Synopsis:

The performance was first thought of more than a year ago with this question: In this fragmented world, artists ask ourselves what do we do when we see atrocities, dispossession, mass killing and genocide.

When contemplating how to respond to the Genocide, Heng Leun and Rizman invited six writers - A Yagnya, Haresh Sharma, Nabilah Said, Neo Hai Bin, Oon Shu An, and Zulfadli Rashid - to write short lectures on Genocide, hence the title.

The performance premiered in Nepal at the International People’s Theatre Festival in March 2025. The performances in January with be the first time the show will be presented in Singapore.

“So memorise this night of hurt by heart.  You may well be the narrator, the narrative, and the narrated.  Do not forget this narrow winding road that carries you, and that you carry, toward the boisterous unknown, that will cast doubts upon you and your people.”

Darwish, Mahmoud

IN THE PRESENCE OF ABSENCE

This poem reminds one that the most immediate act that an artist can do is to remember, as an act of resistance, such that narratives that are lies are countered and challenged.

In this little island of Singapore, any conversation about Gaza is always conducted with so much caution. Warnings from the government that instead of calling out the injustice, we should focus on humanitarian efforts.

This work focuses on this disquiet, deafening and alienating silence on Genocide in Singapore, and maybe even in many parts of the world still.