M! The Opera

M! The Opera is dedicated to our late Patron, Allahyarham Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood, whose initial support and encouragement gave us the courage to embark on this pioneering project.

M! The Opera was officially launched today by Yang Berusaha Puan Nori Abdullah, Chairperson of Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia who has been instrumental in supporting the opera, from fund-raising to providing support and encouragement.

M! The Opera’s presenting sponsor is YTL Corporation Berhad and was represented by Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Francis Yeoh at its launch today. In addition to the Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia, the production has also been supported by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage and the Istana Budaya. Key sponsors include HSBC in the Arts, Mercedes Benz, Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM), Astro, Wasp Studios, Malaysia Airlines, JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur and Vistana Kuala Lumpur, the Australian High Commission and a host of other sponsors and supporters.

M! The Opera is a funky new opera, invented by a dynamic creative team and performed by an exciting young cast. The music is a unique fusion of Western and Asian sounds, combining “asli” and Western classical singing, Indian polyrhythms, Malay percussion patterns and electronica.
Set in the dramatic world of Fashion, M! The Opera tells the story of M, a boy who starts life in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, in Kampung Baru, and is inspired by his elegant “tukang jahit” mother into working with fabrics to transform women. Following rigorous training in industrial Japan, M becomes a legendary fashion designer, with Sepi, his beautiful childhood friend and Muse by his side.

The emergence of a young, outrageous designer – Kerabat - not only jeopardises M’s position in the fashion world, but also threatens the love of his Muse.

M! The Opera explores the dramatic struggle between those who have found fame and love, and those who are about to achieve them, all set in the sumptuous yet ruthless world of couture.

M! The Opera has an “All Stars” creative team:
Award-winning composer Saidah Rastam has received public acclaim for projects in Australia, Japan and Italy, she was also music director for the launch of the Petronas Twin Towers, wrote the music for the 2005 Singapore Arts Festival hit ‘Spirits’ with Singapore’s Toy Factory Theatre Company, and will be the Music Director for a major new musical at Singapore’s Esplanade Theatre in July 2006.

Multiple award-winning librettist Jit Murad is Malaysia’s best-known and most beloved English language playwright, with a string of sellout plays to his name, including the multi-award winning Spilt Gravy, which had sell-out runs both here and in Singapore.

Director and Dramaturg is none other than Malaysia’s renowned and award-winning Jo Kukathas, with arguably the most extensive directorial experience in the country. Jo is a leading theatre director and actress in Malaysia, and the director of The Instant Cafe Theatre.

Since 2000, Jo has been acquiring an international profile, traveling to Singapore, Melbourne, Hong Kong, New York, Taiwan, Korea, Berlin, Kyoto and Tokyo to variously direct, perform, conduct workshops and share her experiences in working in theatre collaborations in international forums.

Similarly, choreographer Judimar Hernandez, conductor Roland Peelman, technical director Mac Chan, costume designer Dominique Devorsine, set designer Goh Boon Teck and lighting designer Dorothy Png are leaders in their respective fields.

M! The Opera is produced by Sunita Rajakumar, Chacko Vadaketh and Lorna Henderson for Surprise Voice Sdn Bhd.

Featuring a stellar cast: Khir Rahman as M, George Chan as Kerabat, Doreen Tang as Sepi and Maizurah Hamzah as Kak Ros, with Azean Irdawaty, Cindy Yeap, Timothy Ooi, Mia Palencia, Peter Ong and Paula Malai Ali. Also introducing our young talent, Elyssa Murni Johari.

* Love * Murder * Fashion *

Gamar Jobat - Curious?

Grease The Musical

16th - 21st May 2006
Plenary Hall, KL Convention Centre

Continuing on its track record of bringing in world-class live entertainment to Malaysia including such high-profile shows as Disney On Ice 2002, Disney On Ice 2003, Barney Live on Stage! 2004, Sesame Street Live! 2004, Yvents! now brings the smash hit Broadway musical, ‘Grease’ to Malaysia from USA for the first time ever in May 2006 in a spectacular show that is set to delight Malaysians of all ages!

“Grease is a lively and hugely entertaining musical. It’s a winner.” - New York Daily News
“A snappy, sparkling, exhilarating show” - Hollywood Variety

“A monster hit on West End. Its fast, furious and thrilling all the way” - Daily Mirror

“The 50’s-style rock score has many ensemble numbers, and the youthful cast performs them with energy and style… The Academy of Music theatergoers broke into wild applause.” - The Philadelphia Enquirer

“Broadway’s Monster Hit!” - New York Daily News

The fifth-longest running musical in Broadway history, Grease had its world theatrical première on Broadway in 1972 and has triumphed throughout the world, both in acclaimed theatres and in countless school productions. In 1979 Grease took over the record as the longest-running show in the history of Broadway, and the hit film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John proved to be the highest grossing movie musical ever. The co-creators, Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, were friends for seven years before they collaborated on Grease, and it was over beer at a party when the idea first surfaced. Reacting against the "traditional, 'legit' show tune type melodies of the Great White Way" (Jim Jacobs), Jacobs and Casey amused themselves imagining this new kind of musical on Broadway, with music from the late Fifties and characters from the golden days of rock'n'roll.

Everywhere it opened, Grease struck a universal chord with its irresistible mix of adolescent angst, vibrant physicality and 1950s pop culture. Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey created a perfect period piece - a pastiche of the 1950s - which is "fast, furious and thrilling, an injection of raw energy ... and fun, fun, fun" (Hilary Bonner - Daily Mirror).

Celebrating 20 years of 'Grease' mania the film was re-released in the Summer of 98 which was produced by Robert Stigwood and Alan Carr. Grease has maintained its everlasting popularity - proving that teenage angst and loves young dream remains timeless and universal.

Kick off your Broadway season with the one everyone wants! GREASE, one of the longest running musicals in Broadway history, is ready to rock ’n’ roll into Malaysia! Your favorite songs from the hit motion picture come to life in this theater-packing box office phenomenon that has thrilled audiences and critics around the country. Chartbusters like “You’re the One That I Want,” “Summer Nights,” and “Greased Lightnin’” will have fans coming back for more. Delight the legions of GREASE devotees and introduce a whole new generation to this spectacular production of America’s favorite energy-packed hit, GREASE.

For tickets: www.ticketcharge.com.my

Troubadours/Open Doors Kickoff

Presented by KLPac & Troubadours Enterprise



(live performance and indie short-film screening)

All-new monthly series of live performances!

Troubadours is a regular music event held around the Klang Valley since 2005. Troubadours showcases local talent and their events are known to be intimate and friendly.

With Troubadours/Open Doors , the core objective remains the same - to feature talented Malaysians who write and perform original material, solo or in a band. However, this new series is also driven towards introducing new musicians to the local scene via the Open Doors concept. It serves as a much-needed platform for new and more seasoned musicians to showcase their work.

To kickstart this series, an exciting line-up is in place that includes Azmyl Yunor, Broken Scar, Ian Chow and Tan Chui Mui. The kickoff promises a refreshing fusion of original music! Exclusive to this launch is an independent short-film screening featuring the works of James Lee, Azharr Rudin & Tan Chui Mui.

Troubadours/Open Doors will take place every third Sunday of the month at KLPac. Those interested to showcase their music should email the following: biodata, song lyrics and sample of music to troubadourskl@gmail.com and ian@klpac.com .

Date & Time: 26 February @ 3.00pm
Venue: Pentas 2, KLPac
Ticket: RM 10 only!
Box office: KLPac 03-4047 9000 or TAS@BSC 03-2094 9400

http://www.klpac.com
http://www.troubadourskl.blogspot.com

Reka Art Space (February to March 2006)

The Fake Show
curated by Vincent Leong

This exhibition explores the multi-layered meanings of "fake" and "fake-ness". What is originality? Why is the "authentic" valued more than the reproduction? When does representation become re-representation? Or the copy become original? We hear, see and read each day some manisfestation of this fake-ness: fake money, ICs, passports and working permits, datuk-ships and millionaires, pirated consumer goods and plagiarism; fake relationships, social graces and politicians. Fakery is all around and here to stay.

“The idea of curating an exhibition around this theme came to my mind as Malaysia is a fertile playground for fake and fakeness, this exhibition is a small act to investigate into this phenomenon.” said curator Vincent Leong.

“Reka Art Space, a community, adult education and teaching space with a gallery becomes an ideal space to install this exhibition and raises the issue of production and reproduction of art in an art-producing environment.” he further added.

“We have always been supportive of artists who challenge norms and artworks that show originality. This exhibition is interesting because it challenges the very notion of originality itself” says gallery manager Chang Yoong Chia.

The exhibition will host a diverse range of media including photography and video, sculpture, installations and paintings.

Date: 24 February , 2006 – 18 March November, 2006.
Location:
Just off the LDP in Kelana Jaya,
GL29 Block C, Kelana Square,
17 Jalan SS7/26, Kelana Jaya.
Tel. no: 03-7880 5982.

Opening Hours: Wednesday - Saturday from 11am to 5pm.

Contact: Chang Yoong Chia email: yoongchia@gmail.com h/p: 016-374 5848 tel/fax: 03-7880 5982

url: www.reka-art.com

Reka Art Space offers exhibition space and art classes.

KLPac February/March/April

Going North
Presenter: KLPac
Executive Producer &
Director: Dato’ Faridah Merican
Artistic Director: Joe Hasham
Cast: Fahmi Fadzil, Zaibo, Ari Ratos, Ras Alita Radzi, Michael Chen and Ghaz Abu Bakar

In 1948, a “state of emergency” was declared in British Malaya to meet the threat of Communist rebels. At a small town railway station on the west coast, a young university student waits to take the train going north. He encounters an elderly man who goes to the station. In the meeting of a young mind and an old experience, the student is posed to resolve a dilemma before he can take the train going north. Written by Dato’ Syed Alwi half a decade ago, Going North has been produced as a radio play and TV drama. However, this is the premier staging of this original play in English!

Date & Time: 9 – 11 February at 8.30pm and 12 February at 3pm
Tickets: RM 30 & RM 20 (students, disabled & sr. citizen)
Venue: Pentas 2, KLPac


“War on Terror” Film Screening
Presenter: Amnesty International Subang Jaya Local Group

In an effort to raise awareness on the human rights abuses committed during the War on Terror, the Amnesty International Subang Jaya Local Group will be screening two films. “The Oil Factor” (10 January) is a must-see documentary for those who want to peek into what’s really at stake with today’s War on Terror. “The President vs. David Hicks” (11 January) tells the story of the Australian Taliban fighter, David Hicks. It explores and reflects one man’s journey from rodeo rider to Guatanamo Bay detainee. Limited seats only.

Date & Time: 10– 11 February at 7.30pm
Tickets: By invitation only – min. of RM10 donation
(For invites, contact Amnesty International at 03-7955 2680)
Venue: IndiCine





ProCHICKEN PARTS 11 + Bazaar
Production by: Lee Swee Keong & The Actors Studio

Started in 1998 by dance veteran Lee Swee Keong, Chicken Parts is an experimental platform for cross-disciplinary arts experience that features collaboration with other artists in the local arts community. To spice things up this year, we have an even more exciting line-up which includes:

Performance - Caecar Chong, Kiea Kuan Nam & Yang Wei Han
Video - Kok Siew Wai, Lau Mun Leng & Goh Lee Kwang,
Music - Azmyl Yunor, Jerome Kugan, Yandsen, Ronnie Khoo & Boon

Date & Time: 18 February @ 6pm (Bazaar) and 8pm (Chicken Parts 11)
Venue: Deck area (outside KLPac)
Admission: By donation (minimum RM10)


An arts & craft / secondhand items bazaar!
Interested in getting a FREE booth? Contact Ian at
ian@klpac.com or 4047 9013. Buskers are welcomed too. Hurry, limited space only...


Troubadours / Open Doors
Presenter: Troubadours Enterprise & KLPac

Featuring:
Short film screening – James Lee, Azharr Rudin and Tan Chui Mui
Acoustic performance – Azmyl Yunor, Broken Scar, Ian Chow and Da Praise Project

For those who are unfamiliar with Troubadours, it is a regular music event held around the Klang Valley since April 2005. Helming this enterprise are singer songwriters Azmyl Yunor, Tan Sei Hon and Jerome Kugan who organized Troubadours as a showcase for local talents performing original music. Troubadours nights are intimate and friendly, and attended by a diverse group of musicians and music-lovers.

With this new collaboration, the core objective remains the same – to feature talented Malaysians who write and perform original material, solo or in a band. However, this series is specifically driven towards introducing new musicians to the local scene. It serves as a much-needed platform for such musicians to showcase their work.

To kickstart Troubadours / Open Doors, an exciting line-up of old and new names on the local circuit promises a refreshing fusion of original music. Featured musicians include Azmyl Yunor, Broken Scar, Ian Chow and Da Praise Project. Exclusive to the launch will also be an independent short film screening prior to the performances, selected by James Lee.

Troubadours / Open Doors series will take place on the third Sunday of each month at KLPac. Music lovers can expect an even more exciting line-up in the months to come. Those interested to showcase their music, please email your details (biodata & song lyrics) to troubadourskl@gmail.com and ian@klpac.com

Date: 26 February 2006
Time: 3pm – 6pm (independent short film screening & live performance)
Venue: Pentas 2, KLPac
Admission: RM10
Box office:
KLPac 03-4047 9000 / tickets@klpac.com
TAS@BSC 03-2094 9400 / tickets@theactorsstudio.com.my
Website: www.klpac.com



The Homecoming
Presenter: KLPac

Executive Producer: Dato’ Faridah Merican
Artistic Director: Joe Hasham
Director: Gavin Yap
Playwright: Harold Pinter
Cast:
Thor Kah Hoong (Max)
U-En Ng (Lenny)
Loo Jia-Wei (Ruth)
Ian Cheang (Joey)
Ben Tan (Teddy)
Patrick Teoh (Sam)

‘The Homecoming', Harold Pinter's deliciously dark comedy tells the story of a successful philosophy professor named Teddy who braces himself as he returns to his hometown for the first time in nine years to introduce his wife, Ruth, to his family. Unfortunately, this family consists of an assortment of abusives and miscreants that make the atmosphere very uncomfortable for Teddy and turns his wife into the catalyst for a multitude of conflicts.

The Homecoming Blog http://www.thehomecomingdiaries.blogspot.com/

Date & Time:
24 March – 2 April at 8.30pm except
Sunday shows at 3.00pm (26 March & 2 April)
No shows on Mondays (27 March)
Venue: Pentas 2, KLPac
Ticketing Contact:
KLPac 03-4047 9000 / tickets@klpac.com
TAS@BSC 03-2094 9400 / tickets@theactorsstudio.com.my
URL: www.klpac.com

Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS March - April 2006

March

Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (DFP) welcomes March 06 with a set of dazzling performances by the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) and guest soloists, and visiting artists.

To kick off the month, there will be a special concert in recognition to the talents of Malaysian composers through the MPO Forum for Malaysian Composers 2. To be conducted by the Forum Director, Kevin Field, this concert is scheduled on Saturday, 4 March 06 at 8.30 p.m. Witness the works of six local composers’ performed by the MPO after a week of open rehearsals which culminates in a unique presentation of world premieres.

This will be followed by a chamber concert by the MPO ensemble on Sunday, 5 March 06 at 3.00 p.m. This concert will present Zelenka’s Trio Sonata No.5 in F for Two Oboes, Bassoon and Continuo, and Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons.

Next, the International Series will present a two-night performance by Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. Under the baton of Iván Fisher, the concerts are scheduled on Monday, 6 March 06 and Tuesday, 7 March 06 at 8.30 p.m.

On the first night, the Orchestra will present works by Mozart, Schubert and Haydn, and will feature soprano Ruth Ziesak, whereas the second night’s performance will feature cellist Steven Isserlis and symphonic works composed by Haydn, Mozart and Salieri.

The MPO will continue to weave magic under the baton of the MPO’s Principal Conductor, Matthias Bamert on Friday, 10 March 06 and Saturday, 11 March 06 at 8.30 p.m., and Sunday, 12 March 06 at 3.00 p.m. The MPO will collaborate with soprano Susan Platts and tenor Jeffrey Lloyd-Roberts to perform Mahler’s The Song of the Earth. The MPO will also present Mozart’s Symphony No.40 in G minor.

The MPO will continue to entice audiences on Saturday, 18 March 06 at 8.30 p.m. and Sunday, 19 March 06 at 3.00 p.m. Under the baton of the MPO’s Associate Conductor, Kevin Field, the MPO will present Delius’ Walk to the Paradise Garden and Moeran’s Symphony in G minor. The MPO will also present Britten’s Symphony of Cello and Orchestra (Op.68) which will feature renowned cellist Robert Cohen.

Next, there will be a chamber concert on Wednesday, 22 March 06 at 6.00 p.m. The MPO ensemble will perform Hoffman’s Quartet in F for Mandolin, Violin, Viola and Cello, Smetana’s String Quartet No.1 in E minor ‘From My Life’ and Nielsen’s Wind Quintet (Op.43).

Finally, the International Series will present a two-night extravaganza with Australian Chamber Orchestra with artistic director and violinist Richard Tognetti. The performance on Tuesday, 28 March 06 at 8.30 p.m. will feature Tüür’s Passion, Golijov’s Last Round First Movement, and Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor (Op.64) and Octet for Strings in E flat (Op.20).

The second performance on Friday, 31 March 06 at 8.30 p.m. will witness the Orchestra collaborating with the MPO presenting works which include Corelli’s Concerto Grosso No.4 in D (Op.6), Sculthorpe’s Lament for Strings and Beethoven’s Symphony No.7 in A (Op.92).

April

First, the MPO will collaborate with the Australian Chamber Orchestra on Saturday, 1 April 06 at 8.30 p.m. in a concert dedicated to Latin American music. With a special focus on tango, the concert will feature a bandoneon player, Daniel Binelli who is also a composer of the tradition. Under the baton of Kevin Field, this concert will highlight works from Binelli himself and also Piazolla. This concert is under the International Series.

On Sunday, 2 April 06 at 11.00 a.m., there will be a masterclass with members of the Australian Chamber Orchestra where members of the public can gain insights, knowledge and tips from these acclaimed musicians.

Also on the same day, there will be a String Quartet Recital at 3.00 p.m. Under the MPO Showcase Series and featuring the Danis Quartet, this recital will present works like Mozart’s Quartet No.14 in G, Dvorak’s Quartet No.12 in F (Op.96) and Shostakovich’s Quartet No.9 in E flat (Op.117).

The MPO will collaborate with renowned conductor, Eiji Oue on Friday, 7 April 06 and Saturday, 8 April 06 at 8.30 p.m., and Sunday, 9 April 06 at 3.00 p.m. The MPO will perform a popular work by Bernstein, Symphonic Dances from ‘West Side Story’. Also to be included in the repertoire list are Barber’s Overture to School for Scandal (Op.5), Gershwin’s An American in Paris and Piano Concerto in F (featuring pianist Simon Mulligan).

Conductor Eiji Oue will continue to weave magic with the MPO on Friday, 14 April 06 and Saturday, 15 April 06 at 8.30 p.m., and Sunday, 16 April 06 at 3.00 p.m. The MPO will present symphonic works like Bernstein’s Overture to Candide, Rachmaninov’s Symphony No.2 in E minor (Op.27) and Barber’s Violin Concerto (Op.14) which will feature renowned violinist Cho-Liang Lin.
A free organ lunchtime recital will follow on Saturday, 15 April 06 at 1.15 p.m. DFP Resident Organist, Dr Marc Rochester and trumpeter John Bourque will enthrall audience with an experience of the genuine trumpet stop of the majestic Klais Pipe Organ. Hear it blast out in music with works of John Stanley, C S Lang, Norman Cocker, Arthur Wills and Alfred Hollins.

Dr Marc Rochester will present a Music Appreciation Session on Sunday, 16 April 06 at 11.30 a.m. Themed ‘The Lives Of Great Composers 2’, Dr Marc will share his knowledge and provide insights into the world of great classical music composers.

The MPO ensemble will present a chamber concert on Tuesday, 18 April 06 at 6.00 p.m. The ensemble will perform Shostakovich’s Octet (Op.11), Enescu’s Piece de concert for Viola and Piano, and Sphor’s Nonet in F (Op.31).

The PETRONAS Performing Arts Group (PPAG) returns to the DFP stage to present a traditional music performance entitled ‘Simfoni Tradisional’ on Friday, 21 April 06 and Saturday, 22 April 06 at 8.30 p.m.

Under the International Series, the MPO will collaborate with world renowned saxophonist, Branford Marsalis. He is a Grammy Award winner in 1993 and 1994. Under the baton of Justin Brown, the collaboration will present Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite, Copland’s Clarinet Concerto, Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, and Rhapsody for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra, and finally Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite. The concerts are scheduled on Monday, 24 April 06 and Tuesday, 25 April 06 at 8.30 p.m.

Branford Marsallis will present two concerts on his own under the Jazz & World Music Series on Wednesday, 26 April 06 and Thursday, 27 April 06 at 8.30 p.m. He will also participate in a workshop on Wednesday, 26 April 06 at 3.00 p.m. where public could gain some insights and ask questions to the artist himself.


Concert Details

Venue
Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS
PETRONAS Twin Towers

Ticket Prices (MPO Series Saturday)
Premium: RM95, A Reserve: RM75, B Reserve: RM55 and C Reserve: RM25

Tickets Prices (MPO Series Sunday)
Premium: RM85, A Reserve: RM65, B Reserve: RM40 and C Reserve: RM20

Tickets Prices (Chamber Concert, MPO Showcase, Workshop, Masterclass & Music Appreciation Session)
All tickets RM10

Tickets Prices (International Series)
Premium: RM210, A Reserve: RM160, B Reserve: RM110 and C Reserve: RM55

Tickets Prices (Jazz & World Music Series)
Premium: RM140, A Reserve: RM100, B Reserve: RM60 and C Reserve: RM40

Tickets Prices (PPAG)
Premium: RM35, A Reserve: RM30, B Reserve: RM20 and C Reserve: RM10

Box Office Hours
Monday to Saturday:10.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m., 9.00 p.m. on performance nights

Performance Sundays: 12.00 noon to performance time

Telephone Bookings : 03 - 2051 7007 Fax Bookings : 03 - 2051 7077

E-mail Bookings : dfp_boxoffice@petronas.com.my

Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS / MPO website:
www.malaysianphilharmonic.com

Darling Muse Art Gallery (February 2006)

ACCLAIMED EDITIONS
Selected Graphic Works from Pablo Picasso to Sandro Chia
collaboration with RAJA IHSAN SHAH



A two-tier exhibition of original and acclaimed editions by giants of Modern Art -Picasso, Matisse, Giacometti, Chagall; and the artists of the New Figuration. All works were created, supervised and approved by the artists themselves in collaboration with the most reputable printmakers in Paris. Totalling 22 works in all, the earliest dated on exhibit is a hand-mounted colour heliogravure from Picasso’s “Antipolis” printed in a small edition by Draeger Fréres in 1948. While the most recent would be a large exquisite etching with carborundum by Italian Sandro Chia executed in 1994, from a museum edition of only 20.

The works of the Modern Masters are generally highly intimate and personal in nature, with the people in the artists’ lives being the focal point. They are not reflective of the particular period of time in which they were made, and therefore can be considered timeless. On the other hand, the works of the New Figuration are full of historical and social commentary. Contrast the work of Picasso’s 1958 linocut of Jacqueline or Giacometti’s “Annette” against Fromanger’s 1972 “Ils sont sur la lune” commemorating man’s landings on the moon or Rancillac’s “Fedayin” reflecting the Palestinian struggle. The New Figuration, started in 1961, will be represented in this exhibition by the works of Adami and Chia (Italian); Fromanger and Rancillac (French); Erro (Icelandic), Arroyo (Spanish), and Klasen and Hermann Braun-Vega (German) et al.

Prices of the works range from RM 4,000 to RM 18,000.

Duration: 9 February till 4 March
Venue: Darling Muse Art Gallery 142, Jalan Bukit Pantai
Openining hours: Monday to Saturday 11.30am till 7.00pm and Sundays by appointment

Puteri Gunung Ledang The Musical (Istana Budaya)

The legend comes alive

They are the legends that every Malaysian child knows by heart: Hang Tuah, the greatest Malay warrior, and Puteri Gunung Ledang, mystical keeper of the mists. And now Puteri Gunung Ledang The Musical brings to life the beloved tale that is as old as time with a burst of theatrical magic.

Bring someone you love to experience the enchantment of an unforgettable performance that will delight the soul and excite the senses!


A musical spectacular

Majestic kings, dazzling damsels, heroic warriors. See the glory of 15th Century Melaka unfold before your very eyes. Breathtaking sets, resounding chorus lines, pulsating rhythms and spirited contemporary choreography combine in a fury of staggering imagination to bring you a night to remember.

Be immersed in the soaring love story between an invincible warrior and the beauty who tamed his heart. Feel the pain of two yearning souls. And then wonder at the dilemma tearing them apart between loyalty and desire as the sweeping award-winning epic is stunningly adapted live on stage.


A feast for the senses

Let the music move you with an unforgettable score composed by Dick Lee, the Andrew Lloyd Webber of the East, and Roslan Aziz, Malaysia’s magical maestro. Together, they have produced a beguiling soundscape that is at once traditional and modern.

Marvel at the magnificent sets that rumble into place. Then be thrilled by the intricate choreography that weaves more than 40 actors on stage in perfect coordination. With clockwork precision, the elements come together to bring you a truly immersive experience.

Treat yourself and your friends and family to an awe-inspiring memory that will last a lifetime!

For tickets: http://www.pglthemusical.com.my/tickets.html

SmoovePinch'ed: An elaborate, talented and highly experienced ensemble, from Dick Lee, Tiara Jacqulina, Saw Teong Hin, Adlin Aman Ramlie, AC Mizal, Zahim Albakri, Roslan Aziz, Pat Ibrahim and a long long list of others, we highly recommend catching this literally breath taking musical of international standards extended from the already international award winning Puteri Gunung Movie project. You will be swept away and truly amazed. Congrats to Tiara and the entire PGL team for putting such an amazing project together to proudly take Malaysia to achieving another first. Not to be missed!!!

KLPAC presents Going North

Date & Time: 9-11 Feb @ 8.30pm and 12 Feb @ 3.00pm
Ticket Price: RM30 & RM20 (students, disabled & sr. citizens)
Venue: Pentas 2, KLPac

KLPac presents Dato' Syed Alwi's Going North.The story brings us back in time to 1948 British Malaya, when a "state of emergency" was declared to meet the threats of Communist rebels.
At a small town railway station on the west coast, a young university student waits to take the train going north. He encounters an elderly man. In the meeting of a young mind and an old experience, the student is posed to resolve a dilemma.

The story was written by Dato' Syed Alwi half a decade ago. Going North has since been produced as a radio play and TV drama. However, this is the premier staging of this original play in English!

For more information, visit www.klpac.com

Or read more about it in New Straits Times

Amnesty International presents War on Terror

Japan KL Foundation Movies (Feb)

When the Rain Lifts (Ame Agaru)
Color/Vista/92 min.
Director:Takashi KOIZUMI
Setting: Tokyo in the 1990s

Date: 18 February 2006 Saturday at 4:30pm
Venue: Malaysia Tourism Centre (MTC)
Admission: Free

Story: With the river in flood after heavy rains, a group of travelers is stranded at a small country inn. Among them are Ihei Misawa, a poor ronin, or masterless samurai, and his wife, Tayo.
As the rain continues tensions rise among the guests at the inn, and Ihei takes it upon himself to cheer everyone up by arranging for a splendid feast. He has no money, however, and to pay for it goes into the local castle town and bets again the masters of the fencing dojos there. This “prize-fighting” is something at which he excels, although he tends to be somewhat clumsy in his human relations, but it is also something far beneath the dignity of a man of the samurai class.
The following day he steps in to prevent a duel between two young samurai, members of the house of Shigeaki, the lord of the domain. Shigeaki is impressed with Ihei’s skill, invites him back to the castle, and offer to make him fencing master to the fief.
Ihei, who has had bad luck in his employment at other fief, is delighted, but the fencing masters of the castle town are not : they feel the position should go to one of them.
Ifei demonstrates his fencing abilities before the assembled members of Shigeaki’s fief, but concludes by inadvertently knocking Shigeaki into his own garden pond. Shigeaki storms off in a rage.
Shigeaki’s advisors learn of Ihei’s prize-fighting, and Ihei is told he is not suitable for the position. Tayo tells Shigeaki’s chief retainer that it is more important why a man does something than what that man actually does, and the couple sets out on their interrupted journey.
Shigeaki hears of this conversation, orders his horse made ready, and leads a group of his closest retainers after Ihei and his wife…
NOTES: Script based on a Shugoro Yamamoto short story written by Akira Kurosaw




The Twilight Samurai

(Colour / 2002 / 129 min)
Director:Yoji YAMADA (山田 洋次)

Date: 18 February 2006 Saturday at 7pm
Venue: Malaysia Tourism Centre (MTC)
Admission: Free

Synopsis
A low-ranking samurai, Seibei IGUCHI, is a widower, barely supporting his two young children and old senile mother on his meager salary. Every evening at twilight, he goes home directly after work, refusing all offers to drink and eat with fellow samurai. His coworkers call him “Twilight Seibei” behind his back.
Taking notice of his swordsmanship, the superiors of his clan order him to assassinate a certain samurai.

Director
Yoji Yamada was born in Osaka in 1931. He started his career as film director in 1961. Among his 76 films he directed, a series of film “Tora-san” with 48 episodes, which has been produced over the last 26 years, is one of the reasons that made him one of the most famous and popular directors in Japan.

Note
This film was highly praised at Japan Academy Awards, invited to the 53rd Berlin Film Festival, and nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 76th Academy Awards.