The 27th Singapore Writers Festival returns this November with over 200 programmes, including the family-friendly SWF Playground for literary activities and interactive sessions.
Venue: Various locations
Date: 8 to 17 Nov 2024
Time: Various timings
Fee: Free & Paid
Singapore Writers Festival 2024: In Our Nature
Arts House Limited (AHL) proudly presents the 27th edition of Singapore Writers Festival (SWF), which returns this year from 8 to 17 November 2024. SWF 2024 marks the first edition of the Festival helmed by new Festival Director, Yong Shu Hoong. Anchored on the theme In Our Nature, SWF 2024 invites us to reflect on what is truly in our nature — as humans, as writers and readers, as global citizens — navigating the world we live in today.
This year’s festival offers over 200 innovative and thought-provoking programs for all ages, featuring more than 300 speakers from around the world.
Here's taking a closer look at what you and your family can look forward to:
Eco-Poetry: Mapping Out Our Relationship with Nature
Fee: Free Admission
In addressing our complex relationship with our environment, ecopoetry can sing praises of the natural beauty of the world we live in. More importantly, it also addresses pertinent issues – from deforestation and pollution to overconsumption – that can threaten the survival of the human race. Poets from different cultures come together here to share contemplative writing depicting our harmony/disharmony with nature.
Planet in Focus: Strategies for Environmental Sustainability
Fee: Festival Pass
In this conversation, academics tackle the critical topic of environmental sustainability, offering insightful guidance on how Singapore and the world at large can take meaningful steps to address pressing environmental challenges. Through their expertise and analysis, they shed light on practical solutions that inspire action towards a more sustainable future.
Literary Pioneer Series
A World of Words: Exploring Dan Ying’s Poetry
Fee: Free Admission
Singapore's Chinese literary scene boasts many notable poets, and Lew Poo Chan, better known by her pen name Dan Ying, stands out prominently among her peers. Born in Perak, Malaysia, in 1943, Dan Ying’s poetic journey began during her school years. She first pursued a degree at National Taiwan University in Taipei and later obtained Masters in the United States, where she also taught. While staying abroad, Dan Ying continued her active literary pursuits and settled in Singapore with her family in 1974. Spanning the 1960s through 1990s, Dan Ying's poetry showcases a rich variety of styles, drawing inspirations from personal experiences as well as classical literature from the East and West. Her work has garnered international acclaim and numerous awards, including the Singapore Cultural Medallion in 1996. This bilingual touring exhibition honours Dan Ying's contributions, offering a unique glimpse into her world of words and celebrating her influence on the literary landscape.
Encountering Dan Ying’s World Through Music
Fee: Free Admission
Singapore Writers Festival honours esteemed poet Dan Ying's contributions to literature as this year’s Literary Pioneer. Encounter Dan Ying's works through a live performance of inspired musical compositions offering melodious interpretations of the themes and moods found in her poetry.
Panel Discussions
Beyond Multiculturalism: Being Intercultural in Singapore
Fee: Festival Pass
This panel and performance session brings together four talented intercultural individuals who are expert Singaporean practitioners of art forms outside their ethnic cultural space – a Chinese calligrapher who is Malay; a tabla percussionist who is Chinese; a xinyao composer-singer who is Indian; and a Javanese dance and gamelan performer who is Chinese. Through a dialogue with them, we interrogate what it means to be truly intercultural in multicultural Singapore. Following the conversation, the panellists will each present a brief demonstration of their respective art forms.
Scared Silly: Exploring Southeast Asian Horror
Fee: Festival Pass
Ghost stories and monstrous creatures inspired by Southeast Asian mythology are said to be some of the most terrifying ones to behold. Step into the world of bloodcurdling storytelling as these writers take you on a journey of their horror tales.
Time After Time: Navigating Singapore’s Ageing Landscape
Fee: Festival Pass
Dive into a lively discussion about the unique challenges and golden opportunities presented by Singapore’s rapidly ageing population. As we navigate these big demographic shifts, let’s uncover the impacts and dream up creative solutions to build a resilient, thriving community together!
Tech Talks: Exploring AI’s Impact on Literary Arts
Fee: Festival Pass
Join the conversation and learn about how AI is revolutionising the literary scene. Gain insights into the intersection of technology and literature, and explore the potential implications for writers, readers and the broader literary community. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with the forefront of AI-powered literature and its impact on the future of storytelling.
One World, Many Faces: Embracing All Identities
Fee: Festival Pass
Step into a world of inspiration and resilience with our authors and advocates who will share their knowledge, experiences and strategies for fostering an inclusive environment across various races, genders, abilities and age groups. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the challenges faced and the best practices that can be implemented to create a more inclusive society.
From Sandworms to Sophons: Ecocriticism Takes on Pop Culture
Fee: Festival Pass
Films like Dune and TV series like Netflix’s 3 Body Problem don’t address the climate crisis and sixth mass extinction – or do they? Some ecocritical writers posit that all art is ecological: that it reveals society’s dysfunctional relationship to the ecologies around us (Amitav Ghosh) and helps us attune to relational modes of thinking and awareness (Timothy Morton). Listen to these speakers and learn how we can read 2024’s popular blockbuster films and Netflix shows ecocritically... and perhaps, how we can read and change our own lives too.
Womanhood and Gender Roles in Fiction
Fee: Festival Pass
What are the joys and pitfalls of female authors writing female characters? Let this panel of distinguished authors share their thoughts on the portrayal of women in their stories and how they avoid stereotypes. They will also discuss how societal pressures and gender roles, including motherhood, can help shape the grit and vulnerabilities of their female protagonists – in comparison to their own lived experiences.
The Family Way
Fee: Festival Pass
What is more “in our nature” than the DNA that makes us who we are – the continuum of the biological line that we embody, passed from parent to child over generations? In this panel discussion, three Singapore-based authors share how they have written their families into their books. They will also touch on how, as human beings, we strive to survive and flourish no matter the hardships – be it war, poverty or discrimination.
Stories of Nurture: Perspectives on Special Needs and Child Development
Fee: Free Admission
Whether it is medical, educational or emotional, the challenges that people with special needs face growing up cannot be understated. How does writing on special needs raise awareness about the challenges such individuals face, and how can societies be more inclusive of them? In this conversation among speakers who take on different nurturer roles – from mother and paediatrician to special needs educator – learn about the complex experiences behind child development and education for individuals with special needs.
This programme is in Tamil.
She Draws the Line: Women Revolutionising the Comic World
Fee: Festival Pass
Get ready to dive into the vibrant world of comics with some of the fiercest female creators in the industry! In a space long dominated by men, these youthful women are not just breaking the mould – they’re redefining it. Our panellists will share their stories and offer fresh takes on smashing through the barriers in graphic novels. Aspiring artists and fans of the craft alike will find this conversation as dynamic and colourful as the comics themselves!
Makeup or Made up: The Look of Beauty
Fee: Festival Pass
In a world of ever-changing beauty standards, what defines beauty? It’s time we reflect on our navigation of human nature to comply with social beauty standards and how we can pursue “natural beauty”. The panel discusses how beauty is reflected in artistic work, daily life and social media. See how the specialised work of a writer, an educator and a model help shape their views about beauty and their interactions with aesthetics.
Literary Skylines: Narratives of Urbanisation
Fee: Festival Pass
Embark on an eye-opening panel discussion as we uncover the stories woven into our changing cities. The panellists here will explore the environmental challenges and questions about sustainability stemming from rapid urbanisation through the lens of literature.
Land x People
Fee: Festival Pass
All over the world, climate disaster disproportionately impacts indigenous communities and marginalised groups. How then do we tell stories of hope, ones that imagine a better future where the people and the land exist together in harmony and not destruction?
Ink and Equality: The Role of Female Empowerment in Modern Literature
Fee: Festival Pass
Join us for an engaging in-conversation session exploring the impact of feminism in literature. You’ll get to understand how feminist perspectives have shaped and continue to influence literary narratives, character development and thematic elements across various genres.
Heritage in the Invisible: The Essential Role of Intangible Heritage in Cultural Preservation
Fee: Festival Pass
Join us for a captivating panel discussion that explores the diverse perspectives and experiences each of our panellists bring to the cultural heritage landscape. We'll delve into the importance of preserving and maintaining cultural identities, upholding cultural norms and fostering socio-cultural cohesion.
Country Focus
Beyond the Couch: Redefining the Role of Therapists
Fee: Festival Pass
This insightful conversation touches on the changing landscape of mental health treatment, as we explore the evolving presumptions regarding therapists and their role in fostering wellness. From overcoming stigma to embracing innovation, our panellists will dwell upon the shift in perception of therapy in today’s dynamic world. This programme is part of Country Focus: Korea and is made possible with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea.
Escape from Shelter
Venue: Asian Civilisations Museum, River Room
Date: 9 Nov 2024
Time: 10.00am, 1.00pm, 4.00pm
Fee: Single Ticket ($10)
In the middle of a raging war, you and your fellow villagers have sought refuge in a decrepit shrine – a momentary respite from the encroaching chaos outside. The ghosts residing in the shrine are now trying to communicate with you. What are these cryptic messages they’ve left behind, and why are they trying to help you escape? ‘Escape from Shelter’ is a locked room escape game based on the tabletop roleplaying game book Shrine by Curious Chimeras – adapted from Genesis of Legend’s Palanquin and based on Chinese xianxia fiction, mythology, religion and history. Play this immersive game in teams of maximum five players each, and solve the hidden puzzles to escape before time runs out!
Advisory:
- Individual or group sign-ups are welcome. However, please note that groups may have to split up depending on attendance and the organisers reserve the right to finalise group arrangements.
- Latecomers will not be admitted 10 minutes after the start of the session.
Age restriction: This programme is only for ages 12 years and above.
Performances
Singaporean Shenanigans
Venue: The Arts House, Annex Building
Date: 10 & 15 Nov 2024
Time: 7.00pm
Fee: Free Admission
Let this vibrant mix of stand-up comedy and poetry readings take you through the heart of Singaporean culture, where our speakers dish out universal quirks of human nature. 'Singaporean Shenanigans' offers an exploration of what it truly means to be human, all set against the vibrant backdrop of the Lion City.
Dear Home
Venue: The Arts House, Play Den
Date: 8 & 9 Nov 2024
Time: 8.00pm
Fee: Single Ticket ($10)
In this interactive musical showcase by Sushma Soma (with Isuru Wijesoma), she reflects on her relationship with "Home" in terms of both its natural and social environments, as well as her choices in ensuring sustainability. Using music, spoken word and soundscapes from our everyday lives, Sushma weaves together her wonderment and love for her Home, yet there is also a sense of disappointment and rage arising from her complicity in the destruction and discrimination around her. The performance will feature songs from different Indian languages, while the narration and dialogue will be in English.
Evolution Anthems
Fee: Free Admission
Immerse yourself in our natural selection of live performances as we present this eclectic line-up of talented musicians. The diverse artists, spanning genres from pop and R&B to indie rock and soul, show how they've built upon the musical influences of past generations to carve out their own unique sounds and styles.
Jewels of Pantun
Fee: Single Ticket ($10)
In this performance, original pantun written by Shahril Samri, Kelana Pantun Temasek and Khaziah Yem will be transformed into songs and syair by traditional Malay musicians. Besides being known for their beauty, jewels also have an adamantine quality, just like the pantun. In ‘Pantun Delima’, the musicians will explore both poetry that has stood the test of time and newer poems inspired by the classics. This programme is conducted in Malay.
Your Heart of Darkness
Fee: Single Ticket ($10)
Embark on an inner journey of your true nature while you get a chance to “peep over the edge”. Based on an original script devised from personal accounts, this theatrical production features persons with past experiences of incarceration who were trained in Changi Prison’s Theatre Art programme. It is inspired by prompts from novelist Joseph Conrad’s famous novella, Heart of Darkness, which explores the essence of human nature vis-à-vis the theme of civilisation versus savagery, and how the level of civilisation is related to a physical and moral environment. This work is developed by Goal Aspiration, established in 2022 by Rosezeli Omar and Sharol Salleh when they were residing at Jamiyah Halfway House (Darul Islah). Goal Aspiration helps ex-offenders in their recovery process through various means including involvement in theatre.
Workshops
Tamil Modern Poetry Workshop by Ilango Krishnan
Fee: Single Ticket ($10)
How do you artfully string images and emotions into words? How do you write impactful poetry that connects to readers? Learn the nuances of contemporary poetry writing in Tamil in this workshop by renowned poet Ilango Krishnan. This programme is in Tamil and is co-presented with Kavimaalai Singapore.
Memory Bank: A Workshop on Life Writing
Venue: The Arts House, Living Room
Date: 10 Nov 2024
Time: 10.00am
Fee: Single Ticket ($10)
Looking to exploit your treasure trove of memories and life experiences for inspiration? Here’s a fiction workshop tailored for those who have lived through different decades but never had the chance to search deep within themselves for personal story ideas. Using artefacts – like a weathered postcard or a treasured photo – that the participants are encouraged to bring to this workshop, they can learn more about the basics of short-story writing, including how characters and settings can be drawn from familiar faces and places.
Zero Waste: Making Books and Poems from Scrap
Venue: RJ Paper
Date: 9 Nov 2024
Time: 9.00am
Fee: Single Ticket ($10)
Master the art of the fold in this workshop on bookmaking and found poetry. Participants will transform their ideas into tangible creations, crafting small books from scratch, and learning about the history, forms and processes of found poetry. Re-imagine new purposes for and infuse artistic intent into “waste” materials, while gaining insights into the local publishing, bookmaking and printing landscapes. Participants will also enjoy an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of RJ Paper, gaining unique insights into their processes for storing and distributing eco-friendly paper across the local and regional markets.
Transport is provided from The Arts House.
Inkscapes of the Malay World: Unveiling Environmental Perceptions
Venue: RJ Paper
Date: 9 Nov 2024
Time: 9.00am
Fee: Single Ticket ($10)
Black is typically the most common colour found in Malay manuscripts. Before inks became a commodity for sale in art stores, writers had to make their own black inks from materials, such as soot from oil lamps and burnt plant matter, sourced from their environment. This programme invites participants to get back to the basics of black, and to try their hand at replicating a historical black ink recipe based on the team’s research into the significance of natural colours in the history of maritime Southeast Asia. Participants will also enjoy an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of RJ Paper, gaining unique insights into their processes for storing and distributing eco-friendly paper across the local and regional markets.
Transport is provided from The Arts House.
SWF Playground
SWF Playground is back with fun and exciting programmes for the little ones to be exposed to reading and writing, all while having fun with the family. From storytelling sessions to hands-on crafting workshops and meet-and-greets with iconic storybook characters, here are some programmes you don’t want to miss out on this SWF:
Grandpa Yeh’s Teochew Png Kueh Soiree
Venue: The Arts House, Living Room
Date: 10 Nov 2024
Time: 10.00am
Fee: Single Ticket ($10)
It’s human nature to preserve our identity, culture and memories. One of the most tangible ways to do that is through food. In this storytelling session, we share the story of Teochew pioneer Grandpa Yeh who comes to Singapore at the turn of the 20th century and finds happiness and success through hard work and a little traditional snack called png kueh or rice cake. Hear the story of Grandpa Yeh told by author Eva Wong Nava, eat a little png kueh, learn some Teochew words and enjoy a pop quiz!
Advisory:
- The programme is recommended for ages 5 to 10.
- Children aged 7 and below must be accompanied by one participating adult.
-
Each child attending the event must have a ticket.
Plastics: What Happens Next?
Venue: Asian Civilisations Museum, Discovery Room
Date: 17 Nov 2024
Time: 10.00am
Fee: Single Ticket ($10)
It is no newsflash that plastic has harmed the environment, with almost 900
million kg of plastic discarded every year in Singapore alone. Do you know
what happens after plastic is disposed into the recycling bin? Join Plastify to
learn more about the recycling process and make your own recycled plastic
product!
Advisory:
- The programme is recommended for ages 7 and above.
- Children aged 7 and below must be accompanied by one participating adult.
- Each person attending the event must have a ticket.
Discover A Thousand Wonders with Geronimo and Thea Stilton
Venue: Victoria Theatre
Date: 16 Nov 2024
Time: 10.00am
Fee: Single Ticket ($10)
Attention, all fans... Geronimo and Thea Stilton are heading from Topazia to Singapore for a special visit! Join Geronimo as he shares tales from his book A Thousand Wonders, where he explores Italy’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. Don’t miss this chance to see the sights with your favourite fabumouse!
After the storytelling, the first 200 ticketholders to queue up will be able to meet-and-greet with both Geronimo and Thea for an autograph and photo!
Advisory:
- This programme is recommended for ages 6 and above.
-
Children aged 7 and below must be accompanied by one participating adult.
Live Drawing Battles with Briony Stewart and Quek Hong Shin
Venue: The Arts House, Blue Room
Date: 10 Nov 2024
Time: 11.00am
Fee: Single Ticket ($10)
Be impressed by children's book writers and illustrators, Briony Stewart and Quek Hong Shin, as they pick up their magic pens to draw your support to their respective teams. After choosing your team, get ready to draw and take part in a guessing game against your opponents.
Advisory:
- This programme is recommended for ages 8 to 12.
- Children aged 7 and below must be accompanied by one participating adult.
- Each child attending the event must have a ticket.
An Adventure with Brocolily
Venue: The Arts House, Play Den
Date: 17 Nov 2024
Time: 10.30am
Fee: Single Ticket ($10)
Pack your bags and off we go on an adventure with Brocolily! You'll be able to master nursery rhymes and meet some animals along the way. Get ready to sing, move and have a whale of a time with us.
Advisory:
- The programme is recommended for ages 5 to 8.
- Each child must be accompanied by a parent.
- Children with autism are welcome to participate with their parents.
The Giving Tree
Venue: The Arts House, Blue Room
Date: 16 Nov 2024
Time: 10.00am
Fee: Single Ticket ($10)
Join backtogroundzero as they lead a socio-emotional workshop on gratitude, with a green twist! Read the story of The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein and participate in a lively hot-seating session. You'll get the opportunity to take on the role of the Tree and the Boy in the story, and discuss how we can demonstrate thanks and gratitude to people and the environment. You will also take home your very own hand-made gratitude trees!
Advisory:
- This programme is recommended for ages 7 to 10.
- Children aged 7 and below must be accompanied by one participating adult.
- Each child requires a ticket.
Youth Fringe
Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me: A Swiftie’s Guide to Confessional Poetry
Fee: Festival Pass
From swoon-worthy love songs to powerful anthems, Taylor Swift’s music has become the soundtrack of a generation, capturing the highs and lows of life. Her lyrics reveal a unique ability to turn raw emotions into powerful art. But how does one begin to open up and write from a place of deep vulnerability? Join us for a deep dive into Taylor Swift's most iconic lyrics as these panellists explore how the personal becomes universal. They’ll also take you inside their own writing processes, discussing how they draw inspiration from their lives to turn moments of heartbreak, joy and self-discovery into meaningful narratives. This programme is commissioned by SWF and curated by Sing Lit Station.
Rubrics for Success: How Singapore’s Education System Shapes Our Future
Fee: Festival Pass
School is where we navigate growing pains and build lifelong friendships, but it’s also where we face extreme stress and pressure. With our future often hinging on the grades we receive and the schools we end up in, is there really a one-size-fits-all approach to success in our competitive world? Join these panellists as they discuss how their works shed light on Singapore’s education system, and offer fresh perspectives on creating a more inclusive and thoughtful approach to learning and success. This programme is commissioned by SWF and curated by Sing Lit Station.
Island Trail Series
Island Trail: Pulau Hantu
Fee: Single Ticket ($10)
Appreciate Pulau Hantu's natural beauty and cultural significance through the lens of literature. You'll get to explore the island's marine life during an intertidal walk, and hear stories of Singapore's rich biodiversity and how the island got its ominous name. This programme is conducted in Mandarin.
Island Trail: Pulau Ubin
Fee: Single Ticket ($10)
Appreciate Pulau Ubin’s natural beauty and cultural significance through the lens of literature. You'll get to learn more about the hidden narratives around the island, visit the kampung and disused quarry, and marvel at the teeming wildlife that includes kingfishers and bulbul birds. This programme is conducted in Mandarin.
Festival Closing Debate: This House believes that life in plastic is fantastic
Photo Credits: Singapore Writers Festival / Facebook
Venue: Victoria Theatre
Date: 17 Nov 2024
Time: 6.30pm
Fee: Single Ticket ($10)
Plastic fills our lives, physical bodies and landfills. Can we live without plastic and what are the contradictions between fake and real? Hear from the teams – "The Plastics" and "The Authenticators" – as they show you what is truly fantastic.
SWF In Conjunction
In addition, SWF 2024 is expanding its community outreach through the SWF In Conjunction Festival Track, which consolidates other events happening in November 2024 that coincides with SWF through partnerships with other arts and cultural organisations, educational institutions, as well as publishing stakeholders and community venues. Through SWF In Conjunction, the Festival hopes to progressively bring more programmes beyond the usual venues in the central area of Singapore by activating more spaces and neighbourhoods in the heartlands.
Ticketing Details
Festival Pass @ $30 | Youth Pass @ $15
- Access to all SWF programmes excluding Single Ticketed Programmes. The Youth Pass allows access to all Festival Pass programmes with the exception of content advisories. A valid student card will be required for on-site verification.
- Full schedule details of all Festival Pass programmes will be released at a later date.
Single Ticket Programmes: From $10 - $30
- Selected programmes to be ticketed separately (not accessible with Festival Pass).
- Tickets for selected Single Ticketed programmes are available for purchase on SWF’s website from 3 September 2024.
- Ticket sales for remaining Single Ticketed programmes will be released at a later date to be announced on SWF website and social media platforms.
Early Bird: 20% off Festival Pass, Youth Pass & Selected Single Ticketed Programmes
- Valid from now – 28 October 2024
Concessions: 20% off to local/international students, NSFs & seniors aged 55 and above
- This offer applies to purchases of Festival Pass and Single Ticketed Programmes from 15 October 2024.
- ID will be required for on-site verification.
Festival Pass Holders & Youth Pass holders: 20% off Single Ticketed Programmes
- Valid from now – 17 November 2024
Festival Passes, Youth Passes and tickets to Single Ticketed Programmes can be purchased here.
All tickets, including Festival Passes will be issued digitally for SWF 2024. Entry to all Festival Pass programmes will be on a first-come-first-served basis, and Festivalgoers are encouraged to be early for events to secure a seat.
Please note that this list is not comprehensive, and more programmes and details will be announced on the SWF website in the coming weeks. For the latest programme updates, please refer to the SWF website and/or follow SWF on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Telegram.
