WHAT YOU SAY MATTERS: Interactive Drama

On 17 July 2018, the Ministry of Education (MOE) joined hands with Temasek Polytechnic (TP) to organise an interactive theatre set in efforts to raise awareness about various social issues and explore the diversity in Singapore.

A wide range of social issues such as race, religion, sexuality and body image can be touched on in these interactive drama sessions, however, the focus of this particular session was discrimination and racism. It began with a short skit depicting a possible situation in our society’s current state. Participants were to watch the scene unfold twice; in one they simply observed and in the other they were given the chance to alter the narrative to achieve a more peaceful conclusion to the skit. This prompted them to reflect on what can and should be done to avoid conflict in situations that they themselves could unexpectedly be found in. After which, a meaningful dialogue unpacking the issues covered in the drama ensued.

“We thought it would be important for us to set up a safe space such that the students feel comfortable sharing certain things with their peers with the knowledge that there are educators surrounding them. Hopefully, by talking about these things, they would gather ideas as well as explore ways of moving forward from the issues they face and from the problems that they have in life.” expressed Cheryl Lim, 32, an educational officer at the Character and Citizenship Education Branch (CCE).

In today’s society, topics relating to social cohesion and race relations are often dodged in conversations in order to avoid conflict and controversy. The hour-long dialogue session provided students with a safe space to voice out their opinions and thoughts on discrimination and racism in Singapore.

Opportunities to share personal stories were presented and students were given complete freedom to speak about the struggles they face. Here, students could be unapologetically honest and reveal a part of themselves that is raw and real while allowing others room to understand their struggle on a deeper level. Their stories were shared bravely and without censorship, bringing to surface real problems in Singapore’s society as well as helping those around them gain a deeper understanding of these issues. Topics that most people are afraid to talk about were being brought to light from several different perspectives, giving weight to the reality of many important social issues we try so hard to ignore.

Farid Abdul Hamid, a consultant in diversity education in Singapore and Australia, facilitated the dialogue session with the students. He said: “We’re not perfect and no society is perfect, but at least we are acknowledging the areas that we need to work on; I think that’s a big step, rather than sweeping it all under the carpet. It means a lot that we are talking about it and it means a lot that as a society, we are mature enough to want to talk about it. It gives me hope that through this, Singapore can grow from strength to strength.”

The lack of conversation on these issues result in ignorance. Through this thought-provoking interactive drama set, participants gain valuable insights with regards to many social issues and begin to cultivate a higher sense of empathy and sensitivity for those around them. It opens doors for needed discussion on problems in our society that we, as Singaporeans, should be mindful of.

Most TP students are open to the idea of this activity and see its significance, but there are some who still feel discomfort and prefer other approaches. How Jia Jing, a junior studying Law and Management, said: “I think this platform is good as it provides a safe space for people to voice out their opinions… I definitely think it’s a good experience, but I prefer more personal conversations.”

Farid admits that this unique approach at raising awareness on societal issues is one that could be uncomfortable for some and one that takes time to get used to. However, he believes that it is an approach that is empowering and one that encourages support: “It allows the participants to decide what is important to them. Their personal stories give people a deeper understanding of the issue. It’s not just a theory, it’s not just PowerPoint (slides), but there’s somebody here in flesh and blood, crying and saying, ‘I’m going through this’. I think as humans, that affects us deeply.”

Celeste Wu

StopPress Journalist