1
Distance and Disinterestedness
A masterclass in poetry by ko ko thett
How do you write history in a language that has no past tense? How do you write poetry in a world drowning in self-aggrandisement and selfies?
Poetry is often read for immediacy and poignancy. But, in their own distinct ways, a number of modern poets from Thom Gunn and Wisalawa Szymborska to contemporary L=A=N=G=U=A=G=E and conceptual poets have strived to distance themselves from getting embroiled in the emotional trappings of the self and lyric poetry.
The notion of “disinterestedness” is part and parcel to the practice of Buddhism and, consequently, of haiku poetry. In this masterclass we will focus on Gunn and Szymborska to explore poetic disinterestedness in all its modes: distance or detachment, justice, nonpartisanship, fairness, and you name it. We will also brainstorm possible means of addressing trauma and injustice, including injustice to Gaia, without being carried away.
We will endeavour to make copies of Bamboophobia available for sale at the venue. Tickets to the masterclass are transferable (via Peatix) and non-refundable. Do write to Sing Lit Station via contact@singlitstation.com if you are in need of a financial scholarship to the programme or if you require any unique accessibility accommodations at our venue.
2
Floating Visions
A reading with PR&TA contributors ko ko thett, Mohamed Shaker, Sharmini Aphrodite and Tse Hao Guang
Sing Lit Station is thrilled to host a gathering of Practice, Research and Tangential Activities (PR&TA) contributors, moderated by founding editor Ann Ang.
Aside from ko ko thett, the reading will also feature Sharmini Aphrodite, who writes about Malaysia at the crossroads of the Cold War, the Space Race and the communist insurgency; Mohamed Shaker, who goes into deep temporality by imagining a Singapore at sea and underwater, before land reclamation; and Tse Hao Guang, who explores the strange regional migration of a French Creole melody that became Malaysia's national anthem.
All of these writers refuse the monologic of the nation and exclusivist notions of identity, while revealing the region to be connected more deeply than we expect.
Tickets to the reading are transferable (via Peatix) and come with a $5 refundable deposit, which can also be converted into a donation to Sing Lit Station. Walk-ins are also welcome. Do write to Sing Lit Station via contact@singlitstation.com if you require any unique accessibility accommodations at our venue.
VENUE: Sing Lit Station
ADDRESS: 22 Dickson Road, #02-01, Singapore 209506
EVENT WEBSITE: Peatix (for tickets)
DATE AND TIME
3 Dec 2022, 2pm-5pm, $50 / $35
3 Dec 2022, 5.30pm-6.30pm, $5 (refundable deposit)