'I’m excited about my big return to Pentas 1 (KLPac) after 10 years,' says Harith, who headlines the fundraiser at KLPac next month. Photo: Handout
The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac) is set to close the year on a high note with Laugh, Love, Give With Harith & Friends, a two-day fundraising special happening on Dec 14 and 15 at Pentas 1.
Art enthusiasts can join in the festivities as KLPac kicks off its 20th anniversary celebrations in 2025 with this special benefit show.
KLPac, which opened its doors in May 2005, stands as a testament to the vision and dedication of Datuk Faridah Merican and Joe Hasham, the co-founders of The Actors Studio. This landmark arts venue was born from their shared dream of creating a vibrant space to nurture and showcase the performing arts in Malaysia.
With comedian Harith Iskander headlining the fundraiser, you know you are in for a good time. Next year marks his 35th anniversary as a comedian, a milestone he’s preparing to celebrate, while honouring his deep connection with The Actors Studio next month at KLPac.
Choral conductor Mak will lead a performance featuring a Balinese Janger dance by Zhafir, accompanied by the Young KL Singers. Photo: Chan Kien Ming and leggoshoot
“I got my start doing stand-up comedy every single month for about five years at The Actors Studio’s first theatre underneath Dataran Merdeka (in KL). My hats off to Joe and Faridah for walking the talk and sustaining multiple spaces almost single-handedly for the past 30 years," says Harith.
“The country needs an institution and hub like KLPac and they should not have to do it alone. I’m excited about my big return to Pentas 1 after 10 years,” he adds.
Choral bliss and more
“It is heart-warming to see almost 80 artistes and arts workers coming together for this fundraiser. It will be an absolute blast as we have assembled an excellent programme that has a bit of comedy, music and even dance," says Faridah, KLPac co-founder and executive producer.
“We hope that arts lovers, especially those that have been a part of KLPac’s story, will come and show your support,” she adds.
The fundraiser brings together seasoned theatre practitioners and emerging talents, all uniting in support of the KLPac cause.The Young Choral Academy Chorus, conducted by Susanna Saw, is set to add youthful zest to the fundraiser. A selection of beloved Christmas carols on stage is bound to bring the smiles.
Audiences will also be treated to a Balinese dance known as Janger, featuring dancer Zhafir Muzani with the Young KL Singers (YKLS) under the baton of Mak Chi Hoe.
The Young Choral Academy Chorus, conducted by Susanna Saw, is set to bring on the festive mood at the 'Laugh, Love, Give With Harith & Friends' fundraiser at KLPac next month. Photo: Eric Chow
“Many may not know, but YKLS was co-founded by The Actors Studio Academy, helmed by Joe and Faridah with myself and Chow Wei Heng. KLPac has been like a second home where we have performed many times and held our annual Malaysian Choral Eisteddfod – International Choir Festival. It has been and continues to be a great launchpad for many young Malaysian talents,” says Saw.
Also joining the benefit is pop singer Clinton Jerome Chua, whose versatile vocal range is sure to win over any audience.
Completing the line-up are rising stars from TUTAS Conservatory, with a surprise musical feature under the direction of Christopher Ling, the associate artistic director of The Actors Studio, as well as an entertaining dance performance by Dancesteps Studio helmed by Shirena Hamzah and Clara Lim.
KLPac, requiring RM182,000 monthly for overheads, saw a strong recovery in 2023 with 80,000 visitors and 130 shows, averaging 80% occupancy. During this time, it generated nearly 5,000 job opportunities and hosted over 250 schools and 4,000 students nationwide.
Proceeds from Laugh, Love, Give With Harith & Friends will support KLPac’s 20th anniversary fundraiser. Tickets start at RM80. You can also ‘adopt’ a seat through KLPac’s Save Your Seat initiative.
