Front Row

Art from the eastern Indian state of Odisha remains relatively unknown to the rest of the world - and can often be a surprising combination of folk traditions and contemporary sensibilities. Married couple Ramahari Jena and Chaita Basu, who are both renowned Odiya artists, are presenting their works in an exhibition called “Kunchi” in Kuala Lumpur. They talk to us about their journeys, the art of Odisha, and how it is evolving today.

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“Nanyang” is a term that loosely refers to the Chinese diaspora of Southeast Asia. But what does this word mean to contemporary Malaysians of Chinese descent? “Bisikan Monsoon” by the Kwang Tung Dance Company is a dance production that uses dance, music, visual arts, and theatre to explore how notions of identity and belonging are continuously shifting. Dancer Tan Bee Hung and artist Fairuz Sulaiman talk to us about how they translate these ideas onto the stage.

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The traditional Malay music and dance form known as zapin traces its roots back to the “zafin” of the Hadhramaut region of South Arabia. Brought over by the Hadhrami Arab community, the musical form bridges the spiritual and the everyday. Prof Syed Farid Alatas talks to us about how exploring the roots of zapin - or “zafin” - could lead to greater cultural understanding of Islam, as well as dilute religious extremism.

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The dancer-choreographer and dance instructor gives a view into the democratic process that he has imposed upon himself to create his works in ‘Triple Bill’. He points out what he collaborates with his dancers, composer and costume-designer. He also underscores the connection between the dances’ theme and the process of creation. The composer tells about the music he has put together and gives a view into understanding contemporary classical music.

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Jo Kukathas plays Julius Caesar in a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s play by the Singapore Repertory Theatre for Shakespeare in the Park. Jo talks to us about her take on the iconic role, and how it examines power and leadership through a modern lens.

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For the eighth year running, the KL Shakespeare Players bring their “Shakespeare Demystified” series to the stage, presenting the Bard in his original language but with contemporary English providing the explanation and context. This time, they bring their unique format to that tragic tale of star-crossed lover - “Romeo & Juliet”.

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The Young Art Entrepreneurs programme by Balai Seni Negara aims to provide up-and-coming Malaysian artists with both the artistic and entrepreneurial skills to succeed in the creative industries. The programme mentor and two of the artists selected for the programme share how the programme has helped them further their dreams of making a career out of art.

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Artist Ajim Juxta’s works bring together elements and inspirations from architecture, science fiction, video games and even classical art. In his fourth solo exhibition, “arkologi: gelap”, Ajim uses his unique style to comment on and question the world we live in, as well as the possibilities of our future. Ajim and exhibition curator Sharmin Parameswaran talk to us about show and how it was put together.

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Up-and-coming dancer Arunagiri Szeyuan Lam comes from a family of performers, and has been dancing since the age of six. Trained in bharatanatyam, odissi and kathak, he recently developed an interest in hip-hop and dubstep; last year, a video of him performing a choreography combining dubstep, popping, and Indian classical dance amassed 100,000 likes in one week. Arunagiri talks to us about his fresh approach to choreography, and his upcoming performance in “7 Dances for 7 Dancers”.

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Zombies are popular on TV and films. Some theme parks have incorporated them as part of their attractions. Our producer went to a shoplot studio, avoiding the singing zombies there to chat with three involved in the upcoming musical showcase. The writer-lyricist narrates how the idea for this work came to him and tells on the collaboration with music composers Lydia Tong and Kelvin Loh. Our other guests share on the pleasure of performance in this quirky musical.

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