Everyone’s A Critic

Art exhibition BOOMZOOMROOM is based on a research initiative called "Life of Z" by R+ of GDP Architects, which focuses on generational differences and specifically, Generation Z. Eight artists and five collectives were invited to access the research and create works around the theme of generational conversations. We review the exhibition and talk about how well the works each interpret this theme. 

Image source: Karina Nayli Zaidi

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After previous successful stagings, IQ.Rock by Anomalist Production is back from a four-year hiatus, with its exploration of a young man growing up in a FELDA settlement, and how his relationship with his English teacher changes and opens up his perspective of the world. We speak with the play's lead actors, Fimie Don and Ranessa Theyakaraja about the play's themes, and how theatre can be a form of activism. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Jalur Kita, Cerita Kita, the Malaysian Composers Collective presents 14 specially commissioned works of music based on each of the 14 states of Malaysia, as a way to celebrate our country’s rich heritage through contemporary classical music. We speak with two of the composers involved. 

Image sources: Malaysia Composers Collective

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Using a series of abstract mixed-media works, artist Blankmalaysia draws connections between memories, landscapes, and the interplay between the two, ranging from the colonial to modern day. We review the show, and talk about what it evoked for us. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In his latest stand-up comedy act Aansplaning ("aan" is the Tamil word for "man"), Chennai-based Karthik Kumar interrogates masculinity and talks about not just acknowledging the privileges of his gender, but actively becoming an ally to women. We speak with him about the show, his journey to creating it, and why he views his humour as activism. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stand-up comedian Hannan Azlan celebrates her return to the KL stage with a multi-faceted show that blends bawdy humour with personal observations. We speak with her about what to expect. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Started in 2008, SHORT + SWEET Malaysia by the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre has staged 1,000 new works and showcased over 5,000 talents over its 15-year run. The latest iteration will be a two-week festival that features theatre, film, musicals, stand-up comedy, dance, and song. We speak with executive producer Datuk Faridah Merican about the showcase’s evolution and what we can expect from it this year.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Projek 555 - Small Observations of an On-going Pandemic is an exhibition of everyday observations and reflections in the form of a mini visual diary, showing at Ilham Gallery in collaboration with the Malaysia Design Archive (the collection can also be accessed online here.) At the end of 2020, and again in 2021, Malaysia Design Archive issued an open invitation for people to receive a 555 notebook by mail to journal whatever they liked, however they chose to. The result was a series of notebooks that were part time capsule, part living archive. We review the collection, and discuss the value of documenting this period in our lives. 

Image source: Ilham Gallery

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the title indicates, TU7OH brings together seven Penang-based artists with varied backgrounds and artistic approaches, to each present a series of seven artworks, representing their interpretations of the number seven. We review the exhibition. 

Image Source: Shankar Laxminarayan

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A collaboration between SUARAM and a group of independent young creatives called HiMedia, Teater Narapidana is a play that highlights issues around incarceration and detention without trial. Inspired by real-life stories, the play aims to highlight the humanity of these prisoners while also raising awareness on the issue. We speak with the folks behind the production.  

Image Source: HiMedia

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.