Layl Ash-Shayr Open Mic 6 (2025)

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 sixth open mic of 2025, we’re excited to have Hafiz Rashid and Faisal Mohyuddin. We will also open up the stage for 5 open-mic slots for emerging voices in the SG Muslim literary and arts 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

In-person Only
Day/Date: Sunday, 27th July 2025
Time: 8.15pm - 9.35pm
Venue: Wardah Books, Reading Loft (Level 2)

Ticketed event, registration is compulsory.
General Ticket: $5
LAS Supporter Ticket: $10
Purchase tickets here: tinyurl.com/LASJULY25

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. 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.
6. ⁠Your poems can be previously published, living rent-free in your head, or written mere minutes prior!

About the Speakers

Hafiz Rashid is a seasoned museum docent and storyteller passionate about Nusantara history, culture, folklore, languages, and especially textiles—which he often wears during tours and performances. He’s performed at Storyfest, Singapore HeritageFest, and regularly at libraries and museums.

Faisal Mohyuddin is the author of Elsewhere: An Elegy, The Displaced Children of Displaced Children, and The Riddle of Longing. He teaches English in Chicago and creative writing at Northwestern University, and is currently a visiting writer with the Asia Creative Writing Programme.