Be transported to 1900s China in this brand-new play 'The Sisters Soong' at KLPac, where three sisters shape modern Chinese history in a unique family saga. Photo: Tan Meng Seong
THEATRE: 'THE SISTERS SOONG'
Venue: Pentas 1, KLPac
Date: ends Sept 8
The Actors Studio Seni Teater Rakyat is showcasing The Sisters Soong, a family saga running at Pentas 1, KLPac until Sept 8. This English play tells the story of the Soong sisters, influential women who shaped 20th-century China. Directed by Datuk Faridah Merican and written by Joe Hasham, it's their first collaboration in over 30 years.
The drama explores the sisters' lives, their marriages to powerful men like H.H. Kung, Sun Yat-sen, and Chiang Kai-shek, and their struggles in a male-dominated era, brought to life by an award-winning cast.
Omar Ali stars as the narrator, with Season Chee as Charlie Soong. Ruby Yap plays Soong Ai-ling, Jerry Pang is H.H. Kung, MayJune Tan portrays Soong Ching-ling, Dennis Lee takes on the role of Sun Yat-sen, Jane Tee plays Soong Mei-ling, and Tan Li Yang is Chiang Kai-shek. Priscilla Wong appears as Ni Kwei-tseng, with Xavier Chen as the Celebrant, supported by an ensemble of 10 performers.
More info here.
Edroger Rosili's artwork 'Trampolin Tergantung: Dilarang Melompat!' (acrylic on trampoline, rubber toys, 2024). Photo: The Star/Daryl Goh
EXHIBITION: 'NYATA'
Venue: Fergana Art Space, Level 1, Strand Mall, Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya
Date: ends Sept 15
The Nyata exhibition, spanning two shoplots, brings together 15 artists and three photographers. Each offering a unique perspective on the theme "Being Conversational." This concept invites viewers to explore how art can engage, provoke, and foster dialogue across cultures and experiences.
With a wide range of mediums, including installation art, sculptures, paintings, photography, mixed media, and more, Nyata showcases the fluidity and versatility of contemporary Malaysian art.
Artists such as Haslin Ismail, Shafiq Mohd Nor, Edroger Rosili, and Haris Abadi merge their distinct styles and narratives, crafting a space that invites meaningful conversation. Alongside them, artists such as Husin Othman, Faizal Suhif, Arikwibowo Amril, Louise Low, Rizal Salleh, and Azneal Ishak further push the boundaries of their respective mediums, offering viewers a gallery experience that is both visually and intellectually stimulating.
This Sunday (Sept 8), the gallery will host an art talk titled Malaysian Art: Quo Vadis? Moderated by curator and (Fergana Art) gallerist Jaafar Ismail, the panel will feature Irwan Junaidy, Dr Sarena Abdullah, Dr Haris Abadi, and Gan Chin Lee for an insightful discussion on the future of Malaysian art.
More info here.
The performers for 'The Sounds Of Borneo' concert (from left): Velvet Aduk, Marsha Milan Londoh, and Alena Murang. Photo: The Star/Yap Chee Hong
CONCERT: 'THE SOUNDS OF BORNEO'
Venue: Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, KL
Date: Sept 7, 8.30pm
In an early celebration of Malaysia Day, a vibrant tapestry of Borneo's cultural heritage will come alive in a concert featuring Sabahan singers Velvet Aduk and Marsha Milan Londoh, along with Sarawakian singer and sape player Alena Murang.
This collaboration with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Luqman Aziz, promises to be a heartfelt tribute to Malaysia’s rich diversity. The performance weaves together a symphony of languages and traditions, from Kadazandusun to Iban, Kelabit, Kenyah, Bahasa Malaysia, and English, offering a rare and harmonious blend of the modern and the traditional on the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas stage.
Aduk and Londoh, both celebrated for their powerful voices, will bring the spirit of Sabah to life, while Murang, an acclaimed custodian of Sarawak’s musical heritage, will elevate the performance with the soulful tones of the sape, a traditional lute-like instrument. Each song and melody, crafted in the distinct tongues of Borneo’s indigenous peoples, reflects a narrative of resilience, identity, and the interconnectedness of Malaysia’s many cultures.
More info here.
Abdul Mansoor Ibrahim's 'Bloodsucker' (end grain Ciku wood engraving on rice paper, 2012). Photo: Chetak 17
EXHIBITION: ABDUL MANSOOR IBRAHIM'S 'ENGRAVING LIFE'
Venue: Chetak 17, Taman Wangsa Melawati, Kuala Lumpur
Date: ends Sept 22
The Engraving Life exhibition, which has been extended by Chetak 17, is a mini survey of veteran printmaker Abdul Mansoor Ibrahim's (fondly known to many as Pak Chot) works from the past decade.
The exhibition features 38 prints made from Abdul Mansoor's intricately detailed wood engravings and comprises three distinct sections: "Life", "Frame of Nature" and "Eyes of the World", with subjects ranging from a close-up look at insects, reptiles and crustaceans to a broader perspective on current issues both local and global, such as the disappearance of MH370 and the emergence of Bitcoin.
His works encourage viewers to look between the lines of each work – his selection of subject matter, as well as the titles he chooses for his pieces, often serve as a thought-provoking social commentary, offering insights into his observations of human behaviour. Gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday (11am-6pm).
More info here.
A view of the 'Batik: A Glimpse Into The Lines (Batik: Melirik Larik)' exhibition at Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery in KL. Photo: The Star/Chan Tak Kong
EXHIBITION: 'BATIK: A GLIMPSE INTO THE LINES'
Venue: Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery
Date: ends Sept 30
Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery (BNM MAG), one of KL's major art spaces, is showing Batik: A Glimpse Into The Lines (Batik: Melirik Larik), an exhibition showcasing the cultural richness of batik painting. As a show to tap into the Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day season, the exhibit features 81 batik paintings from BNM’s collection, some dating back to the 1960s.
While batik is traditionally viewed as a textile art, this exhibition reimagines it as fine art, capturing Malaysian life and culture. The exhibit highlights the works of renowned artists like Chuah Thean Teng, Khalil Ibrahim, Lee Kian Seng, Fatimah Chik, Zaleha Zainuddin and Tay Mo Leong, and is divided into four thematic sections that range from narrative to abstract expressions.
Batik: A Glimpse Into The Lines not only highlights the artistic prowess of Malaysia's batik artists but also serves as a reminder of the cultural and historical significance of batik in the Malaysian narrative. The exhibition invites visitors to explore the intersection of tradition and modernity, as each piece tells a unique story woven into the fabric of Malaysia's artistic legacy.
Free admission.
More info here.
A view of the 'Art And Symphony: The Immersive Journey' exhibition in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: Handout
DIGITAL ART EXHIBITION: 'ART AND SYMPHONY: THE IMMERSIVE JOURNEY'
Venue: Fahrenheit88, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
Date: ends Nov 11
The rise of immersive art spaces is sweeping through Kuala Lumpur, using cutting-edge technology to tell art and culture stories in a more captivating and interactive way. FrameMotion, previously known for its Van Gogh Alive exhibition, returns with a new showcase that merges classical music and art, enhanced by advanced projection technology and interactive installations.
In this latest exhibition, timeless compositions by Beethoven and Mozart blend seamlessly with the visual dazzle of iconic artworks like Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Monet’s Water Lilies, creating a multi-sensory experience. Definitely, this mix of music and visuals is a goldmine for Insta-worthy shots!
Attendees can "engage" with these artistic and musical legends, gaining insights into their creative inspirations and stories.
More info here.
The KL Literature & Art Fair showcases booths with books and art from Malaysia and abroad, suitable for all ages, under the theme 'Live! Love! Read!'. Photo: The Star/Ong Soon Hin
BOOK EVENT: KL LITERATURE & ART FAIR 2024
Venue: Level 5, GMBB, Jalan Robertson, Kuala Lumpur
Date: ends Sept 16, 11am-8pm
Brought to you by the Museum of Picture Book Art (MoPBA), the inaugural KL Literature & Art Fair features a variety of booths bringing together books and art from Malaysians as well as from other countries that are suitable for all ages under the theme, “Live! Love! Read!”.
The main highlight is MoPBA’s “100 Malaysia Children’s Picture Books To Read and Love”, a list that highlights 100 children’s picture books by Malaysians, for Malaysians. The books selected for the list will be available for you to browse through and purchase at the fair.
Throughout the fair, you can also check out its exciting programme, which includes book launches, cooking demonstrations, sharing sessions and workshops. So come and experience the books, art, food and people who are part of the rich multicultural heritage of Malaysia. Free entry.
More info here.
