TACET – A Pause in the Day

TISB Grade 11 student, Jin, is part of a team that has produced a platform called ‘TACET’, a magazine that offers a platform for a community of writers, readers and artists. ‘Tacet’ means 'is silent' in Latin and is used in musical notes to denote silence or rest. The goal with the website is to make literature more approachable and enjoyable for many, and the core team behind the creation is now inviting students to join their efforts as editor, writer, correspondent and illustrator. We got in touch with Jin to learn more about the online platform and why students should join the creation.

We think that the essence of literature lies in the readers’ individual interpretations – Jin, Grade 11

It all started when Jin was studying for her literature exam, reading a poem and having a vivid image flash across her mind. “I had skimmed over them before, but this time an image visualised in front of me as I was magically glued to the poem ‘Shoulders’ by Ms Naomi Shibab Nye, and I just had to put it down”, says Jin who then read another poem and it sparked an idea. The idea was to combine illustration and typography – two of her personal interests – to make poetry and literature more approachable to the younger audience through the power of visual attraction.

Jin has always wondered why poems being read in schools and on the internet are always in black and white, and lined up in old, boring, evenly-spaced lines. Her solution to this was to make a website where original and 'uncoloured' work will be uploaded before releasing a volume containing them. Sharing opinions, interpretations and visitors’ own, original works are also encouraged in the website's ‘post’ section. TACET also aims to collaborate with the aspiring artists at TISB, to combine other forms of art with literature, for instance by making animated recitals, and inviting musicians, animators and dancers to work on collaborative projects that will be featured on the website.

The website has been set up to provide a platform for communication, not only between the TACET team and its readers, but also between the readers themselves – where everyone is encouraged to participate. “We think that the essence of literature lies in the readers’ individual interpretations, and felt that it would be a great idea to let the readers share interpretations and opinions”, explains Jin, saying that it is like an extension of the classroom, where passionate discussion can happen through a medium that no longer is limited by time and space.

TACET aims to reach as many aspiring scholars as possible, starting with the TISB community. The current plan is to publish a bi-monthly magazine with a variety of content, ranging from analysis of works of literature, articles regarding the literature community, to original works written by TISB students themselves. “The 'uncoloured' works will be released on our website prior to the publication so that the readers can contribute to the publication as well!”, explains Jin and invites students to contribute with their creativity to the creation.

Now the team is looking for more students to join the initiative. “Running a magazine is not easy. It demands hard work and passion”, says Jin, who thinks that having more team members will lead to higher-quality productions reaching their readers. To make their passion come true, the TACET team are looking for editors, illustrators, writers and correspondents. “The more the merrier!”, says Jin and points out that it will offer new experiences for TISB students, such as learning to build management skills and perseverance.

To read works and to find out how to send in contributions, visit the TACET website.

To find out more about the open positions and to apply, send a mail to [email protected] or [email protected] with your name, grade and desired position.