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M1 SINGAPORE
FRINGE FESTIVAL
2021: QUIET RIOT!

What does it mean to fight back against oppressors today? More often than not, riots and protests are associated with destruction and cacophony, followed by crackdowns by the police.

But is there a place for ‘quiet riots’, which begin with individuals standing up for what we see is right and fair, and motivate people to move collectively into communities in solidarity for revolution and transformation?

Being quiet no longer means you are invisible. Resistance does not have to be loud or violent. We have so many examples of quiet, stoic strength in protestors and activists from Greta Thunberg to Malala Yousafzai, from Martin Luther King to Colin Kaepernick, and not forgetting the many conscientious objectors who remain nameless, but whose contribution in numbers added strength to struggles for rights and action.

Can quiet riots be a means towards negotiation for a middle ground between entities that may appear irreconcilable at first encounter? Or do quiet riots mean compromise and playing by the rules, eventually leading to surrender and assimilation?

Similarly, in making art that looks at resistance, how do we foster quiet riots in our creative process? Can we rupture our usual modes of production and rules of performance in similar ways, to find new ways of expression and engagement?

Quiet Riot.
20–31 January 2021.
Get involved.

M1 SINGAPORE
FRINGE FESTIVAL
2021: QUIET RIOT!

What does it mean to fight back against oppressors today? When we think of riots and protests, we often think of damage and noise. These may then be quelled by the police.

But is there a place for ‘quiet riots’? Can we stand up for what is right and fair without aggression? Can we motivate people to build a sense of community to fight for change?

Being quiet no longer means you are invisible. Resistance does not have to be loud or violent. We have many examples of stoic strength in protestors and activists, These include: Greta Thunberg, Malala Yousafzai, Martin Luther King, and Colin Kaepernick. There are also many people who also play a part by bringing strength in numbers

Can quiet riots be a means towards mediation? Or do quiet riots mean compromise and limitation? Do they lead to surrender and submission?

Similarly, how do we foster quiet riots in our creative process? Can we break from our usual modes of performance? Can we ‘riot’ to find new ways of expression and engagement?

Quiet Riot.
20–31 January 2021.
Get involved.