The BBC World Service’s renowned arts and culture show, The Arts Hour On Tour, is set to make a stop in Malaysia on Nov 26. This flagship programme, known for celebrating artistic voices across the globe, will immerse itself in Malaysia’s unique cultural landscape, offering listeners - at home and abroad - an inside look at the country’s flourishing creative scene.
The Arts Hour On Tour live taping event – set to take place at the Playhouse, The Campus Ampang, Selangor – promises a rich tapestry of performances and in-depth conversations with a diverse cast of artistes, musicians and filmmakers.
BBC presenter Nikki Bedi will be on stage in person at the newly-opened Playhouse venue to welcome guests, along with a live audience, to discuss themes of contemporary cultural life in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia.
The podcast's session will feature music from indie singer-songwriter and author Takahara Suiko, known for her work with The Venopian Solitude. As rare treat in the Klang Valley, Sabah-based talents will also join forces: roots music group Tuni Sundatang and singer Dabra Sia blend Borneo's folkloric traditions with the energy of rock, promising an unforgettable cross-genre performance.
Rounding up the line-up are Kavin Jay, a stand-up comedian, film/theatre actress Sharifah Amani, star of Singapore's Oscar submission La Luna, about a woman opening a lingerie shop in a conservative Malaysian village, and director Ng Ken Kin, who will be discussing Pendatang, his crowdfunded YouTube film set in a dystopian Malaysia where racial segregation is enforced.
The BBC World Service Radio's The Arts Hour On Tour visits cities worldwide to spotlight local cultural trends through artist interviews, fostering global cultural exchange.
The series, presented in English, has travelled to over 45 cities, including Amsterdam, Jakarta, Nairobi, and New York.
For the Nov 26 show, you can register here to join the live audience at Playhouse, The Campus Ampang. Doors open at 7.15pm for an 8pm start. Limited seats available.