It’s A Wrap! Writings from The Heart
On 10- 11 July, I had the opportunity to film Writings from The Heart. Writings from The Heart first began as a workshop by Tony Perez, an internationally renowned Filipino playwright and artist. Following the workshop, between June 2014 to March 2015, he then provided dramaturgical mentorship to the eight playwrights where these scripts were developed. Prior the the public readings of these plays, there was a closed door reading in May that gave the opportunity for the playwrights to hear their works and subsequently edit them. It was undoubtedly an enjoyable experience attending the premiere of these new plays. After sitting in the rehearsal for My Mother Buys Condoms earlier that week, I was curious to see the rest.
These were not your usual “polished” looking plays. There was no complicated lighting design, no elaborate set, no intricate costume- it was pared down to the essentials. After all, the focus of the weekend was providing a platform for playwrights to receive audience feedback as a means to improve and make progress in their scripts.
Writings from The Heart was a platform for the writers to experiment with no holds barred on their writing. Tony Perez’s workshops were highly unconventional- covering chakra points to meditation. With such atypical avenues to approach writing, there was still an emphasis placed in creating honest dialogues and characters. This, I felt, made the plays more accessible for the audience, even if they could not relate to what was being presented onstage. I also found that each play showcased their personal voice and allowed them to rationalise their experiences and thoughts on a larger scale through writing.
For our audience members and playwrights that attended Writings from The Heart over the weekend, they felt that this was an important platform to showcase the playwrights, their works and develop the arts and social scene in Singapore.
Our audience shared,
“It fulfils its role of unearthing budding writers where some of the voices hope to be heard but do not know how to.”
Liow De Jun, playwright, 10 July
“Through developing a pool of emerging playwrights, it is a very important platform for developing Singapore’s art scene. We can have more local plays to celebrate with!”
Michelle Kee, 10 July
“This allows certain hopes that are out of bounds in Singapore’s mainstream media to be explored.”
Cheong Poh Kwan, 11 July
“It gives a safe non-judgemental space for budding playwrights to explore, fail, and explore again. Kudos to the playwrights for stepping up and stepping out.”
Dawn Lau, 11 July
“It provides a platform- that is the most essential thing. The presentation (in the form of a read), the promotion of new work- all help!”
Hemang Yadav, 11 July
Across the two days, the diversity of the plays presented issues ranging from the personal to the public- the expectation of women in the family and work, the dynamics of intergenerational relationships, the stigma faced by foreign and domestic workers- just to name a few. The plays were not merely an expression of the playwright’s personal voice but contained underlying messages resonating with immediate society. Through Writings from The Heart, it allowed for these distinct individuals to share their perspective of how they perceived their community.
Our audience members also had a chance to reflect on how the plays resonated with them and in the context of larger Singaporean society.
Our audience shared,
“My Father Wears Bras touches on the topic of cross dressing acceptance in Singapore which are questions/ themes I have been pondering about.”
Ayaka Ajiki, 10 July
“The themes of stereotypes and social expectations was relatable.”
Siu Tong Wong, 10 July
“I liked how Helmi’s play showed an attempt to normalise the transcommunity.”
Khai Khalid, 10 July
“I thought the theme of stereotypes, sexuality is something that can really invoke some meaningful, diverse interpretation and emotions. I see that as an entry point to read a person’s principles and belief he has. Seeing those come together in a safe space creates content and something to use.”
Liow De Jun, playwright, 10 July
“Current issues in Singapore were brought out in the plays.”
Faizal Masjudi, 10 July
“I liked the idea of exploring societal expectations and materialism in a Singaporean context.”
Kamil Ghazali, 11 July
“The plays had a strong local flavour that is usually not so present.”
Alex Huang, 11 July
“Interesting vignettes and perspectives that are a commentary on society.”
Arula, 11 July
Concluding the experience at Writings from The Heart, it was an engaging two days that presented experiences, perspectives and issues which opened up avenues for discussion and engagement between the writers, the audience and the community we live in.
Stay tuned for more updates from the Writing & Community Blog, with the Post Show Discussions coming your way!
