Haresh Sharma slams NUS for lack of transparency over last-minute course cancellation

SINGAPORE: Despite The National University of Singapore (NUS)’s explanation for the last-minute cancellation of his playwriting course, Singaporean playwright Haresh Sharma expressed his dissatisfaction and raised broader concerns about the processes and systems in place for engaging part-time artists at tertiary institutions.

He reiterated his call for greater transparency from NUS in handling the cancellation of part-time appointments to avoid disruptions and financial losses for freelancers.

As reported by Singapore’s state media CNA, on 15 August, a spokesperson from NUS’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) explained that Mr Sharma’s playwriting course “lacked sizeable numbers” to be conducted “meaningfully.”

The spokesperson added that the faculty considers various factors, including enrollment and the broader curriculum, when appointing external instructors.

“We lacked sizeable numbers to conduct the playwriting course meaningfully.”

The spokesperson also noted that they have reached out to both Mr Haresh Sharma and another theatre actress Ms Noorlinah Mohamed regarding this matter.

However, FASS’s statement did not address why Mr Sharma and the two other artists were informed of the course cancellations on such short notice.

On 16 August, Mr Sharma took to Instagram to highlight that NUS’s email did not clearly state that his class was canceled due to a lack of "sizeable numbers."

In his Instagram post, Mr Sharma emphasized that the issue extends beyond his own situation and affects all artists engaged part-time by tertiary institutions.

"What are the processes involved in engaging these artists? Are there systems in place to protect these artists/educators so that their livelihoods are not affected? "

He further questioned are there systems in place to ensure that there is a clear timeline of the hiring process - and to inform artists promptly should any factor result in the university not being able to continue with the module.

He sought clarity on whether hiring decisions are made by the specific faculty, the university's HR department, or an external source.

Mr Sharma expressed concern about the lack of transparency in this process, emphasizing that understanding how these decisions are made is crucial for resolving issues and ensuring fair treatment for part-time artists and educators.

NUS FASS criticised for lack of transparency in Sharma's playwriting course cancellation

Since Sharma took to Instagram to recount the incident, he has received an outpouring of support from the arts community. Among those who have expressed their backing are playwright Alfian Sa'at and actresses Sharda Harrison and Neo Swee Lin.

Kok Heng Leun, theatre practitioner at Drama Box, also took to Facebook post to criticized the abrupt cancellation of Mr Sharma and the other two artists course in NUS FASS.

The former art Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) asked why NUS FASS did not initially communicate the reason for the cancellation—insufficient enrollment—directly to the artists. He questioned what was at stake in revealing this reason upfront.

He also wondered why NUS FASS chose to reveal the reason only after the public statement and not beforehand. If the reason could be shared publicly, it raised doubts about why it wasn't communicated to the artists from the start.

"So if the reason can be shared so publicly then logic follows that maybe what is now given, may not be the real one? "Mr Kok questioned.

"If it is not the real reason, what other real reason that cannot be shared to the artists in the first instant? It is frustrating."

Mr Kok expressed frustration and described the situation as a farce that disrespects and undermines the artists affected by the cancellation.