Returning for its fourth edition this March, #BuySingLit is a movement that’s all about supporting and celebrating homegrown writers, publishers and book shops. Since its establishment in 2017, it’s also shown that there are many ways to embrace local literature in addition to buying it. Here are eight events and experiences happening this month (most of which are free!) that will broaden your horizons.
The decommissioned Pasir Panjang Power Station is the perfect setting for two nights of spoken word performances featuring Li-Chuan Chong, Deborah Emmanuel, Alecia Neo and Cake Theatrical Productions, with the latter performing their work Glorious, Monstrous, Hantu Tales from Singapore. It’ll be an electrifying adventure into the unknown—with sustenance for the journey provided by VeganBurg and Popbar. General admission is free while tickets for Glorious, Monstrous, Hantu Tales from Singapore are available for $15. Register here. Mar 6 & 7, 5pm–9:30pm
Yong Siak Street Party: 2 Lit 2 Miss
Who doesn’t love a good block party? Fittingly, this #BuySingLit one will revolve around BooksActually in the historic ’hood of Tiong Bahru. Expect book launches, performances, discussions and much more. Admission is free. Mar 7, 10am–6:30pm; Mar 8, 11am–5:30pm
If you’re a master procrastinator who can never seem to find the time to finally start making your way through your reading list, this programme is for you. Visit participating cafes to pick up free SingLit mini-books—bite-sized samples of titles like Indelible City by Chew Yi Wei and ‘Others’ Is Not A Race by Melissa De Silva. From Mar 6 (while stocks last)
Tusitala Interactive: Somewhere Else, Another You by Tania De Rozario
Remember those classic Choose Your Own Adventure gamebooks from back in the day? Now you can relive that part of your offline childhood with an age-appropriate twist of an existential crisis. Get started by clicking here. Until Mar 31
Floral Trails: Reading the Garden City
Presented by floral studio INA.SHEA and Arts in Your Neighbourhood, this treat for the senses taking place at Bukit Panjang Public Library will immerse you in works of Singaporean literature that touch on the country’s identity as a city in a garden. Admission is free. Mar 12–29, 11am–9pm
A three-act stage production by Method Productions taking place at the Haque Centre of Acting & Creativity, Spectacle examines life’s defining moments, from divorce to disease and death. The works that inspired the production were all written by Singaporean women authors. Tickets are available for $15. Register here. Mar 12,13 & 15, 8pm–9:30pm; Mar 14, 3pm–4:30pm & 8pm–9:30pm
City Hall: If Walls Could Talk in Verse
Once upon a time, National Gallery Singapore (or half of it, anyway) was Singapore’s City Hall, the site of many of the country’s most significant moments. During this workshop and poetry tour, you’ll revisit this history through fact and fiction, and get the opportunity to write your own ode to the landmark. The tour is free (walk-in slots are available) while tickets for the workshop are available for $10. Register here. Mar 7, 3pm–3:50pm (workshop) & 4pm–5:30pm (tour)
This programme for the young ones by 3Pumpkins brings SingLit to void decks and playgrounds, with pop-up libraries, experiential workshops and activities like drawing and building. Books available include Little Cloud, A Stray, The Robot in My Playground and The Watchtower. General admission is free while tickets to the workshops are available for $10. Mar 21, 22, 28 & 29, 3pm–4:30pm & 5:30pm–7pm (workshops); Mar 18–20 & 25–27, 4pm–9pm (library)
For more information, head to the #BuySingLit website.
