EXPO 2020 DUBAI: MALAYSIA TRULY ASIA SHOWCASE
Date and Time: Jan 9, 11pm
Hands Percussion Malaysia and Sutra Dance Theatre are among the performing arts highlights for the "Malaysia Truly Asia" showcase which will take place on Jan 9 at Expo 2020 Dubai’s cultural landmark, the Jubilee Park.
Cultural performances by troupes from Istana Budaya and the National Department for Culture and Arts, and showcases from pop stars Syafinaz and Zainal Abidin are also part of the line-up.
“Presenting our Malaysian-made traditional and contemporary percussion performance on a global stage means that we get to share the beauty and uniqueness of our music and culture to an international audience,” said Bernard Goh, artistic director and founder of Hands Percussion Malaysia.
The group's performance will include an original musical piece, which includes instruments such as Chinese drums (shigu), bonang, gendang and jidor.
“Our first performance for 2022 places us right on an international stage of Expo 2020 Dubai. This experience will be a truly unique one for our dancers, especially the young ones who are beginning to learn the art of traditional dances,” said Datuk Ramli Ibrahim, founder of the Sutra Foundation, who added that this was its first performance overseas in two years.
The Malaysia Truly Asia showcase is in conjunction with the Malaysia Day flagship event of the Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, which will end on March 31, 2022.
On Jan 9 at 11pm, it can be streamed for free here.
VIRTUAL STORYTELLING: BERCERITA DENGAN ABANG ZHAF
Date and Time: Unlimited
Dancer/actor Zhafir Muzani adds another feather to his cap as a storyteller in this new online series by the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac).
Zhaf, as he is fondly known, will take viewers on wild and exciting adventures while adding a dose of fun and humour.
From the story of a whale who shows a girl the state of the oceans to the journey and challenges of a tadpole named Gudu in becoming a frog, there’s something for everyone. Gather around the computer and have a great family time.
Bercerita Dengan Abang Zhaf can be streamed for free via KLPac’s Youtube channel.
VIRTUAL THEATRE: TEPUK AMAI AMAI
Date and Time: Until Jan 9, 3.30pm and 9pm
This Bahasa Malaysia play presented by Revolution Stage depicts school life through the eyes of students, teachers, parents, and families. The plot revolves around the students who work tirelessly to achieve their goals and dreams. Various conflicts arise as a result of their efforts. The play also touches on the lives of students with academic difficulties.
Tepuk Amai Amai, ticketed, will be streamed live via Revolution Stage’s website. You can also watch the play on-site.
VIRTUAL THEATRE: THE EXTRAORDINAIRE
Date and Time: Jan 8, 8pm
In a monster family, the louder you roar at someone, the greater the love you are expressing. Arfan knows this all too well, being raised in a monster family that has learned how to co-exist with humans by disguising themselves. When a pandemic strikes, the family goes into isolation. As the weeks pass and the situation persists, their roars get softer.
The Extraordinaire, ticketed, will be streamed via CloudTheatre. This play will be presented in Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia.
ONLINE DOCUMENTARY: A COMPOSER'S PERSPECTIVE
Date and time: Available on YouTube
The UiTM Faculty of Music presents the Hajarul Bajunid Project, a documentary series, primarily focusing on academicians and practitioners that contribute to the growth of the music industry in Malaysia.
The latest edition spotlights Prof Dr Tazul Izan Tajuddin, the dean of the UiTM Faculty of Music.
Tazul has been a champion of the New Music genre, working through his career to introduce this music language to the masses here. From his admiration for composers such as Arnold Schonberg, Gyorgy Ligeti, Iannis Xenakis and Brian Ferneyhough in the 1990s to his early days as assistant conductor of the National Choir, Tazul's career has gone from strength to strength.
He lived, studied and worked in the United States, Britain and Europe for almost 17 years before returning to Malaysia.
If you're new to this music, though, you may need some help in decoding the score.
In this episode, Tazul shares his vast career experience, talking New Music and staying curious right to Malaysian creative mindsets and compositional craft.
Watch the interview here.
ART EXHIBITION: G13 GALLERY/JOLLY @ 80
In Petaling Jaya, G13 Gallery will be opening Jolly @ 80, a solo exhibition by Jolly Koh, to commemorate the artist’s 80th birthday on Jan 10. There will be more than 40 paintings on display, each wrought in his own inimitable style.
As productive as ever, in his long career, the exhibition highlights the creativity and sheer physical energy that continues to characterise Koh’s artistry. Jolly @ 80 will run from Jan 10-29 on-site at G13 Gallery.
Art lovers can view a teaser of the exhibition here.
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