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The Star
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Weekend for the arts: Live Fact turns 10, 'Twelfth Night' at KLPac
CONCERT: LIVE FACT 'CAN'T BELIEVE IT ... WE ARE 10!' Venue: Live Fact, The Strand, Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya Date: May 17, 8pm Independent venue Live Fact is turning 10 this year – and with it comes a rare chance to not only celebrate a vital space for music on the fringes, but to reflect on what it means to belong to a community of curious ears and open minds. The 'Can't Believe It ... We Are 10!' anniversary series kicks off this Saturday with a line-up that leans fully into Live Fact's left-field leanings: expect a heady start from ANGQASA, Sesitikus and Buddha Beat – acts whose sonic explorations move between experimental noise, ambient textures, and genre-melting fusion. It's also a chance to catch Penang's Buddha Beat in an intimate setting before it takes the stage at the Rainforest World Music Festival 2025 in Sarawak next month. Blending bamboo flute melodies with electronica and psychedelic twists, its sound takes on a different kind of magic at close range – immersive, hypnotic, and deeply transportive. Over the past decade, Live Fact has been more than just a venue – it has been a refuge for those drawn to the margins of sound and sensibility. It's the kind of place where you come to watch a gig and end up staying for a conversation, a chance encounter, or the slow dawning realisation that you're not alone in the way you listen to the world. The anniversary series continues with four more shows, spotlighting a diverse range of acts across post rock, electronica, singer-songwriter and ambient pop genres. More info here. A view of the 'Oceans That Speak' exhibition at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: The Star/Izzrafiq Alias EXHIBITION TALK: 'THE MALAY WORLD AND THE SEA' Venue: Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur Date: May 17, 10am In conjunction with the Oceans That Speak exhibition, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia will host a (free admission) talk by Dr Sumit Mandal titled The Malay World And The Sea. A trans-regional historian and Muhammad Alagil Chair in Arabia Asia Studies, Sumit will explore how maritime routes once connected the Malay world – spanning present-day Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Brunei – to distant regions across the Indian Ocean through the movement of people, goods, and ideas. The talk highlights how this rich seafaring past shaped the region's cultural landscape, in contrast to the land-focused outlook of today's nation-states, using a 19th-century Malay travel narrative as a key point of reference. The Oceans That Speak exhibition is ticketed. More info here. Lim Soon Heng (far left), KLSP's executive director, and the cast of the theatre production of 'Twelfth Night' at KLPac. Photo: Lim Soon Heng THEATRE: 'SHAKESPEARE DEMYSTIFIED: TWELFTH NIGHT' Venue: Pentas 2, KLPac Date: May 17 The Actors Studio and KL Shakespeare Players (KLSP) are staging another laugh-out-loud production in the celebrated "Shakespeare Demystified" series. This time, audiences can slide into Twelfth Night, a comedy with disguises, deception, and duplicity all in the name of ... love? Only limited Saturday tickets are available (be quick to grab them), with Sunday's matinee performance sold out. This song-filled performance (at 100-minutes) condenses the original three-hour play while retaining the most iconic scenes in Shakespeare's original text, accompanied by narration in contemporary English that provides crucial context and highlighting the play's key themes. Since 2011, the "Shakespeare Demystified" format has proven to be an engaging and accessible introduction to the Bard's works for youths and general audiences alike. With a cast of only seven actors dynamically performing close to 15 roles, the show embraces creative storytelling with simple yet effective sets and props, allowing the language and humour of Twelfth Night to take centre stage. More info here. Sunda Shelves will host an Orang Asli traditional craft market on May 17, featuring indigenous artisans from the Temiar community of Gerik, Perak. Photo: Tropical Rainforest Conservation & Research Centre BOOKSHOP EVENT: TEMIAR INDIGENOUS CRAFT POP-UP Venue: Sunda Shelves, Petaling Jaya Date: May 17, 11am-3pm The book talk on Sen'oi Serog, a storybook by the Tropical Rainforest Conservation & Research Centre (TRCRC), is fully booked - but visitors can still experience Temiar culture through a craft market earlier in the day at Sunda Shelves. Featuring handmade items by Temiar indigenous artisans, the pop-up market offers a glimpse into the forest knowledge and traditions explored in the book, which centres on the 'Bering' fruiting season and is a collaboration between TRCRC and five Temiar and Jahai team members from Hulu Perak's Air Banun resettlement. The craft market, featuring the Temiar community from Gerik, Perak, is supported by proceeds from Sen'oi Serog book sales, which help sustain the community's efforts to preserve the cultural and ecological heritage rooted in Malaysia's tropical rainforest. You can do your part by supporting the craft market - and picking up a copy of the book along the way. More info here. An artwork from Lai titled 'Dream Chasing Soul', which is showing at his 'Ethereal Echoes' exhibition in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: Lai Loong Sung EXHIBITION: LAI LOONG SUNG'S 'ETHEREAL ECHOES' Venue: Wisma Kebudayaan Soka Gakkai Malaysia, Jalan Bukit Bintang, KL Date: ends June 8 Ethereal Echoes: Sketches And Recent Works, an evocative solo exhibition that traces the four-decade artistic journey of Selangor-born veteran artist Lai Loong Sung has taken over the Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) art gallery space. It offers the public a rare opportunity to engage with over 80 deeply reflective works — including manuscripts, oil paintings, and ink pieces — created by Lai between 1986 and 2024. Rooted in both philosophical insight and personal revelation, Ethereal Echoes draws inspiration from the ancient Chinese text Zhuangzi, where 'Tianlai' (Heavenly Sound) refers to the 'unspoken word' — the soundless sound that echoes from the universe and the depths of the human soul. As Lai shares, ' Ethereal Echoes is a melody from the heavens and a sound born within humanity.' This exhibition represents the culmination of Lai's ongoing reflections on the complexities of contemporary life — from war and environmental degradation to the impact of rapid technological advancement — woven together with intimate expressions of the inner self. The show is divided into three sections, each part of the exhibition invites viewers on a deeply contemplative journey. Free admission exhibition. Open: 11am-5pm. Closed on Mondays. More info here. CONCERT: 'A WHISPER OF SOUL' WITH THE KLPAC ORCHESTRA Venue: Pentas 1, KLPac Date: May 17 and 18 A Whisper Of Soul: A Reflection Of Life's Journey is an intimate and personal three-part concert that brings you through the life of award-winning soprano Ang Mei Foong, with the KLPac Orchestra under the baton of Lee Kok Leong. It traces Ang's years training in Taiwan, Rome and Australia before establishing herself in Malaysia, pursuing her PhD and becoming a passionate music educator and performer. The First Movement: Fate captures the youthful uncertainty and anticipation of the future, almost like a letter to her 18 year old self. In this movement, Ang brings to life three of Giuseppe Verdi's works, including La Forza del Destino or The Force Of Destiny. Second Movement: Self Reflection features pieces like Jules Massenet's Meditation and works by Antonin Dvorak, Robert Stolz and Francesco Cilea. It marks the period that sees Ang charting her way as an artist not only in pursuit of technical excellence, but her artistic identity. The Third Movement: Acceptance reflects the realisation that life, like art, is a continuous cycle of struggle, transformation and renewal. Richard Strauss' Vier Letzte Lieder embodies this journey with a sense of serenity. More info here. A wide selection of glass works by Fuan Wong is on display, including a standing piece in the right foreground. Photo: Artemis Art EXHIBITION: 'MORE MEN (AND A WOMAN) WITH PLANTS' Venue: Harta Space, Ampang, Selangor Date: ends May 30 Continuing its ongoing collaboration with Harta Space, Artemis Art presents More Men (And A Woman) With Plants, the latest iteration of a thoughtfully evolving exhibition series by Penang-based artists who draw inspiration from, and pay homage to, one of nature's most enduring yet often overlooked presences: plants. Featuring works by Ch'ng Kiah Kiean, Cheah Meng Kwok, Esther Geh, Fuan Wong (also the series co-founder), Howard Tan, IMMJN, and Thomas Howell, the exhibition goes beyond the conventions of botanical art. Here, plants are not merely subjects of study, but vessels of memory, emotion, and time — rendered in a range of mediums from ink and photography to glass and mixed media. Each work offers a distinct lens into the ways flora can reflect inner states, cultural imprints, and our ever-evolving relationship with the natural world. This also marks the third instalment of the Men In Plants exhibition series, following earlier editions in George Town. Keep an eye out for workshops and artist-led tours happening throughout the exhibition period. More info here.
The Star
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Here's a list of Kuala Lumpur museums to explore this Museum Day
This Sunday (May 18), make International Museum Day your reason to explore. Whether you're a museum regular or just looking for something different to do, step into a gallery – you might just walk out inspired. The good news for museum lovers nationwide is that all 19 museums under the Department of Museums Malaysia (JMM) will be open for free this Sunday. That includes crowd favourites like the Muzium Negara (National Museum), the National Automobile Museum in Sepang (Selangor), the Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum in Kedah, and the Malaysia Architecture Museum in Melaka. In a recent social media post, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang encouraged Malaysians to explore the richness of the nation's history, cultural diversity, and the spirit of unity that lies at the heart of its identity. 'From north to south, east to west, museums are where the legacy of the past meets the aspirations of the future – connecting communities through unity and a shared love for history. Let's visit JMM museums across the country and celebrate our heritage together,' he said. Take your pick and plan a visit to any of the museums under the Department of Museums Malaysia – there's something for everyone to discover. If you're planning a day out in the Kuala Lumpur, here are six museums to put on your list: Visitors view the 'Congkak Burung Petalawati' exhibit at the 'Semangat Asean' regional showcase in Muzium Negara (National Museum). Photo: Bernama MUZIUM NEGARA (NATIONAL MUSEUM) With galleries on archaeology, culture, economy, and modern history, Muzium Negara offers an overview of Malaysia's story – complete with life-sized dioramas and artefacts, from traditional weapons to national records. It's a great stop for families, students, or anyone curious about the country's roots. This Sunday, check Muzium Negara's social media for planned activities like multilingual guided tours, traditional games, and dance performances. While you're there, pop by the nearby Ethnology of the Malay World Museum and Orang Asli Crafts Museum too. The 'Oceans That Speak' exhibition in IAMM explores cultural exchanges that shaped the Malay world in the region. Photo: The Star/Izzrafiq Alias ISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM MALAYSIA (IAMM) One of the largest and most beautiful museums in Malaysia, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) houses over 7,000 artefacts – from manuscripts and jewellery to textiles and intricate architectural models. The building itself is a work of art, with elegant domes, open courtyards, and calming natural light. The ongoing exhibition Oceans That Speak: Islam And The Emergence Of The Malay World traces the country's origins and the spread of Islam across the region. Don't miss IAMM's Museum Open Day on May 21 (next Wednesday), when the international standard space will come alive with booths, performances, curator-led tours, and more. Through private collections, the UR-MU museums offer art lovers a gallery experience that blends thoughtful curation, art history, and a sense of fun. The Star/M. Irsyad UR-MU (URBAN MUSEUM) Private art museums are still a relatively new addition to downtown Kuala Lumpur, and UR-MU is leading the charge with three distinct spaces across the city. Blending contemporary art with KL's creative energy, UR-MU showcases a mix of local and international works – from paintings and Reformasi-era pieces to playful, Insta-worthy multimedia art and 1990s highlights from the Pakhruddin Sulaiman collection. During Museum Week (May 13–18), UR-MU is offering free guided tours to help visitors dive deeper into the exhibitions. On May 16, all three locations – Bukit Bintang, The Toffee (Raja Chulan) and +n by UR-MU (Jalan Tun HS Lee) – will be open to the public for free. Whether you're an art enthusiast or just looking for something fresh and urban, UR-MU is well worth the trip to the city. An array of kebaya exhibits, including the iconic Malaysia Airlines uniform, seen at the National Textile Museum in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: The Star/Ong Soon Hin NATIONAL TEXTILE MUSEUM This museum, though modest in size, weaves together the story of Malaysia's textile heritage. From the intricate art of batik to the rich traditions of songket and pua kumbu, it highlights how fabric has shaped identity and culture across the country. The galleries are thoughtfully arranged, featuring traditional garments, tools, and weaving techniques. It's a fascinating stop for anyone interested in fashion, design, or cultural history. Conveniently located near Dataran Merdeka, the National Textile Museum makes for a welcome detour on a city walk. A view of the 'Palette And Pen' exhibition at Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery. Photo: The Star/Faihan Ghani BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY No need to worry about admission here – entry is free. Housed within Malaysia's central bank, this unique museum blends finance, art, and culture in one engaging space. The galleries present the nation's monetary history in a fun, interactive way, making it ideal for both children and adults. Currently on show at Level 2 is Numismatic Marvels, an exhibition tracing the evolution of currency – from the world's first coin and earliest banknotes to cowrie shells. It also brings to life the stories of 20 ancient South-East Asian kingdoms through coins and currency. Literature and art also come together in Palette And Pen, a new exhibition that explores the creative intersections between Asean visual art and writing. A view of the 'Nusa' exhibition at the National Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: The Star/Faihan Ghani NATIONAL ART GALLERY Here's another free admission national institution worth checking out. Nusa, an expansive exhibition spanning five galleries and featuring over 460 works from the national collection, is reason enough to visit – and its set to close later this year, so catch it while you can. Also on now at the National Art Gallery is the newly opened Into The Frameless, an immersive art experience, and Single, a showcase featuring emerging artist Daisy Ooi that's sure to resonate with a new generation of art lovers. For those interested in local art history, the ongoing Chung Chen Sun archive project is not to be missed. The Art Hospital is another highlight – keep an eye out for guided tours to make the most of your visit.
