The Tears of Myristica Fragrance
I plan to write and dramatize a short historical fiction on genocide and slavery during the Anglo-Dutch Spices Wars (1600-1625) over the control of nutmeg (Myristica Fragrans). Through this project, I hope to bring to life the story of how the Dutch captured the only English held nutmeg island, Pulau Run, in October 1620, after a long siege; committed genocide against the native population starting from April 1621; imported slaves from many places, including Bengal, to work on the ’emptied of people’ nutmeg plantations. This year’s 400th anniversary of the genocide provides a unique opportunity to engage East London’s diverse communities to participate in a creative theatrical piece on the bloody history of spices.
I read many materials on the topic, including journals and letters, visited the nutmeg Islands (Banda Islands) in August/September 2019 and delivered a public presentation in October 2019 in East London to share my research with people, which I also utilised to gaze potential interest in my project. I was very encouraged by the positive responses that I received from the event participants and some individuals who watched the presentation video on YouTube.
Creative drama
Some examples of community projects that I managed where we utilised the tools of creative arts and drama. I hired theatre directors and worked with them to finalise scripts, run drama workshops and deliver public performances.
Visions for Tolerance and Diversity
![](https://culturaluniverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Untitled-1.jpg)
The Library of Lost Books
![](https://culturaluniverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/The-Library-of-Lost-Books_Moment-1024x576.jpg)
East India Company Walk – drama performance from fictional stories based on facts – Untold Stories and the East India Company – 25 March 2017
![](https://culturaluniverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Untitled-2.jpg)
Untold Stories of the East India Company – Market Drayton Arts Fest
![](https://culturaluniverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MG_1469-1024x568.jpg)
Untold Stories of the East India Company – Woolwich Library
![](https://culturaluniverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/MG_1773-1024x583.jpg)
Connections – exploring multi-generational London and impacts of technology on different generations
![](https://culturaluniverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Untitled-3.jpg)
Hyphenated Identities
![](https://culturaluniverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Untitled-4.jpg)
Journeys – multi routes into Britain
![](https://culturaluniverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Untitled-5.jpg)
Kaleidoscope – multi-faith Britian
![](https://culturaluniverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Untitled-6.jpg)
Knowing One Another books
![](https://culturaluniverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/KOAD-cover-3-742x1024.jpg)