Layl Ash-Shayr 14

About the Programme

Layl Ash-Shayr, which loosely translates from Arabic to “Poetry Night”, is an open-mic and spoken word event for Muslim writers in Singapore to share their work and engage with fellow creatives.

For our 14th session in 2024, we’re excited to have Fairoz Ahmad and Nessa Anwar. We will also open up the stage for 5 open-mic slots for emerging voices in the SG Muslim literary scene to perform, gain experience and network with other fellow writers. Ultimately, we hope to build a network of Muslim writers who can support one another in their literary journeys.

Event Details

Day/Date: Monday, 11 November 2024
Time: 8.15pm - 9.45pm
Venue: Wardah Books, Reading Loft (Level 2)

Ticketed event, registration is compulsory.
General Ticket: $10
LAS Supporter Ticket: $15
Purchase tickets here: http://tinyurl.com/laylash-shayr14

About the Open-Mic

We are welcoming Muslim poets of any experience level, whether you’ve attended classes, published poems or have never let your poetry leave your notebook/smart phone, we want you!Here are some guidelines for you to follow:

1. You will have 5 mins to perform any number of pieces.
2. There is no set theme. Pick any topic for your piece!
3. That said, please ensure religious sensitivity and tactfulness when addressing sensitive topics, and generally avoid using crude language in your poems. We may request poems to be swapped or partially edited to ensure they are suitable for our audience.
4. Your poems can take any shape and form - be experimental about it! Just let us know in advance should you need tech/equipment support.
5. Non-English poems or poems with snippets of other languages can be performed, but we do request you provide an English translation (whether read aloud or shared on screen/through a link!).
6. Your poems can be previously published, living rent-free in your head or written mere minutes prior!

About the Speakers

Fairoz Ahmad works at the intersection of strategy and social impact. His latest novel, Neverness was published by Ethos Books in Sept 2024. It recounts the dying days of the once major village of Engku Aman in Geylang Serai in late 70s, and explores the issues of loss and trauma amongst Malay teenagers during a period of rapid social and cultural change. His previous work, a collection of short stories called Interpreter of Winds, was also published by Ethos Books in 2019. The book is a reflection of his experiences and observations growing up Muslim in a world too busy, too distracted, to understand one another. Fairoz graduated from the University of Oxford with a Masters in Public Policy.

Click here for Fairoz's books.

Nessa Anwar has written, acted, produced and directed for theatre, TV and video. A finance journalist by day, Nessa is the co-founder of theatre collectives Main Tulis Group and Rupa co.lab, and has staged two full-length plays on Singaporean Malay subcultures. She’s currently working on her third and fourth plays.