Smiles and style: Members of Omara Boria performing at the GTF 2024 opening ceremony at Lava Mansion. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: The George Town Festival (GTF) 2024 has kicked off here in Penang, offering over 80 programmes until July 28.
Themed “Here and Now”, it includes performances, exhibitions, workshops and community engagement events by various local and international artists and groups.
To be held at venues across the city and beyond, it promises to fascinate visitors of all ages with its diverse range of genres and topics.
“This year, we’re focusing on fresh collaborations with local talents and providing a platform for young Malaysians to showcase their creativity. We believe every festivalgoer will be able to experience the beauty of the arts in this inclusive celebration,” said festival director Chin Teo at its opening ceremony yesterday.
Held at Lava Mansion along Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, it was enlivened by a performance from the homegrown Omara Boria group.
Guests were also able to check out the Shadow Sculptures participative art by Australia’s Gav Barbey and the Preserving Memories (Liquid Mirror) acoustic sculpture by Japan’s Kaito Sakuma.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that despite its shorter run of 10 days, this year’s GTF would not compromise on the quality of its content.
“The programmes are well curated for the enjoyment of the local community and international visitors alike,” Chow added.
State tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the festival had gone from strength to strength, having started as a one-day event in 2010.
“It has grown to become a critically acclaimed international festival with the participation of talents from all over the world,” he said.
The organisers also announced that several events originally set for today were either cancelled or rescheduled as a mark of respect for the installation ceremony of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia.
The cancelled events are PEON, the Close to You Festival@GTF, Plant/Human Duo and Romancing Penang.
Play of Double Bill of Jingju Magic was moved up to yesterday night, while Switchblade Op: A World in the City has been pushed back to 2pm tomorrow.
Today’s session of House of Mask and Mime has also been moved to 8.30pm tomorrow. Chacko Vadaketh: Songs and Stories will start from 12.01am tomorrow instead.
The organisers said they would contact ticket holders for the affected programmes to discuss the next steps. All other sessions originally scheduled for tomorrow will proceed as planned.
For further details and the full festival programme, visit www.georgetownfestival.com.
