத்துள்ள புது வரையறைகளையும் ஆராய்கிறது.
Mathangi
ச ிங்கப்பூர ின் கலசாரப் பண்பாட்டுச் சூழலில் உடல்மொழி கவ ிதைகள ின் வெள ிப்பாடு பற்றியும் அமர்வில் ஆராயப்படும்.
வழி நடத்துபவர் /
Why are writings on the body and sexuality controversial in
Moderated by
Tamil and why do they stir up so much emotion? Women who
லதா
write about the personal realm are far and few in Singapore,
Latha
let alone authors who focus on the body and sexuality. This session examines the history of corporeal poetry in Tamil, the boundaries it has pushed and examines its relevance as a socio-cultural means of resistance in Singapore.
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
This session is in Tamil.
FREE
B O O K L AU N C H
A BOOK OF PROFESSIONS Featuring
Time
the works of
7:00PM–8:00PM
Daryl Lim Wei Jie, Amanda Chong
Venue The Arts House,
Published by
Gallery II
Ten Year Series,
A Book of Changes • Professions Sing Lit Station celebrates the publication of two poetry collections: A Book of Changes by Daryl Lim Wei Jie and Professions by Amanda Chong. Informed by the Singaporean experience and the Singapore’s place in the world, part of Lim’s collection had previously won first prize for English Poetry at the 2015 National Art Council’s Golden Point Award.
an imprint of Math
Professions investigates the minute oddities and curiosities
Paper Press
of human relationships through the lens of the poet’s craft, exploring themes of gender and power in 39 poems written over five years.
$25
PERFOR M ANCE
CACHE Featuring
Time
Major transitions often leave us displaced and disoriented —
Jennifer Anne
8:00PM-9:00PM
physically, mentally and emotionally. 'Cache' is an exploration
Champion, enec.e,
of remembrance and longing for a once treasured time that
Hassan Hasaa’Ree
Venue
has since passed. Two cross-disciplinary pairings will explore
Ali, Tan Chee Lay,
Esplanade,
the festival theme Sayang in a double-bill that touches on
SA(仨 )
Recital Studio
the value and significance of memory. Poet Jennifer Anne Champion pairs up with shoegazing/dream-pop band enec.e while Chinese poet Tan Chee Lay and Malay sci-fi writer Hassan Hasaa’Ree Ali will join exploratory music trio SA(仨 ). 103
PROGRAMMES 12 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
The writers and musicians will be present at the end of the performance for a Q&A session. This session is co-presented with Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
AGIT-LIT: TR ANSL ATORS AS ACTIVISTS? Featuring
Time
Can literary translation be a form of activism, bringing socially
Elangovan,
8:30PM–9:30PM
and politically-charged issues to a wider audience? This panel
Max Lane, Mabel Lee
considers the role of translators as agents of political and Venue The Arts House,
Moderated by
Chamber
social change through their work. This session is co-presented with The Select Centre.
Runima Borah
FEST PASS
F E S T I V A L
CHILDREN’S PUBLISHING: THE NEED FOR DIVERSIT Y Featuring
Time
Leila Rasheed, Nirrosette,
8:30PM–9:30PM
W R I T E R S
Bhakti Mathur Venue
LEIL A RASHEED
Moderated by
The Arts House,
Zafar Anjum
Play Den
As children grow up, they develop identities by interacting with the society they live in. So how crucial is it for them to see themselves in the books they read, and to draw parallels between their own lives and those of characters? Is diverse NIRROSET TE
BHAKTI MATHUR
cultural and social representation in literary works key to children’s ethical development? This panel—comprising writers who feature cultural diversity in their works, or have launched publishing houses to cultivate such literature— discuss the need for an inclusive literature.
PA N E L
FEST PASS
DR AWING TO A CLOSE
MIRIAM KATIN
Featuring
Time
Miriam Katin, Tita Larasati
8:30PM–9:30PM
Moderated by
Venue
Lim Cheng Tju
The Arts House, Blue Room
How do graphic novelists wrestle with the difficult concept of 104
S I N G A P O R E
PA N E L
2 0 1 6
Tandon
PROGRAMMES 12 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
personal loss and trauma? Indonesian graphic novelist Tita Larasati touches on the loss of her mother while American graphic novelist Miriam Katin addresses her World War II experiences as a Holocaust survivor and a mother. Both will explain how they depict potentially painful memories, and how the process ultimately helps them in their process of seeking closure. This session is part of the Sequential Arts focus.
TITA L ARASATI
FREE
READING
METAPHORS BE WITH YOU Time
Venue
8:30PM–9:30PM
The Arts House, Screening Room
“Every one of us is losing something precious to us. Lost opportunities, lost possibilities, feelings we can never get back again. That’s part of what it means to be alive.” —Haruki Murakami Hear from the shortlisted finalists in this special edition of Metaphors Be With You at SWF. Seven storytellers, chosen by curators Kamil Haque and Sarah Howell, will present their
2 0 1 6
true stories, based on the theme of 'Loss'. Expect a dynamic
N O V E M B E R
performance that showcases the art and power of storytelling. About Metaphors Be With You: Metaphors Be With You is a spoken-word personal story showcase held bimonthly at Haque Centre of Acting
4 – 1 3
& Creativity. Participants submit a true, personal story according to a given theme and the best seven entries are chosen to be presented in front of a live audience in an intimate setting.
FREE
READING
EPIC INTERNATIONAL READING NIGHT ON LOSS Featuring
Time
You've heard eight writers read works about love, now
Gail Carriger,
8:30PM–10:00PM
consider the converse. SWF presents round two of the Epic
Noor Hasnah Adam,
International Reading Night—eight writers will read selected
Andrew Michael
Venue
Hurley,
The Arts House,
Helen Oyeyemi,
Gallery II
Liu Wai Tong,
pieces on the theme of loss. This session is made possible with the assistance of the Embassy of Sweden.
Marie Silkeberg, Raja Ahmad Aminullah, Aisyah Lyana Hosted by Aaron Lee
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PROGRAMMES 12 NOVEMBER 2016, SATURDAY
FREE
SECRET SAYANG Time
Venue
This session is curated by The Arts House and commissioned
9:30PM–10:00PM
The Arts House
by Singapore Writers Festival.
S I N G A P O R E
W R I T E R S
F E S T I V A L
2 0 1 6
Refer to page 20 for full details.
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FEST PASS
PA N E L
BAHASA IN THE ARCHIPEL AGO: A L ANGUAGE IMPERILLED Featuring
Time
Virginia Woolf once said, “Language is wine upon the lips”.
Eka Kurniawan,
10:00AM–11:00AM
It creates a sense of identity and understanding, and it gives
ZF Zamir, Azhar Ibrahim Moderated by
beauty to thought. Bahasa is a common language in the Venue
Malay Archipelago with distinct differences that are unique to
The Arts House,
dialects in various regions.
Chamber
Teo Lee Ken
However, over time, Bahasa has evolved, and some words, phrases or even dialects are slowly fading away. Eka Kurniawan, Indonesia's upcoming fiction writer, ZF Zamir, a Malaysian advocate for education and Singapore's Azhar Ibrahim, an academic of the Malay language, discuss changes in the Malay language and their impact on the community. This session is in English.
FEST PASS
Featuring
Time
Meet Andrew Michael Hurley, the author of northern gothic
Andrew Michael
10:00AM–11:00AM
masterpiece The Loney. Praised by Stephen King, it won the
Hurley
2015 Costa Book Awards' First Novel Award as well as the Venue
British Book Industry award for Best Debut Fiction and Book
Moderated by
The Arts House,
of the Year.
Joshua Lam
Play Den
FEST PASS
PA N E L
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
ANDREW MICHAEL HURLEY: THE HORROR WITHIN
ST CONVERSATIONS: THE INSIDE SCOOP Featuring
Time
Toh Yong Chuan,
10:00AM–11:00AM
Carolyn Khew, TOH YONG CHUAN
CAROLYN KHEW
Irene Tham,
Venue
Salma Khalik
The Arts House, Blue Room
Moderated by Fiona Chan Let some of The Straits Times' best investigative journalists take you behind the scenes of their exclusive stories. How do they get hold of confidential information and interviews? How IRENE THAM
SALMA KHALIK
do they deal with the fallout (and hate mail) the day after? This session is co-presented with The Straits Times.
107
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$20
M ASTERCL ASS
THE GOTHIC ROOTS OF STEA MPUNK (AND EVERY THING ELSE) WITH GAIL CARRIGER Instructed by
Time
Do you know that most genre fiction was born out of Gothic
Gail Carriger
10:00AM–11:00AM
literature? Science fiction, fantasy, horror, mystery and romance are all genres which borrow tropes and archetypes
Venue
from the Gothic tradition. Steampunk is perhaps the most
The Arts House,
indebted to that tradition. Gail Carriger, author of the Parasol
Living Room
Protectorate and Custard Protocol series for adults, and the Finishing School series for young adults, will give a talk on Gothic tropes as a resource for budding writers. Suitable for: Beginner to Intermediate levels
FEST PASS
PA N E L
the stateside publication of Sonny Liew's The Art of Charlie
Foo Swee Chin aka FSc Moderated by
Chan Hock Chye. However, Singapore comics are about Venue
more than just Charlie Chan. The past few years have seen
The Arts House,
the publication of the hip hop comics of Ye Zhen and the
Screening Room
gothic manga of Foo Swee Chin, who predated Sonny Liew
Lim Cheng Tju
in getting her comics published in the United States. Both writer-artists will share their stories. This session is part of the Sequential Arts focus.
FREE
B O O K L AU N C H
NEW TITLES BY M ATH PAPER PRESS IV Featuring
Time
the works of
10:00AM–11:00AM
Mahita Vas, Debbie Lee,
Venue
Agnes Chew
The Arts House, Gallery II
Published by Math Paper Press
Rain Tree • Perfection • The Desire for Elsewhere Join Math Paper Press as they launch three new titles. Rain Tree by Mahita Vas is a novel about the life of Ani, a woman whose dream to become a teacher is thwarted when she is married off at a young age. Perfection by Debbie Lee is a memoir of her growing up years in Singapore, recounting her overcoming of self-doubt, sexual abuse, depression and other struggles. The Desire for Elsewhere by Agnes Chew is a short story collection.
108
F E S T I V A L
Singapore comics have gained international traction with
10:00AM–11:00AM
W R I T E R S
Time
Ye Zhen,
S I N G A P O R E
Featuring
2 0 1 6
NEW VOICES IN SINGAPORE COMICS
PROGRAMMES 13 N OV E M B ER 2 016, SU N DAY
$50
WORK SHOP
BEYOND SPACE AND TIME: WRITING NON-LINEAR STORIES Instructed by
Time
Shawna Yang Ryan
10:00AM–1:00PM Venue Asian Civilisations Musuem, Discovery Room
Beginning, middle, end—is this sequence the best way to tell a story? How does the shape of a narrative influence its meaning? Participants will examine strategies in non-linear storytelling by examining the building blocks of a traditional linear narrative, looking at the link between form and content, and discussing the possibilities of changing the story order and approaching emotional truths. This workshop will involve writing exercises.
2 0 1 6
Suitable for: Beginner to Intermediate levels
TA L K
FREE
N O V E M B E R
GROW FOOD IN YOUR OWN BACK YARD! Featuring
Time
Bjorn Low
11:00AM–12:00PM
4 – 1 3
Venue Asian Civilisations Museum, Shaw Foyer Go green in this session with Edible Garden City, champions
PHOTO CREDIT: EDIBLE GARDEN CITY
of the ‘Grow Your Own Food’ movement in land-scarce and import-dependent Singapore. Edible Garden City will teach you how to grow plants (and create a forest!) in your backyard or corridor. A must-attend event for everyone keen to connect with nature and support the environment.
FREE
WORK SHOP
WITH
T WIRL WORLD
REGISTRATION
Instructed by
Time
Let your body do the talkin' – be a tree, the wind, a bird,
Katie Van Camp
11:00AM–11:45AM
whatever you want to be! Feel free to express yourself in this fun, creative-movement workshop.
Venue Empress Lawn, SWF3 Tent
For ages 4 to 6. Seats for this workshop are limited. Visit twirlworld.peatix.com to register.
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$20
SWF LECTURE
LIONEL SHRIVER: AN UNFLINCHING EYE INTO TRUTH Featuring
Time
Lionel Shriver is feted for the way she takes on huge
Lionel Shriver
11:30AM–12:30PM
contemporary issues, and in her latest novel, The Mandibles:
Moderated by
Venue
effects of economic meltdown, such as poverty, theft and
Divya Victor
National Gallery
prostitution. The 2005 Orange Prize winner for We Need to
Singapore,
Talk About Kevin will speak about her latest work, and its eerie
Auditorium
resonance today.
A Family, 2029-2047, she wrestles with the spiralling
The 30-minute lecture will be followed by 30 minutes of Q&A. This session is made possible with the assistance of the U.S. Embassy Singapore.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
that afflicts the middle class, with regards to the
Okky Madasari,
commercialisation of religiously-associated merchandise.
Raja Ahmad
Venue
These range from everyday halal products to a slew of
Aminullah
The Arts House,
upmarket services that caters to a more expensive Muslim
Chamber
clientele. Are ‘piously’ sanctioned products getting popular
Moderated by
because more people are turning to faith, or is it a result of
Azhar Ibrahim
canny marketing? This session is in English.
THE SEVEN WONDERS OF PETER LER ANGIS
FREE
Featuring
Time
Rescue missions? Ancient secrets? Yes, please! Catch Peter
Peter Lerangis
11:30AM–12:30PM
Lerangis—author of the New York Times bestselling series,
Moderated by
Venue
you ever wanted to know, from his experience ghost-writing
Adeline Foo
The Arts House,
books for The Hardy Boys and Babysitters Club, to how he got
Play Den
Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson series, hooked on
Seven Wonders—at the Festival. He will tell you everything
his books. For ages 7 and up.
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F E S T I V A L
This panel will discuss the trend of lifestyle consumption
11:30AM–12:30PM
W R I T E R S
Time
Md Imran Md Taib,
S I N G A P O R E
Featuring
2 0 1 6
PIET Y AND CONSUMERISM: PEDDLING RELIGIOUS PRODUCTS IN SOUTH-EAST ASIA
PROGRAMMES 13 N OV E M B ER 2 016, SU N DAY
中国文坛新星阿乙：我的一生、过去与未来 / A YI, CHINA’S LITER ARY STAR: MY LIFE,
FEST PASS
MY PAST AND MY FUTURE 嘉宾 / Featuring
时间 / Time
他是中国诗人北岛口中“近年来最优秀的汉语小说家之一”，以毫不煽情却令人焦
阿乙
11:30AM–12:30PM
虑不安的虚构小说而备受认可。首部小说选集《灰故事》将自己当警察的人生经
A Yi
验融入文学创作中，英译版推出后获得西方世界的热烈回响。阿乙亲临作家节， 地点 / Venue
主持人 / Moderated by
The Arts House,
林安娜
Blue Room
分享生命与虚构小说之间的关系，以及写作的各种心得。
Described by Nobel-nominated poet Bei Dao as "one of the most gifted Chinese authors in recent times", A Yi has
Anna Lim
received acclaim for his unsentimental and unsettling fiction. A Perfect Crime, his first book translated into English, has garnered rave reviews in the West. It taps on his experience in his past career in law enforcement. A Yi will speak about the relationship between life and fiction, and other matters related to his writing. This session is in Mandarin.
PA N E L
FEST PASS
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
VISUAL STORY TELLING: AUTOBIOGR APHY Featuring
Time
We Are On Our Own is Miriam Katin's memoir of her and her
Miriam Katin,
11:30AM–12:30PM
mother's escape from the Nazi invasion of Budapest. Troy
Troy Chin
Chin's The Resident Tourist is an autobiographical graphic Venue
novel, retelling his return to Singapore after spending years
Moderated by
The Arts House,
in America. Katin and Chin will speak about the art of graphic
Gwee Li Sui
Living Room
storytelling and the role of the memory in their works. This session is part of the Sequential Arts focus.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
DO LITER ARY ANTHOLOGIES M ATTER? Featuring
Time
There have been a proliferation of English-language literary
Samuel Caleb Wee,
11:30AM–12:30PM
anthologies in recent times, ranging from Written Country
Christine Chia, Zhang Ruihe Moderated by
and the travel-themed In Transit to this is how you walk on Venue
the moon. But what distinguishes one Singapore literary
The Arts House,
anthology from another? What is the role of anthologies in
Screening Room
publishing new writers, established writers, canon formation
Yu-Mei
(or lack thereof)? Editors from the anthologies share their
Balasingamchow
modus operandi.
111
PROGRAMMES 13 N OV E M B ER 2 016, SU N DAY
FREE
B O O K L AU N C H
NEW TITLES BY M ATH PAPER PRESS V Featuring
Time
the works of
11:30AM–12:30PM
Julie Koh and contributing writers
Venue The Arts House,
Published by
Gallery II
Math Paper Press
Capital Misfits • BooksActually's Gold Standard 2016 Come celebrate the launch of two new titles by Math Paper Press! Capital Misfits by Julie Koh is a story collection in the style of Italo Calvino’s The Complete Cosmicomics. BooksActually's Gold Standard, edited by Julie Koh, is a new annual anthology comprising short fiction, previously unpublished in English, featuring 20 ground-breaking cult writers of East and South-east Asia, and the diaspora. BooksActually's Gold Standard will be an important vehicle to redefine how Asian voices are promoted—providing a counterweight to the often tokenistic way in which Asian writing is curated in the West.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
2 0 1 6
CHILDREN BORN IN THE 1980S: EMERGING ADULTHOOD OR In the age of Snapchat filters, Pokémon Go and Buzzfeed,
11:30AM–12:30PM
what does it mean to be approaching adulthood? How do
Pooja Nansi,
children of the 1980s navigate the twilight zone between
The Nerdwriter,
Venue
turning of age and feeling like a credible adult? Four
Ann Ang
Asian Civilisations
panellists—three writers and a social media personality—
Museum, Ngee Ann
tackle these questions and more.
Moderated by Joshua Ip
Auditorium
This session is made possible with the assistance of the U.S. Embassy Singapore.
CR AFT TIME WITH SAB & FRIENDS:
FREE
MONSTER TO SAYANG II Instructed by
Time
Sab & Friends
12:00PM–12:45PM Venue Asian Civilisations Museum, Lobby
Did you miss the first monster craft session? Don’t worry! Sab & Friends are back to help you create your own monster friend, just like Sully from Monsters, Inc. Drop by the museum for this crafty event full of monster mayhem.
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W R I T E R S
Time
Helen Oyeyemi,
S I N G A P O R E
Featuring
F E S T I V A L
EXTENDED ADOLESCENCE?
PROGRAMMES 13 N OV E M B ER 2 016, SU N DAY
FREE
STORY TELLING
SQUIRK Y’S SPACE ADVENTURE Featuring
Time
Melanie Lee,
12:30PM–1:15PM
David 'Wolfe' Liew Venue Asian Civilisations Museum, Shaw Foyer Welcome to Melanie Lee's world of The Adventures of Squirky the Alien. Join Squirky on his outer space journey through immersive storytelling and art jamming. At the end of the session, you’ll each receive a spaceship to use for your next adventure in outer space. For ages 3 to 6.
FREE
ILLUSTR ATORS’ BATTLE II: M ARK PETT VS DAREL SEOW Featuring
Time
Mark Pett,
12:30PM–1:30PM
Darel Seow Venue
MARK PET T
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
—DR AW YOUR PENCILS!
Hosted by
Empress Lawn,
Moof
SWF3 Tent
Fear not if you missed the first illustrators’ battle! This weekend, Mark Pett and Darel Seow will take their turn to duel to the end. You’ll get to suggest challenges and decide who the last man standing will be. DAREL SEOW
For ages 4 and up.
FEST PASS
PERFOR M ANCE
CIAO TURTLE Featuring
Time
Join singing-songwriting duo, Ciao Turtle as they bring their
Ciao Turtle
1:00PM–2:00PM
unique blend of musical styles to the POP Stage. Simplicity and innovation are vital for their performances and you will
Venue
get the chance to hear their take on familiar tunes and be led
The Arts House,
on an emotional journey to unknown destinations in this final
POP Stage
live POP performance.
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PROGRAMMES 13 N OV E M B ER 2 016, SU N DAY
FREE
SECRET SAYANG Time
Venue
This session is curated by The Arts House and commissioned
2:00PM–2:30PM
The Arts House
by Singapore Writers Festival. Refer to page 20 for full details.
$10
WORK SHOP
LEGO STOP-MOTION FILMM AKING PL AYSHOP Instructed by
Time
Who doesn't love LEGO? Bring your favourite LEGO
Paperplane
2:00PM–5:00PM
characters to life in this stop-motion animation ‘playshop’ by creating a one-minute animation film. This could be the
Venue
start of your own version of The Lego Movie! Materials will be
The Arts House,
provided, including a thumb drive for you to bring home
Living Room
a copy of your film clip. For ages 14 and up. Seats for this workshop are limited.
时间 / Time
廖伟棠
2:00PM–3:30PM
Liu Wai Tong 地点 / Venue
Asian Civilisations Museum, Discovery Room 摄影与俳句都是瞬间的艺术，通过现代诗手法创作的俳句诗更是迅捷灵动，和 这个影像时代相呼应。工作坊将带学员学习阅读影像中的诗意，然后“翻译”成相 应的俳句，最后进一步学习以意象的流动来主导诗的创作。 适合：初级至中级学员
Photography and haiku are both art forms of the moments. The spontaneity of a haiku composed in the style of contemporary poetry can be likened to that of an impromptu snapshot taken with the cameras which are so easily available these days. This workshop will teach participants to ‘read’ the poetry in photographs, before translating the visuals into words. Suitable for: Beginner to Intermediate levels. This session is in Mandarin.
114
F E S T I V A L
导师 / Instructed by
W R I T E R S
摄影就是俳句诗 / PHOTOGR APHY AS HAIKU
S I N G A P O R E
$20
工作 坊 / W O R K S H O P
2 0 1 6
Visit lego.peatix.com to register.
PROGRAMMES 13 N OV E M B ER 2 016, SU N DAY
FREE
评书 / STORY TELLING
祝奶奶八十岁生日快乐！ / GR ANDM A'S EIGHTIETH BIRTHDAY 嘉宾 / Featuring
时间 / Time
奶奶八十岁大寿到了，全家齐聚为奶奶庆生，听卢端丽娓娓与 马虹娓娓诉说奶奶
卢端丽, 马虹
2:00PM–2:45PM
的故事，让大家边听故事边寻根。一场多代亲子活动，适合小朋友和爸爸妈妈甚
Pauline Loh, Mahong
至爷爷奶奶外公外婆一起来参加！ 地点 / Venue
Asian Civilisations
活动以英中双语进行。 适合4岁至8岁。
Museum, Shaw
A multi-generation, bilingual session for kids, parents and
Foyer
grandparents! Get in touch with your roots as Pauline Loh and Mahong tell the story of Nai Nai, with the whole family gathered together to celebrate Grandma's 80 th birthday. This session is in English and Mandarin. For ages 4 to 8.
2 0 1 6
OTTO FONG: SCIENCE M ADE SIMPLE Featuring
Time
Otto Fong
2:00PM–3:00PM
Moderated by
Venue
Adan Jimenez
Empress Lawn,
FREE
N O V E M B E R
SWF3 Tent Join Sir Fong as he makes science fun and accessible! From atoms and molecules to cells, even quantum physics, Sir Fong’s adventures provide easy inroads into scientific
4 – 1 3
concepts. We promise you’ll love this science-sational session, whether you like the subject or not! For ages 8 and up.
CR AFT TIME WITH SAB & FRIENDS: DREA MCATCHERS II
FREE
Instructed by
Time
Design and make your own dreamcatcher for sweet dreams
Sab & Friends
2:00PM–2:45PM
and restful sleep with Sab & Friends. If you didn’t make it for the first session, here’s a second chance to welcome good
Venue
dreams with your personal handmade dreamcatcher.
Asian Civilisations Museum, Lobby
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PROGRAMMES 13 N OV E M B ER 2 016, SU N DAY
FEST PASS
PA N E L
POLITICS OF THE BODY Featuring
Time
Cyril Wong,
2:30PM–3:30PM
Tania De Rozario, A Mangai
Venue National Gallery Singapore,
CYRIL WONG
Moderated by
Auditorium
Ng Yi-Sheng The role of the physical body has been explored in the poetry and fiction of Cyril Wong, Tania De Rozario and A Mangai. How are their works placed and viewed in their respective communities, and how do they advocate for a greater diversity A MANGAI
in literary representations of the body, gender and sexuality?
Time
Heavyweights in their countries, they have a string of
Gosho Aoyama,
2:30PM–3:30PM
accomplishments to their names. Japan's premier manga
Sonny Liew
artist Gosho Aoyama, the genius behind the Detective Venue
Conan series, meets Eisner-nominated Sonny Liew, arguably
Moderated by
The Arts House,
Singapore's most celebrated graphic novelist and illustrator.
Lim Cheng Tju
Chamber
They will touch on a range of topics from artistic integrity to the pressure of churning out best-selling works. This session is part of the Sequential Arts focus and Country Focus: Japan.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
INDONESIA'S SPECTRE OF THE PAST Featuring
Time
Writer-translator Max Lane introduced the ground-breaking
Max Lane,
2:30PM–3:30PM
works of Pramoedya Ananta Toer to the English-speaking
Peter van Dongen
world; and writes about his extensive experience in Indonesia, Venue
especially during the Suharto period. Highly influenced
Moderated by
The Arts House,
by Tintin comics, Peter van Dongen's acclaimed works
Md Imran Md Taib
Blue Room
are set during Indonesia's transition from colonialism to independence. Both authors will speak about their creative engagements with Indonesian history.
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F E S T I V A L
Featuring
W R I T E R S
T WO COMIC ICONS: GOSHO AOYA M A CHATS WITH SONNY LIEW
2 0 1 6
FEST PASS
PA N E L
S I N G A P O R E
TANIA DE ROZARIO
PROGRAMMES 13 N OV E M B ER 2 016, SU N DAY
FEST PASS
讲座 / C L A SSRO OM SE R IE S
老地方、新大楼 / OLD PL ACES,
NEW FACADES 嘉宾 / Featuring
时间 / Time
李国樑 Lee Kok Leong
2:30PM–3:30PM
主持人 / Moderated by
地点 / Venue
康格溫
The Arts House,
Kang Ger-wen Oliver
Screening Room
土地不断铲平重建，空间一再翻新再发展，新加坡的景观正在历经什么翻天覆地 的变化？我们该为文化遗产留下多少印记？《广东妈姐》作者李国樑经历过新加 坡独立后的人文变迁，通过民间的触觉来，探讨城市发展和保留遗产是否一定 必须处在对立的两端。
With more spaces giving way to refurbished ones, what does this mean for Singapore's landscape and how much conservation should there be to preserve our heritage? Lee Kok Leong, the author of Guangdong Majie, gives an overview and offers his take on whether progress and preservation are 2 0 1 6
necessarily at odds.
N O V E M B E R
This session is in Mandarin.
FEST PASS
READING
4 – 1 3
EMERGING SINGAPOREAN VOICES II Featuring
Time
Amanda Chong,
2:30PM–3:30PM
Samuel Caleb Wee, AMANDA CHONG PHOTO CREDIT: EJUN LOW
SAMUEL CALEB WEE
Imran Hashim,
Venue
Daryl Qilin Yam
The Arts House, Gallery II
Hosted by Annaliza Bakri New voices in the literary scene take centre stage in this second part of our Emerging Singaporean Voices series. Get to know these writers better beyond the page, and hear them read IMRAN HASHIM
DARYL QILIN YAM
excerpts from their works in this fun and informal session.
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PROGRAMMES 13 N OV E M B ER 2 016, SU N DAY PA N E L
FEST PASS
PREACHING TO THE UNCONVERTED Featuring
Time
ZF Zamir champions the need for education for the less
Okky Madasari,
2:30PM–3:30PM
privileged; Okky Madasari has written on issues such as
Karan Mahajan, ZF Zamir
discrimination against minorities; while Karan Mahajan maps Venue
the rippling effects of terrorist violence. How do writers
Asian Civilisations
engage effectively with complex issues without coming across
Moderated by
Museum, Ngee Ann
as proselytising?
Azhar Ibrahim
Auditorium
FREE
评书 / STORY TELLING
咚咚咚……是谁在叫门呀？/ DING-DONG…
WITH REGISTRATION
WHO’S AT THE DOOR? 嘉宾 / Featuring
时间 / Time
翁添保
2:30PM–3:15PM
Asian Civilisations Museum, Shaw Foyer “咚咚咚……”熊宝宝听见有人在敲门，会是谁呢？开了门又会有什么意外发现？ 绘本作家翁添保请你到熊宝宝家做客，欢迎小朋友打扮起来，走进绘本中的童
活动以英中双语进行。 适合7至9岁孩童。 座位有限。请上网 dingdongpeatix.com 报名。
Come meet author Ang Thiam Poh and see who (or what) awaits Baby Bear in his picture book, Who’s At The Door?. You can dress up and be part of this mash-up of your favourite fairy tales — costumes will be provided! This session is in English and Mandarin. For ages 7 to 9. Seats for this session are limited. Visit dingdong.peatix.com to register.
R ACHEL TEY: HOW I COPED WITH AN EATING DISORDER
FREE
Featuring
Time
Young people today are bombarded by unrealistic
Rachel Tey
3:30PM–4:30PM
expectations about their looks, especially weight and body
Moderated by
Venue
Tey shares her own struggle with an eating disorder, her
Pamela Ho
Empress Lawn,
determination to recover and how the experience inspired her
SWF3 Tent
to pen her first children’s book, Tea in Pajamas. She will read
shape; many develop eating disorders as a result. Rachel
excerpts from her blog and talk about the therapeutic effects of writing. For ages 12 and above. 118
S I N G A P O R E
W R I T E R S
话世界。
F E S T I V A L
地点 / Venue
2 0 1 6
Ang Thiam Poh
PROGRAMMES 13 N OV E M B ER 2 016, SU N DAY
FEST PASS
CL ASSROOM SERIES
LOVE, ACTUALLY? Featuring
Time
It’s a four-letter word which can mean a lot—or nothing,
The Nerdwriter
4:00PM–5:00PM
depending on the context. With the SWF theme this year being 'Sayang', Evan Puschak, The Nerdwriter, explores the
Venue
multiple manifestations of the oft-used term ‘love’ in the
National Gallery
Western vernacular, from everyday speech to pop culture.
Singapore, Auditorium
This session is made possible with the assistance of the U.S. Embassy Singapore.
FREE
PA N E L
IS LITER ATURE FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS OVERLY GENDERED? Featuring
Time
From book jacket designs to publicity materials to content,
Leila Rasheed,
4:00PM–5:00PM
a large amount of Young Adult and children’s literature
Peter Lerangis, AJ Low
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
Moderated by
pointedly targets a certain gender. Is the gender bias simply Venue
for the ease of marketing? Or is this an industry blind spot?
The Arts House,
Authors Peter Lerangis, Leila Rasheed and AJ Low discuss
Chamber
the phenomenon.
Denise Tan
FEST PASS
座 谈 会 / PA N E L
畅销书或文学奖—文艺创作价值何在？/ DEFINING LITER ARY SUCCESS —BESTSELLERS
OR AWARDS? 嘉宾 / Featuring
时间 / Time
鲁迅文学奖和茅盾文学奖是中国文坛两大最具权威性的文学类奖项。但网络时
小野, 阿乙, 英培安
4:00PM–5:00PM
代不断涌现的网络文学和流动小说，却往往比文学奖得奖作品更为畅销，能触
Hsiao Yeh, A Yi, Yeng Pway Ngon
及的读者群更广。写作人创作生涯的成就，该如何权衡？销售量或文学奖，写作 地点 / Venue
人该有什么样的追求目标？
The Arts House, Blue 主持人 / Moderated by
Room
In China, the Lu Xun Literary Prize and Mao Dun Literature
张曦娜
Prize are awarded to the most prestigious writers. However,
Teoh Hee La
the growing popularity of online novels and mobile fiction suggests that these new genres are more accessible to readers. How is success measured for such authors – writing commercial bestsellers or winning literary prizes? This session is in Mandarin.
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FEST PASS
FILM SCREENING
DETECTIVE CONAN: THE DARKEST NIGHTM ARE PG • 112 minutes
Time
The 20th instalment of the Detective Conan franchise,
4:00PM–6:30PM
The Darkest Nightmare looks at the spate of mysterious assassinations around the world and the hacking of secret
Venue
spy files by intelligence agencies: Britain's MI6, the Canadian
The Arts House,
CSIS, Germany's BND, and America's CIA and FBI.
Screening Room
This session is part of the Sequential Arts focus and Country Focus: Japan.
FREE
B O O K L AU N C H
NEW TITLES BY PUSTAK A NASIONAL Featuring
Time
Meli Yang Ceria • Rambut Panjang Alisya • Jati Lestari • Novel
the works of
4:00PM–5:00PM
Grafik Wan Kenit • Di Bumi Mana
The Arts House,
Manaf Hamzah,
Gallery II
Matlob, Nur Azmi Mokhtar, Suratman Markasan
Ceria by Cristiana Messina, translated into Malay by NurEl-Hudaa Jaffar; Rambut Panjang Alisya by Dewi Rieka; Jati Lestari by Manaf Hamzah; Novel Grafik Wan Kenit by Matlob, illustrated by Nur Azmi Mokhtar; and Di Bumi Mana by Suratman Markasan. Messina’s book is an illustrated story about finding happiness
Published by
through friendship. In Rieka’s book, the change of a hairstyle
Pustaka Nasional
leads to hilarious consequences. Jati Lestari is a fantasy tale. Novel Grafik Wan Kenit is an illustrated version of a children’s book based on a Malay folktale. Di Bumi Mana details the struggle of young people fighting for justice while negotiating societal and familial demands and expectations. This session is in Malay.
EK A KURNIAWAN, M AN TIGER OF ASIA
FEST PASS
Featuring
Time
Eka Kurniawan
4:00PM–5:00PM
Moderated by
Venue
Md Imran Md Taib
Asian Civilisations Museum, Ngee Ann Auditorium
Indonesia’s literary star, Eka Kurniawan, recently longlisted for the Man Booker International Prize, is hailed as Pramoedya Ananta Toer’s successor. Meet the author whose books have caught the imagination of the international literary world. This session is in English.
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2 0 1 6
Dewi Rieka,
Pustaka Nasional proudly presents five new titles: Meli Yang
F E S T I V A L
Venue
W R I T E R S
Nur-El-Hudaa Jaffar,
S I N G A P O R E
Cristiana Messina,
PROGRAMMES 13 N OV E M B ER 2 016, SU N DAY WORK SHOP
$20
JOANNE HARRIS’ 10 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR DIALOGUE IN FICTION Instructed by
Time
Joanne Harris
4:00PM–5:30PM Venue Asian Civilisations Museum, Discovery Room
How does one create dialogues in stories that fulfil the intended response and more? Learn in this workshop from one of the most versatile writers today, Joanne Harris, who has produced more than 15 books that defy categorisation. Her titles include the bestseller Chocolat, which catapulted her to the exclusive Millionaire Authors’ Club, a list of British writers whose books have sold more than a million copies. Her latest novel is Different Class, an intriguing literary thriller set in a
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
grammar school.
PERFOR M ANCE
$25
SITI KHALIJAH: AN ACTRESS PREPARES Featuring
Time
Siti Khalijah
5:00PM–6:30PM
Script by
Venue
Alfian Sa’at
The Arts House, Play Den
Directed by Aidli ‘Alin’ Mosbit Get to know what fuels theatre and TV actress Siti Khalijah through this one-woman show, scripted by Alfian Sa’at. Based on the iconic book An Actor Prepares by Konstantin Stanislavski, the performance will reveal the growth of Siti from a wide-eyed student encountering the power of literature to the respected thespian that she is today. She will reflect on the roles she has played and the dream roles she would like to play in the future. The 1-hour performance will be followed by 30 minutes of Q&A.
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FREE
PERSEMBAHAN / PERFOR M ANCE
B3: BELIA. BAHASA. BUDAYA Mengemukakan /
Masa / Time
Nusantara Arts merupakan satu gabungan kreatif yang
Featuring
5:00PM–6:00PM
bercita-cita untuk mengadunkan naskhah-naskhah sastera
Nusantara Arts
ke dalam bentuk muzik. Mari nikmati karya-karya asli Lokasi / Venue
daripada lapan pemenang peraduan yang julung-julung
Asian Civilisations
kalinya dianjurkan oleh Belia.Bahasa.Budaya. Empat daripada
Museum, River Room
karya-karya asli tersebut akan dibacakan oleh para pemenang tersebut dan empat yang lain akan dipersembahkan oleh Nusantara Arts. Hayatilah bersama karya-karya tersebut yang diluahkan dalam dua bentuk yang berbeza, di mana setiap pengalaman ternyata sesuatu yang tersendiri. Untuk usia 12 dan ke atas. Sesi ini dipersembahkan bersama dengan Nusantara Arts dan dalam bahasa Melayu. Nusantara Arts is a creative collective that aspires to set
Budaya (Youth.Language.Culture). Four of the original works will be read by the winners and four will be performed by Nusantara Arts. Come experience the works expressed in two different formats, where each experience is indeed a
For ages 12 and up. This session is co-presented with Nusantara Arts and is in Malay.
FREE
PA N E L
WRITE THIS WAY: A GUIDE FOR TEENS BY TEENS Featuring
Time
Aisyah Lyana,
5:00PM–6:00PM
Arati Anand, AISYAH LYANA
ARATI ANAND
Lesley-Anne Tan,
Venue
Ashley Koh
Empress Lawn, SWF3 Tent
Moderated by Eugene Tay From zombies to friendship to adventure, do you have ideas and stories shelved away? Do you want to bring your writing LESLEY-ANNE TAN
ASHLEY KOH
beyond fan fiction pages? Join writers Aisyah Lyana, Arati Anand, Ashley Koh and Lesley-Anne Tan as they trade tips on writing in different languages, what inspires them to write and how they balance writing fiction with preparing for exams. For ages 13 and up.
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S I N G A P O R E
W R I T E R S
unique one.
F E S T I V A L
eight winners of the inaugural competition, Belia.Bahasa.
2 0 1 6
literary texts to music. Come enjoy original works from the
PROGRAMMES 13 N OV E M B ER 2 016, SU N DAY
FREE
PA N E L
NO ONE SHOULD FEEL ALONE: WRITING ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUTHS Featuring
Time
How often are characters with mental illness the lead in
Jonathan Friesen,
5:30PM–6:30PM
a storyline? How accurately is mental illness portrayed in
Haresh Sharma
fiction? Jonathan Friesen, award-winning author of Young Venue
Adult novels that touch on anxiety and dissociative identity
Moderated by
The Arts House,
disorder, chats with playwright Haresh Sharma, who
Balli Kaur Jaswal
Chamber
addresses schizophrenia and depression in his 'O' Level text, Off Centre. Together they discuss mental health from the (relative) safety of their fictional characters; why they chose such a tough topic and how they did their research.
FEST PASS
CL ASSROOM SERIES
A POETIC PURSUIT CALLED FISHING Time
Vijay Seshadri
5:30PM–6:30PM
Moderated by
Venue
Philip Jeyaretnam
The Arts House,
2 0 1 6
Blue Room Vijay Seshadri spent five years working in the fishing and logging industries in the Pacific Northwest, a period he considers to be “the most literary of (his) life”. The experience
PHOTO CREDIT: BEOWOLF SHEEHAN
informs his poetry and his prose piece 'Pacific Fishes of Canada', from his Pulitzer Prize-winning collection 3 Sections
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
Featuring
(2014). He will speak about the lyrical alliance between fishing and poetry; his appreciation of the elements; and the catch of a perfect line. This Classroom Series talk will end with a Q&A session.
FREE
B O O K L AU N C H
NEW TITLES BY TR AVELER PALM Featuring
Time
The Flea Gazing at the Stars (仰望星空的跳蚤 ) • Moments.Profiles
the works of
5:30PM–6:30PM
( 瞬间•侧影) • Running to Dawn ( 奔向黎明)
Zhou Can, Xin Yu, Lee Kok Leong
Venue The Arts House,
Published by Traveler Palm
Gallery II
Meet authors Zhou Can, Xin Yu and Lee Kok Leong at the launch of their new books. The Flea Gazing at the Stars compiles 300 of Zhou’s ten-line poems that capture and reflect on the fleeting moments, joys and musings of everyday life. Moments.Profiles is a two-part compilation of 36 pieces of Xin Yu’s writings. The first part touches on his personal observations of daily life, while the second part compiles the personality profiles he has written of authors, poets, directors, painters, photographers and horticulturists. Running to Dawn by Lee Kok Leong presents the history of Singapore
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from individual perspectives, capturing the domestic social changes from 1950s to date. This session is in Mandarin.
FEST PASS
PA N E L
OH, YOU'RE A LIT GR AD—ARE YOU A TEACHER? Featuring
Time
Ann Ang,
5:30PM–6:30PM
Marc Nair, Toh Hsien Min
ANN ANG
Venue Asian Civilisations Museum,
Moderated by
Ngee Ann Auditorium
Richard Angus Whitehead After years of mugging, you finally graduate with a degree in
TOH HSIEN MIN
the subject at university, and how this has shaped the course of their lives.
S I N G A P O R E
W R I T E R S
PHOTO CREDIT: JOYEE KOO
F E S T I V A L
Nair and Toh Hsien Min—reflect on their decision to pursue MARC NAIR
2 0 1 6
English Literature. Now what? Three writers—Ann Ang, Marc
124
PROGRAMMES 13 N OV E M B ER 2 016, SU N DAY
FAKKAH FUZZ PHOTO CREDIT: PRAKASH DANIEL DAVID WONG HSIEN MING
SHIVRAM GOPINATH
PHOTOGRAPHY
TAN TARN HOW
ADRIAN TAN
LEONG LIEW GEOK
ONIAT TA EFFENDI
GWEE LI SUI
FREE
C L O S I N G D E B AT E
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
THIS HOUSE BELIEVES THAT SINGAPOREANS ARE IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE Featuring
Time
The festival ends on a high note with the Closing Debate,
(Proposition)
7:00PM–8:30PM
with eight speakers jousting verbally with one another over
David Wong
one of the most commonly used four-letter words: L-O-V-E.
Hsien Ming,
Venue
With rising divorce rates, and the country strategising for
Shivram Gopinath,
Victoria Theatre
more couples to get hitched to go forth and multiply, is our
Adrian Tan,
island city fated to fail in the love department? It would seem
Leong Liew Geok
not, judging from the rise in marriage and birth rates in 2014.
(Opposition)
So, are Singaporeans in the mood for love?
Fakkah Fuzz, Tan Tarn How, Oniatta Effendi, Gwee Li Sui Moderated by Petrina Kow
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SWF2016 COUNTRY FOCUS JAPAN
Endlessly studied but never completely understood,
As Singapore and Japan celebrate their 50th year of
Japan has long been an object of intrigue for the
diplomatic relations, we examine Japan’s miraculous
world. From cutting-edge technology to its nods to
transformation and ponder its future through its
tradition, the ancient country looks to the past while
colourful literati and artists.
P25
assistance of SWF Sponsor, The Japan Foundation Asia Center. FEST PASS
PA N E L
THE STANDING OF JAPANESE FICTION IN THE WORLD Featuring
Moderated by
Date and time
Venue
Risa Wataya,
Motoyuki Shibata
5 November,
The Arts House,
11:30AM–12:30PM
Chamber
Hiromi Kawakami, Taiyo Fujii
What makes works quintessentially Japanese, and how would Japanese writers like to be perceived in the international literary scene?
P37
FEST PASS
PA N E L + P E R F O R M A N C E
AN EVENING OF LOVE: A MUSICIAN'S TRIP THROUGH JAPAN Featuring
Moderated by
Date and time
Venue
Kojima Keitaney-love,
Roland Kelts
5 November,
The Arts House,
5:30PM–6:30PM
Chamber
Yutaka Ito
A discussion about music, literature and music’s role in pop culture. Rocker-turned-indie folk artist Kojima Keitaney-love, and multi-musician Yutaka Ito, will also perform songs.
P39
FEST PASS
TAIYO FUJII: IM AGINING THE FUTURE Featuring
Moderated by
Date and time
Venue
Taiyo Fujii
Koh Buck Song
5 November,
The Arts House,
7:00PM–8:00PM
Blue Room
Author of Gene Mapper, Taiyo Fujii discusses science fiction and its relationship with the future.
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disasters such as earthquakes and volcano eruptions.
Country Focus: Japan is made possible with the
F E S T I V A L
on the Pacific Ring of Fire, it is also prone to natural
W R I T E R S
zipping ahead. An archipelago of 6,852 islands sitting
S I N G A P O R E
LOVE
LETTERS
SWF2016 COUNTRY FOCUS JAPAN
FROM JAPAN P52
FEST PASS
PERFOR M ANCE
WORDS AND MUSIC: THE RHY THM OF JAPAN Featuring
Date and time
Venue
Motoyuki Shibata,
6 November,
The Arts House,
Hiromi Kawakami,
2:30PM–3:30PM
Chamber
Kojima Keitaney-love, Yutaka Ito Four Japanese artists come together for a dream-like sequence of Japanese haiku, stories, and music.
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
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P56
FEST PASS
MEIR A CHAND & WENA POON: JAPAN IN OUR STORIES Featuring
Moderated by
Date and time
Venue
Meira Chand,
Mie Hiramoto
6 November,
The Arts House,
4:00PM–5:00PM
Living Room
Wena Poon
Inspired by The Land of The Rising Sun, two writers talk about how and why Japan figures in their works.
P59
FEST PASS
PA N E L
AFTER FUKUSHIM A Featuring
Moderated by
Date and time
Venue
Ryoichi Wago,
Motoyuki Shibata
6 November,
The Arts House,
7:00PM–8:00PM
Chamber
Hiromi Kawakami, Kojima Keitaney-love
Five years after the devastating 2011 East Japan Earthquake, two writers and a musician open up about how they have come to terms with the catastrophe through their works.
P79
FEST PASS
CL ASSROOM SERIES
BET WEEN JAPAN AND SINGAPORE: HAIGA AND ITS MODERN LEGACY Featuring
Date and time
Venue
Koh Buck Song
11 November,
The Arts House,
7:00PM–8:00PM
Living Room
Koh Buck Song will elaborate on his approach to haiga, and the philosophy of haiga that can be an inspiration for ikigai (purpose in life).
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SWF2016 COUNTRY FOCUS JAPAN
P85
FEST PASS
PA N E L
EQUATORIAL CALM Featuring
Moderated by
Date and time
Venue
David Wong Hsien
Shelly Bryant
12 November,
The Arts House,
10:00AM–11:00AM
Screening Room
Ming, Marc Nair, Lynette Morrison née Tan Yuen Ling, Christina Sng
Earlier this year, Resorts World Singapore invited 10 poets to respond to the exhibits at the S.E.A. Aquarium and Museum with haiku.
Moderated by
Date and time
Venue
Gosho Aoyama
Yukari Fujimoto
12 November,
The Arts House,
5:30PM–6:30PM
Chamber
Be inspired by the genius behind the internationally renowned Detective Conan series—Japan's revered manga artist Gosho Aoyama.
FEST PASS
P116 T WO COMIC ICONS: GOSHO AOYA M A CHATS WITH SONNY LIEW Featuring
Moderated by
Date and time
Venue
Gosho Aoyama,
Lim Cheng Tju
13 November,
The Arts House,
2:30PM–3:30PM
Chamber
Sonny Liew
Japan's premier manga artist Gosho Aoyama, the genius behind the Detector Conan series, meets Eisnernominated Sonny Liew of Charlie Chan Hock Chye fame.
P120
FEST PASS
FILM SCREENING
DETECTIVE CONAN: THE DARKEST NIGHTM ARE Date and time
Venue
13 November,
The Arts House,
4:00PM–6:00PM
Screening Room
The 20th instalment of the Detective Conan franchise, The Darkest Nightmare looks at the spate of mysterious assassinations around the world and the hacking of secret spy files.
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F E S T I V A L
Featuring
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FEST PASS
W R I T E R S
CREATING DETECTIVE CONAN: THE LIFE AND WORKS OF GOSHO AOYA M A
S I N G A P O R E
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SWF2016 COUNTRY FOCUS JAPAN F E AT U R E D S P E A K E R S F R O M J A PA N
GOSHO AOYA M A
RISA WATAYA
One of Japan’s most well-known manga artists. His
Author of Kawaiso da ne? (Isn’t She Pitiful?) and
manga, Detective Conan began its weekly run in
youngest winner of the Bungei Prize, Akutagawa Prize
Shonen Sunday in 1994 and is regarded as one of
and Kenzaburo Oe Prize.
Japan’s leading comics.
HIROMI K AWAK A MI
Author of Japanamerica: How Japanese Pop Culture
Books include God Bless You (Kamisama), The Nakano
has Invaded the US, and a contributing editor of
Thrift Shop (Furudogu Nakano Shoten), Manazuru, The
Monkey Business
Teacher's Briefcase (Sensei no kaban) and Running Water (Suisei).
KOJIM A KEITANEY-LOVE
N O V E M B E R
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A singer-songwriter turned sound designer after the
4 – 1 3
ROL AND KELTS
RYOICHI WAGO Poet from Fukushima, whose debut poetry collection, AFTER, won the Chuya Nakahara Prize.
March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, Kojima
TAIYO FUJII
Keitaney-love is a performer in Hideo Furukawa’s
Author of Gene Mapper—full build—and Orbital Cloud,
reading play Night on the Milky Way Train.
which won the Japan SF Award and Seiun Award.
MOTOYUKI SHIBATA
YUTAK A ITO
Professor Emeritus at the University of Tokyo
Music producer, sound designer, and writer. He runs
and editor of Monkey Business, an annual English-
‘Love Nights’ with singer Kojima Keitaney-love and
language literary journal focusing on contemporary
photographer Eisuke Asaoka.
Japanese fiction.
Other featured writers include: Christina Sng, David Wong Hsien Ming, Koh Buck Song, Lynette Morrison née Tan Yuen Ling, Marc Nair, Meira Chand and Wena Poon Full bios can be found from page 139 to 192.
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M AL AY CONFERENCE AND LITER ARY PIONEERS
KONFERENS MELAYU: SENTUH SAYANG, TINGGALPUN, SAYANG / A CONFERENCE IN TOUCH OF AFFECTION AND REALIT Y Co-organised by the National University of Singapore Department of Malay Studies, Berita Harian and Singapore Writers Festival Date and time
Venue
12 November,
Asian Civilisations
10:00AM–6:30PM
Museum, River Room
‘Sentuh Sayang, Tinggalpun Sayang’ adalah sebuah sidang berlegar dengan soal kemanusiaan yang mendasar dalam kehidupan dan kesusasteraan. Manusia Sastera adalah pengabdi Sayang, yang boleh sahaja diseiraskan
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sebagai kasih dan kasihan, keindahan dan kemesraan, kesyahduan dan ketarikan. Kesayangan hanya wajar berdepan dengan realiti. Manusia Sastera yang berdepan dengan realiti mengungkap kesayangannya kepada manusia, linkungan dan kebenaran. Jika sastera meninggalkan itu, maka kesayangan itu tentu tersopak. Itu sayang sekali. ‘Sentuh Sayang,Tinggalpun Sayang’ is a conference about humanitarian issues that are central to life and literature. Literature is a realm of affection, a realm of imagining and feeling for beauty, serenity, bliss and wonder. But it is no magical gift unless the very affection is in touch with reality. What then is reality? Sentuh Sayang is the ideal state where both affection and touch sublimate and manifest. The opposite of Sayang is neglect, abandonment and even breach. Such concepts are improper, a loss, alas sayang.
PRO G R A M M E S UCAPAN PEMBUK A AN / OPENING SPEECH Oleh / By
Masa / Time
Noor Aisha
10:00AM–10:10AM
FEST PASS
Abdul Rahman
KULIA H PENGEN A L A N / INTRODUC TORY LEC TURE
FEST PASS
KESAYANGAN M ANUSIA SASTER A Oleh / By
Masa / Time
Azhar Ibrahim
10:10AM–10:30AM 131
M AL AY CONFERENCE AND LITER ARY PIONEERS
FEST PASS
P E R B I N C A N G A N PA N E L / PA N E L D I S C U S S I O N
SAYANG YANG TERLEPAS (DARI SASTER A /BUDAYA) / ON ISSUES OF THE UNTHOUGHT-OF IN OUR THOUGHTS AND AESTHETICS Mengemukakan /
Masa / Time
Sesi ini bertujuan untuk membincangkan isu ketiadaan,
Featuring
10:30AM–11:30AM
keterabaian dan pertentangan dalam bidang kesusasteraan.
Raja Ahmad
Ideologi dan naratif yang paling dominan akan mempengaruhi
Aminullah, Mohd
kesusasteraan,termasuk juga para penulis itu sendiri, sama
Raman Daud
ada mereka sedari ataupun tidak. Apakah antara keterabaian dan ketiadaan yang dimaksudkan, dan dampaknya kepada
Dipengerusikan oleh /
ekologi kesusasteraan dan budaya zaman kita? Apakah idea
Moderated by
dan estetika kesusasteraan yang sarat diperlukan hari ini?
Sa’eda Buang This session points to the persistence of absence and ambivalence in the realm of literature and its discourse. Dominant ideologies and narratives inevitably condition the literary realm, and writers are subject to it inasmuch as
are sorely needed today?
FEST PASS
P E R B I N C A N G A N PA N E L / PA N E L D I S C U S S I O N
SAYANG YANG ADA TAK M AHU LEPAS / ON THE ISSUE OF CONSERVATISM AND TR ADITIONALISM IN THE LITER ARY & CULTUR AL IM AGINATION Mengemukakan /
Masa / Time
Sesi ini akan menilai secara kritis, imaginasi sastera dan
Featuring
11:45AM–12:45PM
budaya yang terpincang kerana sikap konservatisme dan
Okky Madasari,
tradisionalisme. Atas nama ingin mengekalkan ketulenan dan
Faisal Tehrani
memelihara identiti perkumpulan, idea-idea yang dipegang tidak berkembang. Isu-isu yang dianggap pantang dilihat
Dipengerusikan oleh /
sebagai tidak sesuai dan berkontroversi untuk dikemukakan
Moderated by
dalam dunia sastera. Ini kerana andaian bahawa apa yang
Annaliza Bakri
dihasilkan dalam kesusasteraan akan mempengaruhi masyarakat. Hasilnya, alam sastera akan ditentukan oleh institusi dan kuasa-kuasa hegemoni yang lain. Sesi ini akan membincangkan pentingnya untuk mencabar aliran tersebut. In the name of maintaining authenticity and preserving group identity, ossified ideas and practices are clung to and taboo issues are deemed too inappropriate or controversial to be discussed in literature. The simplified assumption that people will be indiscriminately influenced by what they read results in literature being confined or dictated by institutional and hegemonic forces. This panel discusses the need to challenge the status quo, and to move beyond conservatism and traditionalism.
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F E S T I V A L
What are some of the new literary ideas and aesthetics that
W R I T E R S
consequences to the literary ecology and culture of our time?
S I N G A P O R E
are some of these absences and neglect, and what are the
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they reproduce them, unconsciously or otherwise. What
M AL AY CONFERENCE AND LITER ARY PIONEERS
P E R B I N C A N G A N PA N E L / PA N E L D I S C U S S I O N
FEST PASS
SAYANG AS TR AGEDY OF NEGLECT Mengemukakan /
Masa / Time
Keterabaian dalam dunia sastera, dan pengabaian sastera
Featuring
1:00PM–2:45PM
itu sendiri adalah sebahagian daripada krisis kebudayaan
ZF Zamir,
kontemporari kita. Langkah pertama adalah mengakui adanya
Nazry Bahrawi,
keterabaian tersebut. Sebaik sahaja kita mengenal isu ini
Siti Hazirah
sebagai cabaran kontemporari kita, maka wajarlah untuk
Mohamed
kita menggambarkan dan menghuraikan permasalahan ini. Dalam sesi ini, kalangan penulis dan aktivis muda akan
Dipengerusikan oleh /
mempermasalahkan isu-isu keterabaian dalam tema-tema
Moderated by
kesusasteraan, pembacaan, kesarjanaan, pendidikan,
Azizah Zakaria
dukungan institusi dan sebagainya. Neglect in the realm of literature, and the very neglect of literature itself is part of our contemporary cultural crisis. To acknowledge that there has been any neglect in the first place is the first step. The moment we have recognised this as our contemporary challenge, it warrants our commitment and courage to delineate and analyse these predicaments. In this session, young writers and activists will discuss these
4 – 1 3
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issues of neglect, ranging from literary themes, readership, scholarship, education, institutional support and the like.
READING
FEST PASS
POETRY RECITAL Oleh / By
Masa / Time
Suraidi Sipan
2:00PM–2:15PM
WACANA: PERINTIS SASTER A MEL AYU / M AL AY LITER ARY PIONEERS: A FORUM
FEST PASS
Mengemukakan /
Masa / Time
Sekumpulan penulis generasi perintis dari Kumpulan Orang
Featuring
2:30PM–4:30PM
Bertujuh Temasek akan mengongsi pengalaman, inspirasi
Maarof Salleh,
serta dorongan mereka dalam memekarkan lagi bidang
Abdul Hamid Besih,
penulisan Melayu Singapura dalam tahun-tahun 1970-an
Yusoff Abdul
dan 80-an. Suasana dan latar-belakang Singapura ketika itu
Rahman,
menjadi ilham dalam mencetuskan karya-karya mereka. Enam
Suratman Markasan,
penulis dan pemuisi itu akan mengimbas kembali kenangan
Sumardi Sarkawi,
dan cerminan mesej yang ingin mereka sampaikan menerusi
Eunos Asah
karya-karya cerpen mahupun sajak, yang kini mungkin tidak lagi diketahui ramai. Kumpulan tersebut terdiri daripada Suratman Markasan; Maarof Salleh; Mibarzo atau Mohd Yusoff Abdul Rahman, Sumadi Sarkawi, Abdul Hamid Besih dan Eunos Asah. Forum ini dianjur bagi mengiktiraf sumbangan para penulis tersebut dalam dunia sastera Melayu Singapura.
133
M AL AY CONFERENCE AND LITER ARY PIONEERS
In this forum, six pioneering writers from the Temasek Group of Seven (Kumpulan Orang Bertujuh Temasek) will share their experiences and sources of inspiration in the 70s to 80s, years when Singapore Malay literature flourished. These writers and poets reminisce and reflect on the messages in their works of short stories or poems, and how their works have impacted the Malay literature scene today. They comprise Suratman Markasan, Maarof Salleh, Mibarzo or Mohd Yusoff Abdul Rahman, Sumadi Sarkawi, Abdul Hamid Besih and Eunos Asah. This forum was organised in recognition of the writers' contribution to Singapore's Malay literary scene.
FREE
PERSEMBAHAN/PERFOR M ANCE
penonton dan orang ramai dapat menikmati puisi
Chairul Fahmy
Melayu dalam suasana yang santai. ‘Muara Sayang’ akan
Hussaini,
memaparkan semangat penyair-penyair Singapura dan tukilan
Herman Rothman
karya mereka. Sebagaimana laut adalah sumber kehidupan kepada semua yang bergantung kepada air, begitu jugalah karya-karya mereka yang telah mengilhamkan masyarakat. Set to be a delightful, lively and interactive session, performers and audience become one in creating a conducive environment where Singapore Malay poetry is accessible and enjoyable to everyone on the streets. Muara means ‘mouth of the river’. Combined with Sayang, which means ‘love’, Muara Sayang is defined literally as the mouth of love. In a poetic sense, this phrase captures the spirit of our Singapore poets whose inspiring works continuously flow out to or from the sea giving life to all living things that depend on water for their well-being. Poets featured in 'Muara Sayang': Mohd Raman Daud, Nadiputra, Adi Rahman, Rohani Din, Mohd Khair Mohd Yassin, Khalisah Khair, Daeng Amir Omar, Rafaat Hamzah, Najib Soiman, Asnida Daud, Noor Hasnah Adam, Nurlieja Onnawaty Mas'at, Karmin Abbas, Kamaria Buang, Ciung Winara, Suhaimi Nasrain, Jamal Ismail, Hamed Ismail, Siti Umaira, Nur Herman Maryuti, Faridah Taib
134
F E S T I V A L
Pada sesi yang menarik, meriah dan interaktif ini, para
4:30PM-6:30PM
W R I T E R S
Masa/Time
Hosted by
S I N G A P O R E
Dianjurkan oleh /
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MUAR A SAYANG / VOICES OF LOVE
M AL AY CONFERENCE AND LITER ARY PIONEERS
LITERARY PIONEERS FROM KUMPULAN ORANG BERTUJUH TEMASEK, O7T (TEMASEK GROUP OF SEVEN) MA AROF SALLEH Singapore
kerja dan ucapan/temu ramah terhimpun di dalam 4
Maarof Salleh bermula sebagai guru dan pentadbir
(2013). Antara anugerah yang diperolehinya: SEA
sekolah sebelum berkhidmat sepenuh masa sebagai
Write Award (1989); Montblanc-NUS Centre for Arts
Presiden Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS), iaitu
Literary Award (1997); Anugerah Sastera Nusantara
badan tertinggi Islam di Singapura selama hampir
(1999); Anugerah Tun Seri Lanang (1999); dan Pingat
sedekad. Selepas MUIS, Maarof bertugas sebagai
Budaya (2010).
jilid, Kembali ke Akar Melayu, Kembali ke Akar Islam
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N O V E M B E R
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Zamil Kanan Penyelidikan di Institut Pengajian Asia Tenggara (ISEAS). Dua antologi sajaknya bersama
Suratman Markasan is a prolific poet, fiction writer,
penyair telahpun diterbitkan (Yang Terpendam, 2014;
and essayist who has been writing since 1954. He has
Puisi Oreang Bertujuh, 2016). Cerpennya pernah
won numerous prestigious writing awards such as
dua kali memenangi Hadiah Sastera (Cerpen) di
the SEA Writers Award (1989), the Mont Blanc-NUS
Singapura. Sebuah cerpennya lagi, ‘Kereta Api’, yang
Centre for the Arts Award (1997), the Tun Seri Lanang
termasuk dalam kumpulan ini, telah memenangi
Award (1999), and the Nusantara Literary Award
Anugerah Pena Emas (bahagian Cerpen). Kumpulan
(1999). In 2011, he received Singapore’s Cultural
cerpen Kereta Api dan Identiti Bangsaku telah terbit
Medallion. The themes of Suratman’s works often
2016 dan kumpulan sajak Yang Kulihat Yang Kurasa
revolve around the inner conflicts of a community.
terbit 2016. Born in 1948, Maarof Salleh holds an MA (East Asian
MOHAMED YUSOFF ABDUL R AHMAN Singapore
Studies) from the National University of Singapore
Mohamed Yusoff Abdul Rahman atau nama penanya
(NUS). After close to 10 years as President of the
Mibarzo dilahirkan di Singapura dan mula menulis
Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), Maarof
pada tahun 1970. Sajak pertama beliau ‘Ibu’
worked as a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of
diterbitkan di majalah Harapan terbitan Kementerian
Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS). Now, as a pensioner,
Pelajaran Singapura. Sajak beliau juga diterbitkan di
Maarof writes poems and short stories, which have
akhbar Berita Minggu, majalah Filem; majalah Arena
won numerous prizes, such as the Golden Point Award
dan majalah Wartawan. Mulai 1994, beliau mula
(short stories) for ‘Kereta Api’. His collection of poems,
menulis sajak-sajak berunsur keagamaan. Beliau juga
Yang Kulihat Yang Kurasa (The One I Saw, The One I
pernah menulis sajak-sajak Inggeris pada tahun 1971.
Felt) was published in 2016.
Tugas terakhir beliau ialah sebagai wartawan sukan di akhbar Berita Harian dan Berita Minggu.
SUR ATMAN MARK ASAN Singapore
Mohamed Yusoff Abdul Rahman or Mibarzo began
Suratman Markasan, sekarang berusia 85 tahun.
writing in 1970. His first poem ‘Ibu’ was published
Menuntut di SITC 1948-50; Nanyang Universiti
in a magazine by the Ministry of Education titled
1968-71. Mengajar 1950-76, menjadi inspektor bahasa
Harapan. His poems were also published in Berita
dan Sastera serta Penolong Pengarah Pengajian
Minggu, and various magazines such as Filem; Arena
Melayu dan Tamil 1976-81. Tugas akhirnya pensyarah
and Wartawan. In 1994, he started writing poems with
di NIE, 1981-1995. Karya-karya terbarunya, cerpen:
religious themes. He also wrote poems in English in
Langau Menyerang Masjid (2007); Puisi: Puisi-puisi
1971. His last assignment was as a sports reporter at
Perjalanan (2010). Novel: Dunia Bukan Kita Punya
Berita Harian and Berita Minggu.
(2011) dan seluruh karyanya; puisi, cerpen, kertas 135
M AL AY CONFERENCE AND LITER ARY PIONEERS
AB HAMID BIN BESIH Singapore
Since 2006, Sumadi Sarkawi has been known as
Setelah mendapat Ijazah Sarjana Muda (B.A.
Dilemma, written at the age of 58. Sumadi was
Hons) pada 1971, Abdul Hamid Bin Besih berhijrah
a reporter at Berita Harian, an officer at Yayasan
ke Malaysia dan berkhidmat sebagai seorang
Mendaki, a personal trainer and now a certified rugby
guru dengan Kumpulan Maktab-Maktab Adabi di
coach. The themes in his poems range from social
Kuantan, Pahang, Kota Bharu, Kelantan dan Muar.
identity such as ‘Anakku dengan Jack & Jill’ (‘My child
Selepas berkahwin, beliau pulang ke Singapura dan
Jack and Jill’) to criticizing current affairs such as the
mula bertugas sebagai pemberita di akhbar Berita
attack on Charlie Hebdo in Paris, or the plight of the
Harian, Singapura (1989). Dari tahun 1990 ke 1997,
children in Palestine. In his poem ‘Maaf’ (‘Apologies’),
beliau bekerja di pelbagai sektor sebagai seorang
Sumadi wrote a satire on the attitudes of young Malays
penterjemah , editor, guru tuisyen, guru pengganti
who have lost touch with their mother tongue.
a creative short story writer through his anthology,
Penyair Eunos Asah, adalah penyair yang telah
beliau menjadi pengajar Bahasa Melayu dan
merentas perjalanan panjang sasteranya dengan
penterjemah bebas.
kumpulan Gelorasa yang terus berganding bersama penyair-penyair seangkatannya, seperti MIA, Djamal
Ab Hamid bin Besih was born in 1948 in Singapore
Tukimin, Haron Abdul Majid dan beberapa nama yang
and received his degree at the University of Malaya,
lain. Eunos Asah juga beriringan dengan penyair-
Kuala Lumpur (1968–1971). He moved to Malaysia to
penyair ASAS50 seperti Megadona, Abdul Jalil Kadir
teach in various educational institutions across the
dan beberapa nama lainnya. Ramai sasterawan yang
country, in Kuantan, Pahang, Kota Bharu, Kelantan and
menyatakan bahawa Eunos Asah merupakan antara
Muar. After settling down, he returned to Singapore
penyair yang peka menggunakan telinga, mata dan
to work as a reporter for The Straits Times. He took on
fikirannya untuk merekam sekitaran masyarakat di
various jobs following that, until finally retiring from
kelilingnya. Ketika Eunos menjadi wartawan hiburan
the foreign news desk of Berita Harian in 2011. He
sekaligus photographer, dia sering bercampur
currently freelances as a teacher of Malay.
dengan bintang filem dan penyanyi di Singapura dan Nusantara, membuat pengalamannya bertambah luas.
SUMADI SARK AWI Singapore
Eunos Asah started his literary journey with the poets
Sejak 2006, nama Sumadi Sarkawi tertinta sebagai
from Gelorasa, such as MIA, Djamal Tukimin and
penulis kreatif lewat antologi cerpennya, Dilema.
Haron Abdul Majid. Eunos also worked with poets
Ketika itu usianya 58 tahun. Beliau pernah menjadi
from ASAS50 such as Megadona and Kadir Abdul
wartawan Berita Harian, pegawai di Yayasan Mendaki,
Jalil among other names. Many writers commented
jurulatih latihan jasmani dan kini jurulatih pengadil
that Eunos Asah is blessed with the senses to record
ragbi yang bertauliah. Sajak-sajaknya mengupas
the environment and community with beautiful words
erti jati diri seperti dalam ‘Anakku dengan Jack & Jill’
as evident in his poems. He is also an experienced
sehingga mengkritik perihal serangan pengganas di
entertainment reporter and photographer.
pejabat Charlie Hebdo di Paris, berbanding masalah Palestin yang anak-anak watannya ‘bersarapan’ peluru setiap hari. Dalam sajak ‘Maaf’, Sumadi menyindir sikap anak muda Melayu yang sudah tidak tahu atau kelu lidahnya untuk berbahasa ibunda.
136
F E S T I V A L
negeri sebelum bersara pada tahun 2011. Sekarang
W R I T E R S
wartawan di meja rencana dan meja berita luar
EUNOS ASAH Singapore
S I N G A P O R E
berkhidmat di Berita Harian sebagai sub-editor dan
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di sekolah menengah. Pada tahun 1997, beliau kembali
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS A
அ மங்கை
P87, 103, 116
for Greatness by The People’s Literature, The Most Promising New Comer by the Chinese Literary Media
A MANGAI India
Award, and received the Literary Youth Leader award
அ மங்கை அவர்கள ின் இயற்பெயர் டாக்டர் V பத்மா என்பதாகும். இவர் தமிழிலிலும் ஆங்கிலத்திலும் நன்கற ியப்பட்ட
from South People Weekly. A Perfect Crime, one of his most renowned novels, has been translated into English, Italian and Swedish.
ம�ொழிபெயர்ப்பாளர், எழுத்தாளர். முப்பது வருடங்களாக தமிழ் நாடகத்துறைய ில் முன்னண ிய ில் உள்ள மங்கைய ின் தமிழ் நாடகம் சார்பான கட்டுரைகள் ஆக்ஸ்ஃப�ோர்ட் பல்கலைக்கழகம் வெள ிய ிட்டுள்ள இந்திய நாடகங்கள் குற ித்த கையேட்டிலும், காம் பிர ிட்ஜ் பல்கலைக் கழகம் வெள ிய ிட்டுள்ள நடிகர்கள், நடிப்பு குற ித்த கலையகராத ிய ிலும் இடம் பெற்றுள்ளன. புல் பிரைட் அறிஞராக இருமுறை தேர்வு பெற்றுள்ள மங்கை, 2009ல் ராக்கஃபெல்லர் ந ிறுவனத்தின் பெல்லாஜிய�ோ த ிட்டத்திலும் பங்கேற்க தேர்வு பெற்றார். அவரது புகழ்பெற்ற ம�ொழிபெயர்ப்புகள ில் பாலி ம�ொழிய ிலிருந்து அவர் ம�ொழிபெயர்த்த “ப�ௌத்த ப ிக்குண ிகள ின் பாடல்கள்”-ம், ந ிகூக ி வா த ிய�ோங்-ஓவ ின்
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N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
“காலன ித்துவத்திலிருந்து மனதை நெற ிப்படுத்துதல்”
A ARON LEE Singapore
P40, 43, 66, 105
Aaron Lee is a pilgrim poet, writing mentor, community organiser and regulatory/ethics lawyer. He played a key part in the late 1990s renaissance of Singapore poetry. His three books of poetry (including COASTLANDS) are critically acclaimed and he has won many awards for his writing. He also edited several books including the bestselling anthology, No Other City: the Ethos Anthology of Urban Poetry. In 2014 he co-founded the Laniakea Culture Collective with his wife, the artist Namiko Chan Takahashi.
என்ற இலக்கியவ ியல் சார்ந்த கட்டுரையும் அடங்கும்.
A Mangai is the pseudonym of Dr V Padma, who is
ACT 3 INTERNATIONAL Singapore
a known translator and writer in Tamil and English.
Since 1994, ACT 3 International has been performing
She has been active in the field of Tamil theatre
for and working with young audiences. They work on
for over three decades and contributed to the
a variety of arts-based initiatives in both private and
Oxford Companion to Indian Theatre and Cambridge
public sectors, transcending theatre and juxtaposing
Encyclopaedia on Actors and Acting. She has been
the arts with concerns about environment, heritage,
awarded the Fulbright Fellowship twice, and took
and culture to foster learning.
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part in the Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Residency Elder Buddhist Nuns from Pali and theoretical works
ADELINE FOO Singapore
like Ngugi wa Thiong'o’s Decolonising the Mind.
Adeline has published 27 books. Best
Program in 2009. Her translations include Psalms of
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known for The Diary of Amos Lee 阿乙 A YI
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China
series (2009 – 2016), foreign rights to her books have been sold to India, China, Indonesia,
中国新进作家，警校毕业，却立志从文，曾任文学
Slovakia, Turkey, Malaysia and Vietnam. Adeline’s
主编。出版六部小说（《鸟，看见我了》、 《寡人》、
screenwriting credits include The Diary of Amos Lee
《下面，我该干些什么》等），以及两本随笔集。获
TV series on Mediacorp’s Okto channel (2012) and Two
选《人民文学》未来大家 TOP20、华语文学传媒大奖最具潜力新人
Boys and A Mermaid, a telemovie on Channel 5 (2015).
奖、 《联合文学》20大40岁以下华文作家、 《南方人物周刊》青年领袖
Currently an adjunct polytechnic lecturer, Adeline
奖。代表作《下面，我该干些什么》出版成英文、意大利文及瑞典文多
is working on her second children’s TV series and a
部译文版。
screenplay for a documentary.
career despite graduating from the police academy.
ADRIAN TAN Singapore
He has edited anthologies of Chinese literature
Adrian Tan is the award-winning author
and published two books of essays and six novels.
of the bestselling novels, The Teenage
He was listed among the Top 20 Writers Destined
Textbook (1988) and The Teenage
A Yi, a native of Jiangxi province, chose a literary
P14, 125
139
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS A
Workbook (1989). Both novels topped The Straits
Aidli Mosbit has worked with many local theatre
Times’ bestseller lists for two years and were adapted
companies. Together with Noor Effendy Ibrahim
into the 1999 cinema box office hit, The Teenage
and Alfian Sa’at, Aidli published an anthology of
Textbook Movie. Tan is a litigator at Morgan Lewis
Malay plays in the book, BISIK. Aidli received the
Stamford LLC.
Young Artist Award for Theatre in 2008. She was the lead actress alongside Malaysia’s legendary actor,
AHMAD AZMI BIN HA JI MOHAMED Singapore
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Datuk Haji Rahim Razali, in Sayang Disayang (2013), Singapore’s official entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2015 Academy Awards in USA. She is
Ahmad Azmi bin Haji Mohamed telah
currently Section Head of the Arts Division at
melibatkan diri secara aktif dalam kerja
Temasek Polytechnic.
akar umbi semenjak 1976. Beliau terlibat sebagai Kebangsaan pada tahun 2002, di mana gubahannya
AISYAH LYANA Singapore
‘Heart Beat’ (Degup Jantung) telah dipersembahkan.
Aisyah is a young budding writer who
Beliau membentangkan sebuah kertas kerja untuk
enjoys writing short stories in Malay
menganjurkan Fiesta Gendang & Rebana Nusantara
fresh perspectives and seek inspiration for her writing.
di Singapura. Beliau adalah penerbit album Suara Juara untuk ANNUR.
A J LOW Singapore
Ahmad Azmi bin Haji Mohamed has been actively
AJ Low is the husband-and-wife team of
involved in grassroots work since 1976. He was
Adan Jimenez and Felicia Low-Jimenez.
involved as composer and coordinator in the National
Born in California to Mexican immigrant
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Day Parade in 2002, where his Heart Beat composition
parents, Adan became an immigrant himself when he
was performed. He presented a working paper for
moved to Singapore. Felicia was born and raised in
the ASEAN Composers Forum on Traditional Music
Singapore where she spent most of her childhood with
in 1993. A year later, he organised the Regional
her head in the clouds and her nose buried in a book.
Malay Percussion Festival (Fiesta Gendang & Rebana
Together, they write the Sherlock Sam children's series
Nusantara) in Singapore. He is the producer of the
and short stories featuring robots, ninjas, cowboys,
album Suara Juara for ANNUR.
superheroes, and sofas. Separately, they write reviews, microfiction, short stories.
AIDLI ‘ALIN’ MOSBIT Singapore
P13, 65, 121 AL LIM Singapore
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Aidli Mosbit telah bekerja dengan
Al Lim is a student at Yale-NUS College.
banyak syarikat teater tempatan.
Part Thai and Singaporean, he studied
Bersama dengan Noor Effendy Ibrahim dan Alfian
in Sydney and South Carolina before
Sa’at, Aidli menerbitkan sebuah antologi drama
serving National Service (NS). He is president of the
Melayu dalam buku bertajuk BISIK. Aidli menerima
South-east Asian Society and INK: Literary Collective
Anugerah Seniman Muda untuk bidang teater pada
in Yale-NUS. His work is featured in the Eunoia Review,
tahun 2008. Beliau merupakan pelakon wanita
Unseen the Magazine and the upcoming ASINGBOL
utama di samping pelakon ternama Malaysia, Datuk
anthology. He was also a finalist in the A3 Fresh Voices
Haji Rahim Razali, dalam Sayang Disayang (2013),
Competition 2015 for poetry.
penyertaan rasmi Singapura untuk Filem Bahasa Asing Terbaik di Anugerah Akademi 2015 di Amerika Syarikat. Beliau kini menyandang jawatan Ketua Seksyen Bahagian Seni di Politeknik Temasek. 140
F E S T I V A L
enthusiast, Aisyah likes learning new things to develop 2 0 1 6
and English. A dancer and a sports
Tradisional pada 1993. Setahun kemudian, beliau
W R I T E R S
Forum Para Penggubah ASEAN tentang Muzik
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S I N G A P O R E
penggubah dan penyelaras dalam Perbarisan Hari
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS A
AL AN JOHN Singapore
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in the Cambridge International GCSE syllabus. Her academic writing has been published in the Harvard
Alan was born in Kuala Lumpur. He
Journal of Law and Gender; and her creative writing
moved to Singapore in 1980 to join The
in Monocle, The Straits Times and Quarterly Literary
Straits Times where he held various
Review Singapore. Her first collection, Professions, was
positions until retiring as deputy editor in September
published in 2016.
2015. He has written two books—Unholy Trinity, on the notorious Adrian Lim child killings that gripped Singapore through the 1980s, and Good Grief!, a
AMARDEEP SINGH India – Singapore
collection of personal columns. John has been a
Amardeep Singh is an engineer with
volunteer working with HIV and AIDS patients and
abiding and evolving interests in
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photography, philosophy and literature.
families living with domestic violence.
Lost Heritage—The Sikh Legacy in Pakistan culminated
ALEKSANDAR DURIC Bosnia – Singapore
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from his pursuit of these diverse areas. He holds an MBA from University of Chicago. Of his 25-year career in the financial services, 21 years were spent at
Aleksandar Duric, a native Bosnian
American Express where he was the Asia Pacific Head
turned Singaporean citizen, led an
of Revenue Management. Singh is based in Singapore.
exciting life before he became a Singaporean sports
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
legend—taking part in the Bosnian War and making an unlikely appearance at the Barcelona Olympics.
ANDREA FAM Singapore
Duric holds the record for most goals ever scored
PHOTO CREDIT: SINGAPORE ART MUSEUM
in Singapore’s top division, the S-League. Despite
Andrea Fam is an Assistant Curator
making his international debut at age 37, he has
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with the Singapore Art Museum
played in more than 50 matches for the national
where she oversees the Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos
football team.
collections and assists in the Acquisitions portfolio. She holds a BA (Honours) degree in Criticism,
ALFIAN SA’AT Singapore
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Communication and Curation in Art and Design from Central Saint Martins, London. She was the lead
Alfian Sa’at is a Resident Playwright
curator on A New Horizon, a Yellow Ribbon Community
with W!ld Rice. His publications include
Art Exhibition and the co-curator on exhibitions,
collections of poetry; short stories; flash
Imaginarium: Over the Ocean, Under the Sea and
fiction; and plays. Alfian has been nominated 10 times
Odyssey: Navigating Nameless Seas.
for Best Original Script at the Life! Theatre Awards— he won in 2005 for Landmarks; 2010 for Nadirah; 2013 and 2016 for Hotel (with Marcia Vanderstraaten). In
ANDREW P88, 105, 107 MICHAEL HURLEY UK
2001, Alfian received the NAC Young Artist Award
Andrew Michael Hurley has lived in
for Kakak Kau Punya Laki (Your Sister's Husband);
for Literature. He has been thrice nominated for the
Manchester and London, and is now based in Lancashire. His debut novel, The Loney, was
Singapore Literature Prize.
first published by Tartarus Press, a tiny independent
AMANDA CHONG Singapore
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publisher based in Yorkshire, as a 300-copies limited edition. The Loney was then bought by John Murray
PHOTO CREDIT: EJUN LOW
and went on to win the Costa Best First Novel Award
Amanda Chong is a lawyer trained in
and Book of the Year at the British Book Industry
Cambridge and Harvard, who writes
Awards in 2016.
poems during lunch breaks. A winner of the Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award, her poetry has been engraved on the Marina Bay Helix Bridge and included 141
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS A
翁添保
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Singapore in 1950. Her contributions to social work
ANG THIAM POH Singapore
extended to her shaping the education system for
新加坡校园漫画家，任职教育界。1990 年代开始投
professorial fellow at the National University of
入漫画创作，作品常见于本地中文报章，尤以学生报
Singapore, and has a forthcoming book with NUS
social work undergraduates. She is now an associate
《逗号》和《大拇指》连载的《又是这一班》校园漫画广受欢迎，连载
Press, A Tiger Remembers: The Way We Were
23 年，结集出版成系列，已进入第五辑。从事漫画创作 20 年，出版过
in Singapore.
11部个人漫画集及一本儿童绘本。
started drawing comics in the 1990s. He is a regular
ANNALIZA BAKRI Singapore
contributor to the comics columns in Singapore
Annaliza Bakri is an educator and
Educator and part-time comic artist Ang Thiam Poh
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Text in the City. Her editorial projects include the
Up, a Chinese newspaper for school children, for
first socio-religious journal, TAFKIR, Moral Vision
23 consecutive years. He has published a total of
and Social Critique: Selected Essays of Syed Hussein
11 comics and a children’s picture book in a career
Alatas and Problematic Singapore Malays: Sustaining
spanning two decades.
A Portrayal. Adding ‘storyteller’ to her many personas, she performed her translation of an award-winning
ANGJOLIE MEI Singapore
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novel, Batas Langit, at the Singapore International Storytelling Festival in 2014.
Angjolie Mei, formerly a financial advisor, is a certified funeral celebrant and funeral director at The Life
ANNE LEE TZU PHENG Singapore
Celebrant, a provider of boutique funeral services.
Anne Lee Tzu Pheng has received
She is one of the few women in the funeral services
numerous awards for her poetry,
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including the Cultural Medallion (1985);
industry in Singapore and her book provides fascinating insights into this little known profession.
SEA Write Award (1987); Gabriela Mistral Award from the Republic of Chile (1995); Montblanc-NUS
ANN ANG Singapore
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Centre for the Arts Literary Award (1996); and the NBDCS Award for English Poetry (three times). Some
Ann Ang’s poetry, fiction and non-
of her poems have been set to music. She published
fiction have appeared in various
three new books in 2012 and another two in 2014,
publications and journals. Her first book
including Soul’s Festival, a compilation of her first four collections which had been out of print.
of short stories, Bang My Car, was launched at the Singapore Writers Festival in 2012. Scared for What, from the same collection, was included in The Epigram Books Collection of Best New Singaporean Short
ANNGEE Singapore
Stories. Ann’s poetry was recently set to music by
Ann Gee Neo is an illustrator and a
experimental music composition group Quinnuance.
graduate of the Victorian College of
She was also featured in SWF POP #11: Poets Among
the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in drawing. She works predominantly in the digital
the Stars.
medium to create illustrations with an emphasis
ANN WEE Singapore Often described as the founding mother of social work education in Singapore, Ann Wee arrived in 142
P50
P42
on storytelling and characterisation that have been described as quirky, surreal and whimsical.
F E S T I V A L
Chinese newspaper for young adults, and Thumbs
W R I T E R S
poems have been published by Prairie Schooner and
S I N G A P O R E
works is The Class Series, featured in zbCOMMA, a
2 0 1 6
translator. Her translations of Malay
Chinese newspapers. Among his most popular
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS A
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ANUR AG VISWANATH India – Singapore
actor and a deejay. A member of Sriwana since 1982, Ariff was formerly a member of the comedy trio,
An avid China-watcher and speaker of
Seloka, and he was also a member of a Singaporean
Mandarin, Singapore-based Anurag
comedian group, Rappers Tua.
Viswanath has written about China for more than a decade in Bangkok Post, The Nation and Prachatai (Thailand), Far Eastern Economic Review
ASHLEY KOH Singapore
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(HK), Business Standard and Financial Express (India).
12-year-old Ashley Koh's ability to read
She obtained her doctorate in Political Science from
while on the move with almost acrobatic
the University of Delhi and has lived in Shanghai as a
ease stems from her love of books since
researcher at Fudan University. She recently published
young. From age 10, she developed a strong interest
the book Finding India in China: Travels to the
in writing essays in English and Chinese. Instead of
Lesser Known.
playing computer games, she spends her time writing stories. Her first book, Rosemary and the Wood Hut
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AQMAL N Singapore
Fairies was published when she was 11. A Chinese version of the book was published at the same time.
Winning Projek Rentak in 2009 paved a new direction in Aqmal’s music
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N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
career. In addition to being a singer,
ATIA ABAWI USA – Jerusalem
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Aqmal is also known as a composer and producer.
Atia Abawi is a foreign news
He garnered nominations for Best Song and Best
correspondent who was stationed for
Songwriter at Mediacorp Suria Hits.SG in 2010, and is
almost five years in Kabul, Afghanistan.
the only young musician in the Malay music industry
She was born to Afghan parents in West Germany and
to have won prizes in most of the major competitions
was raised in the United States. In 2014 she published
organised by mainstream media organisations in
her first book, The Secret Sky: A Novel of Forbidden
Singapore. His awards include Anugerah (2004),
Love in Afghanistan. She currently lives in Jerusalem
runner-up in Army Icon (2005) and Ria Remix (2008).
with her husband, Conor Powell, and an infant son. You can follow her on Twitter @AtiaAbawi.
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AR ATI ANAND Singapore Arati Anand is a 15-year-old who
AUDREY CHIN Singapore
wrote her first novella, Veena and the
Audrey Chin grew up in a bookstore and
Missing Emblem, three years ago.
has loved stories all her life. Her books
She is a regular contributor to the Tamil newspaper
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include short story anthology Nine Cuts
in Singapore, in particular, its student supplement
(2015) and two novels, Learning to Fly (1999) and As
Manavar Murasu. Inspired by her love for reading, her
the Heart Bones Break (2013); all have been shortlisted
dream is to pen a series of adventure novels.
for the Singapore Literature Prize. She is contributing co-editor with Constance Singam for Singapore
ARIFF ISA Singapore
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Women Re-presented (2004), a social history of Singapore women.
Ariff Isa adalah seorang pelawak, pelakon pentas dan layar TV serta Sriwana sejak tahun 1982, Ariff sebelum ini
AZHAR IBR AHIM Singapore
merupakan seorang anggota tiga ahli komedi,
Azhar Ibrahim, PhD, merupakan
seorang deejay. Seorang anggota
Seloka, dan juga anggota sebuah kumpulan pelawak tempatan, Rappers Tua.
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seorang pensyarah di Jabatan Pengajian Melayu, Universiti Kebangsaan Singapura (NUS). Beliau mengajar sastera dan ideologi pembangunan
Ariff Isa is a comedian, as well as a stage and screen
Melayu-Indonesia di Jabatan tersebut. Minat 143
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS B
pengajiannya merangkumi sosiologi agama, sosiologi
Art Kitchen (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and
sastera dan kenal huruf kritis. Antara buku-bukunya
Japan), RRREC FEST (Indonesia), da:ns Festival and
yang telah diterbitkan ialah: Contemporary Islamic
The M1 Fringe Festival (Singapore). He is currently an
Discourse in the Malay-Indonesia World: Critical
associate artist with The Necessary Stage.
Perspectives (Perbincangan Islam Semasa Dalam Dunia Melayu-Indonesia: Pandangan Kritis) (2014), Narrating Presence: Awakening from Cultural Amnesia
BHAKTI MATHUR India – Hong Kong
(Menceritakan Kehadiran: Bangkit Daripada Kelupaan
Bhakti Mathur, private banker by day,
Budaya) (2014) dan Humanistic Traditions in Islam
mother to Shiv and Veer and an avid
(Tradisi Kemanusiaan Dalam Islam) (2008).
delver in Indian mythology at all other
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times, is the creator of the Amma Tell Me series, picture books about Indian festivals and mythology
of Malay Studies, National University of Singapore
for young children ages three to nine. She wrote and
(NUS). He teaches Malay-Indonesian literature and
self-published her first book, Amma Tell Me About
ideologies of development at the Department. His
Holi! in 2011 and over the next three years, grew the
research interests include sociology of religion,
series to include titles on Diwali, the Ramayana and
sociology of literature and critical literacy. Amongst
stories about the Hindu gods, Krishna, Ganesha and
his published books are: Contemporary Islamic
Hanuman. Bhakti is a committed writer ambassador
Discourse in the Malay-Indonesia World: Critical
for Room to Read, a global non-profit organisation.
BHASK AR’S K ATHAK ALI TROUPE Singapore
Traditions in Islam (2008).
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Formed in 2002 with principal dancers Kalamandalam
BALLI K AUR P39, 65, 99, 123 JASWAL Singapore – Australia
Biju and Kalarangam Santhosh, Bhaskar’s Kathakali
Named Sydney Morning Herald’s Best
direction of the late KP Bhaskar, whose vision was
Young Australian Novelist 2014, Balli
to produce innovative, cross-cultural productions to
Troupe is now the only group of its kind outside of India. The troupe was set up under the artistic
Kaur Jaswal is the author of Inheritance (Sleepers
expand the repertoire of kathakali and appeal to new
Publishing, 2013). Born in Singapore and raised in
audiences in a cosmopolitan age. Its productions
Japan, Russia and the Philippines, she studied creative
include Thadaka Vadham (2002), Cherita Singapura
writing in the United States and has received writing
(2003), Lady Spiders (2006) and King Lear (2009).
fellowships from the University of East Anglia and
Now led by Kalamandalam Biju, the troupe continues
Nanyang Technological University. Her second novel
to produce traditional pieces in Malayalam as well as
Sugarbread was shortlisted for the inaugural Epigram
explorative works both locally and internationally.
Books Fiction Prize in 2015. Jaswal’s third novel
The troupe includes Bhaskar’s musicians—TV Sajith
Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows will be published by
on vocals, as well as percussionists TK Arun and
HarperCollins UK and William Morrow USA in 2017.
S Harikrishnan.
BANI HAYK AL Singapore
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BHASK AR’S ORCHESTR A Singapore
Bani Haykal experiments with text and
Led by Music Director Ghanavenothan Retnam,
music. His works encompass several
Bhaskar’s Orchestra was incepted in the 1990s.
disciplines including installation
Comprising individual musicians of astounding
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and performance. Working with a broad range of
calibre, the orchestra includes vocalist Ampili Pillai
instruments, from acoustic to digital, traditional
who has brought audiences to tears with her soulful
and hacked, he is a member of b-quartet and
rendering; Young Artist Award recipient and flautist
Soundpainting ensemble Erik Satay & The Kampong
Ghanavenothan Retnam; and percussionist S
Arkestra. His festival performances include Media/
Harikrishnan. Bhaskar’s Orchestra also features Cedric
144
W R I T E R S
from Cultural Amnesia (2014) and Humanistic
S I N G A P O R E
Perspectives (2014), Narrating Presence: Awakening
F E S T I V A L
2 0 1 6
Azhar Ibrahim, PhD, is a lecturer at the Department
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS B / C
Chin on the Chinese pipa and Mohammad Nizarfauzi
著获颁美国最佳翻译图书奖，同年入围美国纽斯塔特国际文学奖和英
on Malay percussions.
国独立外国小说奖。
BJORN LOW Singapore
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Can Xue was born in Leiyang county of Changsha. She has worked as a barefoot doctor, labourer, and
PHOTO CREDIT: EDIBLE GARDEN CITY
tailor. She published her first work in 1985, and has
Bjorn Low started his career as an
since become well known for her avant-garde novels
online marketing specialist, having
and literary criticism. Her novel, The Last Lover, won
completed his MBA prior to that. His stint in
the US Best Translated Book Award in 2015. It was
advertising brought him to London, where he worked
also nominated for The Neustadt International Prize
in the corporate sector. It was during a particularly
of Literature in the US, and longlisted by the UK
harsh winter that he realised something was missing
Independent Foreign Fiction Prize in the same year.
in his life. He quit his job and spent the next three years travelling and working on organic farms across Europe. He completed a diploma in biodynamic
CAROLYN KHEW Singapore
agriculture in East Sussex and returned to Singapore
Carolyn Khew joined The Straits
where in 2012, he started Edible Gardens LLP.
Times in 2013 after she graduated
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N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
from the Wee Kim Wee School
BOEY KIM CHENG P8, 33, 78, 94 Singapore – Australia
of Communication and Information at Nanyang
Boey Kim Cheng has published five
environment and science beat. In 2014, Khew and
collections of poetry and a travel
her colleague Toh Yong Chuan broke the story on a
memoir entitled Between Stations. Born
China tour guide who was accused of manipulating
Technological University. The 26-year-old covers the
in 1965, he emigrated from Singapore to Australia
an old widow of her assets estimated to be worth $40
in 1997. He taught creative writing at the University
million. The story won Story of the Year in 2015 at the
of Newcastle for 13 years before joining Nanyang
Singapore Press Holdings’ annual awards ceremony.
Technological University in 2016.
BV BAL ASAI Singapore
CATHERINE TORRES Philippines – Germany
P19
Catherine Torres is a diplomat and
Son of acclaimed flautist B Sudarsana
writer from Manila. Her work has
Rao, BV Balasai emerged as an
taken her to postings in New Delhi,
accomplished and award-winning
P23
Singapore, and now, Berlin. When foreign affairs, as
flautist in the Indian classical circle today. He has
well as domestic ones (read: her son, Samuel), permit,
adapted to new ideas, growing from strength to
Catherine travels around the world on boats made of
strength in classical, film and fusion genres. As a
words. Occasionally, she even builds the boat herself:
composer, he has served as music director for many
her Young Adult novel Sula’s Voyage (Scholastic), and
events in Singapore and overseas. Balasai has also
short story collection Mariposa Gang and Other
won accolades and awards in India, such as Yuva Kala
Stories (UST Publishing House) were both released
Bharathi from Bharat Kalachar, and Asthana Vidwan
in May 2016.
from Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, to name a few. 残雪 CAN XUE
P36, 42, 56
CEDRIC CHIN Singapore
P19
China
Cedric started learning the pipa when
中国先锋派女作家，1953 年生于长沙，当过赤脚医
he was 11 and under the tutelage of
生、工人、开过裁缝店。1985 年开始发表作品，以 实验小说和文学评论著称。小说代表作有短篇《山
pipa master Du Guo Jun. He won first prize at notable competitions such as the National
上的小屋》，中篇《黄泥街》， 《苍老的浮云》， 《痕》，长篇《五香街》，
Chinese Music Competition (1992) and National Music
《最后的情人》等。作品译成多种外文出版，获国际瞩目。2015 年，译
Competition (1993, 2000); and has performed in 145
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS C
Singapore and overseas. He is currently the Chinese
appointed as one of the Language Ambassadors for
Orchestra plucked-strings section instructor at Bukit
Bulan Bahasa Singapura 2015.
Panjang Government High, Green Ridge Primary School and People’s Association Youth Chinese
张挥
Orchestra (PAYCO). He is also the Chinese Orchestra
CHEONG WENG YAT Singapore
conductor at Serangoon Secondary School.
P51, 81
新加坡资深作家。七十年代开始写作，前后共出
CHAN WAI HAN Singapore
P69
版了十多本文集，包括小说、散文、诗歌等。1992 年《45.45 会议机密》荣获新加坡书籍奖，同年又获东南亚文学
Chan Wai Han trained as a social
奖。2015 年出版《双口鼎一村，那些年那些事》长篇小说，2016 年获
worker, but her career has revolved
颁新加坡文学奖表彰奖。现任“新加坡书写文学协会”会长。
published more than 10 books—novels, non-fiction
the imprint Ethos Books. Writing poems, especially
prose and poetry. He won both the Singapore Book
in Cantonese, her mother-tongue, allows her to
Award and SEA Write Award in 1992 for 45.45 Meeting
make new friends. As a volunteer, she enjoys singing
Confidential. His latest novel The Years and Incidents
Cantonese gospel songs to the elderly.
at Shuang Kou Ding First Village recently clinched the 2016 Singapore Literature Prize Commendation
CHEAH SIN ANN Singapore
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Award. He is currently the Chairman of the Singapore Writing and Literature Society.
Cheah Sin Ann is a former editorial cartoonist with The Straits Times, where he produced the popular comic strip
谢裕民 CHIA JOO MING Singapore
P23
The House of Lim for eight years. He published Billy
新加坡作家，现任《联合早报》高级执行编辑， 《文
& Saltie: Cool Croc in 2010. His present cartoon strip,
艺城》主编。1993 年新加坡国家艺术理事会“青年
Budi & Saltie, focussing on wildlife and environmental
艺术家奖”得主，1995 年受邀参加美国爱荷华“国际
issues, appears in The Borneo Bulletin in Brunei.
写作计划”，2014年为南洋理工大学第二任驻校作家。著有散文与小说
Cheah's latest offering, The Bicycle, is a graphic novel
七部，最新作品为长篇小说《放逐与追逐》。受哈佛大学东亚语言与文
telling a tale of friendship between a Japanese soldier
明系客座教授王德威誉为“新加坡华语语系的十个关键词之一”。
and a street urchin during the Japanese Occupation. Cheah is based in Singapore, freelancing as a
Chia Joo Ming is currently the Senior Executive
cartoonist, illustrator and writer. His website
Sub-Editor at Lianhe Zaobao. In 1993 he received the
is houseofcheah.com
National Arts Council’s Young Artist Award. In 1995 he was invited to the International Writing Program
CHEMPAK A AIZIM Singapore
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in Iowa, USA. In 2014 he was Writer-in-Residence at Nanyang Technological University.
A protégé of Suratman Markasan and renowned Malaysian author, Mawar Shafei, Siti Aisyah binte Mohamed
智海 CHIHOI Hong Kong
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Salim, under the name of Chempaka Aizim, is fast
香港漫画家。自幼热爱画画，大学主修的是食品及营
rising to be one of Singapore’s more notable young
养学，却也同时开始大量创作与发表漫画及插画，
authors. Chempaka Aizim’s short stories have been
作品见载香港报章杂志及海外漫画选集。出版过合
published in Malaysia and Singapore, in reputable
著漫画集《大骑劫——漫画香港文学》、 《灰掐》，个人作品集《默示
journals such as Nur and Tunas Cipta. Her award-
录》。作品译成意大利文、法文、英文及芬兰文出版。
winning short story entitled Dia Tetap Ada was published in Antologi Kota Siluman (2006). She was
Chihoi was born in Hong Kong in 1977. He has loved drawing since childhood and started to publish
146
F E S T I V A L
under the pen name Zhang Hui since the 70s. He has
and Malay. She works at Pagesetters which publishes
W R I T E R S
Cheong Weng Yat is a veteran author who has written
produce trilingual cartoon strips in English, Chinese
S I N G A P O R E
translation. She also collaborated with others to
2 0 1 6
around printing, publishing and
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS C
comics and illustrations when he was bored by his food and nutritional studies in university. His comics have appeared in Hong Kong newspapers and
CHONG TZE CHIEN Singapore
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international anthologies. Major publications include
PHOTO CREDIT: TUCKYS PHOTOGRAPHY
the collaborative projects Hijacking—Comic Hong
An award-winning playwright-director,
Kong Literature, The Train and a solo work, Still Life.
Chong Tze Chien is currently Company Director of
His comics have been translated into Italian, French,
The Finger Players. He has published two collections,
English and Finnish. His website is chihoi.net .
which contain his critically acclaimed plays such as Charged and PIE. Other notable plays he has directed
P27
ச ித்ரா ரமேஷ்
and written include Turn By Turn We Turn, Poop!,
CHITR A R AMESH Singapore
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, The Book
ச ித்ரா ரமேஷ் இதுவரை நான்கு நூல்களை
National Arts Council’s Young Artist Award in 2006.
of Living and Dying, and Rant & Rave. He received the
வெள ிய ிட்டுள்ளார். அவரது ச ிறுகதை த�ொகுப்பு ஒன்று 2017ல் வெள ிவருக ிறது. ச ிங்கப்பூர்த்
周德成
தமிழ் எழுத்தாளர் கழகத்தில் பத ினாறு வருடங்களாகப் பண ியாற்றிய ச ித்ரா, கழகத்தில் ப�ொருளாளர், உதவ ிச்
CHOW TECK SENG Singapore
செயலாளர் ப�ோன்ற ப�ொறுப்புகளை ஏற்றிருந்தார்.
新加坡年轻诗人。2014年新加坡文学奖得
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
தற்போது அவர் தமிழ்ப் புத்தக வாச ிப்பை தூண்டும் பல
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主，2009 年获金笔奖诗歌组首奖。作品散见于文
முயற்சிகளை முன்னெடுக்கும் வாசகர் வட்டம் அமைப் பின்
选、期刊、海内外报章专栏。诗作曾译成法文英文，以艺术作品、音乐、
ஒருங்கிணைப்பாளராய் உள்ளார்.
短片形式参与 2012 年巴黎法英诗歌节。2015 年，诗作《五种孤寂与 静默》 改编成动画短片放映。现为英国剑桥大学攻读博士研究生。
Chitra Ramesh has published four books so far and has a collection of short stories coming out in 2017.
Chow Teck Seng won the 2014 Singapore Literature
She has been an executive committee member of the
Prize, for his debut poetry collection The Story of You
Singapore Tamil Writers Association for the past 16
and Me (你和我的故事), and the 2009 NAC Golden Point
years, where she also served as treasurer and assistant
Award in Chinese Poetry. His poem, 'When Inspiration
secretary. Currently she is the coordinator of a Tamil
Arrests the Poet', was translated into French and
readers club, Vasagar Vattam, aimed at promoting the
English; and re-interpreted into artworks, music and
borrowing of Tamil books from libraries.
a short video for the 2012 Festival Franco-Anglais de Poésie. In 2015, a series of five poems, 'The 5 Shades
CHONG GUA KEE Singapore
P6, 18, 41, 54
Chong Gua Khee graduated from the
of Solitude' was adapted into an animation short. He is working on a new poetry collection and translation projects.
University of British Columbia, Canada, with a Psychology (Honours) and Theatre (Major) degree. While in Canada, she trained
CHRISTINA SNG Singapore
in Theatre for Living with David Diamond, as well as
Christina Sng is a poet, writer, and
created Changing the Lens: A UBC Forum Theatre
artist. Her work has received
Project. After graduation, she was at Drama Box
P50, 85, 128
numerous accolades, including
until 2016. Now, as a freelancer, her credits include
nominations in the Dwarf Stars and Rhysling Awards
twentythirty by Drama Box (Playwright), International
as well as Honourable Mentions in the Year’s Best
Friendship Day by The Necessary Stage
Fantasy and Horror. She is the author of several
(Facilitator), and Red Sky by Nine Years Theatre
chapbooks, most recently, A Constellation of Songs
(Director's Assistant).
(Origami Poems Project, 2016). Her first two fulllength books, Astropoetry (Alban Lake Publishing, 2016) and A Collection of Nightmares (Raw Dog Screaming Press, 2016) are slated for late 2016. Visit her at christinasng.com 147
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS C
CHRISTINE CHIA Singapore
P64, 100, 111
A former writer-in-residence at the Toji Cultural Center in South Korea, she is working on a second collection that retells Greek myths.
Christine Chia is the author of The Law of Second Marriages (Math Paper Press, 2011) and a sequel, Separation: A History (Ethos Books, 2014). She is also the co-editor
COLE SWENSEN USA
P45, 63
of the groundbreaking anthology, A Luxury We Cannot
Cole Swensen (coleswensen.com) is the
Afford and its follow-up, A Luxury We Must Afford and
author of 15 collections of poetry, most
has contributed to Washington Square Review, Prairie Schooner and the W!ld Rice play, Another Country.
recently, Gravesend and Landscapes on a Train. She has won the Iowa Poetry Prize, the New American Writing Award, and the National Poetry
CHRISTOPHER TAN Singapore
P65, 75
Series. A 2007 Guggenheim Fellow, she co-edited American Hybrid: A Norton Anthology of New Poetry
Christopher Tan (foodfella.com) is
(2009) and founded a small press, La Presse. She
an award-winning writer, cooking
was awarded the 2004 PEN USA Award in Literary
instructor and photographer whose
Translation. After 10 years on the faculty of the Iowa Writers' Workshop, she has recently moved to Brown
appeared in The Straits Times, The Peak, and
University, where she is the Chair of the Literary
America’s Saveur magazine. He has conducted talks
Arts Department.
the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley, and
COLLIER NOGUES USA – Hong Kong
The Sydney International Food Festival. NerdBaker
Collier Nogues is the author of The
(Epigram Books, 2015) collates a lifetime’s worth
Ground I Stand On Is Not My Ground,
of original recipes, musings and photographs in a
selected by Forrest Gander as winner
memoir-cum-baking cookbook.
P33, 63
of the 2014 Drunken Boat Poetry Book Contest, and On the Other Side, Blue (Four Way, 2011). Her English/
CIAO TURTLE Singapore
P113
Chinese digital interactive collaboration with poets Mei Kwan Ng and Jhave Johnston was launched in
Ciao Turtle is a singer-songwriting duo
April 2016. She lives in Hong Kong, where she is
made up of Dennis Ng and Jared Chan.
Lingnan University’s 2016 Writer-in-Residence and a
Their music is a blend of genres such
PhD Fellow at the University of Hong Kong. She also
as funk, folk and pop. Their music is fuss-free; they
curates Hong Kong’s English-language poetry craft
are inspired by what they love hearing and re-invent
talk series, 'Ragged Claws', and edits poetry for Juked.
where the songs lead them, taking their audience on an emotional journey with an open destination.
CL AR A CHOW Singapore
P22, 32, 45, 66, 77
Clara Chow is a writer from Singapore
CONSTANCE SINGAM Singapore
P71, 75
Constance Singam is an author and civil society activist. In the last 30 years, Constance has led women’s
whose short stories have appeared
organisations, co-founded civil society groups, been
in Asia Literary Review, CHA: An
a columnist in several national publications, and
Asian Literary Journal and The Stockholm Review
contributed to and co-edited several books. Her works
of Literature. Her columns and reporting have been
include A History of the TWC: Building Social Space
published in The Straits Times and the South China
in Singapore and Re-Presenting Singapore Women,
Morning Post. In 2015, she co-founded the literary and
which she co-edited. She has just released her memoir
art journal WeAreAWebsite.com. She is the author
Where I was: A Memoir from the Margins. Her second
of Dream Storeys, a collection of stories inspired by
memoir Never Leave Town without Chilli Sauce is
interviews with architects, published by Ethos.
expected to be out in September 2016.
148
W R I T E R S
world, including Singapore's Peranakan Museum,
S I N G A P O R E
and cooking demonstrations at venues around the
F E S T I V A L
2 0 1 6
articles, columns, recipes and photographs have
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS C / D
CYRIL WONG Singapore
P16, 17, 22, 35, 72, 77, 116
anthologised in A Luxury We Cannot Afford (Math Paper Press, 2015) and elsewhere. His first collection
Cyril Wong is a poet, fictionist and critic
will be published in 2016 under the Math Paper Press
living in Singapore. His most recent
Ten Year Series imprint.
poetry collection is The Lover's Inventory (Math Paper Press, 2015).
DARYL QILIN YAM Singapore
DAREL SEOW Singapore
P113
P17, 69, 73, 86, 117
Daryl Qilin Yam is a writer of prose and poetry. His first novel, Kappa Quartet,
Darel is a visual storyteller who
is forthcoming from Epigram Books in
illustrates tales of the natural world
2016. He is an editor of the SingPoWriMo anthology
through his unique brand of wry wit
series (Math Paper Press, 2015-present); and splits
and whimsy. An illustration graduate from Central
his time between the literary organisation Sing Lit
Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London, he
Station and the theatre production collective Take
has illustrated two picture books The Missing Mouse
Off Productions. Yam's work has appeared in various
(Asian Civilisations Museum, 2015) and Where Are All
literary journals and anthologies, including Quarterly
the Birds (Epigram, 2016). He is interested in museums
Literary Review of Singapore, Cha: An Asian Literary
and culture, especially enjoying working with the
Journal, and The Epigram Books Collection of Best New
British Museum and Asian Civilisations Museum
Singaporean Short Stories.
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
on projects which educate through the power of imagination and play.
DARREN NG Singapore
DAVID LEO Singapore P6, 18, 41, 54
P100
David Leo has published works of fiction, poetry and non-fiction including
Sound Artist & Music Composer
award-winning short stories collections:
For the past two decades, Darren has
Ah...The Fragrance of Durians & Other Stories
designed soundscapes and composed
(Publisher Prize), The Sins of the Fathers & Other
music for over 200 arts productions, and received
Stories (NBDC Book Awards, Commendation), Wives,
multiple Straits Times Life! Theatre Awards for Best
Lovers & Other Women (Singapore Literature Prize,
Sound. As a composer, he is signed to record label
Commendation). He is also the author of Different
Kitchen. Label, going by the pseudonym, sonicbrat. He
Strokes, a novel published in 1993 about two AIDS
was invited to perform solo in numerous prestigious
victims and a reporter who interviews them. His works
international music and arts festivals across Europe
have also been included in several anthologies and
and Asia. He has been Associate Sound Artist and
published in magazines such as Poetry Pacific.
Music Composer for The Finger Players since 2004 and is a co-founder of the design collective INDEX. He was conferred the Young Artist Award in 2012 by the
DAVID SEOW Singapore
National Arts Council.
David Seow was born and raised in
P38, 92
Singapore. After a stint in sitcom
DARYL LIM WEI JIE Singapore
P32, 64 103
writing, David embarked on a career in children's literature and authored 39 books, including
Daryl Lim Wei Jie read history at Oxford
the Sam, Sebbie and Di-Di-Di series. His book There's
and Cambridge and is particularly
Soup on My Fly was shortlisted for both the SCBWI
interested in the literary uses of history.
Crystal Kite Award and the Hedwig Anuar Children’s
He won first prize for the Golden Point Award for
Book Award, and was adapted for dramatisation at
English Poetry in 2015. His work has been featured
the Asian Festival of Children’s Content in 2012. His
in the Quarterly Literary Review Singapore, CHA: An
books A Day with the Duchess and A Royal Adventure
Asian Literary Journal, Ceriph, POSKOD.SG, Drunken
have been featured in The Sunday Express and The
Boat and SOFTBLOW; and his poetry has been
International Business Times. 149
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS D
DAVID ‘WOLFE’ LIEW Singapore
P113
P33, 63, 71, 96
David Liew is one strange creature.
DESMOND KON ZHICHENG-MINGDÉ Singapore
Known to the fans of Eliza Teoh’s Ellie
Desmond Kon Zhicheng-Mingdé is
Belly series as illustrator Wolfe, he
the author of an epistolary novel, two
now emerges from the shadows as a writer—to give
hybrid works, and seven poetry collections. He has
words to the images that spill forth from his twisted
edited more than 15 books and co-produced three
imagination. His CV reads like someone with some
audio books. Among other accolades, Desmond is
serious identity issues—history and art educator,
the recipient of the PEN American Center Shorts
illustrator, model-maker, sculptor, cake decorator.
Prize, Poetry World Cup, National Indie Excellence
Things get really weird when the various threads cross.
Book Award, two Beverly Hills International Book Awards, two Living Now Book Awards, and seven USA Line Press as its publisher and founding editor.
His work won second prize in Singapore’s Golden
Known as the 'Spice Queen' of
Point Award (2015), and has appeared in publications
Singapore, Chef Devagi believes
like Quarterly Literary Review Singapore, Ceriph, and
that cooking is in her blood and her
P65
2 0 1 6
DEVAGI SANMUGAM Singapore
poetry as a child at a Sunday lunch.
Mascara Literary Review. His first collection, For the
passion is sharing it. She has 22 cookbooks under
End Comes Reaching, was published by Math Paper
her belt. Her recipes and articles have been featured
Press in 2015. He read philosophy at the University
in several magazines, newspapers and websites and
of Melbourne and is now a junior college teacher. His
she has been engaged as culinary consultant for
website is davidwonghsienming.wordpress.com.
several cookbooks. Her latest cookbook, I AM A RICE COOKER!, will be launched in 2016. She is currently
DEBOR AH EMMANUEL Singapore
P18, 35
working on two other cookbooks with an overseas publisher. Her website is at spice-queen.com.
Deborah Emmanuel is a Singaporean writer, performer and four-time TEDx speaker. Her work has been featured
DIV YA VICTOR Singapore
P9, 12, 33, 53, 65, 110
at Makassar International Writer’s Festival, Bali
Divya Victor is the author of Natural
Emerging Writers Festival and Queensland Poetry
Subjects (Trembling Pillow Press,
Festival. She is a founder of SPEAK, a monthly
2014), and winner of the Bob Kaufman
curated poetry event that features Singaporean
Award. She has published other poetry collections
and international voices. Deborah’s first collection,
and chapbooks. Her criticism and commentary
When I Giggle In My Sleep, was published by Red
have appeared in the Journal of Commonwealth
Wheelbarrow Books in 2015. Her creative non-fiction
& Postcolonial Studies, Jacket2, and The Poetry
book Rebel Rites was launched in May 2016.
Foundation’s Harriet. Her poetry has been translated into French and Czech. She is Assistant Professor
DEBOR AH SHAMOON USA – Singapore
P58
Deborah Shamoon is Associate
of Poetry and Writing at Nanyang Technological University and her next book, Kith, will be published by Fence Books (USA) and BookThug (Canada).
Professor in the Department of Japanese Studies, National University
P76
of Singapore, where she teaches classes in modern
DJOHAN A R AHMAN Singapore
Japanese literature, popular culture and gender
Djohan A Rahman has acted in
studies. She has published a book and journal articles
numerous TV and theatre works, and
on Japanese comics, animation and film.
written scripts for television. He joined
150
F E S T I V A L
David Wong Hsien Ming discovered
Regional Excellence Book Awards. He helms Squircle
W R I T E R S
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S I N G A P O R E
DAVID WONG HSIEN MING Singapore
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS D / E
the dikir barat group Dendang Mutiara in 1991 and
the National Healthcare Group and the Ministry of
formed his own team Andika in 1992. Djohan has won
Manpower in Singapore.
accolades for being the Best Tukang Karut, as well as the best writer/lyricist, in national competitions. A short story writing competitions and been published in
EL ANCHAR AN GUNASEK AR AN Singapore
newspapers. His first anthology of Malay short stories
Elancharan is a visual artist and
prolific Malay writer, Djohan has also won numerous
will be published soon. He is currently finishing his
P76
poet. He resides in Singapore with
first novel and also in the process of researching and
his family and cat, Leo. He has a strange love for all
writing about the evolution of the dikir barat scene
things poetical and Sci-Fi. He is the author of several
in Singapore.
modern poetry collections. He has published works on international print and digital platforms. His portfolio
DOTTIESHOP Singapore
P28, 31, 90, 92, 98
and publications can be seen at Instagram: @elancharan or Twitter: @elancharang.
Dottieshop creates art to inspire, encourage and capture priceless
EL ANGOVAN Singapore
memories. Customised cards, gifts,
P104
artwork, and a range of exciting workshops are
Elangovan is the bilingual poet-
available all year round.
playwright-director and Artistic
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
Director of Agni Kootthu (Theatre of
EK A KURNIAWAN Indonesia
P88, 93, 107, 120, 195
Fire). He has published three collections of poetry, and 12 collections of plays. His plays Talaq (2000), Smegma (2006) and Stoma (2013), though available in
Eka Kurniawan is an Indonesian writer
print, are banned from performance in Singapore. He
and graphic designer. He was born
transcreated two Malaysian Tamil poetry collections
in 1975 in Tasikmalaya, West Java, and grew up in
into English—Sarvam Brahmasmi (2009) by M
the small coastal town Pangandaran. He studied
Navin and Call Me Doggie (2012) by Renuga—and
philosophy at Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta. He
also transcreated 81 poems from English to Tamil
writes novels, short stories, movie scripts, blog posts
for Emeritus Professor Edwin Thumboo’s complete
and essays. His works have been translated into more
collection of poems, Aalam—The Banyan (2016).
than 24 languages, including two novels in English.
He received the 1997 SEA Write Award in Bangkok,
His novel, Beauty is a Wound, was included in the list
Thailand for his bilingual contribution to poetry and
of 100 notable books by The New York Times. In 2016,
theatre in Singapore.
Kurniawan became the first Indonesian writer to be nominated for a Man Booker International Prize.
EL AINE TAN Singapore
enec.e Singapore P59
Elaine is the CEO of WWF Singapore.
P12, 103
An infusion of shoegaze, folk, ambient and dream pop, enec.e is a five-piece band from Singapore formed in
WWF's mission is to stop the
2012. They bring you atmospheric songs, blending
degradation of our natural environment
in the vocals of two female vocalists. A cohesion of
and to build a future in which humans live in harmony
sonic sounds and catchy melodies, they craft tender
with nature. Elaine comes to WWF with valuable
dispositions and delicate melodies with rawness
experience in the non-governmental organisation
in their honest lyrics. They write about the ghosts
sector—the Singapore Breast Cancer Foundation
in their heads and the flickering memories of
and especially World Vision where she held the post
intangible conversations.
of Marketing Director and was responsible for the organisation’s significant growth. In addition, Elaine has had extensive Communications experience with 151
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS E / F
ERIC TINSAY VALLES Philippines – Singapore
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University of Malaysia. He is a well-known author in Malaysia, with six of his 23 literary works—including Sebongkah Batu di Kuala Berang (2011) and Perempuan
Eric Tinsay Valles has been nominated
Nan Bercinta (2012)—banned by the Malaysian
for the Singapore Literature Prize and
government. His most celebrated work is 1515.
won a Goh Sin Tub Creative Writing prize for his second poetry collection, After the Fall (dirges among
Mohd Faizal Musa (Faisal Tehrani) ialah Zamil
ruins). He co-edited the Get Lucky anthology, a 2015
Penyelidikan di Institut Dunia dan Peradaban Melayu,
Singapore Writers Festival bestseller. He has been
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Beliau juga seorang
featured in &Words, Reflecting on the Merlion, Ceriph,
pengarang yang terkenal di Malaysia, dengan enam
Southeast Asian Review of English, Routledge’s New
dari 23 karya sasteranya—termasuk Sebongkah Batu
Writing: The International Journal for the Practice and
di Kuala Berang (2011) dan Perempuan Nan Bercinta
Theory of Creative Writing and other journals. He is a
(2012)—diharamkan oleh kerajaan Malaysia. Karyanya
director of the National Poetry Festival.
yang mendapat sambutan terhebat ialah 1515.
FAITH NG Singapore Faith Ng is a playwright and an
aesthetic senses have been shaped
Associate Artist with Checkpoint
by her experience in the areas of interactive design,
Theatre. Her plays include Normal (2015), For Better
branding and print. Her work has been recognised by
or For Worse (2013) and wo(men) (2010). She holds a
Cannes Design Lions, One Show, D&AD, and FWA
Master of Arts with a Distinction in Creative Writing
Cutting Edge Award. Since she began working as an
(Scriptwriting) from the University of East Anglia,
independent illustrator, she has taken part in group
under the National Arts Council’s Postgraduate
shows and collaborated with various brands. Often
Scholarship. She also teaches playwriting at the
characterised by a satirical and surrealistic approach,
National University of Singapore and was the writer-
her work revolves around the juxtaposition between
in-residence for the Singapore Creative Writing
reality and fiction.
Residency 2014.
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EUGINIA TAN Singapore
FAKK AH FUZZ Singapore
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Euginia Tan self-published two
PHOTO CREDIT: PRAKASH DANIEL PHOTOGRAPHY
collections of poetry before her third
Fakkah Fuzz is one of the fastest
collection, Phedra, was published
rising talents in the Singapore comedy
by Ethos Books in 2016. She has also written two
scene. Fuzz won the first prize at a stand-up comedy
plays: Holidays was staged as part of the Woodlands
competition called Stand Up for Singapore in 2012
Playwriting Residency 2015-2016 and Tuition, staged
and 2013. His performances have garnered praise in
under The Twenty Something Theatre Festival. She
the media. In 2012 Fuzz spearheaded and headlined a
was in the NAC Mentor Access Project 2013, Curating
stand-up comedy show called Sons Of Singapore. In
Lab 2014 with NUS Museum, and was the curator for
2013 he made his regional debut, performing in Hong
the Visual Arts Development Association (VADA) from
Kong, Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia. In 2015 he
2015-2016 with Chan Hampe Galleries.
performed at the Gotham Comedy Club in New York City. He was the first runner-up in Super Spontan
FAISAL TEHR ANI Malaysia
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Mohd Faizal Musa (Faisal Tehrani) is a Research Fellow at the Institute of the Malay World and Civilization, National 152
Upsize in 2015.
F E S T I V A L
PHOTO CREDIT: JOEL LIM @ CALIBRE PICTURES
and designer whose ideals and
W R I T E R S
Esther Goh is an independent illustrator
2 0 1 6
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S I N G A P O R E
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ESTHER GOH Singapore
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS F
FARISH NOOR Singapore
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active little boys, Augustine and Edmund. She recently published a well-received children’s book, Afternoon
Farish Noor is Associate Professor and
Tea At Raffles Hotel, with Ethos Books.
head of the PhD programme at the S Rajaratnam School of International written on a range of subjects related to South-east
FOO SWEE CHIN AK A FSC Singapore
Asia, and has just completed a book on the invention
Foo Swee Chin has been making and
Studies, Nanyang Technological University. He has
of the idea of South-east Asia in 19th century colonial
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sending her comics to publishers since
discourse. He has hosted documentary series on
she was 15. She collaborated with writer Serena
Channel NewsAsia, amongst them, the acclaimed
Valentino to work on the alternative comics series,
Across Borders with Dr Farish, which won Best
Nightmares and Fairytales, in 2001. She started
Documentary Series (International Affairs) at New
her own online series, muZz, in 2004 and has been
York Festivals 2015.
engaged in illustration and comics project in Japan since then. She currently has an ongoing Japanese
非心 FEI XIN Singapore
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1971年，写诗、散文和少量小说，曾办文学杂志《后
FR ANK DIKÖTTER Netherlands – Hong Kong
来》，出版过散文集《渐行渐远》、 《习惯忧愁》，
Frank Dikötter is Chair Professor of
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
新加坡新闻工作者、业余写作人。原名李慧玲，生于
4 – 1 3
four-panel comics blog.
以及新书《遗忘成水》。平日多以原名撰写评论文章，自1994年加入
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Humanities at the University of Hong Kong. He has published 10 books that
报社任职至今。
have transformed the way historians look at China, Fei Xin is the pseudonym of Lee Huay Leng, a
including the People's Trilogy, acclaimed for its
Singaporean poet and writer of both fiction and non-
unprecedented access to party archives to document
fiction. She was part of the editorial group for the
the impact of communism on the lives of ordinary
Chinese literary magazine Afterwards. Her published
people during the Mao era. The first instalment,
works include Drifting Apart (1990) and Getting
Mao's Great Famine, won the BBC Samuel Johnson
Accustomed to Sorrow (1996). Under her name Lee
Prize for Non-Fiction in 2011 and was translated into
Huay Leng, she pens commentaries and has been a
14 languages. The second volume, The Tragedy of
journalist since she joined the press in 1994.
Liberation: A History of the Chinese Revolution 19451957, was shortlisted for the Orwell Prize in 2014. The
FELIX CHEONG Singapore
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last in the trilogy, The Cultural Revolution: A People's History, was published in May 2016.
Felix Cheong is the author of 10 books, including four volumes of poetry and Singapore Siu Dai. He won the Young Artist of the Year
FREDERIK OBERMAIER Germany
for Literature in 2000 and holds a master's degree in
Frederik Obermaier is an investigative
the popular satirical flash fiction series,
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journalist and bestselling author
creative writing.
living in Munich. He works for Süddeutsche Zeitung,
FLEUR VELL A-CHANG Australia – Singapore
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Germany's biggest quality newspaper. He focuses mainly on international investigative research.
Although she comes from Australia,
Together with his colleague Bastian Obermayer, he
Fleur is a homegrown talent. She
initiated and coordinated the 'Panama Papers' scoop.
studied Graphic Design in Singapore and became the recipient of the prestigious International D&AD Yellow Pencil Award. Her favourite part of the day is bedtime storytelling to her two 153
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS F / G
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FYNN JAMAL Malaysia
as an impressive collection of plastic snowglobes. Originally from England, Gemma currently lives in
Fynn Jamal is a writer, singer, speaker,
Oakland, California.
entrepreneur and educator. She won Best New Artist at Anugerah Planet Music 2014. She holds a degree in Islamic Revealed
GENEVIEVE SAR AH LOH Singapore
Knowledge and Human Sciences, and is currently
Genevieve Sarah Loh is the resident
pursuing a Masters in Sociology and Anthropology.
film journalist and movie critic of
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Mediacorp's TODAY newspaper. Across
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GAIL CARRIGER USA
the mediums of print, television and online, Genevieve has interviewed many international and Oscar-winning
Gail Carriger writes steampunk
movie stars and filmmakers. She is the resident film
comedies of manners mixed with urban
critic and movie presenter for Channel NewsAsia's
fantasy. Her books include the Parasol
First Look Asia, and can be heard on Radio 938LIVE.
Protectorate and Custard Protocol series for adults,
She has also covered the Cannes Film Festival, Venice
and the Finishing School series for young adults. She
Film Festival, as well as the seminal Golden Globes
is published in 18 different languages and has over a
Awards in Hollywood.
Gerður Kristný, one of Iceland’s leading contemporary writers, has won
GARETH P JONES UK
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accolades and awards for her writing. Over the past two decades she has produced a vast oeuvre, ranging from journalistic works to novels,
Gareth P Jones is an award-winning
children books and six volumes of poetry, for which
author of 27 books for children of all
she is best known internationally. For her modern
ages. He lives in London with his wife, Lisa and two
poetical rewriting of Norse myths, the poetic cycle
children, Herbie and Autumn. His books include
Bloodhoof, she received the Icelandic Literature Award
The Thornthwaite Inheritance, The Considine Curse,
and was nominated for the prestigious Nordic Council
Constable & Toop, and Death or Ice Cream? He has
Literature Prize. Kristný’s poetry has been translated
written series fiction: Ninja Meerkats, The Adventures
into around 30 languages.
of the Steampunk Pirates and The Dragon Detective Agency. He has two picture books (illustrated by Garry Parsons)—Are You the Pirate Captain? and The
GITANJALI KOL ANAD India - Singapore
Dinosaurs are Having a Party.
Gitanjali Kolanad was involved in the
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practice, performance, and teaching of
GEMMA CORRELL UK – USA
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bharatanatyam for close to forty years and has performed in Europe, America and India. Her
Gemma Correll is a freelance cartoonist
short story, The American Girl, won second prize in the
- writer - illustrator. She is the author of
2008 CBC Literary Awards. It is part of a collection
several books, including The Worrier’s
published by Penguin India in 2011 and long-listed
Guide to Life, The Feminist Activity Book and A Pug’s
for the Frank O’Connor Short Story Award that
Guide to Etiquette; and has illustrated various things
year. Her previous book, Culture Shock: India, is now
for clients including Jetblue, Keurig and Hallmark. Her
into its third edition. Presently she is the Singapore
weekly comics are published in The Observer Sunday
International Writer-in-Residence at Cinnamon
Magazine and on GoComics.com. Gemma is the proud
College and The Arts House.
owner of two pugs—Mr Pickles and Bella—as well
154
F E S T I V A L
and tea. gailcarriger.com.
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W R I T E R S
archaeologist and is overly fond of shoes, octopuses,
GERÐUR KRISTNÝ Iceland
S I N G A P O R E
lists (including #1 in Manga). She was once an
2 0 1 6
dozen New York Times bestsellers via seven different
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS G
GOH ECK KHENG Singapore
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Goh Eck Kheng acquired wide
Grace Chia is the author of the short
publishing experience in Eastern
story collection Every Moving Thing
Universities Press and the Times group
2 0 1 6 N O V E M B E R
That Lives Shall Be Food, a prose
before setting up Landmark Books in 1987. He has
chapbook The Cuckoo Conundrum and poetry
produced many outstanding books, both in terms of
collections, womango and Cordelia (shortlisted for
editorial content and layout, and has won numerous
the Singapore Literature Prize 2014). Her writing has
awards for content and design. Eck Kheng has
been anthologised in many publications such as the
earned the reputation within the publishing and arts
UNESCO-supported project, Lyrikline, Singapore
community of being skilled in conceptualising books
Literature in English and Anthology of English Writing
where design and content work hand in hand. He is a
in Southeast Asia. Her writing has been translated and
keen photographer and potter. He is the chairman of
published in German, French and Serbo-Croat literary
the Speak Good English Movement and participates in
journals. She was the NAC-NTU Writer-in-Residence
a volunteer children’s reading programme at one-room
from 2011 to 2012. She edited the We R Family
HDB flats.
anthology and is publishing her first novel soon.
GOLDA MOWE Malaysia
4 – 1 3
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GR ACE CHIA Singapore
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GT LYE Singapore
Golda Mowe is a writer from Malaysia
GT Lye telah mengarahkan dan berlakon
who writes about the Iban people of
dalam banyak pementasan keluaran
Sarawak. Her novels Iban Dream (2013)
Persatuan Gunong Sayang. Mengikuti
and Iban Journey (2015) were published by Monsoon
tradisi keluarga, beliau adalah penyamar watak
Books. The oral history, folklore, and life philosophies
wanita veteran Peranakan yang telah memainkan
of the indigenous Iban tribe are a major source of
peranan ketua keluarga wanita sebelah ibu berbilang
inspiration in many of her works.
kali. Persatuan Gunong Sayang merupakan sebuah kelab masyarakat yang telah memainkan peranan
GOSHO AOYAMA Japan
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penting dalam memelihara kesenian dondang sayang, dendangan puisi Melayu.
Gosho Aoyama is one of Japan’s most
GT Lye has directed and acted in many stage
well-known manga artists. In 1986 he
productions by Gunong Sayang Association.
was selected for the Shogakukan Newcomer Manga
Following the family tradition, he is a veteran female
Awards. His manga, Detective Conan began its weekly
impersonator who has played the role of a Peranakan
run in Shonen Sunday in 1994 and is regarded as one
matriarch numerous times. The Gunong Sayang
of Japan’s leading comics. To date, 90 volumes have
Association, also known as Persatuan Gunong Sayang,
been published, and the series has been translated
is a Peranakan social club that has been instrumental
into 21 languages. A TV anime adaptation has been
in preserving the art form of dondang sayang, the
running since 1996, and this year’s Detective Conan:
singing of Malay poetry.
The Darkest Nightmare will be the 20th animated movie to be released since 1997. Other works include Magic
孤星子
Kaito, and YAIBA, which was awarded the Shogakukan Manga Award in 1993, an award given to Detective
GU XING ZI Singapore
Conan in 2001.
本地新生代写作人。生于1987年，新加坡南洋理工
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大学中文系荣誉学士，现为教育工作者。2012 年 创办新文潮文学社与文学杂志《WhyNot 不为什么》。作品多见于新 马、中港台等地报刊。著有《喧嚣过后》 与《消灭众神》，主编《一首 诗的时间2015 》等。积极推动文学文化活动，希望将文学带到更有人 烟的地方。 155
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS G / H
Gu Xing Zi (Andy Ang) is a Singaporean who
four decades. He has created more than 50 xiangsheng
graduated from Nanyang Technological University
scripts under the pen name of Tan Tian; and also
with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Chinese. He
written children’s literature under the pen name of
is currently an educator. He founded literary club
Hai Shu. Han was accorded the Cultural Medallion in
TrendLit and literary magazine WhyNot in 2012. His
1990. The themes in Han’s plays are drawn from his
works have been published in literary magazines and
observations of life and society. His first play, Walking
newspapers in Singapore, Malaysia, China, Hong
Out of Prison: Ah Seng’s Story, was based on the life
Kong and Taiwan. His poetry collection includes After
of a kidnapper of the 1960s. The Teochew Kangaroo
Commotion, The Void (2014) and Eliminating the Gods
(1998) reflected the unhappiness of Singaporean
(2016). He is the chief editor of the anthology, In the
children with learning Chinese. Han continues to write,
Space of a Poem (2016).
direct and produce theatre and xiangsheng plays with the Sin Feng Xiang Sheng Society.
Gwee Li Sui’s works of verse include
HAQUE CENTRE OF ACTING & CREATIVIT Y Singapore
Who Wants to Buy a Book of Poems?
Haque Centre of Acting & Creativity (HCAC) is the
(1998), One Thousand and One Nights (2014), and
home of method acting in Asia. HCAC supports
The Other Merlion and Friends (2015). He wrote
and nurtures talent for the global stage; and has a
Singapore’s first long-form English graphic novel,
portfolio of programmes based on a variety of Method
Myth of the Stone, in 1993 and FEAR NO POETRY!: An
Acting techniques. More information can be found at
Essential Guide to Close Reading (2014). He has edited
methodactingasia.com.
many anthologies such as Man/Born/Free: Writings on the Human Spirit from Singapore (2011), Singathology (2015) and Written Country: the History of Singapore
HARESH SHARMA Singapore
through Literature (2016).
Haresh has been the Resident
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Playwright of The Necessary Stage
HAN FOOK KWANG Singapore
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since 1990. He is a Cultural Medallion and SEA Write Award recipient. Author of more than
A former civil servant from the
100 plays which have been staged in over 20 cities, he
Admistrative Service, Han Fook Kwang
was awarded Best Original Script for Fundamentally
joined The Straits Times as a journalist
Happy, Good People and Gemuk Girls at the 2007,
in 1989. He became the paper’s political editor and
2008 and 2009 Life! Theatre Awards respectively.
then, its editor in 2002. He was appointed managing
He is the first non-American to be awarded the
editor in 2012, and editor-at-large in 2014. His weekly
prestigious Goldberg Master Playwright by New York
commentaries, published in The Sunday Times,
University's Tisch School of the Arts (2011).
soon gathered a following for their keen insights into Singapore society and his trenchant analysis of public policy. He is the co-author of three books on
HARTINAH AHMAD Singapore
Singapore’s founding Prime Minister—Lee Kuan Yew:
Hartinah Ahmad menerima Anugerah
The Man and His Ideas, Hard Truths to Keep Singapore
Kecemerlangan Kesenian Compass
Going, and One Man’s View of the World.
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yang gemilang pada tahun 2014 untuk sumbangannya kepada industri lagu-lagu Melayu.
韩劳达 HAN L AO DA Singapore
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memenangi Anugerah Sastera Melayu Majlis Bahasa
Han Lao Da is a Mandarin playwright,
Melayu Singapura (Kategori Senikata Lagu). Beliau
theatre director and xiangsheng
juga memenangi hadiah-hadiah merit untuk Tangan-
(crosstalk) pioneer who has worked in
Tangan Amal pada tahun 1997 dan Soal Kita pada
the Singapore Mandarin theatre scene for more than 156
Pada tahun 1993, lagunya Nyanyian Tanjung Sepi
tahun 1999. Ziarah Seni meraih hadiah dalam kategori
2 0 1 6
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F E S T I V A L
Poet, graphic artist, and literary critic,
W R I T E R S
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S I N G A P O R E
GWEE LI SUI Singapore
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS H
puisi pada tahun 1999. Beliau memenangi tempat
HELEN OYEYEMI Nigeria – UK
ketiga pada Anugerah Pena Emas 2013.
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Hartinah Ahmad received the prestigious Compass
PHOTO CREDIT: MANCHUL KIM
Artistic Excellence Award in 2014 for her contribution
Helen Oyeyemi was born in Nigeria
to the Malay song industry. In 1993, Nanyian Tanjung
in 1984 and grew up in London. Her first novel, The
Sepi (Song of the Silent Cape) won her the Singapore
Icarus Girl, was published when she was 21 years old.
Malay Language Council’s Malay Literary Award
It has been translated into 16 languages. In 2013, she
(Song Lyric Category). She also won merit awards for
was selected as one of Granta’s Best Young British
Tangan-Tangan Amal (Hands of Charity) in 1997 and
Novelists. Her most recent book is the story collection
Soal Kita (Ourselves) in 1999. Ziarah Seni (Journey of
What is Not Yours is Not Yours.
Arts) won in the poetry category in 1999. She won third prize at the Golden Point Awards 2013.
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
HASSAN HASA A’REE ALI Singapore
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HENG SIOK TIAN Singapore
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Heng Siok Tian has published five collections: Crossing the Chopsticks and Other Poems (1993), My City, My
When Hassan Hasaa’Ree Ali is not
Canvas (1999), Contouring (2004), Is my body a myth
writing science fiction in Malay, he
(2011) and Mixing Tongues (2011). Her poems have
works as a full-time registered nurse in a hospital.
been featured in more than 20 anthologies. She was
Hassan is a graduate of the National Arts Council
one of the authors in The Adopted: Stories from Angkor
Mentor Access Project where he was mentored
(2015), a collection of fiction. In 2000 she was a Fellow
by Singaporean writer Anuar Othman. His story
at the Iowa International Writing Program. Her short
Homeostasis won the first prize in the 2011 Golden
play, The Lift, staged in 1991, was read at the Third
Point Award (Malay Short Story category). His first
International Women Playwrights’ Conference in
collection of stories, Selamat Malam Caesar (Goodnight
Adelaide in 1994.
Caesar), was shortlisted for the 2014 Singapore Literature Prize. He is currently working
HIROMI K AWAK AMI Japan
on a third collection.
HEETAL DATTANI JOSHI India – Singapore
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Hiromi Kawakami was born in Tokyo in 1958. She graduated from the biology
Heetal Dattani Joshi is an artist,
department at the science faculty of Ochanomizu
entrepreneur, storyteller, designer
University. Her books include God Bless You
and mother of two small children.
(Kamisama), The Nakano Thrift Shop (Furudogu Nakano
Creating art keeps her grounded and has allowed her
Shoten), Manazuru, The Teacher's Briefcase (Sensei no
to preserve her sense of self. After over a decade of
kaban) and Running Water (Suisei).
experience as an Art Director in various advertising agencies, she launched Beetle & Bottle, a design label of children’s accessories and personalized art
小野 HSIAO YEH Taiwan
in 2012. Her first children’s picture book, Brown Like
本名李远, 小野是作家、电影人及公民运动者。他制
Dosas, Samosas and Sticky Chikki tells the story of a
作的文学作品超过 100 部，电影剧本 20 部，在八十
little girl’s pride in her skin colour. Her latest book is
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年代成为台湾新电影浪潮的催生者。除了电影金马
an illustrated children’s cookbook and storybook, The
奖及金鼎奖，小野的电影剧本曾经得到英国伦敦国家编剧奖。从七十年
Magic Spicebox.
代起，小野以小说和散文成为畅销作家。他得过国内外大、小文学奖， 也曽经得到德国青少年图书馆推蔫。九十年代的作品关心台湾的敎育 和敎养及台湾的文化。这几年，小野积极投入环境生态保护及文化教 育相关的公民运动。
157
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS I / J
Hsiao Yeh is a writer, filmmaker and civil activist. He
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has written over 100 literary works and 20 screenplays
IRFAN K ASBAN Singapore
throughout his career, and was one of the key figures
Irfan Kasban is a freelance theatre
behind Taiwan New Cinema in the 1980s. Winner of
maker who writes, directs, designs, and
the Golden Horse Awards and Golden Tripod Awards,
at times, performs. Formerly Associate
Hsiao Yeh has won Best Screenplay in the BFI London
Artistic Director of Teater Ekamatra, he attended the
Film Festival for his movie scripts. He is also an
prestigious La MaMa Umbria International Symposium
accomplished children’s book writer whose works
for Directors 2012, and has written and directed many
have been recommended by the German International
works. TAHAN was selected for Esplanade’s Fifty—a
Youth Library (Internationale Jugendbibliothek). He
celebration of seminal Singaporean works. Recently
remains passionately committed to civil activities such
he premiered Trees, a Crowd (2016) at The Twenty
as campaigning for more environmental and ecological
Something Festival, and worked on the critically
protection and improvements to cultural education.
acclaimed film Apprentice by Boo Junfeng, as a script translator.
IAN GORDON USA – Singapore
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winning, and bestselling Australian
Press, 2002), Film and Comic Books (University Press
author of 30 books for young readers. She worked
of Mississippi, 2007), Kid Comics: A Genre Across
for many years as a teacher and deputy headmistress
Four Countries (Palgrave, 2016), and Superman: The
and has delivered hundreds of talks and workshops
Persistence of an American Icon (Rutgers University
at schools and festivals around the world. Her Alice-
Press, forthcoming in 2017).
Miranda and Clementine Rose series have sold over 900,000 copies in Australia and New Zealand alone,
IMR AN HASHIM Singapore
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making her one of the region’s most popular authors of children’s literature.
Imran Hashim fell in love with France a little late in life but made up for it
JAMES M DORSEY Singapore
by studying French with a vengeance
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at university, and then going on to the Sorbonne
James M Dorsey is a senior fellow at the
and Sciences Po Paris for postgraduate studies on a
S Rajaratnam School of International
French Government Scholarship. Apart from providing
Studies and co-director of the
the inspiration for his first novel, his time in Paris was
University of Würzburg’s Institute for Fan Culture.
a period of self-discovery, chief amongst which was an
He writers an acclaimed blog, The Turbulent World of
undying love for pear tarts with chocolate bits inside.
Middle East Soccer, and has published a book with the same title.
IRENE THAM Singapore
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editor, has been covering the technology
JASON ERIK LUNDBERG USA – Singapore
beat since 1999. She began her career
Jason Erik Lundberg was born in
Irene Tham, The Straits Times tech
reporting on technology developments in Asia at
New York and has lived in Singapore
CNET, which has since been bought over by CBS
since 2007. He is author and anthologist of over 20
Interactive. She joined The Straits Times in 2007 as
books. He is also the founding editor of LONTAR: The
a technology reporter. She covers a wide range of
Journal of Southeast Asian Speculative Fiction and a
technology-related issues from telcos and security to
recipient of the NAC Creation Grant. His writing has
media policies and copyright infringement.
been shortlisted for the SLF Fountain Award, Brenda
158
F E S T I V A L
Jacqueline Harvey is a prolific, award-
W R I T E R S
1999. His books include, Comic Strips and Consumer Culture (Smithsonian Institution
S I N G A P O R E
the USA. He has taught at NUS since
2 0 1 6
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JACQUELINE HARVEY Australia
Ian Gordon is a cultural historian of
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS J
L Smart Award for Short Fiction, SCBWI Crystal
spent most of his time as an artist trying to figure out
Kite Member Choice Award and POPULAR Readers’
the best way to slack off and aims to get by doing as
Choice Award; and honourably mentioned twice in
little as possible. So far he's failed miserably.
The Year’s Best Fantasy and Horror.
JEAN NG Singapore
P6, 18, 41, 54
JHO TAN Indonesia
P85, 101
Jhosephine Tanuwidjaya is a comic
Trained at the Jacques Lecoq Theatre
artist from Indonesia. Her ambition is to brand Indonesia as a comic hub with
School in Paris, Jean Ng is an actor,
the formation of an annual ASEAN comic festival.
director and educator. Apart from her work with professional theatre companies, she
Through this, she hopes to celebrate and promote the
is passionately involved in community theatre
creative uniqueness of South East Asian culture in
projects such as theatre for seniors and groups with
comics and graphic novels on a global stage.
special needs.
JOANNE HARRIS UK
JEAN TAY Singapore
Joanne Harris is the author of 18 books,
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
Jean Tay is the award-winning creator of
4 – 1 3
P88, 95, 121
including Chocolat, which was made
the acclaimed plays Everything but the
into the Oscar-nominated film. She is
Brain (2005, 2007) and Boom (2008).
the recipient of a number of British and international
Her plays have been performed in Singapore, US, UK,
prizes. She is an honorary Fellow of St Catharine's
and Italy. She has been nominated three times for
College, Cambridge, and holds two honorary
Best Original Script in The Straits Times Life! Theatre
doctorates in literature. In 2014, she was honoured
Awards, and won for Everything But the Brain in 2006.
with an MBE from the Queen. She lives in Yorkshire
Everything But the Brain is currently being used as an
with her husband and daughter.
'O' and 'N' Level English Literature text in secondary schools.
JENNIFER ANNE CHAMPION Singapore
JON GRESHAM Singapore P12, 18, 47, 74, 82, 103
P23, 76, 90
Jon Gresham is a writer and photographer based in Singapore. His debut collection of stories, We Rose Up
Jennifer Anne Champion is a writer
Slowly, was published in 2015 by Math Paper Press.
and performance poet from Singapore.
His stories have been published in various literary
She serves as multimedia editor at poetry.sg with the
journals, magazines and anthologies, including Esquire
young artist collective, Image-Symbol-Department.
Singapore, Eastern Heathens, From the Belly of the Cat,
She also teaches slam poetry and creative writing in
Ceriph, Quarterly Literary Review of Singapore,
public schools in collaboration with organisations such
A Luxury We Cannot Afford and Coast: A Mono-Titular
as Word Forward, the National Arts Council and the
Anthology of Singapore Writing. He writes stories,
Ministry of Education. Jennifer co-edited SingPoWriMo
takes photographs and blogs at igloomelts.com.
(Math Paper Press, 2015) and released her first chapbook, A History of Clocks (Red Wheelbarrow
JONATHAN FRIESEN USA
Books, 2015). The title of her forthcoming poetry collection is Caterwaul.
P10, 88, 98, 123, 195
Jonathan Friesen is an award-
JERRY TEO Singapore
P55
winning author, international speaker, storyteller and Professor of Education at North Central
Jerry is a freelance technical illustrator,
University. He is the author of eight novels, including
an art educator and the artist of a silly
the highly acclaimed Jerk, California, winner of the
little webcomic called Rex Regrets. He's
Best Book for Teens at American Library Association’s 159
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS J
2009 Schneider Award. His young adult novels explore
UPSIZE EDITION (2015). He has placed in three
the pains and successes of lives lived with mental
different categories of the Golden Point Award. He co-
health concerns. He lives on a small farm in central
edits two series of anthologies, A Luxury We Cannot
Minnesota with his family and has 16 years of teaching
Afford and SingPoWriMo; and edits Ten Year Series,
experience. His website is jonathanfriesen.com.
an imprint of Math Paper Press. He is working on a graphic novel, Ten Stories Below. He is the founder of
JOSEPH TEY Singapore
P97
Sing Lit Station, a literary non-profit that runs multiple community initiatives, including SingPoWriMo,
Joseph Tey provided the illustrations
Manuscript Bootcamp, poetry.sg, and several workshop
for Tea in Pajamas by Rachel Tey. He
groups. He also writes a regular poetry column for The
works as a visual design manager for
Middle Ground. joshuaip.com.
the local arm of a US-based publisher, specialising in conceptual artwork for children's educational books.
JOSEPHINE CHIA Singapore
P48
JOYCE CHNG Singapore
P34
Joyce Chng’s science fiction has appeared in The Apex Book of World SF
a desert planet and a fantasy duology set in Qing China. She co-edited a South-east Asian steampunk
awards for short fiction in 1992. Her story was
anthology, The SEA Is Ours: Tales of Steampunk
published by Harper Collins in its anthology. Several of
Southeast Asia. Her Jan Xu Adventures series, an
her short stories are published in UK, USA, Singapore
urban/contemporary fantasy set in Singapore, is
and Malaysian anthologies. She won the Singapore
written under the pseudonym J Damask.
Literature Prize for Non-Fiction in 2014. Her memoir, Frog Under A Coconut Shell, has been translated into Bahasa Indonesia by Serambi, Indonesia.
JUMAINI ARIFF Singapore
P38, 51
Jumaini Ariff ialah pengarang siri Ariff
JOSES HO Singapore
P74
Discovers (Ariff Menemui) dan PS Grandpa I Love You (Sila Lihat, Atuk
Joses Ho is a neuroscientist by
Saya Sayang Atuk), sebuah buku bergambar tentang
training. Currently he is a research
mauduk bagaimana kanak-kanak boleh mengatasi
fellow in a neuroscience lab studying
kesedihan. Buku terkini beliau adalah buku bergambar,
fruit fly behaviour. Originally from and currently
Tiga, Dua, Satu, Zoom! yang merupakan salah satu
based in Singapore, he has lived and studied in the
pemenang NAC Beyond Words 2016 (Panggilan
US, the UK, and the Netherlands. His fiction has
Terbuka Sebalik Kata-kata). Jumaini mengesyorkan
appeared in the anthology Nature Futures 2 and LabLit.
penceritaan menggunakan bahasa Melayu melalui
com. His poems have been featured in Quarterly
persembahan-persembahan di perpustakaan-
Literary Review Singapore, LONTAR, Eunoia Review,
perpustakaan, sekolah-sekolah, Pesta Bulan
and the SingPoWriMo 2016 anthology. Follow him on
Bahasa, dan Storyscribblers, sebuah syarikat yang
Twitter @jacuzzijo.
ditubuhkannya untuk memupuk daya cipta kanakkanak dalam penceritaan dan penulisan
JOSHUA IP Singapore
P69, 74, 77, 112
buku bergambar.
Joshua Ip is a poet, editor, and literary
Jumaini Ariff is the author of the Ariff Discovers series
organiser. He won the Singapore
and PS Grandpa I Love You, a picture book on the
Literature Prize for sonnets from the
subject of how children might overcome grief. Her
singlish (2012), and has published making love with
latest book is the picture book, Tiga, Dua, Satu, Zoom!,
scrabble tiles (2013) and sonnets from the singlish
one of the winners of NAC's Beyond Words 2016.
160
F E S T I V A L
fiction. She was the first Singaporean to be shortlisted for UK’s prestigious Ian St James
W R I T E R S
venues. Her Young Adult works include a trilogy about 2 0 1 6
II, We See A Different Frontier, and other
nine books, writes both fiction and non-
S I N G A P O R E
Josephine Chia, a Peranakan author of
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS J / K
Jumaini promotes storytelling using Malay through Festival, and Storyscribblers, a company she founded
K ATIE VAN CAMP USA – Singapore
to nurture children’s creativity in storytelling and
Katie Van Camp is a former ballet
performances at libraries, schools, the Bulan Bahasa
picture book writing.
P28, 46, 87, 109
dancer who moved to Shanghai at the age of 18 to start a ballet school and teach
JUNAIDAH EKSAN Singapore
P8, 41
kindergarten. A few years later, she headed to New York to work as an au pair for a little boy named
Junaidah Eksan merupakan pelakon
Harry, who inspired her to write Cookiebot! and her
wanita Singapura yang terkenal di
first picture book, Harry and Horsie. Currently based
TV dan radio, seorang pengacara
in Singapore, she divides her time between writing,
pesembahan dan penyampai radio yang diminati
teaching and being a full-time mother to her
ramai. Seorang pemenang anugerah, beliau telah
daughter, Ivy.
berlakon dalam beberapa siri drama popular seperti Ratna, Belah Hati dan Pentas Radio.
KENNY LECK Singapore
Junaidah Eksan is a well known Singaporean actress
Kenny Leck is the co-founder of
on TV and radio, a host of shows and a popular
BooksActually, an independent literary
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
radio presenter. An award winner, she has acted in
P17, 69, 72, 80
bookstore. He also helms the publishing
numerous popular drama series such as Ratna, Belah
imprint Math Paper Press, and the handmade
Hati and Pentas Radio.
stationery line, Birds & Co. Artist and hoarder, his most characteristic art works are boxed assemblages
郑泳文
P36, 44
created from found objects. On good sunny days, he sees himself as a karung guni man.
JUNG YOUNG MOON South Korea 誉为韩国当代最前卫的小说家。生于1965 年，毕 业于首尔国立大学心理学系。以长短篇小说创作见
KEVIN MATHEWS Singapore
P38, 93
长，也从事翻译工作。1996 年以首部长篇小说《勉强生存的人类》崛
Kevin Mathews is a singer-songwriter,
起文坛，2012 年凭著作《伪世界》在韩国获颁三项重要文学奖。
perhaps best known for his #1 hit song, My One and Only with Watchmen in
Born in South Korea in 1965, Jung Young Moon is a
1993. As a recording artist, Mathews has released
novelist, short story writer and translator. Recognised
albums with Watchmen, The Crowd, Popland and as
as one of the most avant-garde writers in Korea today,
a solo act. He has composed music for Eric Khoo’s
he graduated from Seoul National University with a
feature films as well as other films and TV series.
degree in psychology. His first novel A Man Who Barely
Mathews is also a respected music journalist. Besides
Exists was published in 1996. The novel A Contrived
being the owner-editor of Power of Pop (powerofpop.
World won three major literary prizes in Korea in 2012.
com), he has been a freelance music writer with TODAY newspaper since 2010.
K AR AN MAHA JAN India – USA
P89, 95, 118
Karan Mahajan is the author of the
KEVIN TAN Singapore
novels The Association of Small Bombs
Kevin Tan is a law professor with a
(2016) and Family Planning (2008), a
deep interest in historical and political
finalist for the International Dylan Thomas Prize. He
P79
subjects. He divides his time between
was born in 1984 and grew up in New Delhi, India. His
teaching, research and writing and is currently
writing has appeared in the New York Times, The Wall
Adjunct Professor at both the Faculty of Law, National
Street Journal, The New Yorker Online, The Believer,
University of Singapore, and the S Rajaratnam School
n+1, and other venues. He currently lives in Austin,
of International Studies, Nanyang Technological
Texas, where he is at work on his third novel. 161
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS K
University. He has written and edited some 40 books on the law, history and politics of Singapore.
KIRPAL SINGH Singapore
P66, 67
P79
KOSTAS IKONOMOPOULOS Greece – Singapore Kostas Ikonomopoulos is the author of Remains: a Singapore Journey
Kirpal Singh is known as a writer who
(Ethos Books, 2015), an account of his wanderings in
cuts across boundaries and his insights
Singapore's necropolis, A recent publication is The
into relationships of diverse kinds have
Block (2016), a short story of speculative fiction, which
made him one of the more powerful voices writing
was published by Shimmer magazine. He has lived and
in English from Asia. He has been writing poetry
worked in Singapore for the last six years.
and fiction for more than 50 years. He has taught at
Krishna Udayasankar’s bestselling debut series of mytho-historical
Koh Buck Song is the author and
novels, The Aryavarta Chronicles (Govinda, Kaurava
editor of more than 25 books, including
and Kurukshetra; Hachette 2012, 2013, 2014) have
three poetry collections and several
received critical acclaim. She is also the author of
anthologies. He was general editor of the literary
Immortal (Hachette, 2016) and Three (Ethos Books,
journal Singa, and literary editor and columnist at
2015), a novel based on the myths and legends
The Straits Times. He was poet-in-residence at the
surrounding the founding of Singapore. She is a
Scottish Poetry Library. As an artist, he has held
published poet and recently signed on with Penguin-
exhibitions of the Japanese artform haiga with ink
Random House for a series on the times of the Buddha.
sketches combined with haiku at the Esplanade’s
Her books will also be available globally as audiobooks
Super Japan festival 2016, and combined with the
from Audible Inc, from 2016 onwards.
Malay poetic form pantun at the National Poetry Festival 2016.
க ிருஷ்ணமூர்த்தி
P54, 103
மாதங்கி
KOJIMA P37, 52, 59, KEITANEY-LOVE 126, 127 Japan
KRISHNAMURTHI MATHANGI Singapore க ிருஷ்ணமூர்த்தி மாதங்கி
A singer-songwriter turned sound
மிகைக் கற்பனைய ிலக்கியம், புனைவ ிலக்கியம்,
designer after the March 2011 Great
மரபுக்கவ ிதைகள், புதுக்கவ ிதைகள் ஆக ியவற்றை எழுத ி
East Japan Earthquake, Kojima Keitaney-love is a
வருக ிறார். அவரது எழுத்துக்கள் ச ிங்கப்பூர், மலேச ியா,
performer in Hideo Furukawa’s reading play Night on
இந்தியா ஆக ிய நாடுகள ிலுள்ள இலக்கிய இதழ்கள ில்
the Milky Way Train, often staged in the areas affected
வெள ியாக ி பர ிசுகளை வென்றுள்ளன. இந்தியா, கனடா,
by the earthquake and tsunami. A documentary
ச ிங்கப்பூர் ஆக ியவற்றில் வெள ியான த�ொகுப்புகள ிலும்
about the cast and their activities directed by the
அவர் எழுத்துக்கள் இடம்பெற்றுள்ளன. ச ிறுகதை,
film director Hiroki Kawai has been shown in various
கவ ிதைப் பய ிலரங்குகளையும் மாதங்கி நடத்தி வருக ிறார்.
venues in Japan and the US. Kojima designed sound
அவர் எழுத்து ச ிங்கப்பூர ில் த�ொடக்கக் கல்லூர ிப்
for the 100% series, the German theatre group Rimini
பாடத்திட்டத்தில் இடம்பெற்றுள்ளது.
Protokoll’s first performance in Asia. He also appeared in the Taiwan Ami Music Festival, and has worked
Krishnamurthi Mathangi writes speculative and
with the Taiwan-born writer Wen Yourou. He posts
literary fiction, as well as classical and modern poetry.
a new song and an illustration every day on his own
Her works have been published and won prizes in
instagram account @keitaney _love.
literary magazines in India, Singapore, and Malaysia. Her poems and stories have been anthologised in India, Canada, and Singapore. She conducts short
162
2 0 1 6
P34, 39, 79, 126, 127
P17, 53, 93
F E S T I V A L
KOH BUCK SONG Singapore
KRISHNA UDAYASANK AR Singapore
W R I T E R S
is in Singapore where he has lived from birth.
S I N G A P O R E
numerous universities around the world but his heart
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS K / L
story and poetry workshops. Her work has been included in the Singapore Junior College curriculum by the Ministry of Education.
L AWRENCE L ACAMBR A YPIL Philippines – Singapore
P65
Lawrence Lacambra Ypil is a poet and
KUIK SHIAO-YIN Singapore
P57
essayist from Cebu in the Philippines. His first book of poems, The Highest Hiding Place
Kuik served as a Nominated Member of
(2009), won the Madrigal Gonzalez Best First Book
Parliament (2014-2015). Together with
Award and his work has received numerous awards
two founding partners, Kuik Shiao-
including The Academy of American Poets Prize, the
Yin runs a group known as The Thought Collective,
Philippines Free Press Awards, and the Don Carlos
whose mission is to build up the social and emotional
Palanca Memorial Awards. He is currently writing a
capital of Singapore. They work with public, private
book on ethnography, early 20th century photography
and people sector partners to design impactful media,
and the role of material culture in the construction of
events and programmes that help communities grow
cultural identity. He is the writer-in-residence at Yale-
braver, kinder and stronger. She has given many talks
NUS College in Singapore.
on innovation, entrepreneurship, creativity, resilience and the power of personal story.
P20, 27, 77, 103
கனகலதா (லதா) 'தீவெள ி' (2003),
P54
Author of the Chinese non-fiction title Growing up in the Era of Lee Kuan Yew ( 成长在李光耀时代 ), Lee Hui Min holds a BA in Chinese Language and Literature from Nanjing
ஆக ிய இரு கவ ிதை நூல்களை
University, China and an MSc in International Relations
N O V E M B E R
'பாம்புக் காட்டில் ஒரு தாழை' (2004) வெள ிய ிட்டுள்ளார். அவர ின் நான் க�ொலை செய்யும்
from Nanyang Technological University. She has a
பெண்கள் ச ிறுகதைத் த�ொகுப்பு 2008ம் ஆண்டுக்கான
strong interest in the current affairs and international
ச ிங்கப்பூர் இலக்கியப் பர ிசை வென்றது. லதாவ ின்
relations of East Asia. She has worked with Singapore
4 – 1 3
2 0 1 6
லதா L ATHA Singapore
LEE HUI MIN Singapore
கவ ிதைகளும் ச ிறுகதைகளும் ச ிங்கப்பூர ின் பன்மொழித்
and international media outlets, and is now a freelance
த�ொகுப்புகள ிலும் இந்தியா, மலேச ியா, இலங்கை,
journalist, writer and translator.
ப ிரான்ஸ் ப�ோன்ற நாடுகள ின் முக்கிய இலக்கிய சஞ்சிகைகள ிலும் வெள ிவந்துள்ளன. ஆங்கிலம்,
李国樑
ஜெர்மன், ப ிரெஞ்சு ம�ொழிகள ில் இவரது படைப்புகள் ம�ொழி பெயர்க்கப்பட்டுள்ளன. லதா தமிழ் முரசு நாள ிதழின்
LEE KOK LEONG Singapore
இணை ஆச ிர ியராகப் பண ிபுர ிக ிறார்.
新加坡文史工作者。在新加坡和英国受教育，中学时
P117, 123
代即对社会科学产生浓厚的兴趣。中年后投入文史
Kanagalatha (Latha) has published two collections
工作，为新加坡国家博物馆担任义务导览，通过博客、传统媒体等平台
of poetry in Tamil: Theeveli (Firespace) (2003),
分享研究心得。曾凭报告文学《广东妈姐》入围最佳书籍奖，并获新中
and Paampuk Kaattil Oru Thaazhai (A Screwpin in
两地资助，在新加坡顺德会馆设立了妈姐展览馆。已出版的单行本有
Snakeforest) (2004). She has also published a short
《广东妈姐》和《这里是新加坡》系列。计划出版的单行本有
story collection Naan Kolai Seiyum Pengal (Women I
《奔向黎明》和《新加坡的广东社群》。
Murder) in 2007, which won the biennial Singapore Literature Prize in 2008. Her poems and short stories
Guangdong Majie, Lee Kok Leong’s engaging book on
have been published in multilingual anthologies in
the Cantonese women who came to Singapore to work
Singapore and various Tamil literary journals in India,
as nannies and domestic servants, garnered him a
Malaysia, France and Sri Lanka. Her works have
Book of the Year nomination. A history buff and docent
been translated into English, French and German.
at National Museum Singapore, Lee set up the Mah
She is currently the Associate editor of Tamil Murasu,
Cheh Exhibition Gallery at the Singapore Shun Tak
Singapore’s Tamil daily newspaper.
Community Guild with donations and support from Singapore and China. Besides Guangdong Majie, he has also published This is Singapore. Future books in 163
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS L
the pipeline include a work about the Cantonese
LESLEY-ANNE TAN Singapore
in Singapore.
P75, 122
Lesley-Anne Tan will enter Yale-NUS
LEIA ANG Singapore
P40
as a freshman in 2016. She is the coauthor of the action-packed Danger
Ang Ai Jia Leia was awarded the NAC
Dan children’s book series, the first book of which was
Arts Scholarship and graduated summa
published in January 2014 when she was 16. She is
cum laude from UNCG (USA) in 2012
currently writing the new Danger Dan and Gadget Girl
with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance and education.
series (forthcoming in 2016-2017). She has shared her
She danced with Frontier Danceland (Singapore)
love of writing at numerous school talks and literary
from 2007 to 2010, teaching at the Dance Project
events such as the Hong Kong International Young
as well as performing for the Cyrus Art Production
Readers Festival and the New Word Order series at
(USA) in 2012, and performing for Re Dance Theater
The Arts House.
(Singapore) in 2013. Since then, she has worked as an independent dance practitioner and lectures part-time at LASALLE College of the Arts.
LEW Singapore
P91
PHOTO CREDIT: NICOGRAPHICC
and folk tunes. He started singing and playing the
children and teenagers, including Chips
guitar when he was 13, and started songwriting at the
Beans and Limousines and its sequels
age of 17. He writes about the raw and metaphorical
(published by Usborne), the Witch of Turlingham
ways that he feels about his experiences and with the
series, and the Somerton trilogy (published by Disney-
help of a guitar and his voice, transforms these ideas
Hyperion USA). She teaches a course on writing
into beautiful, heartfelt songs. In 2015, LEW was the
for children and young adults at the University of
winner of NOISE Singapore Award.
Warwick, and is the director of the Megaphone writer development scheme, which supports British authors of children’s fiction who come from ethnic minority
李昂 LI ANG Taiwan
backgrounds. She tweets @MegaphoneWrite and
台湾知名作家，曾任教中国文化大学多年。其小说选
@LeilaR and her website is leilarasheed.com.
材大胆，突破社会禁忌，对性与相关的道德问题有
P31, 42
露骨描述，之后进一步连结到政治国族面向，倍受
LEONG LIEW GEOK Singapore
P14, 125
瞩目及争议。1997年出版探讨女性与性、权力、政治的代表作 《北港香炉人人插》，奠定其文坛地位；14年后再创作以男性为主题的
Leong Liew Geok has published two
《路边甘蔗众人啃》，遥相呼应，同样引发巨大风波。九十年代以后深
collections of poetry, Love is Not Enough
入中国，历时十年完成了追逐谢雪红女士生平的《漂流之旅》，及以贯
(1991), and Women without Men (2000).
穿百年台湾女性的《自传小说》。 多部作品译成多种语文出版，
She edited More than Half the Sky: Creative Writings by
《杀夫》更有美、英、法、德、日、荷兰、瑞典、意大利、韩国、越南等国
Thirty Singaporean Women (1998) and NAC’s Literary
版本。曾在 2004年获法国文化部授予最高等级‘艺术文学骑士勋章’。
Singapore (2011). She continues to write for a third volume, Passions (publication date as yet unknown).
Li Ang is known for her bold narratives. This comes
Recent uncollected poems have appeared online in
across most searingly in her scandalous 1997 novella,
SOFTBLOW and Blue Lyra Review, and in anthologies
The Peikang Incense Burner for Everyone to Stick In.
such A Luxury We Cannot Afford and Union.
14 years later, Li followed up with another sexuallyexplicit novel, The Roadside Sugarcane That Everyone Takes a Bite off. In the 90s, Li went to China, and spent 10 years writing the life story of female Taiwanese communist activist Xie Xuehong. This was published as A Drifting Life. Li’s works have been translated into
164
F E S T I V A L
songwriter who is inspired by acoustic
Leila Rasheed is the author of novels for
2 0 1 6
LEW is a Singaporean singer-
W R I T E R S
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S I N G A P O R E
LEIL A R ASHEED UK
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS L
many languages, with her seminal novel Killing the
books on Asian culture, history, philosophy, health
Husband translated into English, French, German,
practices, art and literature.
Japanese, Dutch, Swedish, Italian, Korean and Vietnamese. She was awarded the Chevalier de l’ordre des Arts et Lettres by the French Minister of Culture
LIM WOAN WEN Singapore
and Communication in 2004.
A graduate from the NUS Theatre
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Studies programme, Lim Woan Wen 李永平 LI YONGPING
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received the National Arts Council
Malaysia – Taiwan
Arts Professional Scholarship in 2001 and went on
台湾知名作家。1947年生于砂劳越，赴台湾和美国
to train in stage lighting design at The Hong Kong
深造，考获国立台湾大学外国语文学士、美国纽约州
Academy for Performing Arts. She has won multiple
立大学比较文学硕士、圣路易华盛顿大学比较文学
Best Lighting Design awards at the Straits Times
博士学位。在台湾开展学术教育事业，先后任教多所大学。著有《婆罗
Life! Theatre Awards and was conferred the Young
洲之子》、 《拉子妇》、 《吉陵春秋》、 《朱鴒漫游仙境》、 《朱鸰书》等
Artist Award in 2011 by the National Arts Council. She
书，获 2016 年台湾“国家文艺奖”。另有多部译作。
divides her time between freelance lighting design projects, working with The Finger Players as their
Renowned Taiwanese author, Li Yongping was born in
associate lighting designer, and making design-centric
Sarawak in 1947. He graduated from National Taiwan
installations and performances as one-third of the
University with a degree in Foreign Languages and
design collective INDEX.
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
Literatures, and furthered his education in the US, earning a master’s and doctoral degree in comparative
林高 LIN GAO
literature respectively from State University of New
Singapore
York and Washington University in St Louis. He
新加坡作家。创作以散文、小小说为主，近年亦努
returned to Taiwan and taught at several universities.
力于评论和现代诗之耕耘。曾任新加坡作家协会
His works include Son of Borneo, The Jiling Chronicles,
P23
理事、副会长，现为受邀理事。著作有《往山中走
The Red Wagtail in Wonderland and The Book of the
去》、 《被追逐的滋味》、 《林高微型小说》《倚窗阅读》、 《遇见诗》
Red Wagtail. He has also translated more than 25
等。2014年获新加坡文学奖（小说），2015 年国家文化奖得主。
pieces of Western works of wide-ranging genres. Cultural Medallion recipient Lin Gao holds a bachelor’s
LIM CHENG TJU P47, 50, 55, 58, Singapore 93, 104, 108, Lim Cheng Tju writes 116, 128
degree in literature from National Taiwan University
about history and popular culture
expanded his horizons by writing commentaries
in Singapore. He co-authored The
and poetry. He is an honorary executive director at
and an MA from Central China Normal University. He specialises in essays and short novels, but has recently
University Socialist Club and the Contest for Malaya:
the Singapore Association of Writers after having
Tangled Strands of Modernity (Amsterdam University
previously served as executive director and vice
Press/NUS Press) and co-edited Liquid City Vol 2
president. He won the Singapore Literature Prize in
(Image Comics), an anthology of South-east Asian
2014 in the Chinese fiction category.
comics. He is the country editor (Singapore) for the International Journal of Comic Art and his articles have appeared in the Journal of Popular Culture and Print Quarterly. He writes comics sometimes too.
LIONEL SHRIVER USA
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PHOTO CREDIT: SARAH LEE
Lionel Shriver is the author of 12
LIM LI KOK Singapore
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novels, including the New York Times bestsellers So Much for That (a finalist for the 2010
Lim Li Kok is the managing director
National Book Award and the Wellcome Trust Book
of Asiapac Books Pte Ltd, publisher
Prize) and The Post-Birthday World (Entertainment
of educational comics and illustrated
Weekly’s 2007 Book of the Year). Winner of the 2005 Orange prize, the international bestseller We Need 165
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS L
to Talk About Kevin was adapted into a feature film
in Guangdong, Liu later migrated to Hong Kong. He
in 2011. Shriver won the BBC National Short Story
also lived in Beijing for five years. Liu’s awards include
Award in 2014. Her work has been translated into 30
the Hong Kong Youth Literary Award, Hong Kong
languages. The Mandibles: A Family, 2029-2047,
Award for Chinese Literature, Taiwan’s China Times
a Sunday Times top 10 bestseller, was released
Prize for Literature, United Daily News Literature
this spring.
Award and the Hong Kong Biennial Award for Chinese Literature. In 2012 he was named Hong Kong Arts
LISA BEAZLEY USA – Singapore
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Development Council’s Writer of the Year. He has published more than 10 poetry collections and two prose collections.
Lisa Beazley traded her corporate communications career for fiction
LOH GUAN LIANG Singapore
raised in Toledo, Ohio, Lisa has a journalism degree
Loh Guan Liang is the author of
from Ohio University and has lived and worked in
two poetry collections: Transparent
catching, Lego-building, and deep-breathing skills as
Studio (Math Paper Press, 2014), a novel by Singapore
the mother of three young boys. Keep Me Posted is
Cultural Medallion recipient and established Chinese
her first novel.
writer Yeng Pway Ngon. Winner of the 2011 Moving Words poetry competition organised by SMRT and
LISE MACDONALD Singapore
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The Literary Centre, his poems have been featured in the Singapore Memory Project and The Substation
PHOTO CREDIT: MING CHIEN CHIA
Love Letters Project. His updates can be found at
Lise Macdonald heads the Exhibitions
lohguanliang.weebly.com.
department at ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands where she leads and oversees the conception of curatorial storyboards, design and
LOLLIBOX PTE LTD Singapore
production of all exhibitions. Since joining the museum
Born out of a passion to develop creativity and
in 2010, she has launched blockbuster travelling
expression in every child through hands-on learning,
exhibitions such as Dali: Mind of a Genius—The
LolliBox designs and customizes materials and content
Exhibition, Andy Warhol 15Minutes Eternal, Da Vinci:
for school and public outreach programmes. They also
Shaping the Future, The Deep and Collider.
organise arts-and-crafts workshops and kids’ event
Lise read art history and museum studies at the
services for the corporate world.
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Ecole du Louvre in Paris, and holds an MA from the Sorbonne University. 廖伟棠
LUCAS HO Singapore P96, 105, 114
LIU WAI TONG Hong Kong
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PHOTO CREDIT: JOEL LIM @ CALIBRE PICTURES
Lucas Ho is a writer, actor and educator. His plays include And One For Yourself,
香港诗人、作家、摄影家。1975 年生于广东，后移居
part of Checkpoint Theatre's What I Love About You Is
香港，并曾在北京生活 5 年。曾获香港青年文学奖、
Your Attitude Problem (2015); The Historian’s Tour/The
香港中文文学奖、台湾中国时报文学奖、联合报文学奖及香港文学双
Cleaner’s Account, part of The Finger Players’ The Next
年奖等，香港艺术发展奖 2012 年年度作家。曾出版诗集《春盏》、
Page (2014); and The Artist Who, part of Checkpoint
《半簿鬼语》等十余种，评论集《反调》、 《异托邦指南》，散文集
Theatre’s The Power of Notions/Notions of Power
《寻找仓央嘉措》、 《有情枝》，中英对照诗集《Wandering Hong
(2011). His play The Last Chief Minister of Singapore
Kong with Spirits 》等。
was given a staged reading at The Substation in 2013. Lucas has taught at secondary and junior college
Liu Wai Tong is a poet, author and photographer. Born 166
F E S T I V A L
Bitter Punch (Ethos Books, 2016). He co-translated Art 2 0 1 6
Strangers (Math Paper Press, 2012) and
not reading or writing, Lisa is sharpening her toad-
W R I T E R S
Cleveland, Honolulu, and New York City. When she’s
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writing when she moved from New York to Singapore with her husband and children. Born and
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS L / M
levels in Singapore, and is an Associate Artist of
stitches as many of his works have taken on a
Checkpoint Theatre.
comedic tone.
LYN GARDNER UK
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马虹 MAHONG
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China - Singapore
Lyn Gardner is a British theatre critic,
新加坡公民，原籍中国天津，毕业自天津大学，旅居
writer and journalist who works for
新加坡十年。现任华文教师，育有两名在学孩子。
The Guardian. A graduate in Drama and English at Kent University, she was a founding
Mahong is a mother of two schooling children and
member of the City Limits cooperative. Before joining
has resided in Singapore for 10 years. She is a native
The Guardian she reviewed theatre for a London
of Tianjin, China, who graduated from the University
listings magazine. Gardner is also a writer of children's
of Tianjin and is now a Singapore PR. She is a
novels, the earliest being Into the Woods (2006) and
Chinese teacher.
Out of the Woods (2010), both illustrated by Mini Grey and published by David Fickling Books. She has written seven children's novels for Nosy Crow, known
MABEL LEE Australia
as the Stage School Series.
Mabel Lee is an honorary fellow of the
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Australian Academy of the Humanities,
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
LYNETTE MORRISON NÉE TAN YUEN LING Singapore
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and honorary professor at the University of Sydney and the Open University of Hong Kong. She specialised in Lu Xun until the late 1980s. In 1988 she met Yang Lian in Sydney, and by 1990 she had
Lynette Morrison née Tan Yuen Ling is
published his first two books of poetry in English, and
the author of The Pittodrie Pirates series and Associate
finalised the manuscript of a third book. Through Yang
Director of Student Life as well as Residential Fellow
Lian, she met Gao Xingjian in Paris in 1991 and then
at RC4, National University of Singapore. She is
Hong Ying in London. While not the sole translator
also a lecturer at the Centre for English Language
of these three internationally acclaimed authors, she
Communication at NUS. She has three children, a
has enjoyed being a part of the process of introducing
Scottish husband and a hamster called Speedy. When
them to the English-speaking world.
she's not composing haiku and gamifying her writing module, she gives out tickets to children for exciting flights of the imagination.
MADELEINE LEE Singapore
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Madeleine Lee is an investment
M SAFFRI A MANAF Singapore
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manager who also writes poetry. In particular, she writes of the fraught
M Saffri A Manaf merupakan seorang
relationship between nature and man. She has
seniman berbilang bakat yang amat
published seven volumes of poetry; the latest
disayangi kerana menghiburkan para
flinging the triplets being the result of a year as
pendengar radio dan penonton TV dengan skrip-
Writer-in-Residency in the Singapore Botanic
skripnya yang bernas. Melakonkan ayat-ayatnya
Gardens. She has read in festivals in Singapore,
sendiri dan karya-karya penulis lain dengan mudah
Australia, Paris, Hanoi, Indonesia and UK. Her works
adalah satu lagi bakatnya yang telah membuat banyak
has been translated and adapted into theatre
orang tidak kering gusi kerana banyak karya-karyanya
performance, dance and visual art.
bernada lucu. M Saffri A Manaf is a multi-talented artist who is wellloved for entertaining radio and TV audiences with his witty scripts. Acting out his own and other writers' lines easily is another gift which has kept many in 167
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS M
மலர்விழி இளங்கோவன்
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MAL ARVELE ILL ANGOVAN Singapore
Neon and Wonder, and is the co-founder of Mackerel, a culture magazine (mackerel.life). His website is at marcnair.com.
மலர்விழி இளங்கோவன் ச ிங்கப்பூர ில்
MARIE SILKEBERG Sweden
1967ல் ப ிறந்தவர். ச ிங்கப்பூர் தேச ிய நூலக வார ியத்தில் மூத்த ந ிர்வாக ியாக பண ியாற்றும்
Marie Silkeberg is a poet, translator,
அவருக்குத் த ிருமணமாக ி, மூன்று குழந்தைகள்
non-fiction writer and poetry filmmaker.
உள்ளார்கள். நான்கு ச ிறுவர் நூல்களை எழுத ியுள்ள மலர்விழிய ின் “ரக்சிய ின் நாய்க்குட்டி” என்ற கதை 2006ல் வெள ிவந்த A Pair of Red Clogs and Other Original
Singapore Stories என்ற த�ொகுப் பிலும் “கண் க�ொடுத்த தேவதை” என்ற கதை 2007ல் வெள ிவந்த The Tale of the
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She has published seven books of poetry and translated the work of Inger Christensen, Susan Howe, Rosmarie Waldrop, and Marguerite Duras. She was a professor in Creative Writing at
Missing Tail and Other Original Singapore Stories
Gothenburg University in Sweden for 10 years and is
என்ற த�ொகுப் பிலும் இடம்பெற்றுள்ளன.
now guest professor at the Department for the Study
Malarvele Ilangovan was born in Singapore in 1967.
Her poetry films are collaborations with other artists
She works as a Senior Manager with the National
and have been shown at poetry film festivals around
Library Board of Singapore. She is married with three
the world.
Stories (2006) and another Tamil story, ‘கண் க�ொடுத்த
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Marjorie Perloff is Sadie D Patek
தேவதை’ to The Tale of the Missing Tail and other
Professor Emerita of Humanities at
Original Singapore Stories (2007).
Stanford University and Florence R Scott Professor
MAMLE K ABU Ghana
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Emerita of English at the University of Southern California. She is the author of many books on 20th
Mamle Kabu, a writer of Ghanaian
and 21st century poetry and poetics, most recently
and German parentage, was born
Unoriginal Genius: Poetry by Other Means in the New
and raised in Ghana and studied in
Century and Edge of Irony: Modernism in the Shadow
England, graduating from the University of Cambridge.
of the Habsburg Empire. She has also published a
She returned to Ghana in 1992 and works in social
memoir, The Vienna Paradox, and a collection of her
development. Her short story, The End of Skill, was
interviews and essays, Poetics In A New Key.
nominated for the Caine Prize in 2009. In 2011, she Young Adult novel, The Kaya-Girl, published under the
MARK PETT USA
name Mamle Wolo. She has also written poetry, two
Mark Pett is a writer and illustrator who
screenplays and is working on a novel.
makes books. He is the ‘authorstrator’
won the Burt Award for African Literature for her
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of Lizard From the Park, The Boy and the
MARC NAIR Singapore
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Never Made Mistakes. Before he ventured into books,
PHOTO CREDIT: JOYEE KOO
he was the creator of the syndicated comic strips
Marc Nair has published six volumes of
Mr Lowe and Lucky Cow. Mark lives in the Mountain
poetry. His latest collection is Spomenik,
West in USA.
a series of poems and photographs from the Balkans. Marc was the 2015 Writer-In-Residence at Gardens by the Bay, Singapore. He has performed spoken word poetry for over 10 years in more than 10 countries. Marc also sets his poems to music with his band, 168
Airplane, The Girl and the Bicycle, and The Girl Who
F E S T I V A L
to A Pair Of Red Clogs and other Original Singapore
W R I T E R S
MARJORIE PERLOFF USA
contributed one Tamil story, ‘ரக்சிய ின் கறுப்புக் குட்டி’
S I N G A P O R E
children. She has written four children’s books, and
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of Culture at the University of Southern Denmark.
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS M
P26, 55, 60 MATTIAS ADOLFSSON Sweden
MD MUKUL HOSSINE Bangladesh – Singapore
Mattias Adolfsson is a freelance
Bangladesh. In 2008 he arrived in
illustrator living in Sweden with 10
2 0 1 6 N O V E M B E R
Md Mukul Hossine was born in Patgram, Singapore to work in its construction
years’ experience in making computer games and
sector. Mukul writes poems, novels, and short stories.
3D animation. The first in line—from the Sketchbooks
His novel, Buker Simanaye Sukh (Happiness at Heart’s
of Mattias Adolfsson, came out in 2011, followed by
Edge) and his poetry collection Apurna Vasana
Mattias Unfiltered, which was published in the US in
(Unfulfilled Desire) have been published in Bangladesh;
2012. The latter has also been released in a Chinese
his other works have featured in anthologies. His
and Korean version. The second in line (2013) won the
favourite poet is Rabindranath Tagore. In Me Migrant
prestigious award for Most Beautiful Book in Sweden
(2016) his poems in Bengali have been transcreated
and other prizes. Adolfsson is currently working on a
by Singapore poet Cyril Wong based on English
public art commission for a big hospital in Stockholm.
translations by Fariha Imran and Farouk Ahammed.
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MAUNG DAY Myanmar
4 – 1 3
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MEIR A CHAND London – Singapore
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Maung Day is a Myanmar-born poet,
Meira Chand is of Indian-Swiss
writer and artist based in Yangon.
heritage and was born and educated
He is the author of five poetry
in London. In 1997, she moved to
books, all published in Burmese, Maung’s mother
Singapore and became a citizen. Her multicultural
tongue. His poems in English have appeared in
heritage is reflected in her eight novels. In the UK,
international magazines such as The Awl, The Wolf,
her latest novel, A Different Sky was chosen as Book
Guernica, Shampoo, Bengal Lights, Ivory Tower and
of the Month by the bookshop chain Waterstones,
International Poetry Review. He has edited several
and was also longlisted for the IMPAC Dublin Literary
Burmese literature and art magazines and translated
Award 2012. In the US, it was on Oprah Winfrey’s
a number of books. He co-founded the Beyond
recommended reading list. She has a PhD in Creative
Pressure performance art festival and works for Metta
Writing from the University of Western Australia.
Development Foundation, a local NGO.
She is involved in many programmes in Singapore to develop the literary arts and to nurture and promote
MA X L ANE Indonesia
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young writers. She wrote the story from which the hit production, The LKY Musical, was developed.
Max Lane has been writing and speaking about political and cultural developments in Indonesia, the
MEL ANIE LEE Singapore
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Philippines, Timor Leste and Australia since 1970.
Melanie Lee is a children’s book
He is the translator of several of Pramoedya Ananta
author, an arts and lifestyle writer,
Toer's works including the Buru Quartet. He has also
and a communications lecturer. The
translated the works of WS Rendra. Indonesia And
Adventures of Squirky the Alien, her picture book series
Not: Poems And Otherwise—Anecdotes Scattered, a
on adoption, won the Crystal Kite Award 2016 (Middle
collection of poems and prose pieces will be published
East/India/Asia division) and Second Prize at the
this year. Also in 2016, he is publishing a collection of
Samsung KidsTime Authors’ Award 2016.
essays on Pramoedya Ananta Toer in Indonesian. He is currently a Senior Visiting Fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore, but spends most of his time in Indonesia.
MINDFLYER (MICHAEL NG) Singapore
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A practising illustrator since 1989, Mindflyer (Michael Ng) firmly believes in and enjoys 169
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS M
imparting his knowledge and expertise on illustrations,
கலாச்சார புத்தகமாக தற்கால தமிழ் இலக்கிய
creating new channels to feature and promote
உலக ின் மிகப் பெர ிய ஆளுமைகள ில் ஒருவரான எஸ்.
Singaporean illustrators. His achievements include
இராமக ிருஷ்ணனால் 2012ல் தேர்ந்தெடுக்கப்பட்டது
co-founding and leading the group OIC Singapore
குற ிப் பிடத் தக்கது. புனைவுக் கதைகளுக்கான ச ிங்கப்பூர்
(Organisation of Illustrators Council) since 2006.
இலக்கிய பர ிசை 2014லும், கட்டுரைக்கான ஆறுதல் பர ிசை
His role in OIC Singapore includes leadership, giving
2016லும் இவர் வென்றார்.
advice to new illustrators, organising events and looking out for new opportunities to promote the use
Mohamed Kassim Shanavas’ poetry collection,
of illustrations. He is also an active sub-commitee
suvai poruttindru, was published in 2016. He is a
member in The Design Society.
versatile essayist and has written many short stories. His articles appear regularly in Singapore’s Tamil
MIRIAM K ATIN Hungary – USA
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newspaper. His masterpiece, Ayal Pasi, a collection of essays, was selected as Best Foreign Culture Book in
Born in 1942 in Budapest, Hungary,
2012 by S Ramakrishnan, a legend in modern Tamil
Miriam Katin migrated to Israel in 1957
literature. He won the Singapore Literature Prize for
and moved to New York. She is married
fiction in 2014 and consolation prize for non-fiction
and is mother to two boys. She worked in graphic arts
in 2016.
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Mohd Raman Daud ialah seorang
MOHAMED IMR AN MOHAMED TAIB Singapore
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penulis kanan dengan akhbar Melayu, Berita Harian (1984 hingga sekarang), dan pengarang ratusan sandiwara TV dan tujuh drama pentas, beberapa puisi dan cerpen dan berdozen esei-esei
Mohamed Imran Mohamed Taib writes
sastera. Beliau merupakan penulis skrip sepenuh
about religion and multiculturalism. His writings have
masa yang pertama dengan Perbadanan Penyiaran
appeared in The Straits Times, Today, Berita Harian,
Singapura (SBC) (1980-1984), dan telah menyunting
The Malaysian Insider, and The Jakarta Post. He is an
sejumlah buku-buku termasuk Perjalanan MAS,
interfaith activist and founding member of Leftwrite
sebuah memoir Dr Muhd Ariff Ahmad, dan Nilam
Centre and a member of The Reading Group, a
(karya agung Dr Muhd Ariff Ahmad tentang budaya
platform for critical discussions on Malay intellectual
Melayu) dan Jalur Hidayah I dan II.
life and thought. He has co-edited and published two books and was chief editor of Tafkir. He works for
Mohd Raman Daud is a senior writer with the Malay
the Harmony Centre and is currently working on a
newspaper, Berita Harian (1984 to present), and
compilation of Malay poetry and short stories.
author of hundreds of teleplays, seven stage plays, poems, short stories and dozens of literary essays. He
முகமது காச ிம் ஷா நவாஸ்
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Broadcasting Corporation (1980-1984), and has edited
முகமது காச ிம் ஷா நவாஸின் கவ ிதைத்
Nilam (Dr Muhd Ariff Ahmad’s magnum opus on Malay
த�ொகுப்பான ‘சுவை ப�ொருட்டின்று’ 2016ல் வெள ியீடு கண்டது. அற்புதமான கட்டுரையாளரான இவர் பல ச ிறுகதைகளையும் எழுத ியுள்ளார். இவரது கட்டுரைகள் ச ிங்கப்பூர ின் தமிழ் முரசு நாள ிதழில் த�ொடந்து வெள ிவருக ின்றன. இவரது உன்னத படைப்பான “அயல் பச ி” என்ற கட்டுரைத் த�ொகுப்பு மிகச் ச ிறந்த வெள ிநாட்டு 170
was the first fulltime scriptwriter with the Singapore
MOHAMED K ASSIM SHANAVAS India – Singapore
a number of books including Perjalanan MAS (MAS Footsteps), a memoir of Dr Muhd Ariff Ahmad, and culture) and Jalur Hidayah I and II.
F E S T I V A L
stories for many publications.
MOHD R AMAN DAUD Singapore
W R I T E R S
2001. She has published two graphic novels and short
S I N G A P O R E
background designer. She started to create comics in
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in Israel and from 1982 she worked in animation as a
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS M / N
MOTOYUKI SHIBATA Japan
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NAZRY BAHR AWI Singapore
Nazry Bahrawi mengkhususkan kepakarannya dalam pengajian sastera
PHOTO CREDIT: SATOMI SHIMABUKURO
Motoyuki Shibata was born in Tokyo
dunia, pengajian terjemahan serta
in 1954. He is Professor Emeritus at the University of
agama dan sastera dalam dunia Islam. Seorang
Tokyo and has translated the works of contemporary
penggemar sastera terjemahan, beliau telah
American authors, including Paul Auster, Steve
menerjemahkan karya-karya oleh Nadiputra dan
Erickson, Stuart Dybek, Steven Millhauser, Richard
Mohamed Latiff Mohamed ke dalam bahasa Inggeris,
Powers, Laird Hunt, and Rebecca Brown. Since 2011
dan adalah mantan penyunting wawancara jurnal
he has edited Monkey Business, an annual English-
terjemahan antarabangsa Asymptote. Beliau juga
language literary journal focusing on contemporary
merupakan penyunting sekutu Critical Muslim (Muslim
Japanese fiction, published by the Brooklyn-based
Kritis), sebuah terbitan suku tahunan berpangkalan
A Public Space. In Japan he edits Monkey, a Japanese
di UK tentang pendapat-pendapat dan isu-isu yang
literary journal published by Switch Publishing.
mengutarakan pandangan orang Islam berkenaan perbahasan-perbahasan besar zaman sekarang.
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NAMITA MOOL ANI MEHR A Singapore
Nazry Bahrawi specialises in the study of world literature, translation studies as well as religion and
Namita Moolani Mehra gave up a
literature in the Muslim world. An enthusiast of literary
successful career in digital marketing
translation, he has translated works by Nadiputra
to launch a small business dedicated to simplifying
and Mohamed Latiff Mohamed into English, and
Indian cooking at home while giving back to children in
was formerly interview editor of the international
need. She conducts cooking classes and has authored
translation journal Asymptote. He is also an associate
two books, a cookbook inspired by her Facebook
editor of Critical Muslim, a UK-based quarterly of ideas
page, Indian Spicebox, which has over 54,000 fans,
and issues which presents Muslim perspectives on the
and a children's book The Magic Spicebox published
great debates of our times.
by Scholastic. A freelance writer and blogger for The Huffington Post, she currently resides in Singapore
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(her fifth country of residence) with her husband and
NEIL HUMPHREYS UK – Singapore
three-year-old son.
Neil Humphreys is one of Singapore's bestselling authors. His humorous,
NANCY PERLOFF USA
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insightful works—from Notes from an Even Smaller Island (2001), to Saving a Sexier
Nancy Perloff is curator at the Getty
Island (2015)—have sold more than 200,000 copies.
Research Institute (GRI). Trained as
Humphreys has also penned four novels to critical
musicologist and art historian, she
acclaim. He has also written the Abbie Rose and the
pursues scholarship on the Russian avant-garde,
Magic Suitcase series of children’s books, which are
European modernism and the relationship between
now being adapted for TV. A humour columnist,
music and the visual arts. Her exhibitions include
football correspondent and TV writer and host,
Monuments of the Future: Designs by El Lissitzky
Humphreys enjoys adding strings to his bows.
(1998–99), Tango with Cows: Book Art of the Russian Avant-Garde, 1910–1917 (2008–9) and World War I: War of Images, Images of War (2014). Perloff is the
梁海彬 NEO HAI BIN Singapore
author of Art and the Everyday: Popular Entertainment
新加坡剧场工作者。毕业自南大中文系，现为本地剧
and the Circle of Erik Satie (Oxford, 1991) and co-editor,
团九年剧场“演员组合计划”的创建及核心组员。擅
with Brian M Reed, of Situating El Lissitzky: Vitebsk,
于用剧场和社群沟通，也热爱多元文字创作，如随
Berlin, Moscow (Getty, 2003).
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笔、诗、小说；定期为《联合早报》“想法版”写评论。
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AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS N
Neo Hai Bin is a Singaporean theatre practitioner.
last boy, and has also authored the non-fiction book
The Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Chinese
SQ21: Singapore Queers in the 21st Century and the
Studies graduate is the founding core member of
film novelisation, Eating Air. Recently, he released
Nine Years Theatre Ensemble Project. He specialises
a compilation of his spoken word works, written
in community outreach through theatre, and is
over two decades, Loud Poems for a Very Obliging
passionate about writing, having written poems,
Audience. He maintains the intercultural Asian history
stories and prose. He is also a regular contributor to
blog East Is Everywhere, and is currently working on a
Lianhe Zaobao.
short story collection and a novel.
NEPOLIAN Singapore
NICHOL AS YONG Singapore
ப�ொற ிய ியலாளரான நெப்போலியன்
Nicholas Yong is the author of Land of the Meat Munchers, a zombie tale
என் கறுப்புக் குத ிரையும்” (2004) மற்றும் “காணாமல்
Other Glitches, is a collection of Singapore short
ப�ோன கவ ிதைகள்” (2013) என்ற இரண்டு கவ ிதை
stories with fantastical themes. He works as a senior
த�ொகுப்புகளை வெள ிய ிட்டுள்ளார். நெப்போலியன ின்
correspondent with Yahoo Singapore. He longs for the
கவ ிதைகள் ச ிங்கப்பூர ிலும் வெள ிநாடுகள ிலும் பல
day when his mutant powers will finally manifest.
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முதல் ச ிங்கப்பூர் கவ ிஞராவார். இதுவரை இவர் “நானும்
set in Singapore. His latest book, Track Faults and
உயர ிய பர ிசுகளைப் பெற்றுள்ளன. இவற்றுள் குற ிப் பிடத் கே ராமச்சந்திரா ந ினைவு புத்தக பர ிசு (2014), ச ிங்கப்பூர்
NICOLE WALKER USA
புத்தக வளர்ச்சிக் கழகம் நடத்தும் ச ிங்கப்பூர் இலக்கியப்
Nicole Walker’s forthcoming books
பர ிசுக்கான தமிழ் கவ ிதை பர ிசுக்கான தேர்வுப்பட்டியலில்
include Canning Peaches for the
இடம் (2014), த ிருப்பூர் தமிழ்ச் சங்கத்தின் வ ிருது
Apocalypse (Atticus Press, 2016) and
தக்கவை: ச ிங்கப்பூர் தமிழ் எழுத்தாளர் கழகத்தின் எம்
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(2013), தேச ிய கலைகள் மன்றம் நடத்தும் ப�ோட்டிய ில்
Egg (Bloomsbury, 2017). Quench Your Thirst with
கவ ிதைக்காக 2001லும் புனைக்கதைக்காக 2005லும் தங்கப்
Salt won the Zone 3 Press Award for Creative Non-
பேனா வ ிருது.
fiction. A recipient of a fellowship from the National Endowment from the Arts and non-fiction winner of
A trained civil engineer, Nepolian is the first lyricist
Best of the Net in 2013 and 2014, she is the non-fiction
from Singapore to write songs for Tamil movies. He
editor at Diagram and Associate Professor at Northern
has published two collections of poems: Naanum En
Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Karuppuk Kuthiraiyum (2002) and Kaanaamal Pona Kavithaikal (2013). His works have bagged prizes and honours in Singapore and overseas: the Singapore
NIL A ASOL Singapore
Tamil Writers Association’s M K Ramachandra
Janaki and Nanthini became writers
Memorial Book Prize (2014), National Book
in 2013 when Janaki’s husband broke
Development Council Singapore’s shortlist for poetry
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his leg and Nanthini and her husband
at the Singapore Literature Prize (2014), Tamil Nadu in
dropped by for a visit. As the husbands talked about
India’s Tirupur Tamil Sangam Award (2013), National
football, Janaki and Nanthini found a common love
Arts Council’s Golden Point Award for poetry (2001)
for Tamil and children’s picture books. A few more
and short fiction (2005).
conversations and many teh sessions later, NilaaSOL was born—a series of five picture books that takes
NG YI-SHENG Singapore
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Ng Yi-Sheng is a poet, playwright, fiction writer, journalist and LGBT activist. He won the Singapore Literature Prize 2008 for his debut poetry collection, 172
readers on fun and whimsical journeys. Janaki and Nanthini also collaborated on Aalu Vaalu, a winner of NAC’s Beyond Words 2016.
F E S T I V A L
தமிழ் த ிரைபடங்களுக்காகப் பாட்டெழுத ிய
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W R I T E R S
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S I N G A P O R E
நெப்போலியன்
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS N
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NIL ANJANA SENGUPTA India – Singapore
Beast. Hajari oversees Asia coverage for Bloomberg View, the editorial board of Bloomberg News, where
Nilanjana Sengupta was born in India
he writes on Asian politics, history and economics. He
and has worked as a freelance journalist
was previously Foreign Editor at Newsweek magazine
in Mumbai. Since 2010, she has been
in New York, as well as a writer and editor for TIME
based in Singapore and her recent publications
magazine in Hong Kong. He has written for The New
include The Female Voice of Myanmar: Khin Myo Chit
York Times, Financial Times, Esquire, Slate and Conde
to Aung San Suu Kyi (Cambridge University Press,
Nast Traveler, among others, and is a member of the
2015) and Singapore, My Country: Biography of M Bala
Council on Foreign Relations.
Subramanion (World Scientific, 2016). She has also authored A Gentleman’s Word: The Legacy of Subhas Chandra Bose in Southeast Asia (ISEAS, Singapore,
NOOR AISYA BUANG Singapore
2012). She has been a Research Fellow at ARI, NUS as
Noor Aisya Buang has been writing
well as the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.
poems since 2011. Her poems, short
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stories as well as essays have been
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N O V E M B E R
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NING CAI Singapore
published in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. She has been included in many anthologies from cyber
Singapore Literature Prize nominated
groups in Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. Her
writer Ning Cai was a multi-award-
first poetry book, Kastil Aisya, recently won a prize in
winning illusionist/escape artist before
Anugerah Persuratan 2015.
deciding to swap her magic wand for the mighty pen. To date, she has published four books across different business/self-help). Currently working on her first
NOOR HASNAH ADAM Singapore
novel, she is a big believer of living life and not merely
Winner of several awards, including
genres (travel, biography, Young Adult fiction and
existing, and always following your heart because it is
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the Golden Point Award for her poetry and Penulis Harapan (Promising Writer) by Anugerah
the best GPS.
Persuratan, Noor Hasnah Adam has been writing
NIRROSETTE Singapore
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poetry and short stories since 1998. Her work has been chosen to represent Singapore in several
Nirrosette has written short stories
anthologies, including Rumpun Kita, published in
and poetry for the Singapore Malay
conjunction with the 3rd Asian Poet Meet 2009. She is
newspaper ever since she was 10. Now
currently working on her first novel based on the story
at 23, she has published three novels and one novella:
of Moliano Lovehunter, a well-known Singaporean
Ikhlas AK! (2011); Nah, untuk awak! (2012); Tunggu
Malay musician.
Aira di Kota Bandung (2013); and Rasa (2014). Her short stories are featured in Antologi Cerpen Kerana Dia Ratu Sehari (2013) and Di Bawah Langit Tanah Pertiwi (2015).
NOR ASHIKIN MOHAMED NA JIB Singapore
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Norashikin Mohamed Najib is a dikir
NISID HA JARI India – Singapore
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barat activist as well as one of the co-founders of an all-girls dikir barat team,
Nisid Hajari is the author of Midnight’s
Dwi Durrah. The team has performed in prestigious
Furies: The Deadly Legacy of India’s
shows and participated in numerous competitions,
Partition, a prize-winning book about
including the National Dikir Barat Competition,
the roots of the Indo-Pakistan rivalry. It won the 2016
Mega Perdana. Her leadership unlocked several
Colby Award for military and international affairs, and
achievements for the team and led to the participation
was named one of the best books of the year by the
of youths from tertiary schools. Norashikin was also a
Seattle Times, NPR, Amazon, Quartz and the Daily
member of the Singapore Dikir Barat Federation from 173
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS N / O
2006 to 2010, before holding the position of Treasurer from 2010 to 2012.
NUSANTAR A ARTS Singapore
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Nusantara Arts (Seni Nusantara) ialah gabungan 10 seniman belia yang berbakat di bawah arahan
menghasilkan muzik yang dipengaruhi irama Melayu
sejak tahun-tahun 70an. Beliau telah
tradisional daripada Nusantara. Penggubah dan
berlakon dalam rancangan-rancangan TV dan radio
penerbit prolifik, Datuk Suhaimi Mohd Zain (Pak Ngah)
yang popular, seperti Sandiwara, Sandiwara Radio,
merupakan Penasihat Music dan Warisan mereka dan
Pentas Radio dan berlakon dalam pelbagai drama
penerima Pingat Budaya dan penulis skrip drama yang
pentas oleh Perkumpulan Seni dan bangsawan yang
memenangi anugerah Nadiputra bertindak sebagai
dipentaskan oleh Sri Anggerik Bangsawan.
Penasihat Sastera.
Norsiah Hamid has been a veteran in the Singapore
Nusantara Arts is an ensemble of 10 talented youth
entertainment scene since the 70s. She has acted in
artists under the direction of Artistic Director, Zulkifli
popular TV and radio programmes, such as Sandiwara,
M Amin. Nusantara Arts uses Kroncong instruments
Sandiwara Radio, Pentas Radio and acted in various
to produce music influenced by traditional Malay
theatre plays by Perkumpulan Seni and bangsawan
rhythms from the Malay Archipelago. Prolific
staged by Sri Anggerik Bangsawan.
composer and producer, Datuk Suhaimi Mohd Zain (Pak Ngah) is their Music and Heritage Advisor; and
NUR-EL-HUDA A P55, 120 JAFFAR Singapore Membesar dalam persekitaran yang dikelilingi buku-buku, Nur-El-Hudaa
Cultural Medallion recipient and award-winning playwright Nadiputra acts as Literary Advisor.
O THIAM CHIN Singapore
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gemar membaca dan mengarang cerita. Buku
O Thiam Chin is the author of five
dwibahasanya yang pertama Where is My Home? telah
collections of short fiction. O was a
diterbitkan pada 2014 dan memenangi hadiah ke-dua
recipient of the National Arts Council’s
dalam program Samsung Kidstime. Edisi Melayunya,
Young Artist Award in 2012, and has been shortlisted
Di Mana Rumah Saya? merupakan finalis untuk cereka
for the 2014 Singapore Literature Prize. He is the
kanak-kanak terbaik di Anugerah Buku Singapura.
winner of the inaugural Epigram Books Fiction
Saya Seekor Harimau merupakan buku keduanya dan
Prize for his first novel, Now That It's Over. Signs of
pemenang inisiatif Beyond Words (Sebalik Kata-kata)
Life, a new collection of strange and dark tales, is
Majlis Seni Kebangsaan.
forthcoming in 2017.
Having grown up in an environment surrounded by tales. Her first bilingual book Where is My Home?
OKK Y MADASARI Indonesia
was published in 2014 and won second prize at the
Okky Madasari ialah seorang penulis
Samsung Kidstime programme. The Malay edition, Di
novel dan pengasas bersama Pesta
books, Nur-El-Hudaa enjoys reading and spinning
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Mana Rumah Saya? was a finalist for best children’s
Kesusasteraan ASEAN. Beliau terkenal kerana
fiction at the Singapore Book Awards. Saya Seekor
novel-novelnya yang mengesankan tentang isu-isu
Harimau (I am a Tiger) is her second book and a
masyarakat dan politik di Indonesia. Novel ke-limanya,
winner of the Beyond Words initiative of the National
Kerumunan Terakhir telah diterbitkan pada Mei 2016.
Arts Council.
Beliau memenangi Hadiah Sastera Khatulistiwa untuk Maryam (2012). Ia telah diterjemahkan ke dalam bahasa Inggeris sebagai The Outcast (2014). Novel pertamanya Entrok (2010), sebuah kisah
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F E S T I V A L
Arts menggunakan peralatan kroncong untuk
veteran dalam arena hiburan tempatan
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Pengarah Kesenian, Zulkifli M Amin. Nusantara
Norsiah Hamid merupakan seorang
W R I T E R S
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S I N G A P O R E
NORSIAH ABDUL HAMID Singapore
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS O / P
tentang penguasaan tentera semasa era Aturan Baru
ONIATTA EFFENDI Singapore
Inggeris dengan tajuk The Years of The Voiceless
Oniatta Effendi is a drama lecturer
(2013). Novel-novelnya yang lain adalah 86 (2011),
in Singapore Polytechnic. She finds
menangani isu rasuah dan Pasung Jiwa (2013),
pleasure in making drama meaningful
mengisahkan tentang perseorangan dan kebebasan,
in her work with specific groups, especially vulnerable
diterjemahkan ke dalam bahasa Inggeris sebagai
youths and children. When she is not working, she
Bound (2014).
loves playing with her five young children.
Okky Madasari is a novelist and co-founder of the
ORGANISATION OF ILLUSTR ATORS COUNCIL Singapore
ASEAN Literary Festival. She is renowned for her compelling novels about social and political issues in
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Indonesia. Her fifth novel, Kerumunan Terakhir (The
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Organisation of Illustrators Council (OIC) is based
Last Crowd) was published in May 2016. She won
in Singapore and was founded by Mindflyer,
the Khatulistiwa Literary Award for Maryam (2012),
Fleecircus and Drewscape in 2006. It is a platform
translated into English as The Outcast (2014). Her first
for professional illustrators in Singapore to connect,
novel Entrok (2010), a story about military dominance
collaborate, share ideas, get feedback for their work,
during Indonesia’s New Order era, has been translated
exchange news and inspire each other. OIC aims to
into English with the title The Years of The Voiceless
collaborate with sociable, like-minded creatives to
(2013). Her other novels are 86 (2011), dealing with
make the illustration community in Asia more vibrant
corruption and Pasung Jiwa (2013), dealing with
and interesting.
individuality and freedom, translated into English as Bound (2014).
OMAR MUSA Malaysia – Australia
OTTO FONG Singapore P18, 38, 57
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Otto is the creator of Sir Fong's Adventures In Science, a popular
Omar Musa is a Malaysian-Australian
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N O V E M B E R
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Indonesia, telah diterjemahkan ke dalam bahasa
science comic series for primary and
author, rapper and poet from
lower secondary school readers. He was Outreach
Queanbeyan, Australia, who has won
Fellow for Centre for Quantum Technologies and is
the Australian Poetry Slam and the Indian Ocean
creating a 6th Sir Fong book on synthetic biology in
Poetry Slam. He appeared on ABC's ‘Q&A’ and
National University of Singapore. He has also written
received a standing ovation at TEDx Sydney at the
award-winning plays, and two Arts Festival plays.
Sydney Opera House. His debut novel Here Come the Dogs was longlisted for the Miles Franklin Award and
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the International Dublin Literary Award. He was one
PAOLO AGULTO Singapore
of the Sydney Morning Herald’s Young Novelists of the
Paolo Agulto is a Creative Group
Year in 2015.
Head from DDB Group Singapore. He currently handles marketing campaigns
ONG SOR FERN Singapore
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of brands such as StarHub, MOE, and McDonald’s. He has received accolades from some of the biggest
Ong Sor Fern has been with The Straits
ad festivals around the world, including Cannes Lions,
Times since 1994. She was the anchor
Clio, and Spikes Asia. He also flew the country’s flag
writer for the books beat from 1996 to
as Singapore’s representative in the Cannes Young
1999, and has also covered the arts scene in Singapore
Lions competition. Recently, he was awarded a grant
first as a correspondent then as arts editor.
from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for a project that aims to raise awareness on global issues.
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PAPERPL ANE Singapore
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Singapore 2012. A radio drama and poem are included in two anthologies for literature at GCE ‘O’ and ‘A’ levels.
Paperplane is a creative studio with a passion for words, art and technology. They make stories for education and entertainment, and use their gift for visual storytelling to help companies all over the world connect with their audience.
PETER LER ANGIS USA
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PHOTO CREDIY: JOE MABEL
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Peter Lerangis is the author of more
33 languages. These include the New York Times
experience. She has published non-
bestselling Seven Wonders series—The Colossus Rises,
fiction books for adults and books for youths and
Lost in Babylon, The Tomb of Shadows, The Curse of
children. She is a winner of First Time Writers and
the King and The Legend of the Rift—and books in
Illustrators Publishing Initiative 2009 and first runner-
The 39 Clues series. Peter is a Harvard graduate in
up for Scholastic Asian Book Award 2012. Her books
biochemistry. He has run a marathon and gone rock
have been shortlisted for Hedwig Anuar Book Award
climbing during an earthquake—though not on the
2015, Samsung KidsTime Author’s Award 2015 and
same day. He lives in New York City with his wife,
Singapore Book Awards 2016. She is also director of a
musician Tina deVaron, and their two sons, Nick and
non-profit organisation called Women Empowered for
Joe. In his spare time, he likes to eat chocolate.
Work and Mothering (WEWAM).
PETER AUGUSTINE GOH Singapore
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Peter Augustine Goh adalah nama pena Goh Mey Teck. Kini, pegawai polis
PETER VAN DONGEN Netherlands
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Peter van Dongen is a Dutch comic artist and illustrator. His acclaimed graphic novels Rampokan Java (1998) and Rampokan Celebes (2004) are set in the time
pesara ini merupakan seorang penterjemah bebas
of the Revolution in Indonesia and were translated
dan jurulatih penulisan kreatif. Goh telah memenangi
into French, German, Bahasa Indonesia and English.
banyak hadiah sastera, antaranya Anugerah Pena
Co-designed by Joost Swarte, Rampokan Java was
Emas pada tahun 1995, 1999 dan 2003 dalam
awarded the 1999 Dutch Prize for Best Book Design.
kategori cerpen dan puisi. Semua karya-karyanya
Current projects by van Dongen include a graphic
dalam bahasa Melayu. Cerpennya bertajuk Janji telah
novel adaptation of Familieziek (Repatriated) by
diterjemahkan ke dalam bahasa Inggeris, Tamil dan
Adriaan van Dis and a collaboration with Teun Berserik
Mandarin dan merupakan sebuah naskhah yang
to illustrate a two-part adventure of Blake & Mortimer,
dikemukakan dalam BACA Singapura 2012. Sebuah
a quintessentially British detective duo created by
drama radio dan puisinya telah disertakan dalam dua
Edgar P Jacobs.
buah antologi untuk peperiksaan Sijil Pendidikan Am (GCE) sastera peringkat ‘O’ (Biasa) dan ‘A’ (Lanjutan).
PHAN MING YEN Singapore
Peter Augustine Goh is the pen name of Goh Mey
A former journalist, Phan Ming Yen
Teck. Currently, this retired police officer is a freelance
is the author of a collection of short
translator and creative writing trainer. Goh has won
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fiction, That Night by the Beach and
many literary awards, among them the Golden Point
Other Stories for A Film Score (2012) and one of the
Award in 1995, 1999 and 2003 in the short story and
four writers of The Adopted: Stories From Angkor
poetry categories. All his literary works are in Malay.
(2015). Two stories from That Night by the Beach have
The short story, Janji, was translated into English,
been anthologised in two other publications in 2013:
Tamil and Mandarin and was a featured text in READ
Anniversary was featured in Best New Singaporean
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F E S T I V A L
and half million copies and been translated into
with more than 25 years of writing
W R I T E R S
Pauline Loh is an award-winning writer
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than 160 books, which have sold more than five
S I N G A P O R E
PAULINE LOH Singapore
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS P
Short Stories Volume One and That Night by the Beach
தக்க வைத்துக் க�ொள்ளவும் செழிக்கவும் பட்ட பாடுகள ின்
was included in Ku•lit, a supplementary literature
நவீன வரலாற்றுப் புனைவுகளாக அவரதுஎழுத்துக்களைப்
textbook for secondary schools in Singapore. Phan is
பார்க்கலாம்.
one of four poets in a forthcoming collection of poetry, Lost Bodies: Poems Between Portugal and Home,
Born in 1947, veteran Tamil-language writer and
published by Ethos Books. He is at present director of
educator Pon Sundararaju has been a regular
Global Cultural Alliance Ltd, a non-profit cultural and
contributor to Singapore Tamil literature since his
creative enterprise.
first play was aired by the Singaporean Broadcasting Corporation in 1968. His oeuvre to date of over 40
PHILIP HOLDEN P39, 62, 73, 78 Singapore
plays for television, 30 plays for radio, numerous
Philip Holden is Professor of English
fiction, can be read as a modern history of the Tamil
Literature at the National University
community’s struggle to maintain their Tamil identity
of Singapore and author of several
and prosper in 20th century Singapore. In 2007,
short stories and two published collections of short
academic books and many scholarly essays. One of the
Pon received the Pulamai Thendral award from
editors of Writing Singapore, the most comprehensive
World Tamils Unity Society, Tamil Nadu, for his
anthology of Singapore literature in English, Holden
literary contributions.
also contributes articles to English newspapers in
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N O V E M B E R
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Singapore and is active as a chair and facilitator at literary events. SWF 2016 marks the publication of his
POOJA MAKHIJANI Singapore
first collection of short stories, Heaven Has Eyes.
Pooja Makhijani is the editor of Under Her Skin: How Girls Experience Race
PHILIP TERRY UK
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in America (Seal Press, 2004), an anthology of essays by women that explores the
Philip Terry is currently Director of
complex ways in which race shapes American lives
the Centre for Creative Writing at the
and families. She is also the author of a children’s
University of Essex. Among his books
picture book Mama’s Saris (Little Brown Books for
are the lipogrammatic novel The Book of Bachelors,
Young Readers, 2007).
a translation of Raymond Queneau’s last book of poems Elementary Morality, and the poetry volumes
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Oulipoems and Shakespeare’s Sonnets. His novel
POOJA NANSI Singapore
tapestry was shortlisted for the 2013 Goldsmiths
Pooja Nansi is the author of two
Prize. Dante’s Inferno, which relocates Dante’s action
collections of poetry, the co-editor
to current day Essex, was published in 2014, as well
of an anthology of Singaporean
as a translation of Georges Perec’s I Remember. A
poetry and the co-author of a teacher’s resource for
new volume of poetry, Quennets, was published by
Singaporean poetry. Since April 2013, she has been
Carcanet in 2016.
curating a monthly spoken word and poetry showcase, 'Speakeasy'. She runs the Singapore chapter of
ப�ொன் சுந்தரராசு
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'Burn After Reading', a collective started for young
PON SUNDAR AR A JU Singapore
emerging poets. Her one-woman show You Are Here
மூத்த எழுத்தாளரும் ஆச ிர ியருமான
season for 2016. She was also the NAC-NTU Writer-
ப�ொன் சுந்தரராசு 1947ல் ப ிறந்தவர்.
in-Residence for 2015-2016.
was showcased as part of the Esplanade’s Studios
அவரது முதல் நாடகம் தமிழ் வான�ொலிய ில் 1968ல் ஒலிபரப்பப்பட்டத ிலிருந்து, த�ொடர்ந்து தமிழிலக்கியப்
பூங்குழலி வீரன்
பண ி செய்துவருக ிறார். 40 த�ொலைக்காட்சி நாடகங்கள், 30 வான�ொலி நாடகங்கள், பற்பல ச ிறுகதைகள் ப�ோன்றவை
POONGUL ALI VEER AN Malaysia
அவர் படைப்புகள ில் அடங்கும். இருபதாம் நூற்றாண்டில்
பூங்குழலி வீரன் அமைப்புசாரா
ச ிங்கப்பூர்த் தமிழ்ச் சமூகம் அதன் அடையாளத்தைத்
எழுத்தாளராகவும் எடிட்டராகவும்
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AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS P / Q / R
பத்து ஆண்டுகளுக்குமேல் பண ியாற்றி வருக ிறார்.
has been his passion since childhood. He graduated
மலேச ியாவ ில் பல்வேறு அரசு சாரா கல்வி அமைப்புகள ில்
from LASALLE College of the Arts with a BA in
சமூக சேவகராகவும் இவர் இணைந்து பண ியாற்றி
Graphic Design and is currently working as a freelance
வருக ிறார். வசத ியற்ற ச ிறுவர்கள ின் நலனை மேம்படுத்த
graphic designer and illustrator. The Amazing Sarong
உதவும் ஒரு முயற்சிய ிலும் இவர் பங்கேற்றுவருக ிறார்.
is his first children's book and he hopes that the book
இவர் எழுத ிய கவ ிதைகளும், கவ ிதை வ ிமர்சனக்களும்
will provide young readers a taste of kampung life in
தமிழ்நாட்டிலும் மலேச ியாவ ிலும் பரவலாக
the past.
வெள ிவந்துள்ளன. 2014ல், ச ிலாங்கூர் அரசாங்கம் மலேச ியாவ ில் இவர் மூன்று கவ ிதைத் த�ொகுப்புகளை
R ACHEL TEY Singapore
வெள ிய ிட்டுள்ளார்.
Rachel Tey is an editorial consultant
இவருக்கு இளம் த ிறமையாளர் அள ித்துக் க�ௌரவ ித்தது.
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specialising in research and academic publishing. She enjoys writing, playing
Poongulali Veeran is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years’ experience. She is also a
the piano, and reading books on medieval European
social worker attached to various educational non-
history. In time, Rachel hopes to publish a volume of
government organisations in Malaysia, and is involved
spiritual reflections. She lives in Singapore with her
in a programme for underprivileged children. Her
husband and two children.
Raja Ahmad Aminullah dilahirkan di Ipoh, Malaysia pada tahun 1955. Pada
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PR ASHANT SOMOSUNDR AM Singapore
tahun 1996, beliau mengasaskan Yayasan Kesenian Perak bersama-sama dengan para penulis dan penggiat seni Malaysia yang lain. Beliau berkhidmat
Prashant Somosundram is the co-owner
sebagai penerbit/penyunting untuk beberapa
of the Artistry and Red Baron (Gillman
penerbitan sastera dan kritikan seni. Beliau telah
Barracks) cafes. He is also actively involved in Pink
menerbitkan sebuah himpunan puisi-puisinya bertajuk
Dot Singapore, supporting the freedom to love.
Menyarung Jiwa/Soulship (2004) yang mendapat pengiktirafan kritis. Sebuah terjemahannya Minda
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QAMAR BABA Singapore
Tertawan: Intelektual, Rausyanfikir dan Kuasa telah diterbitkan pada tahun 2011 oleh Institut Terjemahan &
A percussion and dikir barat specialist,
Buku Malaysia (ITBM).
Qamar has been actively involved in composing, performing and teaching
Raja Ahmad Aminullah was born in Ipoh, Malaysia, in
for more than a decade. He has performed at notable
1955. In 1996, he founded the Perak Arts Foundation
shows such as DJ Dave Concert (2006), Ismail Haron
(Yayasan Kesenian Perak) with other Malaysian writers
Concert (2008), Tzi Kaki 5 Folk Music (2009) and
and art activists. He served as publisher/editor for
Salam Cinta (2013). Qamar has also showcased his
several literary and art criticism publications. He has
creativity as the Music Director or Artistic Director of
published an anthology of his poems Menyarung Jiwa/
Malam Jaluran Seni (2006), Malam Kilir Jati (2008)
Soulship (2004) which received critical recognition. A
and Akar Mekar 2 (2011).
translation of Minda Tertawan: Intelektual, Rausyanfikir dan Kuasa was published in 2011 by Institut
QUEK HONG SHIN Singapore
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Hong Shin is a Singaporean ‘80s baby’ who has witnessed the rapid urbanisation of the country. Drawing 178
Terjemahan & Buku Malaysia (ITBM).
F E S T I V A L
published in Malaysia.
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W R I T E R S
State Government. She has three poetry collection
R A JA AHMAD AMINULL AH Malaysia
she was awarded Young Talent award by the Selangor
S I N G A P O R E
across Tamil Nadu and Malaysia since 2001. In 2014,
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poems and reviews of poems have been published
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS R
R A JEEV PATKE Singapore
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elevation in February 2015. A 36-year veteran in journalism, Ravi's career has spanned Bloomberg
Rajeev S Patke was a Rhodes Scholar at
News, TIME Inc magazines and the wire services
Oxford, and a Fulbright Scholar at Yale
Agence France-Presse and United News of India.
University. Currently, he is Professor of
His first book, India Rising: Fresh Hope, New Fears
Humanities and the inaugural Director of the Division
was launched by Singapore Emeritus Minister
of Humanities at Yale-NUS College, and concurrently,
Goh Chok Tong on April 21, 2016.
Professor of English at NUS. He is the author of The Long Poems of Wallace Stevens (Cambridge, 1985), Postcolonial Poetry in English (Oxford, 2006), and Modernist Literature and Postcolonial Studies (Edinburgh, 2013). He produced two compact discs of Singapore poets reading from their work in the 1990s.
RIFA'AH RIDZUWANULHAKIM BIN ABDOL SHUKOR Singapore
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Rifa’ah Ridzuwanulhakim Bin Abdol Shukor’s father, Abdol Shukor Ra’ais, is
இராம கண்ணப ிரான்
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Pancasakti Singapura. Because of his family
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R AMA K ANNABIR AN Singapore
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the grandmaster of the Perguruan Persaudaraan background, Rifa’ah started practising silat at the
இராம கண்ணப ிரான் நான்கு
tender age of eight. He rose through the ranks over
ச ிறுகதை நூல்களையும் ஒரு
the years and is currently the head trainer for his club.
குறுநாவல் த�ொகுப்பையும் வெள ிய ிட்டுள்ளார்.
He has represented Singapore at various international
அவரது எழுத்துக்கள் ஆங்கிலம், மலாய், மாண்டரீன்
tournaments. In 2008, he travelled to Moscow with
ம�ொழிகள ில் ம�ொழிபெயர்க்கப்பட்டுள்ளன. ச ிங்கப்பூர்
The Arts House as a performer of dikir barat and silat.
இலக்கியத்துக்கு ஆற்றியப் பங்குக்காக அவருக்கு ச ிங்கப்பூர் அரசாங்கத்தின் கலாசாரப் பதக்கமும்
RISA WATAYA Japan
வழங்கப்பட்டன. 1998ல் அவர் அமெர ிக்காவ ின் அய�ோவா
Risa Wataya was born in Kyoto,
நகர ில் நடைபெற்ற அனைத்துலக எழுத்துத் த ிட்டத்தில்
graduated from Waseda University, and
1990ல் தென்கிழக்காச ிய எழுத்தாளர் வ ிருதும் 1998ல்
P22, 25, 126
is the youngest winner of the several
ச ிங்கப்பூரைப் ப ிரத ிந ித ித்துக் கலந்துக�ொண்டார்; அய�ோவா பல்கலைக்கழகத்தில் க�ௌரவ எழுத்தாளராகவும்
awards and prizes. At 17, she made her literary debut
இருந்தார். அங்கிருந்தப�ோது கண்ணப ிரான் பீடம் எனும்
while still in high school, when her novel Insutoru
நாவலை எழுத ினார்.
(Install) won the 2001 Bungei Prize. She then garnered the Akutagawa Prize for the latter half of 2003 with
Rama Kannabiran has published four collections
her second novel, Keritai senaka (I Want to Kick You in
of short stories and a collection of novellas. His
the Back) when she was 19. The hardcover sold over
stories have been translated into English, Malay and
120 million copies, becoming the first Akutagawa
Mandarin. He was the winner of the 1990 SEA Write
Prize winner to sell over a million copies since Ryu
Award as well as the recipient of the Culture Medallion
Murakami’s Almost Transparent Blue was published
for his contribution to literature in Singapore in 1998.
28 years before. In 2012, Kawaiso da ne? (Isn’t She
He represented Singapore in the 1998 International
Pitiful?) won her the Kenzaburo Oe Prize.
Writing Programme in Iowa, USA, and was Honorary Writing Fellow at Iowa University. During his stay
ROBIN HEMLEY Singapore
there, Kannabiran completed his novel Peedam.
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Robin Hemley, the author of 11 books
R AVI VELLOOR Singapore
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of non-fiction and fiction, has won numerous awards for his writing,
Ravi Velloor is Associate Editor, The
including a Guggenheim Fellowship, three Pushcart
Straits Times, South-east Asia's most
Prizes in both fiction and non-fiction, The Independent
widely read and influential newspaper.
Press Book Award, and many others. His work has
Ravi was Foreign Editor of the newspaper until his
been published in the US, Great Britain, Canada, 179
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS R / S
Australia, Japan, Germany, the Philippines, Singapore, and elsewhere. A graduate of the Iowa Writers
SA(仨 ) Singapore
Workshop, he returned to Iowa to direct the Non-
Founded in 2010, SA(仨 ), meaning
fiction Writing Program for nine years before moving
three in northern Chinese dialect, pays
to Singapore to direct the writing programme at
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tribute to the members’ Chinese roots.
Yale-NUS College. He is also a Visiting Professor at
Professionally trained in Shanghai, Hong Kong and
RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia and Professor
Beijing, Andy C plays the dizi (flute), Natalie Alexandra
Emeritus at The University of Iowa.
plays the guzheng (zither) and Cheryl Ong plays drums and percussion. Their exploration of sound begins
ROL AND KELTS Japan
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with each instrument; every composition is a bold experiment that combines traditional elements with
Roland Kelts is the author of the
modern techniques. Each performance is a risk that
critically acclaimed and bestselling
the band takes as they delve into the question
book, Japanamerica: How Japanese Pop
of identity.
Culture has Invaded the US, and a contributing editor
Three dinosaurs invite you to their party. Come make
on CNN, NPR, NHK and the BBC. Recently, Kelts
some crafty monsters with Sabritops, Dinnersaur, and
delivered lectures at The World Economic Forum and
Wuraptor! We promise we won't bite!
a TED Talk in Tokyo. He is a 2017 Nieman Fellow in Journalism at Harvard University.
RYOICHI WAGO P35, 43, 59, 127 Japan Ryoichi Wago was born in Fukushima, Japan. In 1998, his debut poetry collection, AFTER, won the Chuya
SABATA-MPHO MOK AE South Africa
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Sabata-mpho Mokae writes in English and Setswana (a southern African language). He is the author of a biography The Story of Sol T Plaatje, a youth novella Dikeledi (Tears) and
Nakahara Prize; and in 2006, his fourth poetry
a poetry collection Escaping Trauma. His first novel,
anthology, Chikyu Zunou Shihen (Earth Brain
Ga Ke Modisa (I’m Not My Brother’s Keeper) won the
Collection) won the 47th Bansui Prize. He works as a
M-Net Literary Award for Best Novel in Setswana as
teacher and is also a copywriter and radio presenter.
well as the M-Net Film Award in 2013. Mokae also won the South African Literary Award in 2011. He is a
S MICKEY LIN USA - Singapore
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creative writing lecturer at the Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley, South Africa.
S Mickey Lin is a former Annenberg Fellow and graduate of the University Of Southern California School Of
SA'EDA BUANG P69, 72, 86, 132 Singapore
Cinematic Arts. His writings have been published in
Sa’eda Buang ialah seorang Pensyarah
Hong Kong, Singapore, and the US. He co-edited Tales
Kanan merangkap Penolong Ketua,
of Two Cities, an anthology of short stories by the Hong
Kumpulan Akademi Bahasa-bahasa
Kong Writers Circle and the Singapore Writers Group.
dan Budaya-budaya Asia, dan Ketua, Bahagian Bahasa
His short story collection Uncanny Valley is published
dan Budaya Melayu, Institut Pendidikan Kebangsaan,
by Marshall Cavendish. For additional information,
Universiti Teknologi Nanyang, Singapura. Minat
visit mickeylin.com
pengajiannya merangkumi sastera bandingan dan pendidikan sastera, peradaban Melayu, pendidikan berasas pegangan agama dan kesaksamaan pendidikan. Beliau juga menulis puisi dan cerpen dan pernah meraih Hadiah Sastera, yang dianugerahkan
180
F E S T I V A L
Japan Times. He is a frequent media commentator
W R I T E R S
SAB & FRIENDS Singapore
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such as The New Yorker, The New York Times and The
S I N G A P O R E
of Monkey Business. He writes for many publications,
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS S
oleh Majlis Bahasa Melayu Singapura, pada tahun
innovative spirit of cross-cultural explorations, her
2003 (puisi), dan 2005 (cerpen dan puisi).
works speak for themselves and continuously raise the bar. Some notable works include the Chinese folk
Sa’eda Buang is a Senior Lecturer-cum-Assistant
tale Butterfly Lovers (1958) and the Thai mythological
Head, Asian Languages and Cultures Academic Group,
story Manohra (1996). More recently, she is known for
and Head, Malay Language and Culture Division,
People Get Connected (2006) and CHAKRA (2012), the
National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological
first traditional Indian dance production to incorporate
University, Singapore. Her research interests include
sand art, as well as Advaith (2015), a unique explorative
comparative literature and literature education, Malay
work on non-duality. Santha Bhaskar was conferred
civilization, faith-based education and educational
the Cultural Medallion award in 1990, the highest
equity. She writes poetry and short stories. She won
honour accorded to arts practitioners in Singapore.
the Literary Prize, awarded by the Singapore Malay
At this year’s National Day, she was also awarded the
Language Council, in 2003 (poetry), and 2005 (short
Bintang Bakti Masyarakat (Public Service Star) for
story and poetry).
having distinguished herself in the arts.
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SALMA KHALIK Singapore
SAR A BAUME Ireland
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With more than three decades in
PHOTO CREDIT: THOMAS L ANGDON
journalism, Salma Khalik has been in
Sara Baume’s debut novel, Spill
the thick of things, from covering the
Simmer Falter Wither, was longlisted
stock market to general elections. In the 15 years on
for the Guardian First Book Award and shortlisted
the health beat, she has gone into SARS wards, and
for the Costa First Novel Award. In autumn 2015, she
uncovered ‘unhealthy’ practices such as patients being
was a participant in the International Writing Program
given overdoses of chemotherapy drugs. With her
run by the University of Iowa and received a Literary
grasp of the healthcare system, Salma has also helped
Fellowship from the Lannan Foundation in Santa Fe,
to explain the impact of policy changes, supporting
New Mexico. She lives on the south west coast
some and pointing out failings in others.
of Ireland.
SAMUEL CALEB WEE Singapore
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SEE WERN HAO Singapore
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See Wern Hao is pursuing a degree in law and liberal arts at the National
Samuel Caleb Wee thinks very hard
University of Singapore and Yale-NUS
about made up stuff and sometimes gets paid for using big words. Said big words have
College. His works have been featured in Toasted
appeared in publications such as Poskod, Ceriph,
Cheese Literary Journal and We Are A Website. He has
Kitaab, and Esquire. He founded the satirical platform
also contributed to anthologies such as Words: Lost
Cats of Singapore, and is also the co-editor of this
and Found and Rollercoasters & Bedsheets.
is how you walk on the moon, an anthology to be published by Ethos Books in late 2016. He graduated from NTU's English Literature programme in 2016,
SERENE CHEN Singapore
and will begin working on his Masters next year.
Serene Chen is a graduate of the
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National University of Singapore’s
SANTHA BHASK AR Singapore
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Theatre Studies programme. She has worked in radio, television, film and theatre.
Over the years, Santha Bhaskar, Artistic
Serene’s more recent theatre projects include Alfian
Director of Bhaskar’s Arts Academy,
Sa'at's GRC, Francisco Garcia Lorca’s The House
has become synonymous with her
of Bernarda Alba, and Chong Tze Chien’s Charged
unique choreography. With her commitment to the
and Wong Kar Wai Dreams. Serene was named Best
sophistication of traditional Indian dance and her
Supporting Actress in 2005, 2014 and 2016 for 181
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS S
Landmarks: Asian Boys Volume 2, 8 Women and Public Enemy respectively.
SETH LUI Singapore
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SHIVR AM GOPINATH Singapore
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Shivram Gopinath is a writer and spoken word artist whose work has
Seth Lui is the founder and professional
been featured at the Singapore Heritage Festival,
writer at online food travel publication
Singapore Writers Festival, Spore Art Salon, Lit Up
sethlui.com, which sees more than 2
Festival and more. He is a proud member of the PAP
million page views every month. He has managed
(Party Action People), a rolling spoken word troupe,
to garner a sizeable social media following. Seth
and is the 2015 and 2016 Singapore National Poetry
is recognized as one of the top Singapore food
Slam champion.
influencers as nominated by Influence Asia 2015 and has also given talks in various organizations including TEDx and Marketing Asia Conference about content creation and building a social media channel.
ஷ�ோபாசக்தி
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SHOBASAKTHI Sri Lanka - France ஜேசுதாசன் என்ற இயற்பெயர் க�ொண்ட
SEYR A Singapore
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ஷ�ோபாசக்தி 1990ல் இலங்கை உள்நாட்டுப்
‘தாசன்’ மற்றும் ‘பக்கிள்’ என்ற புனைப்பெயர்களையும்
yet assuredly pop-centric, the multi-ethnic sextet
பெற்றார். வ ிடுதலைப் புலிகள ின் நடவடிக்கைகள ின் மீது
is always pushing boundaries, exploring composite
ஏமாற்றம் அடைந்த ஷ�ோபாசக்தி இரண்டு வருடங்களுக்குப்
elements of jazz, funk, reggae and soul in their music.
ப ிறகு அந்த அமைப்பை வ ிட்டு வ ிலக ி தம் இடதுசார ி
Their singles Jauh and Teruskan were nominated for
நண்பர்கள�ோடு சேர்ந்து ப�ோருக்கெத ிராகவும் இலங்கை
Best Singapore Song at Anugerah Planet Muzik in
அரசாங்கமும் வ ிடுதலைப் புலிகள் அமைப்பும் நடத்திய
2013 and 2015. Their latest EP, The City, was inspired
மன ித உர ிமை அத்துமீறல்களுக்கு எத ிராகவும் குரல்
by the pressures of city living.
க�ொடுக்கத் த�ொடங்கினார். கம்யூன ிச புரட்சி அமைப் பில் இருந்த காலத்தில் இவருக்கு இலக்கியத்தோடு பர ிச்சயம்
SHABBIR HUSSAIN MUSTAFA Singapore
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ஏற்பட்டது. ஜேசுதாசன் “தீபன்” என்ற பெயர ில் தம் வாழ்க்கை சம்பவங்களை அடிப்படையாக க�ொண்டு எடுக்கப்பட்ட த ிரைப்படத்திலும் நடித்துள்ளார். இந்த படம்
Shabbir Hussain Mustafa is
2015ல் கான் நகர ில் நடைப்பெற்ற சர்வதேச த ிரைப்பட
Senior Curator at National Gallery
வ ிழாவ ில் பால்ம் ட�ோர் வ ிருது பெற்றது.
Singapore where he thinks and writes about Southeast Asian art.
In the late 1990s Jesuthasan started writing about his personal experiences during the Sri Lankan civil war,
SHAWNA YANG RYAN USA
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using the pseudonym Shobasakthi. He was a member of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 1984, receiving training and taking on the noms de guerre
Shawna Yang Ryan is a former Fulbright
‘Thasan’ and ‘Buckle’. Two years later, he became
scholar and the author of Water Ghosts
disillusioned with the LTTE and left the organisation.
(Penguin Press, 2009) and Green Island (Knopf, 2016).
He started campaigning, along with his leftist friends,
Green Island was a Straits Times bestseller and an
against the war and the atrocities and human rights
Amazon Best Book of February. She teaches in the
abuses committed by the Sri Lankan government
Creative Writing Program at the University of Hawaii
and the LTTE. During his time in the Revolutionary
at Manoa. She is the 2015 recipient of the Elliot Cades
Communist Organisation he was introduced to
Emerging Writer Award. Originally from California, she
literature. Jesuthasan starred in Dheepan, a semi-
now lives in Honolulu. 182
F E S T I V A L
சேர்ந்த ஷ�ோபா சக்தி அவ்வமைப் பில் பய ிற்சி பெற்றதுடன்
indie music. Refined and uncomplicated
W R I T E R S
த�ொடங்கினார். வ ிடுதலைப் புலிகள் அமைப் பில் 1984ல்
blend of dreamy folk pop and alternative
S I N G A P O R E
SEYRA enchants listeners with their
2 0 1 6
ப�ோர ின் ப�ோது தனக்கு ஏற்பட்ட அனுபவங்களை எழுதத்
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS S
autobiographical film which won the Palme d'Or at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival.
SINGAPORE KINDNESS MOVEMENT Singapore
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Kindness is in everyone. The Singapore Kindness
SHUBIGI R AO Singapore
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Movement (SKM) wants to encourage everyone to start, show and share kindness. SKM aspires to
Writer and artist Shubigi Rao’s interests
inspire graciousness one kind act at a time. By sparing
include archaeology, science, natural
a thought for other people, SKM hopes to create a
history, scholarship and exploration,
gracious society, and make life better for everyone.
language, libraries, and historical acts of cultural
SKM is a non-government, non-profit organisation,
genocide. Her immersive and tongue-in-cheek books
as well as a registered charity and Institution of
and installations employ visual puns and wordplay.
Public Character.
Her publications include Pulp: A Short Biography of the Banished Book, Vol. I of V (2016) from her current 10-year project on the history of book destruction;
SITHUR A J PONR A J Singapore
and History’s Malcontents: The Life and Times of S
Sithuraj Ponraj’s Kaatraai Kadanthai
Raoul. Shubigi Rao is also the archivist, biographer and
and Maariligal, won the 2016 Singapore
erstwhile protégé of the late scientist, polymath and scapegoat, S Raoul.
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Literature Prize for Tamil fiction and the Merit prize for Tamil poetry respectively. An
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2017. Conversant in several languages, Sithuraj has translated works in Tamil, French and Spanish to English. At present, he is working on translation a selection of Latin American Spanish poetry to Tamil.
Dean of the National University of
He is also finishing a work in English, The Body in
N O V E M B E R
Simon Chesterman is a Professor and Singapore Faculty of Law. Educated in Melbourne,
4 – 1 3
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English translation of Maariligal will appear in early
SIMON CHESTERMAN Australia – Singapore
two children who are voracious readers. Simon has
Women’s Poetry in Tamil.
Beijing, and Oxford, he has lived and worked for the past decade in Singapore. He and his wife have written and edited 17 books, including One Nation
SITI HAZIR AH MOHAMAD Singapore
Under Surveillance, You, The People, and his first novel,
Siti Hazirah Mohamad memiliki minat
Raising Arcadia.
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yang mendalam terhadap sastera dan budaya Melayu, terutama keindahan dan kekayaan
SIMON TAY Singapore
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bahasa Melayu. Seorang siswazah program Pengajian Melayu di Universiti Nasional Singapura, minatnya
Described by Monocle as ‘Singapore's
terhadap sastera dan isu-isu sekitar masyarakat
answer to Haruki Murakami’, Simon Tay
Melayu telah dikembangkan sejak usia kecil melalui
is a writer and public intellectual whose
seleranya yang tinggi terhadap buku-buku dan filem-
works span literary, academic and public spheres.
filem Melayu. Beliau sangat ingin tahu tentang cara-
His poetry anthology, 5, was highly commended by
cara bagaimana sastera Melayu berkait rapat dengan
the National Book Development Council of Singapore
budaya popular, khususnya melalui terjemahan sastera
(NBDCS) in 1985. His story collection Stand Alone
ke dalam filem.
(1991) was also highly commended by the NBDCS and shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writer’s Prize (both
Siti Hazirah Mohamad has a deep interest in Malay
1992). His first novel, City of Small Blessings (2009)
literature and culture, especially the beauty and
won the Singapore Literature Prize in 2010. Tay was
richness of the Malay language. A graduate of the
a Fellow at the Iowa Writers Workshop and is a NAC
Malay Studies programme at the National University
Young Artist Award recipient.
of Singapore, her passion for literature and issues surrounding the Malay community were developed from a young age through her voracious appetite for 183
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS S
Malay books and films. She is curious about the ways
Soo Wee Seng is a scholar, educator, writer and
in which Malay literature intersects with popular
performer of xiangsheng (crosstalk) in Singapore and
culture, especially through the translation of literature
Malaysia. Soo learnt his craft from Yao Xinguang,
into film.
hailed as the father of Malaysian crosstalk, and the late Ma Ji, one of China’s most celebrated and
SITI KHALIJAH Singapore
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beloved crosstalk masters. Soo’s xiangsheng scripts and performances have won many awards, as they
Siti Khalijah became an actress
incorporate elements of theatre and are steeped in
after she attended The Necessary
the colours and richness of grass-root culture. His
Stage’s Theatre for Youth Ensemble
materials delve deeply into society’s inner conflicts
programme in 2003. Her acting credits include The
and tensions, and employ local colloquialism to make
Necessary Stage's main-season productions, Happy
his audience contemplate their world while leaving
Ever Laughter by Dream Academy, Another Country
them in stitches.
in the same category for her roles in Gemuk Girls by
Stephanie is an illustrator and works
The Necessary Stage; and How Did The Cat Get So
as a designer in Singapore. She has
Fat? and Nadirah by Teater Ekamatra. She received
illustrated 12 books to date, including
the National Arts Council Young Artist Award in
the bestselling The Diary of Amos Lee series. The
2014. Her work has brought her to Malaysia, Indonesia,
series has been published in India, Indonesia, China
India, Australia, America, Scotland and Russia,
and the Slovak Republic. It was also adapted for a
where she performed and participated in forum
10-part TV series on Singapore’s Mediacorp children’s
theatre workshops.
channel, Okto. Beside books, Stephanie also illustrates for various magazines and collaterals. She has been
SONNY LIEW Singapore
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Sonny Liew is a comics artist, painter
involved in projects with Singapore Post, Nespresso, Objectifs, and at the Bookaroo Festivals in India and Kuching. Her website is at steffatwork.com
and illustrator whose works include New York Times bestseller The Shadow Hero with Gene Luen Yang (First Second Books), an
STORY WHISPERERS Singapore
adaptation of Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility (Marvel
Driven by their passion to bring the Asian Civilisations
Comics), and a Doctor Fate series with Paul Levitz
Museum’s collections to life, Story Whisperers is a
(DC Comics). He has received Eisner nominations for
group of docents (Friends of the Museum) who are
his art on Wonderland (Disney Press) and The Shadow
also dedicated storytellers.
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Hero, as well as for spearheading Liquid City (Image Comics), a multi-volume anthology featuring creators from South-east Asia. Born in Malaysia, he lives
SUFYAN SAM’AN Singapore
in Singapore.
Sufyan Sam’an is a freelance director
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and first assistant director, active in the 苏维胜 SOO WEE SENG
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Singapore film scene. He rose through
Singapore
the ranks since young, starting out as a production
活跃于新马两地的相声演员兼创作人，“马来西亚相
assistant on TVC and film sets. He worked closely
声之父”姚新光的徒弟，中国相声大师马季的再传
with renowned Singaporean film director, Royston
弟子。创作与表演多次获奖，也常参与海外相声名
Tan, at Chuan Pictures from 2008 till 2010,
家交流演出。其相声作品具剧场效果又含浓厚草根色彩，善于挖掘社
where he was assistant director and producer of
会深层矛盾，结合本土语言，使观众在笑声中反思。也从事相声研究与
acclaimed works such as the Ah Kong TVC for the
指导工作。
Health Promotion Board and Okto’s much hyped documentary, Old Places.
184
F E S T I V A L
STEPHANIE WONG P49, 87, 194 Singapore
W R I T E R S
2011, for Off Centre in 2016, and has been nominated
S I N G A P O R E
Actress for Model Citizens at the Life! Theatre Awards
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and Hotel by W!ld Rice, among others. She won Best
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS S / T
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SUNNY GHO Indonesia
publications include a poetry collection, Original Poetics (2012), a collection of short stories, Hiccups
Sunny Gho is a professional comic book
in the Family (2013), a children's picture book,
colourist who has worked on several
Sleepless (2013), and a collection of letters, Sidgwick
high profile books from Marvel and DC
Writings (2014).
Comics such as The Ultimates and Civil War 2. Sunny is the co-founder of Popcon Asia and is part of the Glitch Network as the CEO of its publishing
丁云 TAN CHUN AN Singapore
arm KOSMIK.
新加坡自由写作人。1952 年生于马来西亚，现为
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新加坡永久居民，曾任职新传媒编剧，电视剧代表
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SUSAN HARRIS USA
作有《早安老师》、 《乱世黎明》、 《和平的代价》 等。离职后投入写作，创作长短篇小说和散文，作品计有《看山岁月》、
Susan Harris is the editorial
《樱花路》、 《赤道惊蛰》、 《攀绝峰》。 曾于1981年获颁作协/通报
director of Words Without Borders
小说奖冠军，1995 年荣获新加坡金笔奖，2006 年获颁双福长篇小说
(wordswithoutborders.org) and the
优秀奖。刚于今年7月获颁第二届方修文学奖优秀奖。
editor, with Ilya Kaminsky, of The Ecco Anthology of International Poetry (HarperCollins, 2010).
Tan Chun An, who goes by the pen name Ding Yun, was born in Malaysia in 1952. The Singapore
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
TAIYO FUJII Japan
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permanent resident joined Television Corporation of Singapore (TCS), known today as Mediacorp in 1988
Taiyo Fujii was born in Amami Oshima
as a script writer. His accolades include first prize in
Island, between Kyushu and Okinawa.
the short story category awarded by the Malaysian
In 2012 Fujii self-published Gene
Thung Pau Daily News and the Writers’ Association
Mapper serially in a digital format of his own design,
in 1981, the 1995 Singapore Golden Point Award, the
and it became the number one Kindle bestseller of
Shuang Fu merit award for his novel in 2006, and the
the year at amazon.co.jp. The novel was revised and
Fang Xiu Literature Awards Merit Prize in July 2016.
released in print and digital formats as Gene Mapper— full build—by Hayakawa Publishing in 2013. His second novel Orbital Cloud won the Japan SF Award and
TAN TARN HOW P8, 14, 33, 125 Singapore
Seiun Award. His other works include Underground
Tan Tarn How is a playwright, arts
Market and Big-data Connect.
activist and a policy researcher. He has worked as a teacher and
陈志锐
TAN CHEE L AY Singapore
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television scriptwriter.
新加坡教育工作者兼诗人。现任新加坡华文教研中
TAN TWAN ENG Malaysia
心（研究与发展）院长、国立教育学院助理教授。首
Tan Twan Eng was born in Penang,
届新加坡诗歌节联合策划人，新加坡青年艺术家奖和新加坡杰出青年
Malaysia. His debut novel, The Gift
奖得主，出版过 20 部文学创作与学术论著，近期作品包括诗集《原始
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of Rain, was longlisted for the Man
（2013 年）、儿童绘 笔记》 （2012 年）、短篇小说选集《打嗝的亲情》
Booker Prize. His second novel, The Garden of Evening
（2014年）等。 本《睡不着》 （2013 年）、以及书信集《习之微刻书》
Mists, was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize and won the Man Asian Prize and the Walter Scott Prize
Tan Chee Lay is Associate Professor at the National
for Historical Fiction. It was also shortlisted for the
Institute of Education and the Executive Director
IMPAC-Dublin Prize. He is currently working on his
(R&D) of the Singapore Centre for Chinese Language.
third novel. The Garden of Evening Mists is in the
A founding member of the Singapore National Poetry
process of being made into a movie. His novels have
Festival, he received the Young Artist Award and
been translated into more than 20 languages.
Singapore Youth Award, and has published 20 creative writing and scholarly books. His recent creative 185
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS T
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TAN WEI TING Singapore
and surface pattern design. At the age of 24, she showcased her works in exhibitions and fashion
Tan Wei Ting graduated from NTU’s
shows in Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Japan.
School of Art, Design and Media in
To date she has worked with international clients
2014, specialising in digital filmmaking.
such as H&M, Swarovski and Gucci. She blogs at
Her graduation works include Passenger and The
teeteeheehee.blogspot.com, and posts snippets on
Longest-Distance Relationship, which won Best Jury
Instagram under the moniker of teeteeheehee.
Award and Best Documentary respectively at the 6th Singapore Short Films Award. She co-wrote Open Sky and edited My Father After Dinner, which were
THE FINGER PL AYERS Singapore
both selected to premiere at the 26th Singapore
The Finger Players, one of Singapore’s leading theatre
International Film Festival. The latter won Best
companies, is known for their innovative theatre style.
Singapore Short Film at the Silver Screen Awards. In
Focusing on adult and young audiences, they use a
2015 she won Best Screenplay at the ciNE65 short
fusion of puppet theatre and other art disciplines. They
film competition with VOTE.
have staged over 30 multidisciplinary productions
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since 2004. The company has won a total of 17 awards
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at The Straits Times Life! Theatre Awards, including
Design Award from the Design Singapore Council.
sexuality, loss and longing, and art as activism. Her work has been showcased around the Paper Press, 2013), shortlisted for the 2014 Singapore
THE MADHATTER PROJECT Singapore
Literature Prize, and And The Walls Come Crumbling
The MadHatter Project can be easily
world. Her publications include Tender Delirium (Math
P50
recognised through its piano-centred,
Down (Math Paper Press, 2016). She won the 2011 NAC-SPH Golden Point Award for English Poetry.
synthesiser-based sound and its distinctive storytelling
Tania runs EtiquetteSG, a multidisciplinary platform
style. Since its debut in 2014, the band has shown its
founded in 2010 to develop and showcase art, writing,
ability in crafting diverse shows. With four cynically
film and music made by women.
optimistic history and music geeks (and oxymoron enthusiasts) in its ranks, performances are quirky
TASH AW Taipei – Malaysia
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and flamboyant yet introverted and introspective. This has earned plaudits from audiences and
PHOTO CREDIT: ANDREW MILLS
professionals alike, culminating in the winning of the
Tash Aw was born in Taipei to Malaysian
2015 Noise Singapore Award under the mentorship of
parents. He grew up in Kuala Lumpur
Bani Haykal.
and attended university in the UK. His work has been translated into 23 languages and has twice been The Harmony Silk Factory, won the Whitbread First
THE NERDWRITER (EVAN PUSCHAK) USA
Novel Award in 2005.
Evan Puschak is the creator and
longlisted for the Man Booker Prize. His debut novel,
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producer of The Nerdwriter, a popular
TEETEEHEEHEE Singapore
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web series of weekly video essays about art and culture. It was launched in 2011, a year after Evan
Teresa Lim graduated from LASALLE
graduated from Boston University where he studied
College of the Arts with First Class
film production. One of his first videos landed him a
Honours in fashion design and textiles.
job at MSNBC as a writer and web content producer.
Her personal design philosophy is to fuse three of
Almost three years later, the Discovery Channel asked
her interests together: illustrations, embroidery
him to write and host a show called Seeker Daily. After
186
F E S T I V A L
writer who engages with gender and
W R I T E R S
Ensemble (2007 & 2008), as well as a President’s
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Production of the Year (2005, 2012 & 2013) and Best
Tania De Rozario is an artist and
S I N G A P O R E
TANIA DE ROZARIO Singapore
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS T
a successful career at Discovery, he now works full-
and co-founded CAB, an independent publication
time at The Nerdwriter.
company that focuses on graphic diary, travelogue, and children's comics. She currently works as an industrial
EDWIN THUMBOO Singapore
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design lecturer-researcher at ITB, and is active in the Bandung Creative City Forum.
PHOTO CREDIT: FONG CHENG
Edwin Thumboo, Emeritus Professor/ Professorial Fellow, NUS, has held
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visiting professorships at universities in USA, UK,
Toh Hsien Min is a Singaporean poet
Australia, Austria, Hong Kong and Malaysia, including
who has published four collections
Fulbright-Hayes (Pennsylvania State University, 1979-
of poetry, the latest being Dans quel
1980), Ida Beam (University of Iowa, 1986) and George
sens tombent les feuilles (Which way the leaves fall),
A Miller (Centre for Advanced Study, University of
a new and selected bilingual edition published by
Illinois, 1998). He was Chairman of the Association
Les Éditions Caractères in Paris. His work has been
for Commonwealth Literature and Language Studies,
published in international reviews such as the London
VII Triennium (1983-1986). Professor Thumboo has
Review of Books and Poetry Salzburg Review, and has
published five collections of poems, the most recent
been cited in the Oxford Companion to Modern Poetry
being Word-Gate in 2013. Studies of his work include
as “the work of an observant traveller and inventive
Ee Tiang Hong's Responsibility and Commitment: The
formalist, adept at casual rhyme, colloquial phrasing
Poetry of Edwin Thumboo (1997), Peter Nazareth’s
and poignant structural returns”. In 2010 he was
Creating a Nation through Poetry (2007) and Essays on
accorded the Young Artist Award by the National Arts
Edwin Thumboo (Jonathan Webster, editor, 2008) and
Council of Singapore.
Understanding Verbal Art (2015).
TIMOTHY O’GR ADY USA - Poland
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杜南发 TOH L AM HUAT Singapore
P23
新加坡前报人，文化工作者。 《南洋商报》记者出 身，后升任文艺副刊“浮雕”、“文林”主编，历任
PHOTO CREDIT: IRIS RENATA L ARDNER
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
TOH HSIEN MIN Singapore
Timothy O’Grady was born in Chicago and has lived in Ireland, London, Spain
《联合晚报》、 《联合早报》、 《新明日报》等报章 副总编辑、总编辑、统筹总编辑。集作家、诗人、书画鉴赏家于一身，出
and Poland. He is the author of three works of non-
版过诗集、访谈集、书画论集、文化散文集等。八十年代初南大诗乐作
fiction and three novels. His novel Motherland won
者，2012 年南洋校友成就奖得主。
the David Higham award for best first novel in 1989. His novel, I Could Read the Sky, a collaboration with
A veteran journalist, Toh Lam Huat held various senior
photographer Steve Pyke, won the Encore Award
editorial positions in key Chinese papers in Singapore
for best second novel in 1997; it was adapted into a
before he retired in 2014; he was the Supervising
film and also travelled as a stage show. He has also
Editor of Lianhe Wanbao, Shin Min Daily News and
published non-fiction books, most recently, Children of
the Central Integrated Newsroom at Singapore Press
Las Vegas.
Holdings. He is also an author, poet and art critic. He has published several books spanning poetry,
TITA L AR ASATI Indonesia
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Tita Larasati was born and bred in
literature and art criticism. In 2012 he received Nanyang Technological University’s Nanyang Alumni Achievement Award.
Jakarta and studied in Bandung, Eindhoven and Delft. During that time, she started a graphic diary of her daily life. Her work
TOH YONG CHUAN Singapore
was first published in 2006 when her story for the
Toh Yong Chuan joined The Straits
24Hour Comics Day challenge was selected for the
Times in 2011 as a senior correspondent
Highlights. She has been published in Belgium and the Netherlands. She returned to Bandung in 2007
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after spending 18 years in the civil service. The 47-year-old covers the manpower beat 187
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS T / V
and has written stories on his work experience as a
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taxi driver, Uber driver, security guard and eldercare
VICK LOW Singapore
worker. In 2014, he and Carolyn Khew snagged the
Vick Low is a contemporary cellist and
scoop on a former tour guide from China who was
an electronic musician who graduated
accused of siphoning millions of dollars from a wealthy
from LASALLE College of the Arts
but childless Singaporean widow. The saga is still
in 2015. He is a part of Viva String Quartet, which
unfolding after two years.
performed at the Johor Bahru Arts Festival in 2014 and 2015, and was invited to Yangon, Myanmar to be part
TROY CHIN Singapore
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of Yangon Noise Festival in 2014. He currently plays with many upcoming Singapore acts like ZeeAura,
Troy Chin is a Singaporean writer and
LEW and Canvas Conversations, award winner of
artist most known for his ongoing
Noise Mentorship Programme 2015.
autobiographical comic book series The Resident Tourist. His other works include the
VIJAY SESHADRI India – USA
slice-of-life, four-volume comic strip series Loti, the music industry satire Bricks in the Wall, and the browser-based interactive graphic novella Forgetting.
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PHOTO CREDIT: BEOWOLF SHEEHAN
powerhouse poet and 2014 Pulitzer Prize Winner,
Typesettingsg is the brainchild of letterpress print
Vijay Seshadri returns in full force with 3 Sections, his
artist, Sun Yao Yu. It aims to promote and preserve
third—and best—collection. 3 Sections explores time,
traditional letterpress printing, focusing exclusively
fate, and personal identity with Seshadri’s signature
on handset types, the foundation of typography
acerbic wit in a wide array of poetic forms. From the
and graphic design. Through Typesettingsg, Sun
rhyming lyric to the philosophical meditation to the
conducts creative printing workshops using metal
prose essay, his lines are as sculptural as they are
types and wood poster, gives talks on the history of
readable. This is an important, extraordinary book by
the letterpress, and customises personalised typeset
one of America’s best poets.
designs for events. 王耿瑜
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வரதராஜன் அ க ி
VAR ADHAR A JAN AK Singapore
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WANG KEN-YU Taiwan
電影工作者。80 年代做過劇場、廣告、參與《戀戀 風塵》、 《牯嶺街少年殺人事件》的拍攝；90 年代
அத்தலநல்லூர் க ிருஷ்ணன் வரதராஜன் 1944ல் இந்தியாவ ில் ப ிறந்தவர்.
做過林強及《少年安啦》等電影音樂和替 ELLE、VOGUE、好讀專
ப�ொற ிய ியலாளரான அவர் 1982ல் ச ிங்கப்பூர ில்
欄撰文；2000 年後為金馬影展、國際兒童影展及國際紀錄片雙年展
குடியேறி, 1994ல் ச ிங்கப்பூர்க் குடியுர ிமை பெற்றார். பண ி
策展；並策劃小導演大夢想、果實、DOCDOC 等工作坊；曾拍攝《九
ஓய்வு பெற்ற ப ிறகு, தமிழில் மரபுக் கவ ிதைகளையும்
歌》、 《驚蟄》、 《女性》等紀錄片；也監製過《練習曲》、 《他們在島嶼
கதைகளையும் எழுதத் த�ொடங்கினார். அவரது
寫作》等作品。
எழுத்துகள் ச ிங்கப்பூர ிலும் இந்தியாவ ிலும் வ ிருதுகளை வென்றுள்ளன.
Wang Ken-Yu is an established festival organiser and producer as well as an accomplished documentary
Athalanallur Krishnan Varadharajan was born in India
filmmaker. In the 1980s, she worked in theater and
in 1944. An engineer by profession, he moved to
advertising, and was involved in several Taiwan
Singapore in 1982 and became a Singapore citizen in
New Cinema productions, such as Dust in the Wind
1994. After retirement, he started to write traditional
(1986) and A Brighter Summer Day (1991). Over the
Tamil poetry and literary prose. His works in poetry
last decade she has organised many film festivals,
and prose have won awards in Singapore and India.
including the Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival and the Taiwan International Documentary Festival. Wang
188
F E S T I V A L
and critically acclaimed The Long Meadow,
W R I T E R S
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S I N G A P O R E
T YPESETTINGSG Singapore
2 0 1 6
Nearly a decade after the prizewinning
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS W
is the director of Nine Odes (1985), Insect Awaken
facilitator for children and adults showed her that art
(2006) and Her Story (2008), and has produced Island
can be used for healing and growth.
Etude (2007) and The Inspired Island (2011).
WAYNE ONG Singapore
WILLIAM PHUAN Singapore
P40
William Phuan is Managing Director and co-founder of The Select Centre,
Wayne Ong graduated from
a not-for-profit organisation in
Connecticut College with a BA in dance and biochemistry in 2011. While
Singapore that aims to advance the intercultural flow
a student, he trained in contemporary dance with
of knowledge and ideas through translation and other
distinguished faculty members and guest artistes.
forms of intercultural practice. William was formerly
From 2011 to 2012 he worked in Boston as a dancer
the director of The Arts House. He was also the
with Anna Myer and Dancers, and as a ballroom
Programme Director of the New York Asian American
dance instructor with Ballroom In Boston. After
International Film Festival for seven years. William
he returned to Singapore, he danced with Frontier
has close to 20 years of experience working in various
Danceland (2013-2016), where he also served as the
sectors, including journalism, government policy, film
program leader for the M1-Frontier Danceland Pulse
curation, and the non- profit arts sector in both the US
Programme (2014-2016).
and Singapore.
WENA POON Singapore – USA
黄凯德
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P23, 42, 102
of literary fiction. Her stories have
新加坡中青代作家，现任南洋理工大学中文系兼职
N O V E M B E R
Wena Poon has published 13 books
WONG KOI TET Singapore
serialized on BBC Radio 4, extensively anthologized
为报章杂志撰写社会文化观察专栏。2015 年获选为南大中文系驻校
and translated into French, Italian, and Chinese. She
作家。出版过的散文、诗集、小说集计有： 《跳死为止。》、 《修订版》、
4 – 1 3
2 0 1 6
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won the UK’s Willesden Herald Prize for best short
《代志》、 《又暗又光亮》、 《三四行》。
fiction. She has also been nominated for France’s Prix
been produced on the London stage,
讲师。曾任报章记者，后从事电视电影剧本创作，也
Hemingway, Ireland’s Frank O’Connor Award, the
Wong is a Singaporean writer who is a part-time
Singapore Literature Prize, and the UK’s Bridport Prize
lecturer at Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
for Poetry. Her work is studied by British and American
Chinese Studies Department. Formerly a full-time
academics of transnational, postcolonial and Asian
news reporter, he left journalism to write TV dramas
American literature, and is included in the Cambridge
and movie scripts, and now pens columns on social
‘O’ Level Literature syllabus in Singapore. She is a
and cultural observations for newspapers and
lawyer by profession.
magazines. He was selected as NTU Chinese Studies Department’s resident writer in 2015. A multi-faceted
WENG PIXIN Singapore
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writer, Wong has written prose, poems and stories. His published works include Hop to Your Death, Revised
Weng Pixin is an artist and registered
Version, Stuff, As Dark As It Is Bright, and Three or
art therapist from Singapore. After
Four Lines.
graduating with First Class Honours in painting from LASALLE College of the Arts in 2004, she spent the next decade immersed in her practice,
WONG MAYE-E Singapore
running Doinky Doodles!, a shop-&-studio curating
Wong Maye-E joined the Associated
artworks of local artisans and artists, as well as
Press (AP) in 2003 as a freelancer after
creating short-form comics for international comics
P16
graduating from Temasek Polytechnic’s
and illustration magazines. Pixin obtained a Masters
School of Design. She worked for The Straits Times
in Art Therapy after her experience as a workshop
after graduation, and eventually became an AP staff photographer. Based in Singapore, she has covered 189
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS W / X / Y
sports, entertainment, politics and regional breaking
Award in 2009 and the World Chinese Mini-Fiction
news. She documented major events such as the
Biennial Awards in 2014. His 10 publications include
2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil, political protests
The Stretched Credulity (poetry) and The Unbearable
in Thailand and Hong Kong, and the garment factory
Heaviness of Life (micro fiction). He is currently
collapse in Dhaka. She is now AP’s lead photographer
Honorary President of the Singapore Association of
for North Korea.
Writers and Vice-President of the World Chinese MiniFiction Research Association.
WORLD WILDLIFE FUND SINGAPORE Singapore
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World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) is one of the
XIE SHI MIN Singapore
largest environmental organisations in the world,
Xie Shi Min graduated from NTU with
with more than five million supporters worldwide and
a degree in English. She spent a good
drawings. As an adult, she continues to write stories
educate individuals and business organisations on how
on a laptop. It also seems like her many hours spent
a simple action can add up to make a big difference
watching cartoons about the Monkey King and TV
to the environment and safeguard the world’s
serials involving Chinese gods and immortals have
biodiversity. WWF works actively with businesses
paid off, somewhat. Dragonhearted is her first book.
both locally and within the Asia Pacific region. 徐则臣 XU ZECHEN 吴怀晨
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P31, 56
China 中国当代作家，1978 年生于江苏东海，毕业于北京
WU HUAI-CHEN Taiwan
大学，现居北京。著有《耶路撒冷》、 《王城如海》、
台湾诗人、冲浪人、哲学博士。两届台东诗歌节策展
《跑步穿过中关村》等。2010 年参加美国爱荷华
人。现职台北艺术大学副教授，兼任艺术跨域研究
大学国际写作计划（IWP ），曾获鲁迅文学奖、老舍文学奖、庄重文文
所，研究比较哲学、华文文学。曾获台湾哲学学会论文首奖，也多次获
学奖、华语文学传媒大奖年度小说家奖。长篇小说《耶路撒冷》获评选
颁文学奖项。著有论述集两种，散文《浪人之歌》及诗集《浪人吟》。
为《亚洲周刊》2014年度十大小说第一名。文坛称之为“中国70后作 家的光荣”。作品译成英法德意等十余种语言。
Wu Huai-Chen is a Taiwanese poet, surfer, and a Doctor of Philosophy. He has been the curator of
Xu Zechen graduated from Beijing University and is
Taitung Poetry Festival twice. He is now an associate
based in the capital. His numerous accolades include
professor of Taipei National University of the Arts,
the Lu Xun Literary Prize, Lao She Literary Award,
as well as a researcher at the Cross-disciplinary Art
Zhuang Zhongwen Literature Prize, as well as the
Research Centre, with specialisation in comparative
Chinese Literature Media Awards’ Novelist of the
philosophy and Chinese literature. His thesis won
Year Award. His novel Jerusalem topped Asia Weekly
first prize in a competition organised by the Taiwan
Magazine list of Top Ten Novels of 2014. In China, Xu
Philosophical Association. He has published two
is recognised “the pride of post-seventies Chinese
compilations of his papers, as well as a prose
authors”. His works have been translated into more
collection, The Drifter’s Songs, and a collection of his
than 10 languages.
poems, The Drifter Sings.
XI NI ER Singapore
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Chia Hwee Pheng writes under the pen name of Xi Ni Er (希尼尔). He won the NBDCS Book Awards (1990 and 1994) and the Singapore Literature Prize (2008). He received the Cultural Medallion in 2008, the SEA Write 190
YE ZHEN Singapore
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Ye Zhen is a Singaporean comic artist who draws hip-hop characters in local settings for horror, action, thriller and sci-fi genres. He has published nine volumes of comics since 2006 after his education in illustration at college.
F E S T I V A L
campaigns and outreach activities, WWF aims to
W R I T E R S
in old exercise books, complete with wacky pencil
2 0 1 6
portion of her childhood writing stories
office was set up in March 2006. Through awareness
S I N G A P O R E
presence in more than 100 countries. The Singapore
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AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS Y / Z
英培安
YENG PWAY NGON Singapore
P16, 56, 119
P78, 100, 111 YU-MEI BAL ASINGAMCHOW Singapore
广受海内外推崇的新加坡资深作家，多年来载誉无
PHOTO CREDIT: WESLEY LOH KAR-WAI
数：2003 年新加坡文化奖得主，2013 年任南洋理
Yu-Mei Balasingamchow is co-author
工大学首届驻校作家，同年 10月获颁亚细安文学奖，2014年受邀参
of Singapore: A Biography (2009), and the literary
加意大利曼托瓦文学节。在不久前刚宣布的2016 年新加坡文学奖中
collection, In Transit: An Anthology from Singapore on
第四度获奖，乃文学奖创设以来得奖次数最多的华文作家。 已出版作
Airports and Air Travel (2016). Her stories have been
《骚动》、 《我与我自己 品有 26 种，代表作有《一个像我这样的男人》、
shortlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize
的二三事》，以及近期的《画室》、 《戏服》等等。
(2014) and selected for the biennial Epigram Books Collection of Best New Singaporean Short Stories
Yeng Pway Ngon was the recipient of the Cultural
(2013 and 2015). She was an honorary fellow in writing
Medallion for Literature in 2003. In 2013, he became
at the International Writing Program, University of
NTU Chinese department’s first Writer-in-Residence,
Iowa (2015). An independent writer, editor and curator
and won the SEA Write Award. A Man Like Me won
for history, art and culture projects, she has curated
the Singapore Book Awards in 1987/88. Unrest won
exhibitions for the National Museum of Singapore,
the 2004 Singapore Literature Prize. Trivialities About
National Archives of Singapore and Lee Kong Chian
Me and Myself, Art Studio, and The Costume were in
Natural History Museum. She is working on a novel.
Asia Weekly Magazine’s list of top ten Chinese novels
Her website is toomanythoughts.org.
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
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of the year in 2006, 2011 and 2015 respectively. Yeng recently won his fourth Singapore Literature Prize this
P37, 52, 126, 127
year, making him the Singaporean Chinese writer
YUTAK A ITO Japan
with the most number of wins for the prestigious
Yutaka Ito is music producer, sound
literary award.
designer, and writer. After playing with bands and working in theatre
YONG SHU HOONG Singapore
P22, 50, 67, 77, 93
productions, he worked for a music production company for 10 years, composing and producing music, including original CM sounds. In 2012
Yong Shu Hoong is the author of five
he started his own company, Ito Music. He runs
poetry collections, including Frottage
Love Nights with singer Kojima Keitaney-Love
(2005) and The Viewing Party (2013), which won
and photographer Eisuke Asaoka, and as their
the Singapore Literature Prize in 2006 and 2014
representative, he wrote essays for Switch magazine.
respectively. His poems and short stories have been
He also works with ponto, a writer/singer team, and
published in literary journals and anthologies like
with Hinemos, an 11-person toy instrument band.
Language for a New Century (WW Norton, 2008). He is the editor of the short story anthology,
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Passages: Stories of Unspoken Journeys (2013), and
ZAFAR ANJUM Singapore
one of the four co-authors of The Adopted: Stories
Zafar Anjum is a writer, publisher
from Angkor (2015). He was the 2013-2014 NAC-NTU
and filmmaker based in Singapore.
Writer-in-Residence. His poetry chapbook, Right
He has been a journalist and writer
of the Soil, was jointly published by NTU and Ethos
for over 19 years. Recent publications include Kafka
Books (2016). In February and March 2016, he was the
in Ayodhya and Other Short Stories (Kitaab, 2015),
Presidential International Visiting Scholar at Wheelock
Startup Capitals: Discovering the Global Hotspots of
College, Boston.
Innovation (Random House India, 2014), Iqbal: The Life of a Poet, Philosopher and Politician (Vintage Books/ Random House India, 2014), The Resurgence of Satyam (Random House India, 2012), and The Singapore Decalogue: Episodes in the Life of a Foreign Talent (Red Wheelbarrow Books, 2012). He runs Kitaab, 191
AUTHORS AND PRESENTERS Z
a Singapore-based literary startup and
Buku (TWB). Selain menjadi seorang penggiat yang
publishing house.
cergas, pengembara yang bersemangat dan seorang penulis, beliau merupakan pengasas Thukul Cetak.
ZAINAL IHIM Singapore
P8, 41 ZF Zamir is a former teacher. His first book, Sekolah
Zainal adalah seorang pelawak, pelakon
Bukan Penjara, Universiti Bukan Kilang, was published
pentas dan TV, dan seorang deejay.
in 2013. Later that same year, his second book,
Seorang anggota Sriwana, salah satu
Pedagogi Bahasa Tertindas, was published. In 2014
kumpulan budaya Singapura yang paling aktif, Zainal
Masharakat Melawan Mahasiswa was published. A
dikenali kerana kepintaran dan bakat jenakanya
travelogue, Berlari Dari Jogja Untuk Menemukan Si
dan merupakan pelakon utama dalam pementasan
Dia Di Christiana, was published in 2015. He is a
berganda selama dua jam bertajuk Panggung Jenaka
co-founder of Teach for the Needs (TFTN) and The
Sriwana pada tahun 1990.
Wakaf Buku (TWB). Besides, being an active activist, passionate traveller, and a writer, he is founder of
Zainal is a comedian, stage and TV actor, and a deejay.
Thukul Cetak.
A member of Sriwana, one of Singapore's most active talent and was the lead actor in a two-hour double bill
ZHANG RUIHE Singapore
entitled Panggung Jenaka Sriwana (Sriwana's Comedy
Zhang Ruihe works in education and
Stage) in 1990.
has been involved in the Singapore served as Essays Editor for the Quarterly Literary Review Singapore from 2005 to 2009, and received
ZeeAura, also known as Ang Zhi Hui,
the Golden Point Award for English poetry in 2013.
is a Singaporean singer-songwriter
Her work has been published in various journals and
and educator. A LASALLE College of
anthologies both in print and online. She is co-editor of
the Arts graduate in performing arts in music (pop),
In Transit (2016), a multi-genre anthology on airports
ZeeAura was part of Noise Singapore’s The Music
and air travel published by Math Paper Press.
Mentorship 2015 (TMM) programme and teaches music at various schools. She won the Pink Ribbon Songwriting Competition 2013, organized by the Breast Cancer Foundation, with her song You Make Me A Warrior. ZeeAura has performed at many venues, including the Noise Pop-Up Festival 2016, and on the waterfront of the Esplanade in 2015.
ZF ZAMIR Malaysia
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ZF Zamir merupakan seorang mantan guru. Buku pertamanya Sekolah Bukan Penjara, Universiti Bukan Kilang telah diterbitkan pada 2013. Kemudian dalam tahun yang sama, buku ke-duanya Pedagogi Bahasa Tertindas telah diterbitkan. Pada 2014 Masharakat Melawan Mahasiswa telah diterbitkan. Sebuah catatan kembara Berlari Dari Jogja Untuk Menemukan Si Dia Di Christiana telah diterbitkan pada 2015. Beliau merupakan pengasas bersama Teach for the Needs (TFTN) [Mengajar Demi Keperluan] dan The Wakaf 192
F E S T I V A L
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W R I T E R S
literary scene for over a decade. She
ZEEAUR A Singapore
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S I N G A P O R E
cultural groups, Zainal is known for his wit and comic
SWF PROGRAMMES FOR THE DEAF
This year, the Singapore Writers Festival aims to present a more inclusive Festival by introducing sign language interpretation for the Deaf, at selected events. Deaf guests will each receive a complimentary Festival Pass, courtesy of our generous sponsors—the British Council, Chan Heng Chee, Goh Yew Lin and Pierre Lorinet. Festival Passes allow entry into over 140 different events.
PROGR A MMES WITH SIGN L ANGUAGE INTERPRETATION A sign language interpreter will be present at the
For the two ticketed lectures, please note that you will
selected SWF events indicated below. Each event has
need to purchase a separate ticket to attend. Ticket
reserved seating for eight (8) Deaf festival attendees.
prices are indicated below and Festival Pass holders
As venue capacity is limited, and to assist us in our
will be entitled to a 20% discount.
planning, please visit bit.ly/SWFsignlanguage to register attendance for each session. Please submit the necessary details by 24 October 2016.
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FEST PASS
PA N E L
4 – 1 3
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
FOOTBALL NATIONS Featuring
Date and time
Venue
Aleksandar Duric,
5 November,
Asian Civilisations
James M Dorsey,
11:30AM–12:30PM
Museum, Ngee Ann Auditorium
Neil Humphreys
Three panellists discuss if football can divide or unite a nation.
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CL ASSROOM SERIES
FEST PASS
EUROPE'S MIGR ANT CRISIS Featuring
Date and time
Venue
Atia Abawi
5 November,
Asian Civilisations
2:30PM–3:30PM
Museum, Ngee Ann Auditorium
News correspondent and writer Atia Abawi, who has witnessed the tragedies of war up close, shares her thoughts on Europe’s migrant crisis.
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FEST PASS
PA N E L
WEBCOMICS: THE DEATH OF THE NEWSPAPER COMICS? Featuring
Date and time
Venue
Chihoi,
6 November,
The Arts House,
Cheah Sin Ann,
11:30AM–12:30PM
Blue Room
Foo Swee Chin aka FSc This panel explores the evolution of comic strip readership and how newspaper comics can adapt to remain relevant. 193
SWF PROGRAMMES FOR THE DEAF
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FEST PASS
CL ASSROOM SERIES
FUNNY SONNETS WITH PHILIP TERRY Featuring
Date and time
Venue
Philip Terry
6 November,
The Arts House,
4:00PM–5:00PM
Screening Room
Philip Terry re-engages with Shakespeare’s works, injecting sonnets with contemporary culture and humour.
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ADELINE FOO & STEPHANIE WONG PRESENT WEIRD AND WONDERFUL CREATURES Featuring
Date and time
Venue
Adeline Foo,
12 November,
Empress Lawn,
Stephanie Wong
10:00AM–11:00AM
SWF3 Tent
FREE
Explore the jungles of Sarawak and venture into the Australian wilderness from the bestselling Amos Lee
FREE
STORY TELLING
Date and time
Venue
Bhakti Mathur
12 November,
Asian Civilisations
11:30AM–12:15PM
Museum, Shaw Foyer
Indian mythology comes alive in this storytelling session by New Delhi-born author, Bhakti Mathur.
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FEST PASS
CL ASSROOM SERIES
UNR AVELLING THE US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION Featuring
Date and time
Venue
The Nerd Writer
12 November,
The Arts House,
7:00PM–8:00PM
Play Den
The Nerdwriter delves into the US presidential elections—the complexities of the process and the implications of the results on Singapore and the world.
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FEST PASS
PA N E L
CHILDREN BORN IN THE 1980S: EMERGING ADULTHOOD OR EXTENDED ADOLESCENCE? Featuring
Date and time
Venue
Helen Oyeyemi,
13 November,
Asian Civilisations
Pooja Nansi,
11:30AM–12:30PM
Museum, Ngee Ann
The Nerdwriter,
Auditorium
Ann Ang In the age of Snapchat filters, Pokémon Go and Buzzfeed, what does it mean to be approaching adulthood?
194
W R I T E R S
Featuring
F E S T I V A L
A MM A, TELL ME ABOUT HANUM AN AND KRISHNA!
S I N G A P O R E
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travel diaries.
SWF PROGRAMMES FOR THE DEAF
P116 T WO COMIC ICONS: GOSHO AOYA M A CHATS WITH SONNY LIEW Featuring
Date and time
Venue
Gosho Aoyama,
13 November,
The Arts House,
Sonny Liew
2:30PM–3:30PM
Chamber
FEST PASS
Japan's premier manga artist Gosho Aoyama, the genius behind the Detector Conan series, meets Eisner-nominated Sonny Liew of Charlie Chan Hock Chye fame.
FEST PASS
P120 EK A KURNIAWAN, M AN TIGER OF ASIA Featuring
Date and time
Venue
Eka Kurniawan
13 November,
Asian Civilisations
4:00PM–5:00PM
Museum, Ngee Ann Auditorium
Meet Indonesia’s literary star, Eka Kurniawan, hailed as Pramoedya Ananta Toer’s successor.
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CREATING A SOCIET Y OF EMPATHY
2 0 1 6
SWF LECTURE
N O V E M B E R 4 – 1 3
$20
P10,
DISCOUNTED PRICE: $16
Featuring
Date and time
Venue
Jonathan Friesen
12 November,
National Gallery
11:30AM–12:30PM
Singapore, Auditorium
Lecture by Jonathan Friesen, who has Tourette syndrome and epilepsy, about the need for empathy in today’s crisis-riven world.
$25
P10,
SWF LECTURE
98
PRIVACY VERSUS SURVEILL ANCE: WHAT THE PANA M A PAPERS MEAN FOR
DISCOUNTED PRICE: $20
EVERYONE IN THE 21ST CENTURY Featuring
Date and time
Venue
Frederik Obermaier
12 November,
Victoria Theatre
4:00PM–5:00PM Lecture by Frederik Obermaier, one of the two German journalists who broke the news on the Panama Papers. He will discuss global issues like personal privacy; hacking and cybersecurity; public accountability; and transparency in the Internet age.
195
VISITOR INFOR M ATION
T I C K E T I N G D E TA I L S
W H E R E T O E AT A N D D R I N K
Weekend POP-ups at SWF
Festival Pass
$20
Separately ticketed
$10–$300
events Book online at sistic.com.sg or peatix.com (selected SWF3 events). Exchange your Sistic ticket for a Festival Pass during the Festival at the SWF information counters.
Swing by the lawn at The Arts House to grab a quick meal in between events. Snag a book from The Great Wall Of Sayang, and a bite to eat from our amazing POP-up vendors, then chill out at the Sayang seats. POP-up vendors will be present on both Saturdays and Sundays.
S W F I N F O R M AT I O N C O U N T E R H O U R S
At The Arts House, Box Office Date
Time
Friday 4 November
6:00PM–11:00PM
Weekends
9:00AM–10:00PM
Weekdays
6:00PM–10:00PM
Lad & Dad
K.A.T.S ko-lab
1:00PM–7:00PM
1:00PM–7:00PM
At Asian Civilisations Museum, Lobby Date
Time
Weekends
10:00AM–7:00PM
The SWF information counter at ACM is closed on weekdays.
Gentlemen's Coffee Company 9:30AM–2:30PM Other food joints At The Arts House
BOOKSTORE HOURS
Festival Bookstore, The Arts House, Gallery I Date
Time
Weekends
10:00AM–10:00PM
Weekdays
6:00PM–10:00PM
SWF Bookstore, Empress Lawn, SWF Tent 3
3
• O Parl Café (Present your Festival Pass for
15% off your total bill)
At Asian Civilisations Museum • Privé • EMPRESS
Date
Time
4 November
6:00PM–10:00PM
At National Gallery
Weekends
10:00AM–7:00PM
• Aura Restaurant
7-8 November
Closed
• Aura Sky Lounge
9–11 November
6:00PM–10:00PM
• National Kitchen by Violet Oon • Odette • Padang Café • Saha Signature Indian Restaurant & Bar • Smoke & Mirrors • Yàn
198
VISITOR INFOR M ATION
GET TING THERE
SWF VENUES
By Train
The Arts House (TAH)
The nearest MRT stations are
1 Old Parliament Lane Singapore 179429
• City Hall (Exit B, 5–8 minute walk)
• Chamber
• Raffles Place (Exit H, 10 minute walk)
• Play Den • Blue Room
By Car
•
Living Room
Public parking is available near the festival grounds
•
Screening Room
at Parliament House, National Gallery Singapore,
• Gallery II
The Adelphi, The Fullerton Hotel and Esplanade
• POP Stage
Theatres on the Bay.
• Entrance • Gallery I
By Bus The festival grounds are also accessible by the
Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM)
following bus services:
1 Empress Place Singapore 179555
• Victoria Concert Hall (bus stop 02011):
• Ngee Ann Auditorium
• Discovery Room
75, 100, 107, 130, 131, 167
• Opposite the Treasury (bus stop 04249):
•
51, 61, 63, 80, 124, 145, 166, 174, 174E
• River Room
• Facing The Arts House (bus stop 02181):
• Shaw Foyer
• Lobby
195, 961
Demonstration Room
National Gallery Singapore 1 Saint Andrew’s Road Singapore 178957 • Auditorium • Keppel Centre for Arts Education Empress Lawn • SWF3 Tent Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall (VTVCH) 9 Empress Place Singapore 179556 •
Victoria Theatre
School of the Arts (SOTA) 1 Zubir Said Drive Singapore 227968 •
Studio Theatre
Esplanade – Theatre on the Bay 1 Esplanade Drive Singapore 038981 •
Recital Studio
Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) 5 Campbell Lane Singapore 209924 • Activity Room
199
FESTIVAL M AP
SWF TEAM AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS S I N G A P O R E W R I T E R S F E S T I VA L 2 016 S T E E R I N G C O M M I T T E E
Chairman: Philip Jeyaretnam Members: Barrie Sherwood, Chitra Sankaran, Clarissa Oon, Danny Yeo, Fong Hoe Fang, Gene Tan, Jeffrey Low, Kelley Cheng, Lee Chor Lin, Phan Ming Yen, Sa’eda Buang, Tan Chee Lay, Troy Chin, Valerie Cheng, Woo Mun Ngan, Zhang Wenjie PROGR A MME CONTRIBUTORS
AJ Low, Berita Harian, Checkpoint Theatre, Denise Tan, Eric Tinsay Valles, Esplanade Co Ltd, Haque Centre of Acting and Creativity, Koh Tai Ann, LASALLE College of the Arts, Lianhe Zaobao, National Book Development Council Singapore, National Poetry Festival, NTU Division of Chinese, NUS Department of Malay Studies, Oniatta Effendi, Organisation of Illustrators Council, Sing Lit Station, Singapore Kindness Movement, Singapore Polytechnic, The Select Centre, The Straits Times, The Writers Centre Singapore, TrendLit, World Wildlife Fund Singapore, Yong Shu Hoong, Yu-Mei Balasingamchow, 無界限講堂 UnThinkTank P R O G R A M M E C O N S U LTA N T S
Azhar Ibrahim, Lim Cheng Tju, Michael Ng F R I E N D S O F T H E F E S T I VA L
Chan Heng Chee, Goh Yew Lin, Pierre Lorinet
SWF TEA M Festival Director
Manager, Programmes;
Assistant Manager, Family
Yeow Kai Chai
Partnerships & Commissions;
Programmes; Words Go Round
Words Go Round
Letitia Tan
Tan Puay Shian
Senior Manager, Marketing &
Assistant Manager,
Sponsorship; Family Programmes Averyl Rodrigues
Manager, Marketing &
Venues & Operations
Sponsorship; Partnerships
Christine Leong
Senior Manager, Programmes;
& Commissions
Partnerships & Commissions
Joan Tan
Assistant Manager, Programmes Caroline Wan
Daniel Mezzanotte Manager, Venues & Manager, Programmes;
Operations, Volunteers
Assistant Manager,
Partnerships & Commissions
Amanda Yee
Marketing & Social Media Annabel Lee
Muhamed Leoaidil Assistant Manager, Logistics, Administration
Assistant Manager, Volunteers
Sarah Adam
Nurulhuda Izyan Mohamad Hafiz 203
SPONSORS AND PARTNERS
Organised by
Supported by
Sponsors
U.S. Embassy
Key Venue and
Venue and
Programme Partner
Programme Partners
Festival Bookstore
SWF3 Bookstore
Official Airline
Official Media
Supporters
Official Lifestyle Magazine
