Singapore Writers Festival 2024: Moderators make and break pop culture panels
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(From left) Moderator Czaana Saxena and poets Tan Lixin, Laili Abdeen and Theophilus Kwek talk about the authenticity of confessional poetry and Taylor Swift's lyrics.
PHOTO: ARTS HOUSE LIMITED
SINGAPORE – The Singapore Writers Festival (SWF) closed on Nov 17 with examples of how moderators can make or break panels.
The day started strong with Who’s Afraid Of Little Old Me: A Swiftie’s Guide To Confessional Poetry in The Arts House Chamber. Teenage moderator Czaana Saxena, 15, guided the panel with well-prepared and thought-provoking questions. Before the session began, she asked the mix of teens and adults to not only silence their phones – part of the scripted opening for all SWF sessions – but to also be mature and respectful of the panellists by not chatting while they were talking.
Poets Tan Lixin, Laili Abdeen and Theophilus Kwek shared their thoughts on how American singer Taylor Swift’s lyricism intersects with the ever-growing and changing form of confessional poetry.
Laili said: “What I learnt a lot from Swift is that she gave a lot of ugly feelings artistic value. She wrote about guys when she was sad, angry and even happy with unwavering confidence and that gave me the courage to feel okay writing about my own feelings of anger or pettiness or being upset rather than waiting until I am Zen.”
The poets agreed that though Swift has commercialised her feelings and experiences with catchy lyrics, it does not take away from their authenticity. After all, the art of confessional poetry is ultimately for the self rather than others, even if it feels relatable when released into the world.
In contrast, the panel Has #BookTok Ruined Reading? struggled to find its footing with moderator Eric Tinsay Valles, who appeared disinterested and ill-prepared for the topic.
The poet spent the first 15 minutes speaking solely to National Library Board librarian Chloe Tong about whether BookTok has positively impacted libraries and what kind of books are least borrowed. When he finally addressed panellists Kess and Bren – two out of three members of the Bookstagram and BookTok account WordWanderlust – the questions focused on social media advice and who to follow for reliable recommendations “that are not dark romance”.
While Valles knew Ms Tong’s name, he referred to Kess and Bren as WordWanderlust rather than addressing them by name.
In spite of his disinterest, the panellists offered thoughtful responses and conversation about finding diverse reads and how BookTok and Bookstagram help to build community. But his unrelated questions prompted bored audience members to give one another looks.
It is a shame as the topic had plenty of potential, evidenced by the nearly full attendance in the Chamber, and audience questions that finally touched on the panel title. As social media becomes a larger part of the reading landscape, the topic should be revisited, but with a more engaged moderator.
