Centre Stage – Shining a spotlight on environmental issues

Chua Wei Qian (left) did extensive research for the production Blindspot, such as conducting an interview with a visually impaired person.

Art can help shape and renew culture. It offers a space for creativity and expression, surfaces issues that are difficult to talk about, and can effect change in society. Environmental Studies graduate CHUA Wei Qian shares his thoughts on leadership in the performing arts, navigating the challenges of COVID-19, and how the performing arts can open doors to conversations on environmental issues.

Advocacy through the arts  

What started as passion, evolved to become something more.  

Environmental Studies graduate Chua Wei Qian loved the performing arts from a young age. While he made his stage debut as a chorister, he found himself drawn to acting and eventually joined NUS Chinese Drama when he entered university.  

In NUS Chinese Drama, Wei Qian had the opportunity to explore various forms of theatre-making, such as Playback Theatre, Devised Theatre and Guerrilla Theatre. The fun and enriching experience spurred him to take up the role of President in August 2019.

One of the most memorable productions during Wei Qian’s leadership term was a play titled Blindspot. An original production by NUS Chinese Drama, Blindspot tells the stories of two young persons; one visually-impaired, and the other grappling with a loved one experiencing gradual vision loss. The play brings into focus how our blind spots prevent us from seeing those in need around us. A nod to its title, Blindspot was also produced with the intention of making theatre more accessible to visually-impaired audiences, making available audio descriptions of each scene.

The planning for Blindspot began in June 2019 and the play was slated to premiere at NUS Arts Festival 2020. However, the pandemic derailed plans and the entire production had to be moved online. This was not the only setback.

“A day before it (Blindspot) was supposed to be up, we received news that there were some issues with the music copyright. We couldn’t use the music…and had to redo the last scene, stitch the different scenes together and re-export two versions of the play. We had to decide whether we wanted to have the normal version up first, then upload the accessible version (for visually-impaired audiences) another day.”

While it was not an easy decision to make, Wei Qian felt strongly that it was important for all audiences to gain equal access to the show.

“At the end of the day, we pushed both versions back. Whether you are visually-impaired or fully-sighted, you will have access to the show at the same time,” he added. 

Through the various productions and plays, Wei Qian hopes to encourage discussion on social issues that might be hard to broach. This was also part of the reason he chose to major in Environmental Studies.  

Grounded in the belief that environmental and social issues are not distinct, Wei Qian said: “The environment is integral to our everyday lives… [Raising] carbon taxes would have an implication on our everyday expenses. It is an environmental issue but it is also social.”

NUS’ multidisciplinary approach to Environmental Studies was another key factor in his choice of study. Wei Qian credits his education at NUS for exposing him to various ideas and perspectives on environmental issues.  

After graduation, Wei Qian will be pursuing a career in journalism. The 25-year-old wants to continue championing social issues, especially those that resonate with the younger generation. Through this, he hopes to help bridge generation gaps and promote greater mutual understanding.

Adapted with permission from UCO