Latest news with #theatre
Free Malaysia Today
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
Goodnight, sweet prince
From Kee Thuan Chye I woke up to the news that my dear friend and former collaborator in theatre Mano Maniam has died. I feel a deep sense of loss. What do people mean when they say something like that? In my case, it is a loss of someone who makes me feel that all is well with the world when I'm with them, someone whose positive qi (氣) comforts me, and whose knowledge and wisdom teach me things I did not know. Mano was such a person. He was one of the best people I knew, and by that I don't mean just as an actor but as a person. He was a prince among men, and by 'prince' I'm using the positive metaphorical connotation of the word. He was good-natured, jovial, well-spoken, accommodating. He took criticism graciously. I was shamefully brazen when I bluntly said one or two things to him during rehearsal when I directed him in one or two of the plays we worked together on, but he never got defensive or retaliatory. He would take it on board and think about it. He was nothing if not a thinking man. I cherish the many delightful moments we shared working together. Mano was a consummate actor. And an actor's actor as well. He was generous in giving to his colleagues on stage, never attempting to outshine them. He played the role as it should be played, and helped others to do the same with theirs. For all his thespic achievements and successes, however, he never flaunted them. He was ever humble. Despite his stature and reputation, he had no reservations about taking on small roles if asked. He might reminisce about some of his past acting roles but never to boast about them. Mano was a man who experienced many things in life – good as well as saddening. He saw poverty up close in many of the places he visited, and was eloquent and compassionate about it when we spoke. Goodnight, sweet prince. Revel in the sleep that knits up the ravelled sleeve of care. You will still be with us. Always. Kee Thuan Chye is a writer, playwright, actor and an FMT reader. This tribute to Mano Maniam is an extract from a Facebook post. The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
CTV News
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
North Bay Capitol Centre boasts record season, eyes big names for 2025-26
North Bay's Capitol Centre theatre celebrates record season with 42,000 attendees, Eric Taschner reports. The centre's 2025-26 lineup will include Howie Mandel, Sam Roberts Band, along with a free Bay Block Party set for August.
Irish Times
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Behind the Scenes: The Dramatic Lives of Philip Burton; Yankeeland; Soft Tissue Damage
Behind the Scenes: The Dramatic Lives of Philip Burton by Angela V. John (Parthian, £20) A talented writer, teacher and producer, Philip Burton (1904-95) recognised the potential of his young protégé, born Richard Jenkins, helping propel him into Richard Burton (he took Philip's surname) and box-office stardom. He brought the young actor from the south Wales town of Port Talbot to the London stage and on to the glamour of Hollywood. This study draws on previously unseen sources, bringing Philip Burton for the first time into the spotlight. In the 1950s, he moved to the US, working as a theatre director and delivering Shakespearean lecture-recitals, before settling in Florida, where he spent his final years writing books. The biography is published 100 years after the actor's birth and coincides with the release of the biopic, Mr Burton, starring Toby Jones. – Paul Clements Yankeeland by Lacy Fewer (Köehlerbooks, £23.95) In 19th-century Wexford, Brigid Kelly and her cousin Molly dream of a new life in America. They call it 'Yankeeland'– a place featured in the fashion magazines they smuggle past Brigid's pious stepmother and in the stories of their aristocratic neighbour. Soon, Brigid and her husband emigrate; Molly is left behind. Drawn to the unfamiliar, Brigid lands in Lily Dale, New York, where she's captivated by the radical ideas of Spiritualism and women's suffrage. Yankeeland is historical fiction based on Fewer's family, beginning when Brigid's grandniece (Fewer's surrogate) uncovers her letters. As a result, Yankeeland's characters feel idealised, and they often shapeshift to meet the demands of the plot. In the end, the novel's careful handling of its real subject – shame – is well-rendered and timeless. – Kristen Malone Poli READ MORE Soft Tissue Damage by Anna Whitwham (Rough Trade Books, £14.99) 'You're concussed', the author is told, in the final line of the opening chapter of this powerful memoir. She has just emerged from the boxing ring. 'Mum's cancer…' are the two words that proceed. It is through boxing and the actualisation of pain, that the journalist and author of award-winning novel, Boxer Handsome, learns to process grief and recover her long-held instinct to hurt herself. 'I needed to be hurt to know how not to be hurt' she writes. The author presents an almost addictive discipline in her writing that is clean and taut; Whitham knows how to stun, without knocking her reader out. The result is a unique and enthralling memoir of vulnerability, resilience and learning to protect oneself. – Brigid O'Dea
BBC News
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
University of Warwick appeals for theatre graduates to join reunion
A university is asking for theatre and performance studies graduates to get in touch to help celebrate the department's 50th birthday. Gavin and Stacey writer and star Ruth Jones is among those to have studied at the University of Warwick since its opening in is asking for former students to take part in a reunion event on 28 June in order to reconnect and share their stories. "Our alumni are an essential part of our story as well as our best advocates and inspiration for future generations of students," said Assistant Professor David Coates, who is organising the event. As part of the anniversary, the department is also working to expand the university archive."Our theatre studies archive is currently too formal, and we would like more colour and character," added Professor Coates. "We're appealing for photos, programmes, module notes, flyers and any other memorabilia material that can help capture the spirit of student life in the department over our five decades," he added. Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Free Malaysia Today
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
Veteran actor Mano Maniam from Kopitiam dies, aged 79
Actor, director and writer Mano Maniam was already a household name in the local theatre scene when he achieved national fame through the sitcom, Kopitiam, which was aired on TV3. PETALING JAYA : Mano Maniam, a veteran of stage and screen, and best known for his role as Uncle Chan in the English-language sitcom Kopitiam, has died at the age of 79. Born on Nov 15, 1945, Mano was a prominent figure in the local arts scene for decades, known for his work as an actor, director, drama teacher, voiceover artist and writer. His brother, Madi Maniam, said Mano passed away in his apartment last night. He had been living alone. 'It happened all of a sudden. It could be due to old age, heart attack or even a stroke. We're still not sure. 'We only got to know about his passing later. We're making the necessary funeral arrangements now and will announce the details later,' Madi told FMT. He said while Mano preferred his privacy and lived independently, he remained close to his family. 'He lived a full life. He valued his freedom but always stayed connected with us, with my family, his nephews and nieces,' he said. Mano was already a household name in the local theatre scene when he rose to national fame through Kopitiam, which aired from 1999 to 2003 on TV3. His portrayal of the wise and affable Uncle Chan made him a familiar and beloved face in Malaysian households. The popular sitcom also starred Douglas Lim, Rashid Salleh, Joanna Bessey, Lina Teoh and Chew Kin Wah, among others. He also had roles in the Hollywood blockbuster, Anna and the King, and Netflix series Marco Polo, as well as starred in several local English and Tamil dramas on TV. Mano continued to remain active in the arts well into his 70s, doing voiceover work and teaching acting to senior citizens at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC). 'He was still doing voiceovers, recently,' Madi said. Madi also shared that Mano was scheduled to receive an award this evening at the HGH Convention Hall in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, in recognition of his cultural contributions to the Indian community and to the Malaysian performing arts. 'He was preparing for it and had his suit already laid out. This evening, he will be there in spirit,' he said.
