Latest news with #PetalingJayaPerformingArtsCentre
New Straits Times
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Mila Mohsin set to follow parents' footsteps in acting
KUALA LUMPUR: Following in the esteemed footsteps of her late father, Hani Mohsin Hanafi, and her mother, Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina, actress and jiu-jitsu instructor Mila Mohsin, 31, is poised to make her mark in the entertainment industry. Mila, whose full name is Hani Karmila Hani Mohsin, shared that her mother, the acclaimed producer and star of Puteri Gunung Ledang The Movie, has given her blessing for Mila to pursue acting. This exciting new chapter begins with the film Laknat, set to premiere on June 5. "Coincidentally, Saw Teong Hin, the director of Laknat, contacted me and without hesitation, I agreed to join the cast," Mila revealed at a recent preview of the movie at GSC Mid Valley Megamall. Having made her acting debut last year in Melur The Musical at the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC), Mila expressed immense gratitude for having learned the fundamentals of acting directly from her parents. "Every step I take, they are in my heart and soul. If the film is successful, I'll be very grateful and thankful to them," she said. Mila further emphasised her appreciation for compelling narratives, whether in mainstream or independent productions. While comparisons to her illustrious parents are inevitable, Mila's mother has encouraged her to "be herself" and disregard any naysayers. "I'm determined to be my own person in showbiz. I feel blessed to have parents who worked hard to excel in showbiz, and they are my role models who have set the benchmark high," Mila said, highlighting her ambition to forge her unique path. Mila also draws inspiration from the versatile actor Bront Palarae, commending his ability to elevate Malaysia's cinematic presence globally through his roles in Indonesian productions and international award-winning films. "Bront Palarae is multi-talented, one of our finest actors, who has put our movie industry on the global map," she said.
The Star
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
'Setanggi Tari Melayu' dance show pays tribute to legendary Malay heroines
ASK Dance Company's upcoming show Setanggi Tari Melayu 2025 – Quintessential Malay Dance is more than a performance — it is a sensory journey into the heart of Malay cultural memory. Drawing its name from 'setanggi,' a fragrant incense used in ritual, the stage production embodies the lingering grace and layered heritage of traditional Malay dance. The main stage performance will take place at Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPac), 1 Utama shopping centre from May 30 to June 1. ''Setanggi' means incense, symbolising the enduring spirit of Malay culture – rooted yet ethereal, much like the dance itself,' says Joseph Gonzales, founder and artistic director of ASK Dance Company. 'Unfortunately, over time, much of our Malay dance heritage has been lost and forgotten through reduced practice and urbanisation,' he adds. The performance, imbued with powerful storytelling and intricate choreography, aims to revive interest in the art form and shine a light on the resilience and grace of Malay women throughout history and legend, such as Tun Teja, Mahsuri, Cik Siti Wan Kembang and Puteri Saadong. Fatin (centre) plays Melati, the lead role in the upcoming dance production 'Setanggi Tari Melayu' at PJPac. Photo: ASK Dance Company "Setanggi Tari Melayu draws from these iconic heroines through a fictional character who challenges adversity with courage and wisdom in a journey that mirrors these legends,' says Gonzales. Strength and softness The production, which weaves together the traditional Malay martial art form of silat with folk dance genres, tells the story of Melati, a young silat warrior and heir to the throne. She falls in love with a handsome and brave prince, who unbeknownst to her is a power-hungry and evil man who threatens the kingdom's harmony and even her life. Torn between love and duty, she must make a heart-wrenching decision. Fatin Nadhirah Rahmat, who plays Melati, says that the role holds a special place in her heart because it mirrors parts of her own journey. 'Melati is a powerful woman – respected, strong and full of potential. But despite all her strength, she falls for someone who doesn't deserve her, someone who only wants to take what she has, which reminds me of moments in my own life when I gave my trust, love and energy to the wrong people," says Fatin. Producer Imran Syafiq sees the opportunity to incorporate some new dances within the genres of joget gamelan, piring and zapin. Photo: ASK Dance Company 'This production gives me the space to pour that experience into my performance – through her story, I get to embody both strength and softness, power and pain. I also want the audience to see how even strong people make mistakes, and how those mistakes don't erase their strength,' she adds. Challenging perceptions Featuring choreography by Azmie Zanal Abdden, Mohd Fauzi Amiruddin, Imran Syafiq, Mohd Zulkarnain Zuber and Joseph Gonzales, Setanggi Tari Melayu celebrates traditional Malay dances such as Terinai Mengadap, Mengadap Rebab and two types of zapin, as well as inang and joget. 'As a Malaysian artist, it's been my dream to present Malay dance as a refined art form equal to Western classics. With this production, we aim to highlight its full richness and beauty,' says Gonzales. On stage, producer Imran Syafiq is also seeing the opportunity to incorporate some new dances within the genres of joget gamelan, piring and zapin. 'There's a lot more to Malay dance than what typically comes to mind for most people – there is a beautifully intricate range of technique, musicality, choreography and history that is embodied within it," says Imran. 'Traditional dance shows are often priced lower than musicals or ballet, but I hope this production helps audiences see the depth of work involved and value it on equal footing with other dance forms,' he concludes.
