Not to be outdone by previous editions, the Singapore Writers Festival will be back this Nov 1-10 to present a multitude of literary highlights. Following the confirmation of its return, the festival has since revealed its full line-up of events, which includes the appearance of American writer and author of The New York Times bestseller Bad Feminist, Roxane Gay.
Singapore Writers Festival 2019 has also named Canada as this year’s country of focus, a nation that holds many similarities to Singapore, with its multiculturalism and linguistic diversity. And in the spirit of celebrating writers, SWF 2019 will honour the late Eurasian Singaporean author, Rex Shelley, as the Literary Pioneer for 2019.
Here are some of the highlights to check out at SWF 2019.
A Bigger Party than Expected
An entire showcase inspired by Rex Shelley’s novel about life and love, The Shrimp People, A Bigger Party than Expected will see the marriage of Bertha and Heng, which transforms The Arts House into a massive Eurasian wedding celebration. Wander around the house to find performances and interactive installations including Watch My Damn Mouth by Irfan Kasban and Ruby Jayaseelan, which are all unique takes on Shelley’s words. And if that’s not enough to convince, Eurasian food and drinks will be served, along with a large Sugee cake for all to enjoy. Nov 1
A Tiny Room with Marlon James
Here’s your chance to get up-close and personal with 2015 Man Booker Prize winner Marlon James. Grab a cocktail before settling in for an intimate reading that will be followed by a Q&A session with the author of four outstanding novels at literary-inspired cocktail bar, The Old Man. Nov 2
Memetics 101: The Study of Memes
This may be a SWF Youth Fringe event, but that doesn’t mean it’s exclusive to youths. Go ahead and join in the discussion about memes, which entails everything from how we communicate through these humourous texts/images, to why we do it. We’re expecting this to be a fun one. Nov 3
The Sun is Also a Star
Based on the YA novel of the same name, The Sun is Also a Star will be showing at the National Gallery Singapore on Saturday, which also comes with a meet-the-author session. In this book and film, Natasha Kingsley is a quantum physics student who meets a charming med student, Daniel Bae; but problems ensue when Kingsley’s family faces deportation. If you’ve missed catching the movie in theatres, here’s your chance to watch it again. And don’t forget to come with questions for the author, Nicola Yoon. Nov 9
Understanding Identity Through Pop Culture
One of the biggest names in the literary world today will be arriving on our shores to deliver two exciting programmes this SWF 2019. Apart from hosting an intimate reading and Q&A session at The Old Man, Roxane Gay will also be giving a lecture about pop culture and how it leads us in navigating our identities in a very complex social and cultural environment. Nov 10
Singapore Writers Festival will be held from Nov 1-10, at the Civic District. Find tickets here and more information here.
