Organised by Persatuan Penulis Berbilang Bahasa (PEN Malaysia), “One Hour: On Belonging” aims to bring a community of poets, writers, and supporters together to celebrate the power of poetry in various languages and offer vital assistance to voices in need.
This fundraiser is in aid of the Owneh Initiative in Palestine, which helps ensure the survival of Palestinian arts, and conducts psychosocial workshops for children and adults to heal; as well as for Pacifist Farooq, a Rohingya poet from Rakhine state, Myanmar.
“At PEN Malaysia, we celebrate literature and defend freedom of expression primarily for Malaysian writers, but also for other writers in Malaysia who contribute to our literary landscape,” said its chairperson, Ann Lee.
“While many Rohingya are uneducated due to neglect, Pacifist Farooq has learnt to read and write to the extent that he can create poetry that has been recognised by various literary magazines, as well as regional and global media. The funds collected will be used to help him complete his studies.
“We are counting on about 100 Malaysians to share the Raya vibe and donate and/or show up to experience ‘One Hour: On Belonging’,” Lee added. “Poetry is a gateway to new worlds and new experiences, and we hope guests will enjoy this showcase of diverse voices in different languages from unique perspectives.”
This event will take place at the Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall here. Entry is by minimum donation of RM100, with tea provided.
“One Hour: On Belonging” will showcase poet Haya Abunasser from Gaza, Palestine, who will read some of her poems about justice, war, hope and survival. Poems by Pacifist Farooq will also be presented.
In addition, the fundraiser will feature a range of Malaysian writers and performers who are generously donating their time and talent. These are poets Jack Malik and Sheena Baharudin; activists Marina Mahathir and Mahi Ramakrishnan; actors Tony Eusoff, Ida Nerina, Arief Hamizan and Ali Alasri; and writer Sheena Gurbakhash.
Invitation is by donation only. Please fill up the donation form here.
Follow PEN Malaysia on Facebook. For more information, email [email protected].
‘One Hour: On Belonging’
When:
Saturday, April 12 @ 8.30pm
Where:
Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall,
1, Jalan Maharajalela, Kampung Attap,
50150 Kuala Lumpur
