Latest news with #DFP
The Star
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Teochew puppets to Hang Tuah: Klang Valley theatre buzzes this Merdeka month
The Klang Valley's performing arts scene is in full swing, with a packed August calendar leaving audiences spoilt for choice. Building on the mid-year momentum, this month offers an even wider array of shows – an encouraging sign for artists and theatre lovers alike. From gripping dramas and documentary theatre to playful language works and reimagined traditions, there's something for everyone this month. Here are some shows to check out: The legacy continues Maestro Of Paper Shadows – a moving tribute blending six decades of artistry with traditional Teochew puppetry, opera and music – makes its Klang Valley debut at PJPAC on Aug 6. Presented by Penang's Teochew Puppet and Opera House, this one-night-only show offers a rare glimpse into living intangible heritage. The production is inspired by the life of Toh Ai Hwa, one of Malaysia's most celebrated Teochew iron-rod puppetry artists, who has spent 62 years bringing characters to life and preserving this fading art. Following its 2024 premiere at One Theatre Hall in George Town, it now comes to Petaling Jaya for the first time. Acahart Studio's 'Kita Tak Mati' stars (clockwise, top) Fattah Fawzy, Azizi Nazril, Syura Azmi and Ajiq Bakaruddin as adopted siblings. Photo: Acahart Studio Memories that remain For fans of independent theatre in grassroots venues, there's much to explore beyond the mainstream. Kita Tak Mati by Acahart Studio is worth the investigation as it takes viewers to an imagined city called Nirmala, where four adopted siblings are trying to escape their troubled pasts. But the arrival of a pregnant woman and a ghost from their violent past forces buried trauma to surface. Centred on mature themes of addiction and betrayal, this Bahasa Malaysia production examines memories that refuse to fade. Written by Fattah Fawzy and directed by Anna Natasha, Kita Tak Mati runs for five shows at Acahart Studio space, Sri Rampai in Kuala Lumpur from Aug 7–10. Tradition in the spotlight Istana Budaya on tour? You got it! Mistik Pura Masyrik is a one-night-only cultural showcase at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP), Kuala Lumpur on Aug 9. Presented by Orkestra Tradisional Malaysia and Artistana Istana Budaya - a dance troupe skilled in both traditional and contemporary styles - the show promises a rich celebration of local heritage. Blending music, dance and visual storytelling, the show brings to life mystical East Coast legends like Walinong Sari, Cik Siti Wan Kembang and Ulik Mayang. Classic folk songs will also get a fresh orchestral twist. This production continues DFP's celebration of Malaysian arts and culture, following past highlights such as Mek Mulung Putera Cahaya Bulan, Randai Mudo Pak Belalang, Jit Sin High School's Chinese Orchestra and Sanggar Seni. In KLPac's 'Someone Who'll Watch Over Me', an American doctor, an Irish journalist and an English academic are abducted and held in a windowless cell. Photo: Weeling Chen Spirit of resilience In January 2011, the now-defunct The Actors Studio at Lot 10, Kuala Lumpur, opened the year with Frank McGuinness' Someone Who'll Watch Over Me. Directed by Joe Hasham, the play remains one of his favourites from a career spanning nearly six decades. This month, Lebanon-born Hasham revisits this gripping story as part of KLPac's 20th anniversary, reuniting the original cast – Charles Donnelly, Kingsley Judd and Gavin Yap. Someone Who'll Watch Over Me runs at Pentas 2, KLPac from August 14–23. Set in a windowless cell in Beirut, it follows an Englishman, an Irishman and an American held hostage, cut off from the world and clinging to hope. Inspired by the 1986 abduction of Irishman Brian Keenan, the play sidesteps politics to focus on humour, fantasy and the resilience of the human spirit. The show is supported by the Embassy of Ireland and the Australian High Commission. 'Wacky Double Bill' sees award-winning director-playwright Adriana Nordin Manan return with two playful works exploring the power - and pitfalls - of language. Photo: Handout Oh my language! Wacky Double Bill brings two sharp, linguistically playful works by Adriana Nordin Manan – winner of the Boh Cameronian Arts Awards' Best Original Script for her debut Fault Lines last year – to the stage. The double bill, presented by JDEV Studios and Protagonist Studio, runs for six shows at creative space Dekat KL, Taman Sri Rampai in Kuala Lumpur from Aug 21–26. In Borong, directed by Qiu Qatina, two colleagues wrestle with a tricky task, caught in corporate jargon, hidden meanings and clashing personalities. Next, Encyclopedia, directed by Jazzie Lee Jin Jye, unfolds during a tense job interview where words – and silences – carry layered weight. Between unspoken expectations, RM50 notes and cutting remarks, it asks: who really controls the conversation? Both plays explore how language can reveal and obscure meaning, blending humour with unexpected tension. Best enjoyed by those fluent in rojak: Borong is in Bahasa Malaysia, Encyclopedia in English, with no surtitles. In 'Life Is A Motion Picture', Akid Jabran (left) and Mia Sara play a grieving couple who no longer speak directly. Set in a living room frozen in time, they communicate through silence, film quotes, and flickering TV scenes. Photo: Main Theatre Screening your life From wordplay to quoting films as a way to express emotion, theatre collectives Separuh Matahari and Main Theatre return with Life Is A Motion Picture, running Aug 27–31 at Studio Ramli Hassan, Bukit Tunku, Kuala Lumpur. Written by Arshad Adam and directed by Nawfal Zamri, this collaboration with Masakini Theatre Company features Akid Jabran and Mia Sara in an experimental-minded two-hander. Building on last year's Love Is A Motion Picture, which explored solitary grief, this new chapter dives into the fragile space between two people. As movies like The Garden Of Evening Mists, Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind and The Lion King play on TV, a husband and wife, reeling from tragedy, can only speak to each other through borrowed lines. 'Fragments Of Tuah' offers audiences a fresh, multimedia look at the 15th-century Malay warrior Hang Tuah. Photo: Five Arts Centre A hero through time Five Arts Centre takes the spotlight with its biggest show of the year. Fragments Of Tuah is a documentary theatre work with original music that revisits and reimagines the legendary Hang Tuah. It runs for 10 shows at Pentas 2, KLPac, Kuala Lumpur from Aug 28 to Sept 8. Rather than a linear biography, it presents a collage of archival documents, memories, episodes from the Hikayat Hang Tuah and cultural reflections. Developed over three years by Mark Teh, Faiq Syazwan Kuhiri, Syamsul Azhar and Wong Tay Sy of Five Arts Centre, it explores how Hang Tuah's legacy resonates in both historical and contemporary Malaysia. On stage at KLPac, it features actors and musical performers - Faiq, OJ Law and Shariman Shuhaime. The show is directed by Teh. After its KL run, the show packs up and heads off to the Kyoto Experiment festival (one of Asia's leading contemporary performing arts events) in Japan in October. From Sarawak, with love Dreamweaver The Musical weaves together a story of songket weavers, tradition and identity in this original production by Tanoti Productions (a social enterprise of Sarawakian women artisans) and Balkon Media. The musical runs for at Stage 1, PJPAC, Selangor from Aug 29–30. Dreamweaver follows main character Aaliya, a passionate songket weaver torn between preserving her craft and giving in to commercial demands. The show features an original script and songs in English and Bahasa Malaysia, performed by two main casts and six weavers. With music, dance and colourful textile visuals, it introduces Kuching's rich performing arts and craft scene to Klang Valley audiences – celebrating Sarawakian stories and artistry on stage. Dreamweaver premiered at the Old Courthouse Auditorium in Kuching last December.
New Straits Times
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
ESO wraps up three-night KL tour under Maestro Jaap van Zweden
KUALA LUMPUR: The Evergreen Symphony Orchestra (ESO), led by its Artist-in-Residence Jaap van Zweden, concluded its three-night tour in Kuala Lumpur with a final concert at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) on July 20. The tour, titled "Destiny Symphony – Jaap van Zweden and the Evergreen Symphony Orchestra," featured a VIP performance on July 18 and a charity concert the following day. All three performances were held at DFP, marking ESO's first international tour under Maestro van Zweden since his appointment in early 2025. "This was a meaningful milestone for the orchestra and a testament to the deepening cultural exchange between Taiwan and Malaysia. The concert was a demonstration of the power of unbounded charity and music without borders," ESO said in a statement. Some 300 guests from more than 10 organisations for disadvantaged communities attended the charity concert on July 19, including the National Autism Society Malaysia (Nasom), the National Council for the Blind Malaysia (NCBM), and the Down Syndrome Association of Selangor (PWSDNS). The concerts showcased a range of classical works, with the first half featuring Mendelssohn's "Fingal's Cave" Overture, evoking the sweeping imagery of the ocean. It was followed by Mozart's Concerto for Flute, Harp and Orchestra in C major, with Malaysian flutist Yew-Kia Koh and Taiwanese harpist Menglu Chiu performing as dual soloists. "This collaboration symbolised the beauty of international artistic cooperation," said van Zweden. The second half of the programme featured Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C minor, widely known as the "Symphony of Fate", and concluded with two encores: Dvořák's Slavonic Dance Op. 46, No. 8, and the beloved Malaysian classic "Getaran Jiwa." The ESO said the Malaysian tour not only promoted Taiwanese musical excellence but also strengthened ties between the peoples of Taiwan and Malaysia. Plans are already in motion for tours next year and beyond. Future tours are expected to include stops in major cities across Asia, Europe, and the United States, further elevating Taiwan's presence on the global classical music stage.
The Star
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Classical Indian dance showcase in KLCC
(From third left) TFA choreographer Kishore Krishnan, Effendy, Prakash and TFA music director Jyotsna Nithyanandan Prakash with the dancers. — Photos: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star AN Indian cultural showcase is set to take place at one of Malaysia's most prestigious performing arts venues in Kuala Lumpur. Artistes from the Temple of Fine Arts (TFA) will present a special performance themed 'Ragas and Mudras' (melodic framework and symbolic ritual gestures) at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (DFP), Kuala Lumpur City Centre on Sept 6. DFP business and strategic relations management head Effendy Khalid said that although the venue was renowned for orchestras and concerts, it also focused on cultural and heritage performances. 'Over the years, we have been actively promoting cross-cultural performances and this year, we felt it was the right time to invite TFA. 'It has always been our aspiration to support cross-cultural performers and to provide a platform where people from all walks of life can enjoy these types of performances,' he said. Founded in 1981, TFA is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the development of performing arts, especially Indian classical dance and music. TFA spokesperson Prakash Kandasamy said guests would be treated to 90 minutes of Indian classical music and dance. Barathanatyam and Odissi are two of the four main Indian classical dance styles that will be performed by Temple of Fine Arts at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, Kuala Lumpur. The performance will be split into two, he said, with the first 45 minutes featuring Hindustani and Carnatic music. 'In this segment, there will be vocals, sitar, veena, violin, mridangam and tabla, among others. 'A percussion battle has also been planned as the highlight of the segment. 'The second half will showcase four main Indian classical dance styles, namely Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kathak and Kuchipudi.' About 40 artistes aged between 18 and 50 will be involved in the performance. The TFA presentation is part of the 'DFP Seni Festival' extravaganza, an annual event that celebrates Malaysia's rich cultural heritage through traditional arts and music performances. This year's programme also includes Mistik Pura Masyrik, a performance of east coast legendary folktales on Aug 9; and Sanggar Seni, a collection of music, dance and songs at the DFP foyer that will be presented free of charge from Sept 5 to 7.
New Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: MPO pays tribute to Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland
THE Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) continues to stretch its versatility through its season theme for 2025, 'Where Every Beat Tells A Story.' Come 8pm on Saturday (July 12), it celebrates the music of two of the biggest names of mid-20th century American music, Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP), KLCC, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. TRAVEL The MPO will travel back in time with some of Hollywood's most memorable songs on the silver screen, and merge classic pop and symphonic twists, to give the audience musical richness while capturing the spirit of the Hollywood's Golden Age. A household name in the 1940s and 1950s, Sinatra (1915–1998) was an American cultural icon, known for both his baritone voice and stage charisma. On top of music, he also had a successful acting career with an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in From Here to Eternity (1953). Garland (1922-1969) was an American singer and actress renowned for her powerful contralto voice and emotional vocal depth. Fans of both can listen to Sinatra's evergreen classics such as 'Luck Be a Lady' from the movie 'Guys And Dolls' (1955), 'Three Coins in the Fountain' from the 1954 movie of the same name and 'How About You?' from the film 'Babes on Broadway' (1941). Also included in the programme are gems such as 'I Could Write a Book' (from 'Pal Joey', 1957), 'You're Sensational (from 'High Society', 1956) and 'You're A'wful' (from 'On The Town', 1949). RAINBOW Garland's iconic classic 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' taken from the movie that catapulted her to fame, 'The Wizard of Oz' (1939)' will be the highlight of her tribute, and this song won the Oscar for Best Original Song. From the 1954 film 'A Star Is Born', the MPO will present 'The Man That Got Away', a song that showcases her vocal prowess. Her other memorable songs in this concert repertoire include the romantic ballad 'The Boy Next Door' from 'Meet Me in St. Louis' (1944), 'I Got Rhythm' (from 'Girl Crazy', 1943) and 'Be a Clown' (from 'The Pirate', 1948). OPERATIC The MPO will be helmed by Richard Balcombe who has firmly established himself as one of the most versatile conductors of his generation, with an impressive operatic and orchestral credits besides actively involved in West End presentations. The vocalists, Graham Bickley and Katie Birtill, return to the DFP stage after enthralling audiences with their collaboration with the MPO in 'The Music of The Bee Gees' concert last year. Graham has performed with orchestras throughout the UK and Europe with over 25 years of West End stage credits. Birtill has enjoyed a varied career in music and theatre and is renowned for her versatile vocals, heartfelt storytelling and dynamic performances. FANS In a recent interview, Balcombe said that the three of them first collaborated with the MPO in 'The Music of The Bee Gees', and they were big fans of Sinatra and Garland. He said: "Sinatra has the most amazing voice with a completely original quality and his legato singing is as good as any 'classical' singer. "I'm lucky that I conduct a variety of music ranging from classical to swing to pop and rock." ENERGY Balcombe added that the MPO's approach to playing was full of energy and the enthusiasm could almost be touched! "I love performing in DFP as it's a very intimate space even while holding a large audience. "You can feel the connection with every member of the audience." STANDARD "The repertoire in this concert is mostly from film so the orchestration is not complicated as the standard symphony orchestra would have been used," he said. Balcombe said that Garland covered all styles from swing right through to romantic melody. "She had such a versatile voice and making the accompaniments is exciting because I always think of what she would have sounded like." Bickley said that while he was a Sinatra fan, he was more of a fan of Nelson Riddle, his inspirational orchestrator. "The combination of Sinatra's voice coupled with Riddle's arrangements were a unbeatable team," he said, adding that his favourite music genres were jazz, swing and 1970s rock. As for Garland, Bickley described her as a troubled soul, who provided a body of work that remains untouchable even today. "She certainly put her heart and soul into every performance," he said.
New Straits Times
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Indian classical rhythms to grace DFP stage
FRESH from its presentations of Mek Mulung Putera Cahaya Bulan, Randai Mudo Pak Belalang, Jit Sin High School's Chinese Orchestra and Sanggar Seni last year, Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) will present soul-stirring rhythms and colours of Indian performing arts by the Temple of Fine Arts (TFA) at 8pm on Sept 6. The highly anticipated showcase promises an immersive journey into the heart of Indian culture. MELODIES Audiences will be transported to a unique experience through the soulful melodies of Hindustani and Carnatic classical music. Adding a vibrant visual splendour to the evening, the DFP stage will come alive with exquisite presentations of four classical Indian dances, 'bharatanatyam', 'odissi', 'kathak' and 'kuchipudi'. The theme "Ragas and Mudras" is specially curated for this performance at DFP. FRAMEWORK 'Ragas' is essentially a melodic framework or a "mode" in Indian classical music, a combination of notes ('swaras') along with phrases and nuances ('gamakas'). 'Mudras' is a symbolic ritual gesture, primarily performed with the hands, fingers, the entire body or even eye movements. The word 'mudra' is a Sanskrit word which means 'mark' or 'gesture'. YOUTH Founded in 1981, TFA is an organisation dedicated to the development and inculcating Indian arts and culture among the youth. It has presented more than 20 major productions and 300 short works, including explorations of different cultural themes. TFA has staged its productions in tours around the world, including Singapore, Sri Lanka, India, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. It has also received recognition and support from the government, and has performed at many major official events, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit and the Commonwealth Cultural Festival, all in 1998. It has also won many accolades at the BOH Cameronian Arts Awards. GRATEFUL The special performance by TFA is part of the DFP Seni Festival extravaganza which includes Mistik Pura Masyrik (a performance of enticing East Coast legendary folktales on Aug 9) and Sanggar Seni (a collection of music, dance and songs at the DFP foyer presented free from Sept 5 to 7). In a recent interview, the show's music director, Prakash Kandasamy, said: "We are very grateful to DFP for bringing our dancers and musicians centrestage. "Our show has two parts for classical music and dance, each section is 45 minutes." Prakash added that the four dance styles were taught in TFA, and each will have 20 dancers. "All students learn different things and do not confine themselves to one genre." MPYO The TFA musicians are aged from 20 to 55, and the dancers are aged from 18 to 35. Prakash said TFA first performed in DFP in 2012 with the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra or MPYO. "We've got 20 musicians and dancers, and they are all rehearsing daily." VOCALISTS Music director Jyotsna Nithyanandan said: "The DFP is greatly helping promote our work and we are delighted to perform in this state-of-the-art venue." She added that there will be six musical instruments in the showcase, as well as two main solo vocalists and five supporting vocalists. "They will show audiences the beauty of Indian classical music and dance, in ensemble and solo acts." Jyotsna said one of the less-known but stylishly beautiful classical instruments featured was the 'veena', a traditional string instrument. "All of us have had a lot of fun working on this and discovering new things to perform," she said, adding that there will also be a piano accompaniment to give the concert a modern touch. VIBRANT One of the main dancers, Kishore Krishnan, said each item was 10 minutes long, and there will be six to 10 dances. "What we teach is what is presented, and it will be a vibrant and colourful evening," he said. "Best of all, our performances are Malaysianised, combining Indian cultural elements with Malay and Chinese ones." MALAYSIA DAY DFP head of business and strategic relations management Effendy Khalid said it was an honour to have the TFA perform in DFP. "We focus on culture and heritage including cross cultural performances. "It is our aim to give a platform for such performances, especially in September, the month of Malaysia Day," he said, adding that the concert hall could accommodate 920 people.
