Front Row

When Double Punctum first premiered a decade ago, it marked a groundbreaking moment in the Malaysian performing arts scene by blending photography, theatre, and dance. Now, under the guidance of director Loh Kok Man from Pentas Project, the production returns with a restructured version of its 'White Paper' segment, bringing new life to the original vision. We speak to dancers and performers Ming Low and JS Wong, to discuss the creative process behind this new iteration, how their performances have evolved over the years, and what audiences can expect from this powerful, multidisciplinary performance.

Image credit: Pentas Project

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Christmas with Mr. Bach - An Interactive Family Concert promises to blend the magic of the holiday season, with an educational journey through the life and music of Johann Sebastian Bach and his talented family. We catch up with Professor Dr. David Chin, the Founder and Artistic Director of Bachfest Malaysia, to discuss the inspiration behind this festive concert, the enchanting elements that make this performance a must-see for audiences of all ages, and also the release of a new children’s book A Day in the Life of J.S. Bach. David who will be playing Mr Bach in the performance is also the Director of the Bach Collegium and Music Professor at Augustana University in Sioux Falls in South Dakota, and a Senior Fellow of the Bach Archive in Leipzig, Germany.

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What does it take to keep the arts alive? For the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC), it means constant innovation, collaboration, and a touch of magic. Their latest effort, Laugh, Love, Give with Harith & Friends, is a fundraising variety show aimed at supporting the centre’s mission as it heads into its 20th anniversary. We’re joined by Artistic Director and Co-Founder Joe Hasham and Group General Manager Ian Chow to explore the challenges of sustaining the arts, the importance of this event, and their vision for the future of performing arts in Malaysia.

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Mortal Man: Two Monologues by renowned playwright Leow Puay Tin, is described as a unique exploration of the lives and formative influences of two Malaysian artists, and brings to life Puay Tin's signature "tikam-tikam" storytelling method - a blend of performance and chance that creates a deeply personal yet universally resonant narrative. Presented by Five Arts Centre, we speak to the production's producer, Mark Teh, and one of its lead performers, Faiq Syazwan Kuhiri, to explore the creative processes behind the monologues, and its poignant insights into Malaysia's cultural and artistic landscapes.

Image credit: Five Arts Centre

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Ring in the holiday season with December's Gifts, a year-end concert presented by Musicians Linkage, happening for one night only. This musical celebration promises an enchanting evening featuring a delightful blend of classical and contemporary pop music. With performances by Nixon Tan, Insyirah Azlan, and rising star Sophia Li ZhuChen in her debut solo, the concert is a celebration of musical joy, excitement, and creativity. We speak to Dr Goh Chia-Chien, the Artistic Director of the Musicians Linkage group of ensembles, to find out more.

Image credit: Musicians Linkage (via Peatix)

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The Bhai Mardana International Festival of Music 2024, titled Raga Rang, is set to take place, organised by the Bhai Mardana Sangeet Academy (BMSA) in collaboration with Thrive Talent Tank. This maiden festival celebrates the rich heritage of Indian classical music and dance, and features a stellar lineup of local talents and renowned artists from India. The two-day event promises mesmerizing performances, including Israj recitals, Kathak dance, Carnatic and Dhrupad renditions, and rare instruments like the Taus. With a mission to preserve and promote Indian classical traditions, the event pays tribute to Bhai Mardana, Guru Nanak Dev’s companion, while offering a vibrant cultural experience to audiences. We find out what's in store from what's in store from Arvinder Singh Raina (festival founder and owner, Bhai Mardana Sangeet Academy) and Harsimran Singh Raina (festival Co-organiser and Project Manager, Bhai Mardana Sangeet Academy).

Image credit: BMSA

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Retro swing sensations Sean Ghazi and Ida Mariana are back with Tarakucha! Snapshots, promising a fusion of retro, jazz, and Malaysian flavours. Presenting the Malaysian songbook through the show, the dynamic duo join us to share more about the immersive performances in store, with wall-to-wall musicians spanning the entire BoboKL stage-wall, and which features the 12-piece “terrer-menerrer” big band.

Image credit: BoboKL (via CloudJoi)

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The Shantanand Festival of Arts has always been a platform for celebrating cultural heritage and artistic innovation. This year, the festival dives into the Ramayana, reimagining the epic through performances, workshops, and interactive showcases. Festival Director Dr. Dhanya Thurairajah, and Production Director Kishore Krishnan, join us to share insights into the creative process behind this year's festival, what makes this year’s event special, and to share how this three-day event will bring ancient stories to life through dance, music, workshops, and a spectacular feature production titled I AM RA.

Image credit: Temple of Fine Arts

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The internationally acclaimed dark comedy The Bee is set to be performed for the first time in Malaysia, adapted into Mandarin. This celebrated work by Japanese playwright Hideki Noda and Irish playwright Colin Teevan offers a disturbing yet humorous dive into a world where the ordinary turns sinister, and where everyday life is overrun by violence and madness. Directed by Loh Kok Man, The Bee brings together a talented, all-star Malaysian cast and award-winning production team. Presented by Pentas Project and W Productions, we speak to the show’s producer, William Yap, to find out what’s in store.

Image credit: Pentas Project & W Productions (via CloudJoi)

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Artist Angelo Chia’s new exhibition, Value. Elements. Prospective. Impromptu, offers a fresh look at the foods we consume, especially the durian, often considered the 'King of Fruits.' Through abstract yet lifelike watercolour paintings, Angelo explores the theme 'we are what we eat,' presenting fruit as a mirror to our identities and shared cultural heritage. Angelo joins us to discuss his creative process, and his personal connection to these works, being exhibited at AweGallery.

Image credit: Angelo Chia

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