Front Row

Dua Space Dance Theatre's upcoming production Purnama explores the moon's symbolism through Malaysia's rich multi-ethnic heritage. Taking inspiration from the moon's phases—new, crescent, quarter, and full—Purnama beautifully intertwines traditional and contemporary dance to reflect the cultural narratives that the moon has inspired throughout human civilisation. We find out more about this performance from Lim Hong Jie, a senior dancer and the Assistant Artistic Director from Dua Space Dance Theatre.

Image Credit: Duo Space Dance Theatre Sdn Bhd

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We're promised a clucking good time at the upcoming dance production, A Hen-Made Tale, the Dance, a collaboration between KL Shakespeare Players, Kenny Shim Dance Collective, ASK Dance Company, and Asia Ballet Academy. Based on the children's book written by Lim Soon Heng, the story is a whimsical tale of scheming hens, which is now being brought to life through stunning choreography and playful storytelling. We speak to choreographers Kenny Shim, from Kenny Shim Dance Collective, and Imran Syafiq, from the Ask Dance Company (ADC), to find out more about the story, the collaborative effort behind the show, and the importance of making the performing arts accessible to children.

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Musical Treasures is an exciting Broadway-inspired fundraiser organised by renowned choreographer Farah Sulaiman, aimed at supporting Persatuan Sindrom Down Malaysia (PSDM). Featuring iconic hits from beloved musicals like Hamilton, Mamma Mia!, and The Sound of Music, the production promises a vibrant song-and-dance spectacle while working to raise RM300,000 for PSDM's essential programs. The show's writer and director, Sabrina Hassan, and guest artist Abdul Muhaimin, join us to share insights into the creative process behind the show, the importance of its charitable mission, and what audiences can expect from this heartwarming performance.

Image credit: Musical Treasures

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When Earth became a living hell, humanity sought refuge on the Moon, hoping it could restore the lost glory of our civilization. But what happens when our greed and thirst for power emerge once more? Following the success of Orang Bulan, Yusof Bakar completes his science fiction trilogy with two new BM plays—Penakluk Bulan and Pemusnah Bulan. Continuing with the same characters and universe, Trilogi Bulan delves into themes of familial love, Resignation Syndrome, climate change, and AI. Directed by Christopher Ling, we find out what's in store as all three of Yusof's plays are performed in one compelling night from Yusof himself, and cast member Nik Waheeda. 

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PESZTA, a vibrant arts festival in Kuala Lumpur's historic Kampung Attap, is set to return for its third year over the Malaysia Day weekend. This unique festival, named after a playful twist on the word "Pesta" to incorporate its three main venues—Pentago, SAM Mansion, and The Zhongshan Building—celebrates Malaysia's independence and diversity through a series of community-focused programs. We find out what's in store at this year's festival from Liza Ho, the Co-founder of the Zhongshan Building and Sarah Amer, a co-organiser of PESZTA.

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The 39 Steps is a high-energy theatrical adventure combining mystery, espionage, and humour. Adapted from John Buchan’s novel and Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film, it follows the dashing Richard Hannay, whose ordinary life is upended when a mysterious woman claiming to be a spy is murdered in his flat. Now on the run from a shadowy organisation called “The 39 Steps,” Hannay navigates a whirlwind of intrigue across London and the Scottish Highlands. With over 80 characters brought to life by a talented cast, this comedy blends Hitchcockian suspense with Monty Python-esque slapstick. Presented by Limelight Theatre, we find out more from the show's creators and cast members, Joe Wyatt and Nikki Brown. 

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Ballet Manila's Greatest Hits in Malaysia, presented by DanceLink, is a dance production featuring Ballet Manila, one of Southeast Asia’s premier ballet companies. Led by Artistic Director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, the first non-Russian artist in the prestigious Kirov Ballet, the show opens with Lisa’s rendition of the opera-ballet "La Traviata" and continues with a diverse program of classical, modern, neoclassical, and contemporary pieces. Featuring soprano Anna Migallos, baritone Roby Malubay, and tenor Nohmer Nival, the event also celebrates cultural ties by showcasing Malaysian artists, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Malaysia. Artistic Director Lisa joins us to share what's in store. 

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 A Reason for Falling is a contemporary dance performance by Malaysian artist Hwa Wei-An that invites the audience to reconsider the concept of falling as more than just a loss of balance, but as a moment filled with possibility. Inspired by the thrill of freeriding, Wei-An began developing this work in 2018 during a choreographic residency with Dance Nucleus, aiming to translate the experience of navigating uncharted mountain paths into the flat, open space of a dance floor. Over seven years, the piece evolved through various iterations, including a 2021 video installation and a 2022 live work-in-progress presentation, culminating in this thought-provoking exploration of gravity, surrender, and movement. Wei-An joins us to share more.

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The Barehands Residency (BR) was established by Malaysian artist Juhari Said in 2010, and is a dedicated space for artists to collaborate and exchange ideas. Located in Hulu Langat on a four-acre property called Akal di Ulu, the residency has welcomed artists from around the world, creating an environment that encourages creativity and cultural dialogue. Following a successful 2023 residency in partnership with AP Art Gallery, BR continues to grow, and the upcoming residency aims to further strengthen these connections and contribute to the broader art community. We find out more from Nazura Rahime, the Project Manager of the Barehands Residency, and Kazutaka Shioi, the resident artist for this year's residency.

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The Poetics Collective, under the banner of VerSeS Music Ensembles, will be performing the romantic and expressive works of Johannes Brahms, Robert Schumann and Clara Schumann. Featuring Robert Schumann's  Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood), Clara Schumann's Three Romances for Violin and Piano, Opus 22, and Johannes Brahms's Liebeslieder Waltzes, Opus 52, this program delves into the richness of German Romantic music, featuring both instrumental works and a variety of lieder (songs). These lieders will demonstrate the composers’ skill in setting text to music for solo voice or instrument. We speak to pianists Darrel Chan and Iau Jo Yee from The Poetics Collective, to find out what's in store.

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