Monday, March 27, 2006

To The Hills at TAS BSC



Venue: The Actors Studio @ BSC
Contact: 2094 0400/1400
Entry by Donation
Tickets: RM30 (Adults) RM10 (Child below 5)
tickets@theactorsstudio.com.my

The Actors Studio @ BSCT116, Level 3, West Wing.
Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285 Jalan Maarof,
Bukit Bandar Raya, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Sunday, March 26, 2006

Doubt by John Patrick Shanley


Broadway's Hottest Sensation is now playing at Jubilee Hall till Sun only!

Action Theatre proudly presents the Asian Premiere of

Doubt
by John Patrick Shanley

Starring Nora Samosir, Lim Yu-Beng, Pam Oei, Sukania Venogopal
Directed by Samantha Scott-Blackhall
Produced by Ekachai Uekrongtham

Now playing at Jubilee Hall till Sun only
8pm daily plus 3pm on Sat & Sun
Tickets: SG$28, $38, $48, $58 from all Ticketcharge outlets

Discount
Students/NSF/Seniors: 15% off (matinees only)
Schools: 20% off plus one complimentary ticket for every 10 purchased
*+Group Bookings: 15% off for 20 tickets & above; 10% off for 10 tickets & above
**Not applicable to Fri & Sat 8pm shows
+Eligible for 60% Tote Board Arts Grant Subsidy

Hotline 6296-2929
Online Bookings:
http://www.ticketcharge.com.sg/html/detpg2.asp?eid=334

This play contains adult themes. Suitable for those above 12.

Friday, March 24, 2006

Taruh by Bolehman Comedy Theatre


Presented by Monti and Logi Bolehman Comedy Theatre, previously known as Comic Workshop, previously known as many other names is now officially known as Bolehman Comedy Theatre or BCT. Oh! Shucks…it rhymes with the other _CT.

With the new official name, we are going to adopt an aggressinve style. No more sitting on the fence….because the barbs on the fence were hurting our posterior , uh sorry, we mean….. a_ _ es.

We do not want to play safe anymore….because no such thing as safe..even old men playing a traditional Chinese bricks game were not spared. Nope, there is no place to hide.

We are going to be bold.. we are going to talk about sex live on stage…Taruh with mouth only…typical Bolehlanders.

We are going to talk about politics, why not....afterall politics is all about talking and saying the wrong things.

We are going to Taruh openly about race…….horses, formula one…….that kind of race.

We are going to Taruh marriage, gender, in laws, authority…and YOU!

Actors Studio Bangsar
Date: 29 March - 1 April @ 8.30PM (Wed-Sat)
2 April 3pm (Sunday matinee)
Price: RM35 and RM45

Thursday, March 23, 2006

Harold Pinter's The Homecoming at KLPac


The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre presents Harold Pinter's The Homecoming

Opening this Friday, 24th March 2006!
Directed by Gavin Yap
Executive Producer Dato' Faridah Merican
Artistic Director Joe Hasham

‘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 six 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. Harold Pinter was awarded the 2005 Nobel Prize for Literature.

Date & Time: 24 March - 2 April @ 8.30pm (except Sunday shows @ 3pm & no shows on Monday)

Venue: Pentas 2, KLPac

Ticket Price: RM35 & RM20 (students with valid ID, sr. citizens above 60 & disabled)

For more information about this production, please visit http://thehomecomingdiaries.blogspot.com or http://www.klpac.com

Box Office: (KLPac) 03-40479000 or (TAS@BSC) 03-20949400

Sabri Idrus presents the Keroncong Series


Saturday, March 11, 2006

Jazz Quintet Global Spirit at KLPac


The jazz quintet, Global Spirit, embodies the point at which the music of four continents meets. These different but related styles unify to create a unique blend of American, European, African and Asian expression.

The quintet is led by British saxophonist/composer Greg Lyons whose own background in Europe and America has produced a style derived from a combination of the 1970's jazz-rock scene, contemporary bebop as well as Brazilian and Cuban music.

Add the phenomenal Finnish pianist/composer Jarmo Savolainen, whose dark modal style reflects his embrace of the most contemporary of US styles with a large dose of Scandivanian coolness.


Then consider the inclusion of Malaysian percussionist master Lewis Pragasam, a highly regarded drummer and educator whose style displays the virtuosity and discipline of the Indian classical tradition as well as the freedom of modern jazz.

British trumpeter Damon Brown bag of tricks belies knowledge of diverse styling from reggae to free-jazz. His compositions reflect a mix of hard-bop and modal.

The pulse of the band is with Californian bassist Christy Smith. His incredible diversity as a musician is utilised here within the broad stylistic compass of this ensemble. His solid underpinnings are the perfect foil for the fervent polyrhythms of Pragasam and the two provide an intense and inspiring platforms for others.

Greg's CD 'Island to Island' (featuring amongst others Greg, Lewis and Chirsty) was recently selected as the ALBUM OF THE WEEK on radioJAZZ, the top internet jazz radio station in the world based in North Carolina, USA.

The quintet will also be running a master class on the 18th March @ 3pm. Admission is at RM25. To register, email
overtone@streamyx.com !

For tickets, call KLPac 03-4047 9000 or TAS@BSC 03-2094 9400. Or visit
www.klpac.com

Wednesday, March 08, 2006

Sex Ed at Taylor's College


Taylor's college is conducting a SEXY workshop! Learn it right indeed! Featuring celebrity performances and appearances by SYKO-G, Tengku Ean (Hitz.FM and Hitz.TV) The mad sexy Amber Chia and more! What a SEX-CITING way to get educated on SEX baby yeah! Big up to Benny Khoo and Canny, they aim to open up your minds providing insights about sexuality and sexual health through seminars and interactive workshops, so you folks understand the reality of the word S-E-X! Woohoo!!! Get in on the fun by contacting Benny Khoo at 016-2662827 or email
bennykhoo2002@yahoo.com

Sunday, March 05, 2006

KLPac A March Affair


celebrating Malaysian music, dance and songs...

FEATURING:
Temple of Fine Arts
Having lit the flame of dance and music for 25 years, the Temple of Fine Arts is now staging Music & Dance Forever.
It will be a feast for the senses as an enchanting mix of dance (bharatanatyam and odissi) and music will be performed.

Hands Percussion
Dialogue in Skin explores the relationship between the drum and the drummer. The five pieces revolves around the elements of earth, water, fire, wood and metal.
Besides the drums, some other instruments that will be featured include gamelan, flute, guitar and Chiense cymbals.

BJS Qawal
Ghrana is a musical journey that will take you through the different faces and times in the classical and folk music of North Indian Ghranas.


The word "Ghrana" literally means "house". More importantly, it refers thehouse of the teacher (of music). This teacher-disciple relationship forms adistinctive lineage of musicians and helps to retain the ethnicity of theart and ensures cultural heritage. This production, Ghrana, is a musicaljourney that will take you through the different faces and times in theclassical and folk music of North Indian Ghranas. This mystical journey willbe accompanied by a visual presentation on the emotions and mood depictingthe music throughout the performance.Some of the different types of NorthIndian classical and folk music that will be performed include Qawali,Dhadra and Thumuri. The musicians will be accompanied by instruments such asthe violin, flute, sitar and keyboard

This mystical journey will be accompanied by a visual presentation on the emotions and mood of the music.

TICKETS ON SALE on now! Season tickets are also available...
Box Office:
KLPac 03-4047 9000
TAS@BSC 03-2094 9400
www.klpac.com

Valentine Willie Fine Art - March 2006


Raymond Yap: Crossing Boundaries

Making his Malaysian debut at Valentine Willie Fine Art this March is London-based artist Raymond Yap (b.1966). Malaysian-born Yap first went to study art in the UK in the mid-90s, first completing BFA with honors from the Wimbledon School of Art and eventually gaining a place at the prestigious Royal Academy Schools. Since graduating, Raymond's painting has been exhibited extensively in the UK, and has gained him various awards and scholarships: the Fenton Art Trust Prize in 2000 and the Selina Cheneviere Fellowship in 2001. The artist is also the recipient of the 2006 Whisper Residency at the Chinese Arts Centre in Manchester.

On exhibit will be a new series of iconic paintings of various sizes, with the largest measuring 4 x 3 ft. Big or small, what binds these works together and charge them with a cool contemporary attitude are their clever and vibrant colour combinations and contrasts. So seductive are the colours and intricate textures of Raymond's painting that it is hard to imagine that they are produced using only ordinary glossy household paint on MDF board, manipulated by an unique process over extended periods of time. Apart from this ingenious and original technique, another surprise these works offer is the presence of passport emblems and stamps on the picture surface. While their introduction may simply allude to the artist's sense of national identity, personal travels and experience, once abstracted and merged with potent colours of the paintings, they become subtle reflections of space, time, and power, thus marking globalize society's insatiable desire to cross, rather than to control, boundaries.


Duration: March 2 - 18 2006
Location: 1st Floor No. 17, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur.
Gallery and Resource Room Opening hours: From 12 - 8pm Monday to Friday, and 12 - 6 pm Saturday. Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.
Admission is free.
Tel: 03-2284 2348 / Telefax: 03-2282 5190 / e-mail: daniel@artsasia.com.my
Website: www.artsasia.com.my

Thursday, March 02, 2006

Heroes of Our Forests Photo Exhibition

European Commission – United Nations Development Programme (EC-UNDP) Small Grants Programme for Operations to Promote Tropical Forest Conservation and Sustainable Management (SGP PTF) ‘Heroes of Our Forests’ Photo Exhibition Launch by His Royal Highness Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah, the Raja Muda of Perak, 4 March 2006, 1 Utama, Petaling Jaya.

The three day exhibition was officially launched by His Royal Highness Raja Nazrin Shah, the Raja Muda of Perak yesterday at 1 Utama Shopping Centre. The launch was witnessed by the Head of European Commission Delegation to Malaysia, His Excellency Mr. Thierry Rommel, Dr. Richard Leete, Resident Representative of UNDP Malaysia, and other foreign dignitaries.

The exhibition aim to showcase the work of EC UNDP SGP PTF in Malaysia to the general public on issues focusing on conservation of tropical forests, efforts in reducing poverty among indigenous groups through alternative livelihood and skills enhancement, preservation of oral cultural traditions through documentation as well as gender empowerment. It also aims to demonstrate the benefits of EC-UNDP collaboration in assisting indigenous groups while attempting to create interest among the different target groups, i.e. NGOs, private sector, government, potential donors, volunteers, other stakeholders, on the indigenous groups in Malaysia and their role in forest management.

SGP PTF’s celebrity partners, Joanna Bessey, Na’a Murad, Reshmonu and Zahim Albakri have lent their support to the efforts of SGP PTF by advocating these objectives via their appearance on the posters with the indigenous communities. Their involvement in the project is anticipated to create interest among mainstream Malaysians on issues related to indigenous groups such as poverty, preservation of their cultures and traditions, and community-based forest management, among others. The celebrities were also present during the launch.

European Commission Head of Delegation to Malaysia, H.E. Thierry Rommel said ‘This exhibition celebrates the indigenous communities of Malaysia, their plight, their rights and their precious traditional knowledge about biodiversity and forestry and their sustainable use'.

Dr. Richard Leete, United Nations Resident Co-ordinator to Malaysia also recognizes how SGP PTF is benefiting the indigenous groups. ‘This collaborative effort of EU and UNDP, through its 21 projects in poor communities in different parts of Malaysia, is contributing towards improving the lives and livelihoods of some of the indigenous people. These people, especially the women, are among the poorest of Malaysia's poor. Through this exhibition, we are trying to let the public know how community forestry can assist in reducing poverty. ’

SGP PTF celebrity partner, Joanna Bessey said that "Visiting, drinking tea with, weaving, singing and joking with the Orang Asli women on Carey Island was one of the most pleasurable days I've had in a long time! Their talent and imagination is not tainted by too much television and our current somewhat sheep-like society. They are the kind of people who are very spiritual and recognise the life force within all of us."

Another SGP PTF partner, popular singer Reshmonu felt that in this age of development, the significance of Mother Nature has been forgotten. ‘Having experienced a brief moment with the Mah Meris, I commend their way of life which is strong and solid as the essence of the nyireh wood they carve. Both are part of our natural heritage to which we owe a sacred duty to preserve for all time’, he added.

The EC UNDP SGP PTF is a co-operation between the EC and UNDP and the first in Malaysia to focus specifically on the local indigenous peoples. The general objective of the SGP PTF Malaysia is to alleviate poverty among the poor dependent on the forests, by strengthening the link between economic enterprise and sustainable forest use and management. It is presently funding 21 projects around Malaysia. The photo exhibition will be on until 5 March 2006 at the Ground Floor, New Wing, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya.

SmoovePinch will help exhibit some of these photo's at the Remember Series Event on Saturday April 22, at Bond, AvenueK Shopping Arcade.

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

FREEDOM FILM FEST 2006 IS BACK!





THE FREEDOM FILM FESTIVAL (FFF2006)

“We dare you to put to writing that idea for a social film you always wanted to make! The 3 best film proposals will be awarded a RM5,000 grant each and will be supported by KOMAS to make your proposal come alive in film!”

This FFF2006 carries the theme of “Universal Declaration of Human Rights” encompassing the ideals of justice, human dignity and peace. The launch will signal the opening for submission of proposals of documentaries and social films from experienced and young budding filmmakers.

This year’s FFF launching will carry a special highlight photo-exhibition entitled “WRONG & RIGHTS” featuring powerful images of human rights stories in Malaysia by experienced photo-journalist and seasoned social-activist Tan Jo Hann, on March 5, 2006 at the Seksan Gallery in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.

Another special highlight of the day is the premiere screening of “SUARA ASLI, TANAH ASLI” the latest yet-to-be released KOMAS video production. The 18-minute video documentary film is about the Orang Asli and their struggle to defend their ancestral land in Malaysia .

Last year, the FFF 2005 had a week-long film screening of social documentaries and independent films from all over the world, culminating in the awards night where winners received the Justin Louis Award and other valuable prizes.

For the past 2 years, the FFF has received very encouraging support and response from good response from the public. The event is the first of its kind to be organized in Malaysia and has created opportunities for local filmmakers and social activists to reflect about using their craft in film making to express their social beliefs.

Venue: 67, Jalan Tempinis Satu, Lucky Garden, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact Person: Ms. Mien Lor, FFF 2006 Coordinator, Pusat KOMAS
Tel/Fax: 03-79685415
Email:
info@freedomfilmfest.komas.org
Website:
www.freedomfilmfest.komas.com

The Japan Foundation KL Movies March 2006


ROAR OF THE CROWD (HARUKANARU KOSHIEN)
Color / Vista / 1990 / 103 min. / Daiei, Futaba-sha, The Idea
Date: 4 March, Saturday
Time: 4:30pm
Venue: Malaysia Tourism Centre (MTC)
Admission: Free


Director: Osawa Yutaka
Based on novels by: Ono Takuji
Setting: Okinawa in 1980s

Synopsis:In 1964, the German measles that swept fiercely through America hit Okinawa equally hard. Pregnant women who contracted the measles give birth to quite a number of babies with hearing impairments. Fifteen years later, a junior and senior high school was built just for these children. It was called Kitashiro School. One summer, Toshio, a junior goes to see the high school baseball championship in Koshien Stadium and experiences an incredible thrill. Swept away in the energetic atmosphere, he felt as though he could hear the sounds of competition. He thought, “I want to hear the sound from the grandstands again. I want to play baseball”. So on the first day of school, he asks the teacher Shinjo if they could start a baseball team. This was the first time Shinjo and the principal had heard the students voluntarily voice their own feelings, and while they didn’t support the matter unconditionally, the baseball team is born. However, a major obstacle stands in their path. The rules of the Japan High School Baseball Association contain impossible regulations. It isn’t possible to have practice meets with other schools, which do not belong to the Association, but the Association decides to watch a test match, and then judge the rules. Despite a flat-out loss against a much better team, the association accepts them and the team starts out with female managers.

Later, it’s now the last year of high school. About this time everyone is ill at ease over the prospects for finding work after graduation. Some of parents are coming out in opposition to the baseball team. As one would think, this influences the teachers and administrators, who are frustrated at the team’s inability to win, and people begin to emerge who can separate baseball from their emotions. Then Toshio thinks of setting up a practice with Ryukyu High School. With their opponents’ high skill level and fierce practice and fighting spirit, it might inspire the Kitashiro players, which is exactly what happens. It dispels all their troubles with everyone involved.

Finally, the day comes for the All Japan High School Baseball League’s Okinawa Prefecture play-offs. Everyone dreams of the championship, but when it came to their decisive game, they finally lose. Despite the outcome, each of the team’s players feels wonderful.


AIKI (Aiki)
Colour / 2002 / 119 min.

Date: 18 March, Saturday
Time: 4:30pm
Venue: Malaysia Tourism Centre (MTC)
Admission: Free

Director: TENGAN Daisuke

Synopsis:
Taichi is a boxer aiming for the newcomer’s championship. But a motorcycle accident leaves his lower body paralyzed. His dreams are shattered, he is unable to find a job, and can see no clear goal for the future ahead. A coincidence leads him to a job as a street peddler and Samako, who he meets at the night market. Motivated to meet a new challenge, he visits the training gyms of various combat sports, but is turned down by all. One day, Taichi goes to see Samako at a Shinto shrine, and becomes fascinated with Aiki Jujutsu, a school of Aikido. The master Hiraishi receives the newcomer warmly. Taichi begins to think of his wheelchair as a part of his body, and makes gradual progress. But suddenly Samako disappears after getting caught up some trouble. Hiraishi offers the dazed Taichi a chance to participate in a formal Aiki presentation at a foreign embassy. Presenting a fine performance and rewarded by a solid sense of confidence, Taichi decides to embark on a journey in search of Samako.