Preview: Rainforest Fringe Fest 2019

SARAWAK, MALAYSIA – The third edition of Sarawak’s annual Rainforest Fringe Festival returns to Kuching this July, set to once again shine a spotlight on Sarawakian arts, culture and heritage through an all-inclusive programme. Says Minister of Tourism, Art, Culture, Youth & Sports Sarawak, YB Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah: “We are proud to host the Rainforest Fringe Festival once again and we felt that the people … Continue reading Preview: Rainforest Fringe Fest 2019

Arts Open Call: Rainforest Fringe Fest 2019 Wants More Proposals

SARAWAK, MALAYSIA – Taking place from the 5th to 12th of July 2019, Sarawak’s Rainforest Fringe Festival returns to Kuching for yet another round of showcasing the best music, art, craft, film, photography, food, and culture of the Malaysian state. Impressing us with its slew of programmes for the past two years, the festival has only grown from strength to strength as it continually amps up … Continue reading Arts Open Call: Rainforest Fringe Fest 2019 Wants More Proposals

In Kuala Lumpur 2019: Gold Rain & Hailstones by The Instant Cafe Theatre Company (Review)

A timely reminder of the genius and timelessness of Jit Murad in this reflection on the Malaysian identity. KUALA LUMPUR – It’s been 13 years since Jit Murad’s Gold Rain & Hailstones was last produced in his own home country of Malaysia. So it’s about high time then that a revival is in order by the Instant Cafe Theatre Company this March. Gold Rain & Hailstones follows the outspoken and … Continue reading In Kuala Lumpur 2019: Gold Rain & Hailstones by The Instant Cafe Theatre Company (Review)

In Kuala Lumpur 2019: Ola Bola the Musical (2019 Version) by Enfiniti Productions (Review)

The sold out Malaysian musical continues to swell with nationalistic pride as it returned for a rematch for an even stronger performance this year.  KUALA LUMPUR – After enjoying a sold out run in 2018, Ola Bola the Musical, the ‘best Malaysian musical’ (according to Malaysian PM Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad himself) returned to the Isatana Budaya in Kuala Lumpur this February to wow even more … Continue reading In Kuala Lumpur 2019: Ola Bola the Musical (2019 Version) by Enfiniti Productions (Review)

In Kuala Lumpur 2019: An Interview with the Creative Team of Gold Rain & Hailstones (The Instant Cafe Theatre Company)

KUALA LUMPUR – Jit Murad is one of Malaysia’s most prominent playwrights, having penned some of the country’s sharpest and most scintillating plays effectively highlighting and presenting the Malaysian identity onstage. Last staged in Malaysia in 2006, it seemed only right that as part of their comeback and 30th anniversary, the Instant Cafe Theatre Company’s 30th anniversary would then stage Jit’s very first professional play: Gold Rain … Continue reading In Kuala Lumpur 2019: An Interview with the Creative Team of Gold Rain & Hailstones (The Instant Cafe Theatre Company)

Review: Are You Game, Sau(dara)? by Five Arts Centre (KL) and Bhumi Collective (SG)

Experimental responses to Leow Puay Tin’s 3 Children still very much cerebral works in progress. KUALA LUMPUR – Cross Causeway arts projects are always to be celebrated, showcasing the keen relationship Singapore continues to share with our closest neighbours. The most recent of these would be Malaysia’s Five Arts Centre and Singapore’s Centre 42 joint collaboration on Are You Game, Sau(dara)?, a double bill of new work from … Continue reading Review: Are You Game, Sau(dara)? by Five Arts Centre (KL) and Bhumi Collective (SG)

Preview: MUD The Musical by Enfiniti Productions (Kuala Lumpur)

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – This December, Enfiniti Productions is bringing back the award-winning, family-friendly MUD The Musical for an all new production! Set in 1857, MUD the Musical tells the story of the founding of modern Kuala Lumpur, before the tin mining boom of 1880 attracted an influx of pioneers from across the Asian region to the muddy confluence of the two rivers – Sungai Lumpur (now known as … Continue reading Preview: MUD The Musical by Enfiniti Productions (Kuala Lumpur)

Review: A Tale of Star-Crossed Lovers by Nyoban Kan and KL Shakespeare Players

Romeo and Juliet, meet Rama and Shinta MALAYSIA – As part of the 2018 KL Butoh Fest, Nyoban Kan and KL Shakespeare Players collaborated on a brand new production that interweaves two of literature’s most famous star-crossed lovers into a single show. The Japanese art of butoh, by definition, resists definition, and in A Tale of Star-Crossed Lovers, we see this on full display, as Shakespeare’s Romeo and … Continue reading Review: A Tale of Star-Crossed Lovers by Nyoban Kan and KL Shakespeare Players

Preview: CausewayEXchange 2018

Once again acting as a platform to bridge ideas between Singapore and Malaysia’s creative, artistic, social and business communities, the CausewayEXchange (CEX) arts festival returns to Singapore for its 9th edition this September.  Alternating between taking place across both countries, this year’s edition will be held in Singapore, and will showcase a deeper focus on the role of the arts in health and for special … Continue reading Preview: CausewayEXchange 2018

George Town Festival 2018: Over Penang by David ST Loh

GEORGE TOWN, MALAYSIA – Penangite David ST Loh has been away from Malaysia for 30 years. In that time, the photojournalist has gone on to become an editor at Reuters, work for Malaysian Insight, and have his images gracing books and newspapers ranging from the New York Times to the Washington Post, and more. Taking a closer look at how the island has progressed over the … Continue reading George Town Festival 2018: Over Penang by David ST Loh