Haresh Sharma

Haresh Sharma's Drama: When Teaching Turns Into a Plot Twist!

Veteran playwright Haresh Sharma faces a sudden course cancellation at NUS—did they forget the audience?

In a surprising twist worthy of his own play, revered Singaporean playwright Haresh Sharma woke up to shocking news that his playwriting course at the National University of Singapore (NUS) was abruptly canceled. Just five days before the course was set to begin, Sharma was informed that the university decided against approving the class due to a lack of students. Known for crafting narratives that resonate deeply with local culture, one has to wonder if the buzz of dramatic storytelling didn't quite make the cut with the enrollment figures this time.

This isn’t just a bump on Sharma’s pedagogical journey; it follows a legacy of powerful works like "Those Who Can’t, Teach". The Cultural Medallion recipient expressed his frustration openly, wishing he had been given a heads-up much earlier than the eleventh hour. After all, as a playwright, timing is everything—be it on stage or off! NUS has since cited “lack of sizeable numbers” as the reason for the cancellation, leaving many to ponder if local interest in playwriting is slipping or if the stars simply did not align in this instance.

Sharma's abrupt course cancellation raises vital questions about the future of the arts and education in Singapore. Are aspiring playwrights and artists no longer flocking for training in a city that prides itself on a thriving cultural scene? Or perhaps the competition of engaging tops like online tutorials simply won over the traditional classroom approach? Whatever the case may be, it seems that there must be a refreshed conversation about inspiring local talent and creating spaces for budding artists to flourish.

In conclusion, it's worth noting that Singapore, while rich in heritage and evolving creativity, faces unique challenges when it comes to nurturing the arts. With iconic personalities like Haresh Sharma leading the charge, we can only hope for a future filled with more captivating narratives—whether on stage or in the lecture halls. Fun fact: Did you know the very first local play was staged in Singapore in 1861? That's over 160 years of dramatic arts waiting for the next act! And as a quirky tidbit, Singapore is often cited for having the most arts and cultural spaces per capita in Southeast Asia, so the stage is set for a bright—if slightly tumultuous—future for our creatives!