Book Launch & Panel

Drama Box and the Social Theatre of Singapore: Cultural Intervention and Artistic Autonomy 1990-2006

Date
9 March 2024

Time
4 - 530pm GMT+8
Live on Drama Box Facebook and YouTube.

Panel Speakers
Ng How Wee (UK)
Bernice Chan (HK)
Sim Yan Ying (US/SG)

Moderated by Kok Heng Leun

Published thirteen years ago in Chinese, Drama Box and the Social Theatre of Singapore: Cultural Intervention and Artistic Autonomy 1990-2006 by Ng How Wee received critical acclaim for its “comprehensive insight” into cultural policies and “excellent analysis” of the Drama Box’s theatre practice which “amplifies the voices of marginalised communities.” The book has been updated, edited and translated into English for a wider readership.

To commemorate its publication, we have invited speakers working in theatre, education and academia to gather virtually for a panel discussion titled “Theatre and Crisis”. At a time of rising costs, what does it take to practise theatre? In a world increasingly driven by social media, mobile devices, and artificial intelligence, how does one engage with the voices of disenfranchised communities in theatre? How does climate change challenge or inform the process of artmaking? As arts and culture now feature prominently in state agendas for strengthening hegemony, patriotism and soft power, how can theatre practitioners problematise state narratives whilst striking a balance between maintaining artistic autonomy and achieving sustainability?