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The Star
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Weekend for the arts: 'Persiapan Seorang Aktor' theatre, Jemimah Wei KL tour
THEATRE: 'PERSIAPAN SEORANG AKTOR' Venue: Nero Event Space, PJPAC, 1 Utama Shopping Mall Date: ends July 20 Fresh off winning two Boh Cameronian Arts Awards earlier this year - including Best Original Script (for Saat Omar) - Persiapan Seorang Aktor returns this weekend in a new staging by Mask Team and director Syahrul Musa. The Bahasa Malaysia production takes the stage at Nero, PJPac. The 90-minute production features Aloy Paradoks and Fazleena Hishamuddin, joined by acclaimed actor-director Nam Ron for this new run. The play tells the story of a gifted actor whose obsession with greatness slowly eats him alive. Determined to become not just Malaysia's best but the greatest the world has ever seen, he dives into acting with almost religious fervour - quoting theory, living the method, and eventually slipping into isolation, burnout, and depression. At the heart of this unraveling is Nina, his wife, whose quiet devotion brings brief moments of warmth and clarity. Persiapan is both a love letter to the art of acting and a cautionary tale about ego, ambition, and the hidden cost of chasing perfection. Threaded with nods to Hamlet and moving between tragedy and dry humour, the play offers a raw, compelling look at an artist on the edge - and a reminder that even noble dreams can take their toll. Audiences have responded warmly, but if you're hoping to see it, better act fast - only a few nights remain. More info here. THEATRE: 'US A JOURNEY OF LOVE, LOSS & BELONGING' Venue: Pentas 2, KLPac Date: ends July 20 When the lights dim in Us: A Journey Of Love, Loss & Belonging, two characters step onto a bare stage. There's no physical intimacy, no grand gestures, no swelling music – just raw, deliberate dialogue as they try to understand each other and themselves. Written and directed by Fa Abdul, Us is playing at Pentas 2, KLPac in Kuala Lumpur this weekend (July 19 and 20). The play, which made its debut in Penang last month, doesn't promise fairytale endings. Instead, it offers something far more rare: honesty. Starring actors Karam Tabba (a Syrian-born performer) and Lauren Tan (a lawyer, writer, tutor), the play follows Mark and Anna – two emotionally guarded souls bound by deep connection and deeper fear. Ivan Gabriel, a Penang-based artist, actor, and curator, makes a special appearance. As Mark and Anna navigate the tension between closeness and self-preservation, they must confront the emotional walls they've built - can love bridge the gap, or will fear pull them apart? Us is presented by Big Nose Productions and KLPac. More info here. JEMIMAH WEI KL BOOK TOUR Venue: various KL bookstores Date: July 19 and 20 Don't miss out on the chance to meet US-based Singaporean author Jemimah Wei as she visits several bookstores across Kuala Lumpur this weekend: Books Kinokuniya KLCC (July 19), Tsutaya Books Pavilion Bukit Jalil (July 19) and MPH Bookstores The Exchange TRX (July 20). After book tours in the US, Britain and Singapore, Wei is now bringing her newly released debut novel The Original Daughter to Malaysian readers. The book - a project that took the 33-year-old writer over a decade to complete and publish - traces the making and unravelling of family ties against the backdrop of turn-of-the-millennium Singapore. From hiding childhood secrets in biscuit tins to grappling with millennial coming-of-age anxieties, join Wei as she dives into her debut novel and answers questions from readers. More info here. Traditional stage costumes on display at the Chinese Opera exhibition at Muzium Negara, Kuala Lumpur. Photo: The Star/Art Chen CHINESE OPERA EXHIBITION: AN INTRODUCTION AND A REMEMBRANCE Venue: Galeri 1, Muzium Negara, Kuala Lumpur Date: ends Sept 8 The newly opened Chinese Opera Exhibition: An Introduction And A Remembrance at Muzium Negara in Kuala Lumpur takes visitors into the vivid world of traditional Chinese opera – with its legendary tales, striking costumes, delicate props, and timeless music. This showcase is a collaboration between Muzium Negara and the Pat Woh Association Malaysia, a KL-based group known for preserving and promoting Cantonese opera. It also how Malaysian Chinese opera draws from the Xiqu tradition, blending stylised acting, singing, graceful movement, and symbolic props. Visitors can also learn about Malaysia's own opera legends – Siew Chan Wan (1919–2022) and Choo Sau Ying (1927–2003) – whose dedication kept the art form alive for future generations. Choy Him Heong, now 92, continues to be a living link to this enduring tradition. From ornate headgear to hand-painted backdrops, intricate musical instruments to archival photographs, each display – there are more than 90 exhibits – reminds us how Chinese opera has long served as both entertainment and living heritage for generations of local communities. More info here. Visitors view Pangrok Sulap's 'Cahaya Adalah Kehidupan' (2022), a woodcut on blackout fabric, at the Sabahan collective's 'The Sound Of Salience' exhibition at Tali Art Gallery, Petaling Jaya. Photo: The Star/Chan Tak Kong EXHIBITION: PANGROK SULAP's 'THE SOUND OF SALIENCE' Venue: Tali Art Gallery, Petaling Jaya Date: ends July 20 It's the last weekend to catch the exhibition at Tali Art Gallery, showcasing Sabahan collective Pangrok Sulap's bold woodcut works - from pieces dating back to 2017 to a newer series developed in Hong Kong. Titled The Sound Of Salience , the exhibition presents eight main works and assorted prints that showcase Pangrok Sulap's signature fusion of social commentary and participatory printmaking. Renowned for using art as a vehicle for social commentary, the collective's works serve as a bridge between communities and pressing issues like climate change, land rights, cultural identity, and sovereignty. It's been increasingly difficult to catch the group's work in the Klang Valley, as Pangrok Sulap has been actively involved in residencies and exhibitions abroad - most recently with a strong showing at the University of Tennessee in the United States in March, and a community art festival in Patani, southern Thailand last month. Formed in 2010, Pangrok Sulap is made up of artists, musicians, printmakers, and activists. Free admission exhibition. More info here. Lyne Ismail at her painterly debut exhibition 'Cat Town: Energy, Matter, And The Art Of Becoming' at Temu House, Petaling Jaya. Photo: The Star/Azman Ghani EXHIBITION: LYNE ISMAIL'S 'CAT TOWN: ENERGY, MATTER, AND THE ART OF BECOMING' Venue: Temu House, Petaling Jaya Date: ends July 27 Cat Town: Energy, Matter And The Art Of Becoming brings science and art into thoughtful, immersive dialogue. Visual artist, material scientist, and academic Lyne Ismail invites viewers to explore abstraction, sensory perception, and expansive ideas through the lens of resonance and transformation. On view is a new series of large abstract paintings alongside a live cymatic installation, where water responds to sound and vibration by forming intricate, mandala-like patterns. By making resonance visible, Lyne encourages viewers to feel their way into meaning, rather than decode it intellectually. The exhibition also expands on her book Musings Of The Spring Water, launching in tandem with the show. Together, they offer a sensory and reflective journey into energy, intuition, and the act of becoming. More info here.
The Star
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
'Persiapan Seorang Aktor' exposes the emotional toll and daily grind of acting
Under bright stage lights, an actor bares their soul. But what happens behind the curtain, away from the audience's gaze, is the heart of the acclaimed theatre show Persiapan Seorang Aktor (Preparations Of An Actor). After earning rave reviews, strong word-of-mouth, and two awards – the Best of 2024 and Best Original Script for playwright Saat Omar – at the 20th Boh Cameronian Arts Awards in May, Persiapan Seorang Aktor returns to the stage next week. This time drawing strong media attention, the independent Mask Team stages it at the Nero Event Space, PJPAC, 1 Utama Shopping Mall, Petaling Jaya, with five shows from July 17–20. Directed by Syahrul Musa, the 90-minute Bahasa Malaysia production features Aloy Paradoks and Fazleena Hishamuddin, joined by acclaimed actor-director Nam Ron for this new run. The gang is back This show also reunites familiar faces from the local theatre scene. Over a decade ago, Syahrul, Aloy, and Fazleena shared the stage at Stor Teater Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (Stor DBP), a KL space that nurtured emerging talent. Productions like Satu Plastik Hitam and Juta-Juta (2011) first brought them together, with Syahrul directing. A lot has changed since those early days, but the bond between these theatre friends is as strong as ever. In a recent chat in Petaling Jaya, the three reminisced about old times, reflected on how far they've come, and shared why it matters to stay connected – even when life gets busy. Aloy and Fazleena in a scene from 'Persiapan Seorang Aktor' at Studio Sedar Ruang, Shah Alam last year. They'll reunite as the show returns to the stage, playing at PJPAC from July 17-20. Photo: Sufian Abas Today, Aloy is a film scriptwriter and TV actor; Fazleena, a published author who also dabbles in music and poetry; and Syahrul lectures at UiTM Shah Alam while championing independent theatre from an academic angle. 'We filled every seat last year mostly through word of mouth and people who remembered us from Stor DBP. They were curious to see how we had grown over the years,' said Aloy. For Fazleena, the stage remains a vital space for self-expression – a grounding force amid life's many roles. 'I never studied performing arts formally but the stage has always pulled me back. I make it a point to be involved in at least one production every year, no matter how busy life gets,' she said. Syahrul feels their shared history brings authenticity to the production – for both cast and audience. 'It mirrors our own journeys and shows why independent theatre matters for grassroots talent. The script resonates not just with actors, but with anyone balancing passion and reality. Aloy and Fazleena bring the maturity and chemistry the story needs,' he said. Their trust and shared history gave them the courage to take risks, even on a tight budget. Last year's run at Studio Sedar Ruang in Shah Alam was staged on a shoestring, with most funds going to venue rental – yet it still played to full houses. The warm response proved that audiences still want honest, homegrown stories. 'That success gave us the confidence to bring it to PJPAC,' said Syahrul. 'We believe in this story and the talent behind it.' Passion becomes obsession In the show, Aloy takes on the role of Sadiq, and Fazleena appears as Nina, his wife. Nam Ron plays 'Pengarah,' or the director. Persiapan Seorang Aktor follows Sadiq, a celebrated actor whose drive for perfection slowly consumes him. Not satisfied with being the best in Malaysia, he obsesses over surpassing the world's great stage legends. This story within a story makes the audience question how far an artist must go to become truly great. 'My character is an intense actor who tries to live every role fully – from his walk to his thoughts,' Aloy explained. 'But the more roles he takes on, the more they stick with him, wearing him down emotionally. Then he's offered Hamlet, but he can't step into it until he lets go of the others haunting him. That obsession backfires, and he ends up hurting the people around him,' he added. Aloy and Fazleena act out an intense scene while Syahrul reads through the script during a recent rehearsal in Petaling Jaya. Photo: The Star/M. Irsyad Nina becomes both Sadiq's anchor and his reality check, even as she grapples with her own struggles. Through Fazleena's portrayal, we're reminded that the art world is never a truly solo act – it's shaped by those who stand beside us. 'Nina is the quiet support many artists depend on,' said Fazleena. 'In real life, it's often family – especially women – who set aside their own dreams to help their partners. She has to balance letting him get lost in his craft with reminding him of his responsibilities at home.' Persiapan Seorang Aktor is more than just a meta-theatrical piece about actors – it holds up a mirror to society, exploring the sacrifices, pressures, and passion that come with a life on stage. It also shines a light on those who quietly support that journey. Seen through a wider lens, Syahrul hopes the production can draw in newcomers to theatre, offering a glimpse into the demands of acting and helping keep independent theatre alive. 'For us, theatre has always been a way to talk about real issues – to reflect, satirise, and help people understand each other better,' said Syahrul. 'Independent theatre here may never be easy, but it remains one of the few places where we can be honest, raw, and real – and that's why it has to go on," he added.
Hype Malaysia
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Malaysian Singer Nadeera To Hold First Showcase In KL This May; Ticketing & Seating Announced
A rising star who shared the stage with powerful, iconic singers such as Dato' Sri Siti Nurhaliza did not falter with her own set of pipes. A voice equipped with soul, blending R&B, pop and her distinct flair, Nadeera Zaini has quickly captured the heart of fans with her authenticity and vocal prowess. The voice behind the hit Raya song 'Meriah Lain Macam' will debut her first showcase, 'An Evening With Nadeera', at PJPAC on 30th May 2025 (Friday). Promising an unforgettable night filled with her hit songs, here's what we know so far about her show: Farah Nadeera Zaini, or more famously known as Nadeera Zaini, began her music career in the second season of 'Vokal' in 2012. She was selected to be Zainal Abidin's protégé in the 2014 show 'Mentor Legend', and after the completion of the show, she released her first single, 'Hasrat Hati'. From there, her music career took off as she took home the gold for two reality shows, namely the second season of 'Lagu Cinta Kita' in 2020 and the fifth season of 'Big Stage' in 2023. In 2024, her song 'Bukan Lagi Kita' competed in the 39th 'Anugerah Juara Lagu', where it stood in second place and amplified her music into mainstream media. If you want to hear this talented vocalist live in person, here are details of her show: Nadeera Zaini 'An Evening With Nadeera Zaini' Live In KL Date: 30th May 2025 (Friday) 30th May 2025 (Friday) Time: 8:30pm 8:30pm Venue: Nero Event Space, PJPAC, 1 Utama Nero Event Space, PJPAC, 1 Utama Organiser: Mask Team, USANITA Entertainment Mask Team, USANITA Entertainment Ticketing: RM158 (Bukan Lagi Kita), RM108 (Emas) General sales begin 1st May 2025 (Thursday) at 12pm on the official One Tix Malaysia website. Come and experience one of Malaysia's rising stars in her first-ever showcase, for a night of pure vocals and energy. Source: Instagram Alyssa Gabrielle contributed to this article
