Casual Learning

Attending the theatre play "Psychobitch" was a profound experience, standing out among my numerous theatrical engagements. The story goes something like this: Challenged by her tech CEO fiancé, who accuses her of being excessively emotional, Anya finds herself compelled to confront the four instances she has publicly shed tears since the beginning of their relationship. To salvage their connection, Anya crafts a presentation that not only addresses her emotional responses (and details her menstrual cycle). 

I particularly enjoyed the monologue format that created a compelling narrative space for the exploration of intricate themes surrounding the challenges faced by working women in Singapore. The play interweaves elements of conservatism, racism, and the complexities of faith, all set against the backdrop of gender power dynamics. It presented a nuanced critique of patriarchal norms throughout the process of Anya justifying her emotional outbreaks. Perhaps, this taps into the collective sentiment of 'Female Rage' that is brought to life through her struggles as a woman to fuel such emotional responses but is deemed 'too emotional' by others. 

The element of family was particularly strong too. The portrayal of unconditional love within Anya's family served as a powerful counterpoint, highlighting love as an unwavering source of support that transcends the need for constant validation. It acknowledged the imperfections family love can be at times while rejecting abusive behaviour, but family will always be the place you call home. "Psychobitch" not only challenged societal norms but also prompted a deep reflection on the authenticity of connections and the true essence of love—a sentiment encapsulated by Chong's metaphor that love is a "full stop" rather than a question mark.  I truly enjoyed this play, especially with the rare post-show talk we had that allowed us to delve deeper into the writing process behind this play, and the message they wanted to convey!  

Embarking on this guided tour as a Malaysian, I thought I had a solid understanding of our nation's multicultural fabric, especially when it came to the interplay between the Malay and Indian communities. Little did I know that this experience would become a captivating journey through time, infusing historical facts that brought the streets of Kampung Glam to life.

I discovered that each street bore witness to a distinct origin story, ranging from the diverse communities coexisting harmoniously to the evolution of these streets from the seaport back then into the thriving business and tourism hub we see today. I got to engage in conversations during the tour and I learnt about the myriad Indian gods, and their significance, which added a layer of richness to my understanding. Then we passed by Haji Lane, a seemingly unassuming alley with a profound history – once a sacred pilgrimage route for Malays. During the guided tour, we were told a captivating historical anecdote of a mosque's construction that showcased the unity and collective spirit of the villagers. It all began with an individual's earnest desire to involve every member of the community in building the mosque. He passionately urged villagers to contribute in any way they could, be it through monetary donations or alternative forms of support. They opted to donate bottles, specifically, bottle caps and these were incorporated into the mosque's design that still remain an integral part of the mosque's architecture, encapsulating the essence of communal collaboration and underscoring the enduring bond forged by the community. I truly enjoyed this walk and learnt loads! 

Joining the walking tour of the Civic District in Singapore on April 11, 2023, was an incredibly enriching experience for me. Guided by a passionate heritage and architecture specialist, I embarked on a journey through Singapore's history, diving deep into its colonial legacy, decolonization, and post-independence policies. 

We kicked off the tour at the foot of Raffles' statue, standing as a tribute to his role in the founding of Singapore. The ensuing debate about Sir Stamford Raffles and Singapore Colonial Legacy was intense, with diverse perspectives and passionate arguments flying around. Thereafter, walking alongside the picturesque Singapore River, our group encountered another statue of him, just steps away from the first one. This piqued our curiosity. Why was a second statute necessary? Little did we know that the answer would unveil a tapestry of political, economic, and social intricacies within the context of British administration in Malaya. We also uncovered the concept of a glass ceiling, power dynamics, and racial segregation within the colonial context, further broadening my understanding of the historical forces at play during that time. 

Throughout the tour, we visited significant landmarks such as the Old Parliament House, the former Supreme Court, and the current Supreme Court. Each stop illuminated a different aspect of Singapore's journey towards independence. I learnt that it wasn't until 1959 that Singapore established its first legislative assembly, resembling the House of Commons, enabling debates on bills and paving the way for a more independent political landscape. Furthermore, the importance of live simultaneous translation in parliamentary hearings struck me as a testament to Singapore's commitment to inclusivity and effective governance.

Perhaps the most thought-provoking part of the tour was our contemplation of the celebration of colonial legacies and their influence on our perception of beauty. We pondered whether our architectural preferences and ideals of beauty were shaped by the colonial era. It raised important questions about the relevance of honoring and commemorating colonial legacies in the present day.

Taking part in this walking tour allowed me to connect with Singapore's past in a tangible way. Especially as an international student, it has deepened my appreciation for the country's complex history and the efforts made to forge an independent identity. It also reminded me of the ongoing dialogue surrounding historical narratives and their impact on our society today.