Songsang (2023)

Songsang is a piece that responds to Latiff Mohidin's poem, 'Songsang' (1976). The Malay term 'songsang' (which can be translated as 'queer') carries a very different connotation and meaning in our current culture.

What does it mean to be 'songsang' in Malaysia? Is it perhaps to pursue a career in the arts? A vocation that is denigrated and held in low esteem. Or is it 'songsang' to lead one's life according to a value system that is at odds with heteronormative, capitalistic, patriarchal culture?

Perhaps we are all songsang in our own way, living in conflict with the social roles assigned to us. Who determines what is songsang and what is not? And what is the source of power and legitimacy of this songsang-fication?

Are you songsang or am I songsang?