Actor-narrator Sidhart Joe Dev (left) and young actor Ilia Wong capturing a poignant moment in the 'Twisted' theatre show. Photo: Chan Kien Ming and leggoshoot
THEATRE: 'TWISTED'
Venue: Pentas 2, KLPac
Date: ends July 21
Gone are the days of princesses waiting helplessly for knights in shining armour. Why wait for a prince when a girl can save herself? Introducing Twisted, a feisty theatre show where beloved fairy tale characters are woven into a fresh, contemporary plot, offering a modern twist on these timeless stories.
It is the latest collaboration between KLPac and Big Nose Productions.
This hilarious and highly entertaining show, perfect for the entire family, showcases strong, independent, and realistic lead characters, proving that everyone can craft their own happy ending.
As times change, so must our fairy tales!
Karam Tabba stars as the dramatic Prince Henry, with Sidhart Joe Dev as his loyal servant Finn. Hilda Looi plays the domineering Queen Beatrice, while Swarna Naidu is the self-absorbed Princess Olivia and Violacea Low the rebellious Princess Otilia. Mithran Balakrishnan and Caroline Yeoh are King George and Queen Mary. Alvin Looi shines as the Magic Mirror, and Karynn Tan plays the cunning Witch. Young Ilia Wong from The Actors Studio (TAS) Academy brings youthful charm. Directed and adapted by Fa Abdul.
More info here.
A view of Gabriel Cheah's 'Collapse' at Harta Space in Selangor. Photo: The Star/Azman Ghani
EXHIBITION: GABRIEL CHEAH'S ‘COLLAPSE’
Venue: Harta Space, Ampang, Selangor
Date: ends July 27
When envisioning a post-apocalyptic world, few would adopt Gabriel Cheah's optimistic perspective. His three-dimensional canvas works, adorned with crystals, sand, glitter, and furniture, offer a unique view.
The 26-year-old Kuala Lumpur-based sculptor creates a calming alternative realm at Harta Space, featuring his favoured material - sparkling European crystals.
Nearly every sculpture in the exhibition is paired with a matching canvas piece, with gaps and protruding crystals, providing visitors with a unique experience from every angle.
Collapse marks Cheah's debut solo exhibition with KolmeGlu Art Collective, which unites creatives across various art disciplines. Alongside the exhibition, the adjacent café and Harta Heritage Jewellery Museum make for a fulfilling day out for art lovers. Admission is free.
More info here.
Cheng will be reading his illustrated children’s book 'Pyro, The Elephant Whisperer' at Sunda Shelves this Saturday. Photo: Handout
STORYTELLING: THE DE-LIGHT-FUL TALE OF OUR MAGICAL FIREFLIES
Venue: Sunda Shelves, Petaling Jaya
Date: July 20, 4pm
Did you know that fireflies are an important part of the ecosystem, contributing to the food web as predators and prey? Their magical glow also signals the passing of seasons and is a symbol of hope and good fortune in many cultures around the world.
In conjunction with World Firefly Day this month, Sunda Shelves is hosting a talk and storytelling session on July 20 with firefly researcher Dr Shawn Cheng from Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM).
Cheng will be reading his illustrated children’s book, Pyro, The Elephant Whisperer.
In the book, Pyro the firefly takes readers on an adventure through the world-famous Kuala Selangor Firefly Sanctuary, where a herd of elephants also live. Registration is required; tickets are RM10 per person.
More info here.
'Tell Me, Kenyalang', a multi-lingual collection of poems by Kulleh Grasi, a writer from Sarawak. It features translations by Pauline Fan. Photo: Handout
POETRY: THE POETICS OF TRANSLATION
Venue: Tintabudi, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KL
Date: July 20, 5pm
Translation is often understood as a linear process of transfer from one language to another that is measured in terms of loss and gain. Kulleh Grasi’s 2019 book of poems, Tell Me, Kenyalang, translated from Bahasa Malaysia into English by Pauline Fan, invites us to see and value translation more expansively.
Join Kulleh and Fan this Saturday at Tintabudi for “The Poetics of Translation”, an evening of conversation on how they worked with Bahasa Malaysia and English alongside the Iban, Kayan, Kelabit, and Bidayuh languages to make poetry and how a creative practice of translation can intervene in representations of Borneo in the arenas of Malaysian and world literature.
In this public talk, they will be joined by Dr Fiona Lee from the Universiti of Malaya’s English department.
More info here.
Nik Mohd Shahfiz's 'Fantastical Carousel' (oil on canvas, 2024). Photo: G13
EXHIBITION: 'EMERGE/SUBMERGE'
Venue: G13 Gallery, Petaling Jaya
Date: July 20 to Aug 3
In Petaling Jaya this weekend, G13 Gallery is launching Emerge/Submerge, a duo exhibition by two contemporary local artists, Haziq Syawal and Nik Mohd Shahfiz.
This exhibition invites viewers into a dialogue between Syawal's meticulously planned compositions, inspired by nature and everyday life, and Shahfiz's intuitive exploration of memory and pop surrealist motifs.
Through contrasting approaches, both artists delve deep into their respective realms, offering poignant reflections on beauty, impermanence, and the complexities of human experience.
With Syawal utilising acrylic on jute and Nik Mohd working in oil on canvas, viewers will be treated to a showcase of skillful and painterly craftsmanship.
More info here.
MUSIC: STRINGS IN THE HOUSE - ATANERES ENSEMBLE
Venue: Pentas 1, KLPac
Date: July 21
This is a rare delight for contemporary classical fans in Kuala Lumpur. At first glance, string orchestras and house music seem worlds apart. But do they have to be?
With "Strings In The House" (SitH), the Ataneres Ensemble (from Belgium) bridges these worlds by blending classical orchestration with a deejay and laptop set-up.
SitH also reunites friends Frederik Martens, Jimmy Quintens, and Wim Spaepen on a quest to blur the lines between classical music and minimalist techno parties.
It's all happening at KLPac's main hall (Pentas 1) this Sunday.
What to expect on stage? A compelling synergy where strings meet analogue synthesisers, merging Laurent Garnier with Arvo Pärt and Nils Frahm with Philip Glass. Minimalist treasures, cinematic highlights, and covers ensure the programme at KLPac remains accessible – and unmissable.
The show is presented in KL by The Rondo Production.
More info here.
A view of the 'Not Just In Back And White' exhibition at the GDP Campus in KL, from left to right - Maryanto, 'Path Of Enlightenment' (2019) and Yunizar, 'Irama Laut' (2006). Photo: Kenta Chai
EXHIBITION: 'NOT JUST IN BLACK AND WHITE'
Venue: GDP Campus, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur
Date: ends Aug 11
In Malaysia, art collectors are beginning to play an important role in shaping exhibitions, often reflecting their personal tastes and curatorial vision. The Not Just In Black And White exhibition is a prime example, featuring contemporary Malaysian and South-East Asian artwork from the Steve Wong collection.
This free admission exhibition at the new GDP Campus showcases nearly 80 large-scale artworks (across two floors), reflecting Wong's preference for impactful, provocative, political and also, highly reflective pieces. Curated by Beverly Yong (Rogue Art), this diverse collection spans more than 30 years, weaving a rich narrative of Malaysia's evolving art landscape, with a dash of regional flavour added to the exhibition.
It features works from prominent artists such as Wong Hoy Cheong, Yee I-Lann, Saiful Razman, Ahmad Fuad Osman, Latiff Mohidin, Ahmad Zakii Anwar, Bayu Utomo Radjikin, Chong Siew Ying, Kide Baharudin, Chang Yoong Chia, Justin Lim, Nadiah Bamadhaj, Hasanul Isyraf Idris, Samsudin Wahab, Zelin Seah, Yeoh Choo Kuan, Pangrok Sulap, Yim Yen Sum, Zac Lee, and others, ensuring a captivating experience for visitors.
Exhibition is closed on Monday and Tuesday.
More info here.
A view of Tan Zi Hao's exhibition 'The Tongue Has No Bones' at the A+ Works of Art gallery in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: A+ Works of Art
EXHIBITION: TAN ZI HAO'S 'THE TONGUE HAS NO BONES'
Venue: A+ Works of Art gallery, Sentul, KL
Date: ends July 27
Artist, researcher, and educator Tan Zi Hao’s second solo exhibition at A+ Works of Art is set to spark lively conversations among the discerning art crowd.
Featuring new media installations, installations and typography, Tan explores his preoccupation with language politics, diving into the complexities of multilingualism in Malaysia.
For the artist, the diversity and unpredictability of languages represent both a challenge and an opportunity, shaping cultural dynamics and personal expression.
In The Tongue Has No Bones, Tan creates a public discussion space that navigates the intricate relationship between language and national identity amid escalating ethnic and generational divisions in Malaysia.
The exhibition also includes a weekend programme with talks related to the show. This Saturday (July 20, 2pm), the public can visit the exhibition for an artist’s dialogue facilitated by Lee Weng Choy and a catalogue launch of The Tongue Has No Bones, featuring full-colour reproductions of Tan’s artworks in the exhibition and three newly commissioned essays by academic Fiona Lee, curator and writer Duong Manh Hung and Tan himself.
More info here.
A general view of the Play event at The Linc in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: The Star/Art Chen
EXHIBITION: PLAY
Venue: The Linc, KL
Date: ends July 31
The Play exhibition is a lively celebration of pop culture, comics, and art, uniting enthusiasts and creators in an interactive setting. The event - walk-in, free admission - is the busiest during the weekends, with an art bazaar and a programme of activities that immerse visitors in the world of iconic superheroes and beloved animated figures, showcasing diverse artworks that highlight the evolution of pop culture - local and foreign.
Fostering a sense of community, the Play exhibition area provides a platform for fans, artists, and collectors to connect and share their passions. The event's inclusive, laidback atmosphere - like walking into a mega comics shop - encourages networking and collaboration, creating a space where creativity thrives and new ideas emerge.
Whether a lifelong comic book fan or a casual admirer of pop culture, the Play exhibition offers a fun experience that celebrates the timeless appeal of comics and art. A revolving cast of artists and creators also gives this event a fresh weekly spin.
More info here.
