The Sesquicentennial Inaugural Chaser Lecture & Dinner
Image: Sakdiyah Maruf
Following the Sixteenth Inaugural Chaser Lecture last year, The Chaser will host The Sesquicentennial Inaugural Chaser Lecture & Dinner at Sydney Town Hall this Thursday.
This year’s lecture will be delivered by Indonesia’s most prominent female Muslim stand up comedian, Sakdiyah Ma’ruf, the 2015 winner of the Václav Havel International Prize for Creative Dissent at the Oslo Freedom Forum.
“I talk a lot about the challenges of growing up in a conservative community and how some of the issues that I faced at home and in my community, I also witnessed in the wider context of Indonesia,” said Ma’ruf. “It’s a rendition of personal experiences and what I encounter throughout my life. Muslims and how they practice Islam and go on with their daily lives are the source of my inspiration.”
Dealing with gender, class and culture, Ma’ruf has a particular passion for challenging what she deems to be ‘regulation’ of women, apt considering the current climate of global politics. “Conservative ideology and practices only endanger women – not just within Muslim communities but more generally too,” said Ma’ruf.
In promoting social justice through comedy, Ma’ruf believes that laughter can open up the much-needed space for further dialogue and discussion. “It validates my mission and my aspirations,” she said. “My key aspiration is for women to have more choices. It’s as simple as that.”
All funds raised at this formal black tie dinner event will support global freedom of expression charity, Article 19. (ES)
Nov 17; 7pm for dinner guests, 7.30pm for balcony seating. Sydney Town Hall, 483 George St, Sydney. $50-$275. Tickets & info: www.thechaserlecture.com
BY EMILY SHEN
