19th S’pore Writers Festival opens in the midst of thriving literary scene

SINGAPORE — The literary scene is seeing more buzz these days, and the Government has been “very encouraged by a positive trend of attendance at literary events”, said Senior Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, Sim Ann. This is especially so with the entrance of new players such as Sing Lit Station and the National Poetry Festival, which are contributing to a thriving scene, she added.

Sim was speaking at the opening ceremony of the annual Singapore Writers Festival on Friday evening (Nov 4). This year’s festival, which is now into its 19th edition, has the theme ‘Sayang’.

“Literature in its various forms and genres contribute to the stories of nations,” she pointed out, adding that the Singapore Writers Festival has made available plenty of opportunities to fans of the written word to meet the creative geniuses behind their favourite books. It has helped “to place Singapore on the literary world map”, she said.

“The theme ‘Sayang’ would resonate with many, as the word in Malay conveys both love and loss, which are universal emotions and experiences that have inspired many remarkable and lasting literary works.”

Festival director Yeow Kai Chai, who is curating the festival for the second time, said the theme ‘Sayang’ is an apt one, given the current global climate of unrest and suspicion.

“It’s important now more than ever to give voice to different perspectives. To learn more about the issues that move and shake our world. To bridge distances, whether between languages, art forms, mediums, stories or most importantly — people,” he said.

Hence, the festival aims to explore impactful and current issues this year, such as on the European migrant crisis in Europe, the landscape of terrorism post-911, and the preservation of heritage and tradition, he added.

The festival will also feature new art forms, with a look at how graphic novelists, illustrators and cartoonists combine words and images to weave tales and ignite imaginations. It will also offer more inclusive programming, with sign language interpretation and hearing impaired guests receiving complimentary Festival Passes to these programmes.

Other notable events include new commissions such as theatrical productions An Actress Prepares, featuring Siti Khalijah, and Between The Lines: Rant and Rave II, directed by Chong Tze Chien from The Finger Players, on the evolution and development of Singapore’s literary scene.

“Singapore literature, or Singlit, is seeing a revival in recent years with more authors winning awards, securing publishing deals, and growing new audiences here and beyond our shores,” said Yeow.

“Looking at the programmes we have lined up for audiences this year, I can safely say that it will be really “sayang” if you miss this year’s Singapore Writers

Festival,” he added.

Singapore Writers Festival runs from Nov 4 to 13 at the Civic District. For more information, visit www.singaporewritersfestival.com/nacswf/nacswf.html