Lostgens' arts space in Chinatown, KL is hosting a Christmas-themed workshop series. Photo: Lostgens'
RELIEF PRINT AND LETTERPRESS WORKSHOP (CHRISTMAS EDITION)
Venue: Lostgens', Jalan Panggong, KL
Date: Dec 23 and 24
It's never too late to learn something arty and new. Join the Lostgens' community members this weekend as they take you through a journey of woodcut images, letterpress text and graphic statements.
The good people at this independent arts space will provide the hands-on lessons in woodcut techniques and to also explain the principles and process of hand-composition and letterpress printing.
At this workshop series (fees apply), Lostgens' will cover a range of hand-on composing, mover type printing and selected Christmas designs for its last public arts session of the year.
More info here.
The Ilham Gift Shop at Ilham Gallery is hosting a Japanese postcard-making (nengajo) workshop series. Photo: Ilham Gallery
NENGAJO 2023: JAPANESE NEW YEAR'S POSTCARDS
Venue: Ilham Gift Shop, Ilham Gallery, KL
Date: Dec 23, Dec 27-30
Every December, blogger/writer Lam Ching Fu aka FuFu (of My Journey By Bus fame), the organiser of this workshop, will send New Year’s postcards (nengajos) to his host family and friends living in Japan.
This act, rooted in tradition, may seem simple but it has helped FuFu and others to connect with their loved ones, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic.
This workshop, rooted in traditional Japanese culture, enables visitors to get in touch with family members, relatives, friends, ex-colleagues, or acquaintances, in an analogue way.
Ilham Gift Shop is hoping to share this ritual of sending nengajo as it welcomes the New Year.
Admission is free. Just check the workshop schedules.
More info here.
A traditional zapin Tanjong Labuh performance is part of the 'Menempa Tari Tradisi' programme at Aswara this weekend. Photo: Aswara
DANCE: MENEMPA TARI TRADISI
Venue: Experimental Theatre, Aswara, Jalan Tun Ismail, KL
Date: Dec 24 and 25
A traditional Malaysian dance showcase at Aswara (The National Academy of Arts Culture and Heritage) for the festive season is truly something unique.
The show is put together by ASK Dance Company and the impact-based foundation of Khazanah Nasional Yayasan Hasanah, as a part of Arts for All Seasons (ArtsFAS) series.
The showcase, in the spirit of national unity and pride, will feature a line-up of traditional folk and classical dance.
On stage (Dec 24, 3pm and 8.30pm, Dec 25, 3pm) , there will be no shortage of dance tradition and diversity, with the performers set to showcase the zapin, Chinese handkerchief dance, the festive Indian Garba folk dance, plate dance and an array of traditional performances from Sabah and Sarawak.
For Menempa Tari Tradisi, ASK Dance Company is collaborating with the Faculty of Dance Aswara, Sekolah Seni Malaysia KL and Johor, where young performers are given their moment learn and shine on stage.
More info here.
BALLET: NUTCRACKER AND CLARA’S DREAM
Venue: Stage 1, PJPAC, 1 Utama Shopping Centre
Date: Dec 23-25
Land of Sweets? Sugar Plum Fairy? And the Mouse King? It’s not Christmas without a Nutcracker ballet.
This beloved classic, all set to turn PJPAC’s main stage into fantasy land, invites you to experience Clara’s dream that tells the story of the Nutcracker from a cinematic perspective, with dramatic acting and ballet dancing, provided by an international cast of dancers.
The show, directed by Lu Wit Chin, promises a series of elaborate big stage effects that will remind theatregoers of the opulent interior of Mr Staulbahm’s house and extravagant Baroque-style party dresses, right to curtains that never close and a winter wonderland of visual delight.
More info here.
Ridhwan Saidi's 'Amerika'. The 'Tahun-Tahun Seorang Novelis' show spotlights his novels and writings over the years. Photo: Moka Mocha Ink
Theatre: Tahun-Tahun Seorang Novelis
Venue: Blackbox, DPAC, Petaling Jaya
Date: Dec 23, 8.30pm
Moka Mocha Ink, an indie theatre/publishing outfit, adds an experimental literary event on stage this holiday season with the one-night only show Tahun-Tahun Seorang Novelis.
The ticketed show is situated between a memory play, text-based abstraction and book readings, oscillating between fiction and reality, based on six novels written by theatremaker, filmmaker and writer Ridhwan Saidi from 2011 to 2015.
Ridhwan also co-founded Moka Mocha Ink, which focuses on contemporary Malay fiction and drama.
The Tahun-Tahun Seorang Novelis show, which starts at 8.30pm this Friday, will be presented by an ensemble of seven performers: Roshafiq Roslee, Sadiq M. Jamil, Meier Wee, Adena Sams, Archana Pillai, Nurul Aizam and Lee Qi.
More info here.
ART: MIRIAM OMAR'S ‘DAYDREAMS’
Venue: Zhan Art Space, The School, Jaya One, Petaling Jaya
Date: ends Jan 7, 2023
The Zhan Art Space has been transformed into a leafy wonderland with artist Miriam Omar's first solo exhibit Daydreams.
The exhibit is inspired by her love for landscapes, nature and vibrant colours, serving up an optimistic show to close off the PJ-based gallery’s year. The works in Daydreams also helped her cope with anxieties and stress throughout the pandemic, where Miriam found her groove as an artist and printmaker.
Her Daydreams exhibition comprises over 16 unique artworks exploring the themes of distorted memories, imagination and daydreams which blurs the lines between reality and imagination.
More info here.
