The work of Singaporean writers is gaining attention the world over, and whether you’re a long-time supporter of local lit or someone’s who’s looking to dive into it for the first time, Textures 2020 is the perfect opportunity to be a part of the community. The third edition of Textures, taking place at The Arts House, has the theme “These Storied Walls”; inspired by the stories of the people who have passed through the venue’s halls and corridors over its nearly two centuries of history. Co-commissioned by The Arts House and #BuySingLit, with the support of the National Arts Council, this year’s festival will take place from Mar 13 to 22. Here’s how you can get involved.
Revisit Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Produced, directed and spoken by Marc Nair, with choreography by Sudhee Liao, music by Mantravine and costume design by Audrey Ng, Handbook of Daily Movement is a performance that combines words and movement, using contemporary language to reinterpret Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs for the turbulent era we live in. Mar 13 & 14, $15
Delve into sprits, superstition and the supernatural
Presented by master storyteller Kamini Ramachandran and interdisciplinary sound artist FERRY, O/Aural Waves – Spirited Words uses the work of Catherine Lim and Verena Tay to explore religion, culture and spirituality through the ages. O/Aural Waves comprises an exhibition (Mar 13–22) and performances. Mar 13, 14, 15, 20 & 21, $10 (performances)
See anger unleashed
The second play in the Goddesses of Words series, Angry Indian Women draws inspiration from the work of Singaporean poets Deborah Emmanuel and Pooja Nansi. Written and directed by Grace Kalaiselvi, the play looks at identity categorisation – from racial, cultural, physical, intellectual, financial and sexual perspectives – and the suppression of anger in the context of Indian women and girls (despite the fact that many Indian goddesses are angry). Mar 15, $15
Discover Singaporean Chinese literature
A programme by Chinese literary collective 所谓诗社 Matter.Less, re:VERSE 4.0: Poetry/Displacement adapts local literary works using theatrical elements. This edition, the fourth to date, builds upon iconic playwright Kuo Pao Kun’s idea of Singaporeans being “Cultural Orphans” – people with “a sense of loss and alienation, and a kind of anxiety in the search of self”. The performance will be in English and Mandarin with some surtitles. Mar 13 & 14, $10
Get spooked
Presented by Tusitala, Sorta Scary Singapore Stories is a 360-degree experience where visitors don VR headsets to witness terrifying tales brought to life by illustrations and audiobook clips. Stories by Catherine Lim, Clara Chow, Daryl Qilin Yam and Suffian Hakim will feature. Mar 13–15, free
For more information, and to book your tickets, head to The Arts House’s website. Be sure to follow these hashtags on social media: #TEXTuresSG #TEXTures2020 #TheseStoriedWalls and #BuySingLit.
