The 'Ningyo' exhibition at Muzium Negara in KL is showcasing 67 Japanese dolls, displayed in four sections to provide an introduction to how they are used in Japanese culture and rituals. Photo: Bernama
CULTURAL EXHIBITION: 'NINGYO: ART AND BEAUTY OF JAPANESE DOLLS'
Venue: Muzium Negara, Kuala Lumpur
Date: ends July 8
Muzium Negara (National Museum of Malaysia) will host a Japanese Cultural Day event on June 1 (11am onwards), featuring workshops, demonstrations, and competitions.
It will coincide with the 'Ningyo' exhibition, which is showcasing 67 Japanese dolls, displayed in four sections to provide an introduction to how they are used in Japanese culture and rituals. The sections at Muzium Negara's lobby area: ‘Ningyo to pray for children’s growth’, ‘Ningyo as fine art’, ‘Ningyo as folk art’, and ‘Spread of Ningyo culture’.
The exhibition also showcases dolls from various regions in Japan, each with its own characteristics and history. It also sheds light on the evolution of doll craftsmanship in Japan over the decades.
The exhibition is organised by the Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur and co-organised by the Department of Museums Malaysia, the Ministry of National Unity, and the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia.
More info here.
Mia Sara Shauki (left) as Cinderella and Papi Zak (right) as her Fairy Godmother. Photo: PJPAC
MUSICAL: 'CINDERELLA'
Venue: PJPAC, 1 Utama mall, Petaling Jaya
Date: ends June 2
Get ready to LOL at PJPAC with Cinderella, a side-splitting musical comedy that hilariously twists the classic fairy tale. The musical explores the triumph of love, empathy, and kindness over cunningness, selfishness, and greed – all with a generous sprinkle of humour and magic.
This isn't the Cinderella you remember; it's a witty, whimsical ride through the fairy tale, tailored for today's crazy times!As PJPAC's debut production, it features a stellar cast of comedians and theatre performers.
Under the direction of Joanna Bessey, with music by Stephanie Tham and choreography by Christine Chong, this show promises live pop music, dance, jokes, and plenty of audience interaction.
The eye-catching cast includes: Mia Sara Shauki, Brian Chan, Nabil Zakaria, Joanne Kam, Papi Zak, Amsalan Doraisingam, Izzaldin Kadzim, Sheikh Irfan Mansor, Alya Amani, and the talented ensemble Arief Danial, Feyee Bethany, Janelle Arnelia, Julia Batrisyia, Swarna Naidu, Tan Guan Lin (Johnson), and Andre Pouya.
More info here.
EXHIBITION: TAJUDDIN ISMAIL'S 'RHYTHM OF NATURE'
Venue: G13 Gallery, Petaling Jaya
Date: June 1-29
G13 Gallery, in collaboration with TJ Fine Art, presents Rhythm Of Nature, veteran artist Tajuddin Ismail’s 16th solo exhibition.
This showcase, which opens this weekend, highlights Tajuddin's unique fusion of painterly gestures and his profound connection to the natural world, capturing its dynamic movement and inherent beauty.
The exhibition, featuring works made between 2021 and 2024, reflects his dedication to exploring the intersection of nature and art, skillfully blending chaotic and harmonious elements to create resonant works.
Embracing painterly abstraction as his signature style, Tajuddin's innovative approach pushes the boundaries of conventional art, inviting art lovers on a journey of contemplation and appreciation for the natural rhythms that shape our world.
More info here.
The 'Bansan' board game, made in Malaysia, sees players assuming the role of vendors to deal with wholesalers and customers, buy ingredients to cook Malaysian delicacies and manage wastes to optimise income. Photo: Handout
INTERNATIONAL TABLETOP DAY MALAYSIA 2024
Venue: Great Eastern Mall, Kuala Lumpur
Date: June 1 and 2
Step back from the digital world and celebrate an old school pastime at KakiTabletop's annual event in Kuala Lumpur. After hosting monthly meet-ups for two years, the KakiTabletop community is set to gather new and seasoned board game enthusiasts for a unique weekend experience.
From board games to roleplaying games, this event celebrates the tabletop gaming genre in Malaysia. Each genre has a dedicated space at the venue, and while entry is free, some workshops require pre-registration and a small fee.
Vivae Games Ampang, Akida, Plastics & Tactics, Naga Minis, Hobby Heresy Games, Scrapscapes, Here Be Dragons, Nightshade Tavern, Wither & Bloom, Collektr, The Collective, Boards & Brews, Myu Collectibles and Stormgate Games and more will support the community-based event, offering a curated selection of tabletop games. And not to forget, loads of fun.
More info here.
A view of photographer SC Shekar's new exhibition 'Sacred Currents' at the Harta Space gallery in KL. Photo: The Star/Azlina Abdullah
PHOTOGRAPHY: SC SHEKAR'S ‘SACRED CURRENTS’
Venue: Harta Space, Ampang Point, Selangor
Date: ends June 2
It's the last weekend to check out SC Shekar's latest photography series Sacred Currents. During the height of the 2020 pandemic, blue skies and clear rivers thrived with life as human activity ceased, allowing ecosystems to flourish. Inspired by this transformation, the veteran photographer documented Malaysia’s diverse rivers and riverine habitats, capturing their newfound vitality.
The photojournalist travelled across the length and breadth of Peninsular Malaysia as well as Sabah and Sarawak, capturing the stunning beauty and intricate waters of the country from the vantage point of a helicopter.
For photography fans, the Sacred Currents exhibition, featuring 30 black-and-white works, vividly illustrates the transformative power of nature when left undisturbed, demonstrating that reversing decades of ecological damage is possible through collective effort. Admission is free.
More info here.
