The Singapore Writers Festival is in its 21st year and with a theme for this day and age: 界 (jiè); about worlds and the possibilities that lie within. This past weekend saw programmes like David Sedaris and Irvine Welsh helming workshops and readings and we're just getting started until the festival comes to an end on the 11th November. From books to theatre works, here are some of our picks from the rest of SWF.
The House That Jack Built
Directed by Lars Von Tier, the movie is about Jack (played by Matt Dillon), a serial killer as he recounts his greatest hits. It's bound to be controversial but it's an insightful study into the mindset of a compelling villain.
TIMING
5, 6, 9 November
VENUE
Guards at the Taj (An excerpt performance)
Premiered for a 14 November opening, the dark comedy, Guards at the Taj will have a taste in an excerpt performed by Ghafir Akbar and Jay Saighal. A QnA with the actors and the director, Jo Kukathas, will follow after the preview. This event is free.
TIMING
6 Nov, Tuesday 3pm
VENUE
The Arts House (TAH), SWF POP Stage
Excuse Me, Are You a Singaporean Novel?
Moderated by Dave Chua, the panellists featuring Daryl Qilin Yam, Sebastian Sim and Meira Chand, will discuss the characteristics of the "Singaporean novel"—Is it a book written by a Singaporean? This is a ticketed event.
TIMING
7 Nov, Wednesday evening
VENUE
The Arts House (TAH), Chamber
Do Judge a Book by its Cover
When it comes to covers, there's an art into creating an outside that is respectful of the story within and yet be able to entice potential readers to pick it up. Featuring designers like Jacintha Yap, Vikas Kailankaje and Sarah and Schooling, the panellists talk about their process in creating a kickass cover.
TIMING
9 Nov, Friday 8:30pm
VENUE
The Arts House (TAH), Blue Room
How to Adapt a Story into a Comic
TIMING
11 Nov, Sunday 11am
VENUE
National Gallery Singapore, Rooftop Studio 3
There is no doubt that books are gateways ("The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."—Saint Augustine) and the Singapore Writers Festival is one of many precipices into other places.
The Singapore Writers Festival runs until the 11 November. Passes are priced at SGD25 and all other ticketed programmes and further information are available on the website.
