Living Arts Malaysia February 2012

issue 97 • february
'Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me' back by
popular demand in Kuala Lumpur and Penang,
immediately followed by 'The Complete Works
of William Shakespeare (Abridged)'
I know, I know, you’re probably thinking,
"This Joe Hasham, got nothing better to
do than blow his own trumpet!"
That may be true, but the truth remains
that if I don’t, nobody else will, plus
the fact that I do not, under normal
circumstances, make it a habit to restage
my own productions (if my memory
serves me right, three times in forty-three
years: Philadelphia Here I Come, The
Killing of Sister George, and A Man For All
Seasons) and the only reason these three
plays were restaged is because they are
tried and true classics that transcend the
passing fads and fancies that afflict the
majority of available theatre pieces.
So when the decision was made to
restage the riveting Frank McGuinness
play, Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me,
much thought was given to the fact that
it was only one year ago that audiences
flocked to see it at The Actors Studio @
Lot 10 and The Art House in Singapore.
considering the rave reviews it received
and the added bonus of the stellar cast
of Charles Donnelly, Kingsley Judd and
Malaysia’s own Gavin Yap.
Having made that decision, we then had
to decide whether we bring these three
actors back just for SWWOM or do we take
the opportunity to find a second three-man
play for them to perform as well.
Enter The Complete Works of William
Shakespeare (abridged) a laugh-a-line
romp through all of the bard’s 37 plays in
a little over 90 minutes!
I think it is going to be a wonderfully
interesting experience for audiences to see
these three consummate actors playing
characters in two different plays that are
diametrically opposed to each other.
Living Arts Malaysia
Editor & Art Director
Nicholas Chin
Advisors
Dato’ Faridah Merican
Joe Hasham oam
Print
DI Print Solutions
www.diprintsolutions.com
All feedback/comments about this
publication and/or the performing
arts in general are welcomed at:
nicholas@theactorsstudio.com.my
The Actors Studio@Lot 10
Roof Top, Level 8A, Lot 10 Shopping
Centre, 50, Jalan Sultan Ismail
50250 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: ( 03) 2144 2009 (General Inquiry)
(03) 2142 2009 (Box Office)
(03) 2143 2009 (Box Office)
www.theactorsstudio.com.my
Faridah convinced me that it certainly
was not too soon to bring it back,
The Kuala Lumpur Performing
Arts Centre (klpac)
Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan
51100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (03) 4047 9000 (Box Office)
www.klpac.org
Joe Hasham is the Artistic Director
and Co-Founder of The Actors Studio
Malaysia, The Kuala Lumpur Performing
Arts Centre and The Performing Arts
Centre of Penang.
3
For more information on "Someone Who'll
Watch Over Me" and " The Complete
Works Of William Shakespeare (abridged)"
please see the listings on pages 8 & 13.
School, Children and the Art of Laughter
Earlier this year, my daughter attended her
first day of school. The school has a good
reputation, claiming one of the highest
UPSR results in the area. All is well I
thought, better academic results probably
mean better schools right?
Before I go any further, let me state that I
do believe in the importance of academic
achievement. Passing exams is not easy,
and to do so with flying colours is testament
to the hard work, motivation and discipline of
teachers and students to teach and learn what
can be a dull and time consuming syllabus.
Our world is rapidly changing and many
parents today appreciate the importance
of ‘soft skills’, in addition to academic
achievement as part of their children's
education. I see many attempts and
initiatives by our educational institutions
to get children involved in debates, school
plays and sporting activities to enhance
their ability to communicate, interact and
work in teams. I think this is definitely a step
in the right direction.
This had me thinking: A highly developed
sense of humour is one of the most
important thinking skills that a person can
have, and yet our society overlooks this
when it comes to our children's education.
Do we not also need to educate our children
in the art of humour?
4
Of course, I don't have any hard evidence
to assert that Malaysians parents and
teachers actively discourage their children
from learning to be funny. However
during my time in our education
system, there was a general
understanding that the classroom was
strictly a place to prepare for your exams.
Any students who were brave enough
to bring satire magazines such as "Gila
Gila" or "Ujang" to schools would have
their literature seized. Despite a deep
appreciation of satire, parody and
humour in human history, these topics
are nowhere to be found in our modern
school syllabus. So what gives?
I don't see that there has been a concerted
effort to present humour in a serious
educational light. Culturally we are trained
to look at humour in a casual manner, a way
to make other people laugh. Some people
even associate humour with stupidity. In
fact the terminology "lawak bangang" or
"lawak bodoh" is a popular reference in
Malaysian conversational habits and I think
this is where we miss a great opportunity to
appreciate the wonderful wisdom of humour.
To me, good humour has got nothing to
do with stupidity. Good humour not only
makes you laugh, it also makes you think
by challenging your preconceptions and
changing the way you see the world.
If you look at the work of great world class
comedians, you get the impression that
these artists are extremely intelligent incredibly well informed about current events,
unbelievably sharp and amazingly humble
about their own vulnerabilities. Far from
being an act of stupidity, could humour even
be the antidote to many of humanity’s flaws?
Can you teach people how to appreciate
humour? Being funny maybe an art, but it is
also a thinking skill, and like any other skill
it can be honed and cultivated. Sure some
people may be more predisposed to good
humour than others, but, like the teaching
of mathematics, science and languages,
the objective of general education is not
necessarily to make every single person a
world class professional in that discipline,
it is rather to impart an awareness and
appreciation of a particular area of knowledge.
So how do we go about teaching humour?
Well how about comic books. There are
plenty of humour in comic books. On
the surface, comics may seem like light
entertainment, but look closely and you
will see unmistakable traces of philosophy,
creativity and rationality in many of them.
Judge Dredd for example, despite having
a dark exterior on its cover, is actually full
of serious humour about politics and the
fallibility of people. Or Calvin and Hobbes,
where within the mischievous 6 year old lies
an intelligent, grown up wit.
Schools could even engage professional
comedians to teach students the value of
critical thinking. After all, you can't construct
good humour if you don't have a critical mind.
The above may seem insensible given our
rigid educational framework. But change
is never easy, and often those who dare
suggest it are looked upon as insane. But
where would we be today if ideas were
never championed simply because they
seem outlandish?
At the very least, humour in school would
make it easier to get children to do their
homework.
Nik Shahrizal is a weekend philosopher
and father of a seven year old girl. He
welcomes your insights and comments at
nikshahrizal@yahoo.com
Terri Thespian’s Performing
Arts Advice Column
Hell-o super-friends! It’s your correspondence confidant, your postal partner, your
letter lamp-light... Terri Thespian! Welcome welcome to the last year in human history!
(Just kidding. Everyone knows it’s going to be the great hamster rebellion of 2037 that
really finishes us off)
We got this letter last year, hence the
future tense.
dear terri,
happy new year in advance.
if yuo mention any kind of 2012, mayan
in your column I will be stopping reading
it [[sic], [sic] and [sic]. - Ed]
-everyone needs to die
Dear END,
What’s your question exactly?
dear terri,
i don’t have one
But you do, END. I am a professional betweenliner and my question sense is tingling.
I think your question is: Why are people to
caught up in this whole 2012 thing? Why not?
It’s got the right ingredients: A bold prediction
with long pedigree, a high degree of specificit y
and an imagination-capturing movie. People
love a good apocalypse.
Three problems:
1) The movie was terrible. Sorry. John Cusack is
a cutie pie but... no. Sorry.
2) None of the other end of world prophecies
have come true yet. There’ve been loads. Now
I hear you saying ‘But this one might!!!!!’ and
to that I say: Well I’ve flipped the coin 1,000
times so far. Any time now it’ll stop coming
down. This one might.’
3) Maya sounds like something you put on bread.
I have enough trouble trusting my sandwich to
stay in my tummy; I don’t need to start cancelling
my credit card based on something that sounds
like a mayo-based Nutella.
Dear Terri,
We were wondering if you could settle an
argument for us.
A friend and I both like the same TV
series. In the show there’s a scene where
the main character and a boy she likes
go bowling. My friend thinks she’s going
to have sex with him because ‘Why else
would they have them go to a place
where he inserts his fingers into things
and she fondles spherical objects?’
Whereas I think he’s reading way too
much into this. What do you think Terri?
Yours,
Dearest Terri,
So You Mean Bowling’s Like Sex? Meh.
Quick Question: Are video games art?
Dear SYMBOLISM,
-Wanting to Know Your Answer
I LOVE THAT SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear WOKYA,
Ahem.
To paraphrase Ben Croshaw, Quick Answer:
Yes.
Okay, so intentional or not, things like
symbolism are vastly subjective. Yes, good
symbolism can be invisible. Yes, good
symbolism can add vastly to a given work of
art. Or it could not. It could be distracting.
Clumsy, even. Such depends on the execution,
the perception of the audience, the cultural
paradigms of the creator, so many things.
So let your friend enjoy his balls and fingers.
You can continue to enjoy the show however
you want, or don’t want, for that matter.
P.s. I really hope that she [Terri, some authorial
discipline please. -Ed] by the end of the season!
- Terri
Long Answer: Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees.
Medium Answer: I believe that art is art when
you decide it is. Not the creator. Not the
élité. Not internet posters. You. If you think
Minesweeper speaks to you, who are we to say
anything?
Speaking of art, is there a way to make A4
bigger? Why can’t it be A4.5? I’ll have to speak
to Graphics about this. Until we invent better
paper, we’re out of space my lovelies. I’ll have to
get back to you next time! Adieus and toodleoo’s! Pip pip, 2012! Terri Thespian, out!
- Terri
5
Calvin Wong is a full time writer and
teacher of writing. He would like to wish
you a happy 2013 in advance.
It all started last year when Dr. Joseph
Gonzales convinced me to send my
dance video 'CICAK' to the ‘No Ballet’
competition in Ludwigshafen Germany.
CICAK had a smooth climb up in the
competition and straight into the judges’
hearts. It made history in the competition
by being the first Malaysian team to
gather a spot in the finals.
The journey had not been smooth. The
major problem was funding especially
under a tight time frame. We had tried
various venues and approaches such
as organising a Fund Raising Show in
ASWARA, knocking on door to door and
many more. It so happened that Dato
Faridah Merican’s door was one of them.
She was generous to contribute to our
donation box. Thank you Dato!
6
All the hard work was rewarded and we
attended the competition in November
2011. On our arrival, we were hit by the
cold gush of wind and we were in for a
round of battle with the weather. The
theater in Pfalzbau was huge. It dwelled
upon us that compared to our European
competitors, we are PETITE! In CICAK,
bulk the movements was executed on
the floor. Just imagine three 5-footer
girls dancing on a 6 winged stage larger
than Istana Budaya. Thanks to the
assistance of the multimedia projection, it
made CICAK (in my personal opinion) a
satisfactory dance piece. A big thank you
to David Ngui and his team for made the
video so awesomely good. The judges
loved the video!
In the competition, all the other dancers
were very strong. We knew they are
all seasoned dancers from the way
they prepare for the competition. The
techniques were amazing and not to
outdone ourself, we focus on our dance
and stay in the team to motivate one
another. It is hard to believe that CICAK
make it to the finals. In my opinion, dance
competitions are subjective in nature,
even more so in choreography. In CICAK,
the most difficult part was creating the
emotions in the dancers. The dancer
have to believe that she is a lizard with
the fear and anger that exist deep in the
heart. These emotions must then transmit
itself into expressions and to every limb in
the body without forgetting the story of the
dance. Germany had been a wonderful
stepping stone for us and I had learnt
more in a competition that I had in years.
Lastly, a bottomless gratitude to Datin
Sabera Shaik and her friends of Masakini
Theatre for her big help to find the
contribution for our trip to Germany. Also
thanks to Datin Marion D’Cruz, Wong Kit
Yaw, Vincent Tan Lian Ho and Tan Kooi
Lan. A special thank to Purple Cane for
the kindly contribution. Not forgetting the
endless support from my family, lecturers,
dancers and friends especially those who
had helped and trusted in me and my
work. I am lucky to have them by my side.
Chai Vivan is an avid dancer striving to
make it big in a meaningful way.
7
The Year In View 2012
The following lists of all shows held by The Actors Studio@Lot 10,
The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre, The Performing Arts Centre
of Penang and a selection of community events. All details are correct at
press time but are subject to change.
january
JEREMY YEO PIANO RECITAL
PThe Actors Studio Academy @ klpac
and Noise Performance House
D Jan 7
VPentas 2, klpac
10th ADA AWARDS 2012
PASLI (Supported by klpac)
D7 Jan @ 8pm
V Pentas 1, klpac
THE ASSOCIATED BOARDS OF THE
ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC CONCERT
PThe Associated Board of
the Royal Schools of Music
D Jan 8
VPentas 1, klpac
WORLD’S BEST MOVIES
PThe Actors Studio
D9 & 10 Jan @ 8.30pm
VIndicine, klpac
MALAYSIAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL
Pklpac and penangpac
D10–14 Jan @ 8:30pm;
15 Jan @ 3pm
VStage 1, penangpac
MONSTER SERIES II- DUODUO,
THE LITTLE MONSTER’
PThe Actors Studio Academy @ klpac
and Noise Performance House
D Jan 13–15
VPentas 2, klpac
TAMILSELVI DOESN’T SPEAK TAMIL
PSerious Comedy Club
DJan 14 & 15 @ 12pm, 4pm, 8pm
VPentas 2, klpac
PAUL LOOSLEY’S SHAKESPEARE
ON FILM
Pklpac
D12, 19, 26 @ 3pm
VIndicine, klpac
TFree Admission
SOMEONE WHO’LL WATCH OVER ME
PTAS & penangpac
D16–18 Feb @ 8:30pm;
9 Feb @ 3pm
VStage 2, penangpac
TRM48, RM28 (Conc.)
“boom” BY PETER SINN NACHTRIEB
P klpac
DFeb 17 (Preview), Feb 18, 21–25 @
8.30pm, Feb 19, Feb 26 @ 3pm
VPentas 2, klpac
TRM35, RM23(Conc.)
THE JAZZ SOUNDS OF TERESA TENG
PPop Pop Music
VStage 1, penangpac
D24–25 Feb
O.S. ARUN
PYayasan Vijigaratnam
DFeb 24–25
VPentas 1, klpac
Shalini Ganedra fine arts
exhibition
PShalini Ganedra
D Feb 27–Mar 11
V Pentas 2 Foyer, klpac
march
BIRDIAN MEETS SAX FRIENDS (TAS)
PThe Actors Studio & Birdian
Saxophone Quartet
DJan 15 @ 5pm & 8pm
VTAS @ Lot 10
YESTER-DAZE THE 80’s MUSICAL
PELC International School
DMar 2–3 @ 8.30pm
V Pentas 2, klpac
WORLD’S BEST MOVIES
PThe Actors Studio
D16 & 17 Jan @ 8.30pm
VIndicine, klpac
klpac SYMPHONIC BAND
Pklpac & penangpac
VStage 1, penangpac
D3 Mar @ 8:30pm;
4 Mar @ 3pm
AT A PLANK BRIDGE
PThe Actors Studio Theatre Rakyat
presents A Production of East 100
Theatre Corp
DJan 17–21
VPentas 2, klpac
SHADES OF NAKKEERAN Concert
PYegavaani Parmason
DJan 28 @ 6.30pm
VPentas 1, klpac
february
STAND-UP COMEDY
PMalaysian Association of
Chinese Comedians
D3–4 Feb @ 9pm
VStage 1, penangpac
T RM38
PARAH
PInstant Café Theatre Company
D1–5 Feb @ 8:30pm;
4 & 5 Feb @ 3pm
VPentas 2, klpac
TRM48, RM38, RM38 (Conc.)
T.H.E DANCE COMPANY
PSingapore High Commission
DFeb 8
VPentas 1, klpac
8
SOMEONE WHO’LL WATCH OVER ME
PThe Actors Studio
DFeb 8–12
VTAS @ LOT 10
SHAKESPEARE DEMYSTIFIED:
MERCHANT OF VENICE
Ppenangpac
VStage 2, penangpac
D8–10 Mar @ 8:30pm;
11 Mar @ 3pm
TRM20, RM15 (Conc.)
The Sandpit: Womensis
P Pocketsize Productions
D 15 – 18 Mar @ 9pm
V Stage 2, penangpac
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF
SHAKESPEARE (UNABRIDGED)
PThe Actors Studio & klpac
DMar 21–25
VPentas 2, klpac
IMG Artist
DMay 29–31
VPentas 1, klpac
Masterpiece in Motion
PSingapore Dance Theatre Company
D13–14 Apr @ 8:30pm
VStage 2, penangpac
“boom” BY PETER SINN NACHTRIEB
Ppenangpac
D19–21 Apr @ 8:30pm;
21–22 Apr @ 3pm
VStage 2, penangpac
TRM23
PAN PRODUCTIONS
PPAN PRODUCTIONS
DApr 24–May 6
VPentas 1, klpac
Love Journey 3
Pklpac
DApr 24–29
VPentas 2, klpac
Worlds best Movies
Pklpac
DMar 5, 6, 12 & 13
VIndicine, klpac
The Lesson
Pklpac
D26–28 Apr @ 8:30pm;
29 Apr @ 3pm
VStage 2, penangpac
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF
SHAKESPEARE (UNABRIDGED)
Pklpac & penangpac
D29–31 Mar @ 8.30pm;
31 Mar–1 Apr @ 3pm
VStage 1, penangpac
TRM28, RM28(Conc.)
Sri Lanka’s The Revelations &
Malaysia’s Caipifruta! Vocal
Quartet in Concert
PYoung Choral Academy, Caipifruta
& penangpac
VStage 2, penangpac
D30 – 31 Mar @ 8:30pm
april
SINGAPORE DANCE THEATRE
DApr 3–7
VPentas 1, klpac
ZACHARY WONG
DApr 3–8
VPentas 2, klpac
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF
SHAKESPEARE (UNADBRIDGED)
PThe Actors Studio & klpac
VStage 1, penangpac
D3–14 Mar @ 8:30pm
lingum
DApr 10–15
VPentas 2, klpac
THE OWL WHO WAS AFRAID OF
THE DARK
PGardner and Wife Theatre
VStage 1, penangpac
D8 – 9 Mar @ 10am;
10 Mar @ 11am & 3pm;
11 Mar @ 2pm & 5pm
TRM89, RM76, RM63, RM50
White Crane
D12–14 Apr @ 8:30pm;
15 Apr @ 3pm
VStage 2, penangpac
Flower & Swords
Pklpac
DApr 24–29
V Indicine, klpac
Jane yap exhibition
P Jane Yap
DApr 9–29
VPentas 2 foyer, klpac
Paul loosley on film
Pklpac
DMar 4, 11 & 18
VIndicine, klpac
Fine Arts Festival
PDalat International School
D23 & 26 May (Drama);
24–25 May (Band Concert)
VStage 1, penangpac
T4YP OPEN AUDITIONS
Pklpac
DMar 24 & 25
VIndicine, klpac
dead man's cellphone
Pklpac & penangpac
VStage 1, penangpac
D3–14 Mar @ 8:30pm
HANDS PERCUSSIONS
PHands Percussion Unit
DMar 5–11
V Pentas 1, klpac
Rocking The Grammys
Accapella Style
PSix 2 Eight
DApr 17–22
VPentas 2, klpac
CORPORAL Punishment
Pklpac
DApr 4–7
VIndicine, klpac
Symphonic band
Pklpac
DApr 9–15
VIndicine, klpac
SIngapore repertoire
theatre
P Singapore Repertoire Theatre
DApr 11–15
VPentas 1, klpac
ICOM Celebration Series
PICOM
DApr 17–22
VPentas 1, klpac
Lift Operator for Kids
PGardner & Wife Theatre
D30–1 May @ 8:30pm
VStage 1, penangpac
may
HEART DESIRE
(T4YP 5th ANNIVESARY SEASON)
Pklpac
DMay 3–6
VIndicine, klpac
HANDS PERCUSSION
PHands Percussion Unit
DMay 1–6
VPentas 2, klpac
Corporal PUNishment
Pklpac
D2–5 May @ 8:30pm; 6 May @ 3pm
VStage 2, penangpac
In Perfect Harmony
PDama Orchestra
D5–6 May @ 8:30pm
VStage 1, penangpac
IN PERFECT HARMONY
PDama Orchestra
DMay 8–27
VPentas 2, klpac
THE PLATFORM
PTAS & klpac
DMay 8–13
VPentas 2, klpac
When She Met Her
PNoise Performance House
D10–12 May @ 8:30pm
13 May @ 3pm
VStage 2, penangpac
Mother Courage and Her
Children
PUplands International School
D17–19 May @ 8:30pm
20 May @ 3pm
VStage 2, penangpac
Cabaret & Broadway Show
PPenang Inclusion Orchestra
D20 May @ 8pm
VStage 1, penangpac
GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
DMay 29
VPentas 2, klpac
BIRDIAN SAXOPHONE QUARTER
PTAS
DMay 30
VPentas 2, klpac
june
Dithyrambic Singers
PDithyrambic Singers
DJun 1–3
HANDS PERCUSSION
PHands Percussion Unit
DJun 5–10
VPentas 1 & Pentas 2, klpac
Malaysia Choral Eisteddfod
PYoung Choral Academy
DJun 5–10
VStage 1, Stage 2, Gallery 1, Gallery
2, penangpac
DUA SPACE
PDua Space Theatre
DJun 12–17
VPentas 2, klpac
UNTITLED
(T4YP 5th ANNIVESARY SEASON)
Pklpac
D14–17 June
VIndicine, klpac
ADELINE LEONG DANCE STUDIO
PAdeline Leong Dance Studio
DJun 15–17
VPentas 1, klpac
Wuxia–Part II
PPenang Inclusion Orchestra
DJun 17 @ 8pm
VStage 1, penangpac
HAN PRODUCTION
PHan Production
DJun 19–30
VPentas 1, klpac
SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD
Pklpac & Caipifruita
D21–24 June
VTAS@LOT10
IndicineLive
Pklpac
DJun 21–23 @ 8:30pm,
Jun 24 @ 3pm
VStage 2, penangpac
july
JAZZ FESTIVAL
DJul 2–8
VPentas 1, Pentas 2, Indicine, klpac
Rasa Sayang
PTony Yap Company
D5–7 Jul @ 8:30pm, 8 Jul @ 3pm
VStage 2, penangpac
HSBC CLASSICS
PHSBC & klpac
DJul 10–15
VPentas 1, Pentas 2, Indicine, klpac
klpac Musical
P klpac
DJul 17–28
VPentas 1
PAN PRODUCTIONS
PPAN PRODUCTIONS
DJul 17–22
VPentas 2, klpac
Big Head & Potato Head
Pklpac
D19–21 Jul @ 8:30pm;
22 Jul @ 3pm
VStage 2, penangpac
Untitled
(T4YP 5th ANNIVESARY SEASON)
Pklpac
D26–29 Jul
VIndicine, klpac
T4YP Sweatshop
(T4YP 5th ANNIVESARY SEASON)
Pklpac
D28 & 29 July
VIndicine, klpac
CHINESE INSTRUMENT CONCERT
P Dama Orchestra
DJul 31–Aug 5
VPentas 2, klpac
august
Chinese Instrumental
Concert
PDama Orchestra
D9–11 Aug @ 8:30pm;
12 Aug @ 3pm
VStage 1, penangpac
THE LAST 5 YEARS
Pklpac
D9–12 Aug
VStage 2, penangpac
Cartoon
Pklpac
D16–18 Aug @ 8:30pm;
19 Aug @ 3 pm
VStage 2, penangpac
T4YP Musical Revue
Pklpac
DAug 21–26
VPentas 1, klpac
T4YP 5th ANNIVERSARY SEASON
FESTIVAL KUALA LUMPUR
•
UNTITLED
P klpac
D 23–26 Aug
V Pentas 1, klpac
•
•
LORD OF THE FLIES
P klpac
D 24–26 Aug
V Pentas 2, klpac
UNTITLED
P klpac
D 25–26 Aug
V Indicine, klpac
september
Singapore Repertory Theatre
P Singapore Repertory Theatre
DSep 4–16
VPentas 1, klpac
ACROSS THE BRIDGE
PThe Noise Performance House
DSep 4–9
VPentas 2, klpac
T4YP DOES PENANG
•
Food, Sex & Death
Pklpac
D20–23 Sep
VStage 2, penangpac
•
The Heart Desire / FarawaY
Pklpac
D27–30 Sep
VStage 2, penangpac
october
Waiting for Godot
Pklpac
D18–20 Oct @ 8:30pm;
21 Oct @ 3pm
VStage 2, penangpac
I Am Not My Pimples
Pklpac
D25–27 Oct @ 8:30pm;
28 Oct @ 3pm
VStage 2, penangpac
november
INSTANT CAFÉ THEATRE
PInstant Café Theatre
DSep 11–16
VPentas 2, klpac
THE CHAIR: A PERANAKAN ODYSSEY
Pklpac
D1–4 Nov
VPentas 2, klpac
The Last Show
Pklpac
D13–15 Sep @ 8:30pm;
16 Sep @ 3pm
VStage 1, penangpac
ELVIRA ARUL IN CONCERT
DNov 5
VPentas 2, klpac
EMPRESS WU THE MUSICAL
PDama Orchestra
DSep 18–Oct 28
VPentas 1, klpac
SHORT + SWEET FESTIVAL 2012
PShort & Sweet Malaysia
DSep 18–Oct 28
VPentas 2, klpac
The Chair: A PERANAKAN ODYSSEY
Pklpac
D8–11 Nov
VStage 2, penangpac
DUA SPACE
PDua Space Theatre
DNov 12
VPentas 1, klpac
INSTANT CAFÉ THEATRE
PInstant Cafe Theatre
DNov 20–25
BELLYFUSION
DNov 27–30
VPentas 1, klpac
2 Tables / 1 Chair
PLee Wushu
D29–1 Dec @ 8:30pm;
2 Dec @ 3pm
VStage 1, penangpac
december
HANDS PERCUSSION
PHands Percussion Unit
DDec 4–16
VPentas 1/klpac
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN
P klpac
D 7–16
V Pentas 2, klpac
Float N Sync Musical
Pklpac
D13–17 Dec
VStage 2, penangpac
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN
Pklpac
D20–23
VStage1, penangpac
Sweeney Todd Musical
Pklpac
D20–22 Dec @ 8:30pm;
23 Dec @ 3pm
VStage 1, penangpac
Musical
PDama Orchestra
D27–29 Dec @ 8:30pm;
30 Dec @ 3pm
VStage 1, penangpac
Legend
P Produced by
D Dates & Times
V Venue
T Ticket Prices
CContact details
for non-TAS / klpac
productions
(Conc.)
Concession tickets.
(Note: The availability
of concessions vary
with each production)
Do you have a performing arts event you would like
listed? Write to us at LAM@theactorsstudio.com.my
9
MAYA DANCE THEATRE
PMAYA DANCE THEATRE
DJul 24–29
VPentas 2, klpac
are you ready to be
Extraordinary?
Then you are just right for The Actors Studio
Academy @ klpac's brand new Speech and
Drama Programme!
Designed to nurture your child's confidence,
speech and performance skills, the classes
will be 12 fun months of theatre games,
dancing and movement, musical theatre,
and so much more, all to prepare for a final
mini-presentation at the end of the course.
Every semester of the Speech and Drama
Programme consists of 10 weeks that lead
up to a mini-presentation on the last class.
Each lesson will be conducted with the
following learning outcomes:
Speech & Drama Programme
Speech & Drama Programme
Age group:
Group A: 7–9 yrs old
Group B: 10–12 yrs old
Group C: 13–15 yrs old
Age group:
Group A: 7–9 yrs old
Group B: 10–12 yrs old
Group C: 13–15 yrs old
Day: Saturday or Sunday
Time: 10am–12pm
Course Fee: RM360 per semester
Registration Fee: RM50
Day: Saturday only
Time: 12pm–2pm
Course Fee: RM360 per semester
For further information or to
sign up for activities, please
contact the Academy at
+603 4047 9060
a c a d e my @ k l p a c .o r g
Sunday
Saturday
Speech & Drama Programme 2012 Schedule
Semester 1
Semester 2
Feb
11
18
25
May
12
19
Mar
3
24
31
Jun
16
23
30
Apr
1
8
15
14
21
Feb
12
19
Mar
2
25
Apr
1
8
22
26
15
22
29
Semester 3
1
8
22
Oct
6
13
20
Nov
3
10
11
Jul
7
Aug
4
May
13
20
Sep
2
9
23
Jun
17
24
Oct
7
14
21
Jul
1
8
Nov
4
10
11
Aug
5
15
29
Sep
22
29
29
30
Speech & Drama Programme Structure Speech & Drama (Semester 1)
Musical Theatre (Semester 2)
• A n intro to the performance
fundamentals and speech skills.
• A n intro to physical and vocal
techniques as performance tools.
• A pplication of performance and
speech skills in learning & life.
• A n introduction to musical
theatre
• A n introduction to vocal and
dance techniques used in
musical theatre performances.
• A n introduction to the
fundamentals and skills
required in putting up a
production encompassing:
-acting -sound -back stage work
-lights -set design -costume
• S tudents will refresh their skills
on performance fundamentals.
• S tudents will be will introduced
to popular texts/plays by
Shakespeare and others
• E xposure to a wider vocabulary
of choreography.
• A n increased song repertoire.
• Learn pieces from popular local
and international musicals.
• S tudents will collaborate
with facilitators for a final
presentation.
Age Group 7–9 years old
10
* Only for those who have complete our 2011 production
Beginners
Today, The Actors Studio
Academy continues to run a
whole host of arts courses
for children through to adults,
for aspiring artistes as well as
the average person. Its artsbased corporate training is
also highly popular.
(Intermediate Level)*
Semester Available (Semester 1, 2 & 3)
Intermediate
These names have benefited
from The Actors Studio
Academy’s programme and
went on to be successful
individuals in their own right.
The arts can teach us what
lessons in classrooms cannot.
Each class will have the various topics
covered in varying activities:
• Movement and Body • Speech and
Voice Work • Ensemble Work • Solo Work
• Devised Work • Scripted Work; and •
Popular Literature
(Beginner’s Level)
Semester Available (Semester 1, 2 & 3)
Fauziah Nawi. Patrick Teoh.
Datin Seri Tiara Jacquelina.
Leslie Dawson. Ramli Hassan.
• Performance fundamentals and speech
skills. • Physical and vocal techniques/ ways as
tools in performance
• Application of performance & speech
skills in learning and living skills.
• Confidence building in speech,
interaction and performance.
Age Group 10 –12 years old
Production (Semester 3)
Age Group 13 –15 years old
Preschool Drama
Programme
(Semester 1 & 2 Available )
Age: 3–6 yrs
Day: Saturday or Sunday
Time: 10am–11am
Course Fee: RM250
Registration Fee: RM50
The Pre-school Programme
is a 10 week semester
with a mini-presentation
on the last class.
Each lesson is conducted
with the following
components in mind:
• Development of the Mind
• Development of Creative
Problem Solving
• Development of
Speech and Basic
Communication
• Development of PLAY
Each class will cover the
various topics in activities
such as movement and
body, speech and voice,
group work and working
in a team
The programmed
is helmed by two
experienced early
learners educators;
Kimmy Kiew and
Payal Vashist.
The Academy is
now at penangpac!
The Actors Studio Academy @
penangpac begins operations this
month. The 1st semester begins on
11 February and runs until 29 April.
•Pre-School Speech & Drama
(3 – 6 years old)
English: Saturdays @ 11am – 12pm
Mandarin: Saturday @ 10am – 11am
•Speech & Drama
(7 – 12 years old)
English: Sundays @ 11.30am – 1pm
Mandarin: Sundays @ 10am – 11.30am
Hokkien: Sundays @ 1pm – 2.30pm
FREE TRIAL CLASSES
available on 4 February 2012 only.
Limited places are available, first
come first serve. To register or for
further enquiries:
call
Lay Chin at 04-899 1793, or
laychin@theactorsstudio.com.my
e- mail
OTHER PROGRAMMES
Ages: Children: 4yrs–15yrs; Adults : 16yrs +
Date: Feb 12,19,26 Mar 4,11,18,25 Apr 1,8,15,22,29
Time: 1pm–2pm (children); 2pm–3pm (adults)
Course fee: RM120 per month (4 classes)/
RM350 for 3 months (12 classes) /
RM40 for trial class*
Shobana Sahajananan started dancing
at the age of four. Trained since young in
bharathanatyam, she continues on to pursue
oddisi, khatak and mujra and also belly dance. She
has been dancing all her life and conducted many
workshops and choreographed various events.
Traditional Malay Gamelan Workshop By
Ezanin Mazlan
Noted as the music that is usually played during
royal and formal occasions since the 19th century,
gamelan music generates rich, sonorous and
mesmerizing sounds. Playing the gamelan can
inspire self-confidence, improve co-ordination and
listening skills, encourage interaction and teambuilding and be a great chance to try something
new. You are welcome to attend regardless of your
musical background-all you need is a desire to learn.
Beginners (Saturday, 2pm–4pm)
Sem 1: Mar 17,24,31 Apr 7,14,21,28 May 12,19
Showcase: May 26
Sem 2: Jun 30 Jul 7,14,21,28 Aug 04,11 Sep 01,08
Showcase: Sep 15
Advanced (Sunday, 11.30am–1.30pm)
Sem 1: Mar 18,25 Apr 01,8,15,22,29 May 13,20
Showcase: May 27
Sem 2: Jul 1,8,15,22,29 Aug 05,12 Sep 2,9
Showcase: Sep 16
Course Fee: RM300* per semester
Ezanin Mazlan has been always been in love
with traditional music since his school years. He
graduated from ASWARA with Diploma in Music in
2008, and has participated in many productions in
various capacities in ASWARA and elsewhere.
Theatre for Seniors with Mano Maniam
This programme is specially designed to meet
the numerous requests for a theatre appreciation
course for those who have not had any, or have
only remote experience with the local performing
arts scene such as retirees, parents, and those with
time on their hands.
It seeks to give a broad exposure to what's going on
in the performing arts, especially in the klpac and
other local venues. Participants will enjoy reading
some plays and with some guidance be able to
talk about them. Actors, writers and directors will
join the group to share their experiences with the
participants.
Prospects to create and perform within the group
will also be encouraged.
Age: 50 and above (Max 18 participants)
Date:
Intake 1: Feb 16,17,23,24 Mar 1,2,3
Intake 2: June 14,15,21,22,28,29,30
Time: 10am–2pm
Course Fee: RM400*
Mano Maniam has been part of the local theatre
scene for close to five decades and is a practising
actor, director, drama teacher, voice-over artiste
and writer. He has been in stage plays, TV, cinema
and animation. He has played a variety of roles in
three languages locally and abroad.
11
Bollywood Dancing For Beginners by
Shobana Sahajananan
Bollywood dance style incorporates the fusion of
Hip Hop, Jazz, Salsa, East Indian Classical, Folk,
and Bhangra dance. The combination of the steps
will strengthen the dancer’s awareness of music,
timing, spacing and precision. The class is casual,
informal and a fun way of workout!
This workshop will prepare you for professional
dance training and troupe performances for stage
shows, television, film, corporate events, concerts,
wedding reception, private parties, workshops, and
social/public events. Suitable for beginners and those with experience
Shows and Events in February at TAS@Lot 10,
klpac & penangpac
FEB PARAH
01
FEB Three and a Half Men CNY Edition (Stand Up Comedy)
03
(Play)
presenter
Instant Café Theatre Company
Pentas 2, klpac
date & time 1 – 5 Feb @ 8:30pm
4 & 5 Feb @ 3pm
tickets
RM48, RM38 (Conc.)
venue
Who are the indigenes
and who are the
immigrants? Is there a
grain of truth in even
the most repellent
stereotype? What power
does a word have to
shape reality? And
is a civic nationalism
possible in any society
obsessed with race?
Inspired by Yasmin Ahmad’s final film, ‘Talentime’,
as well as Abdullah Hussain’s novel, ‘Interlok’,
Parah is a timely exploration of how identities are
contested in a young, pluralistic nation. Funny,
provocative and moving, Pariah asks urgent
questions about love, home and belonging.
Featuring Iedil Putra, Farah Rani, Branavan Aruljothi.
Written by Alfian Saat and directed by Jo Kukatas
FEB Paul Loosley’s Shakespeare
on Film (Screening)
12
presenter
klpac
Indicine, klpac
date & time 12 – 26 Feb @ 3pm
tickets
Free Admission
venue
We return for a Sixth
series of Paul Loosley’s
Shakespeare on Film.
And even after more
than 30 movies we
still haven’t run out of
neat film adaptations
of the Bard, and this
season couldn’t be
more varied if it tried.
All in all proving once
again that the Bard’s
plays don’t just make
exceeding good films, they are capable of almost
infinite variety. Which is, of course, Shakespeare’s
timeless genius.
• 12 Feb, Julie Taymor’s 'The Tempest' (2010)
• 19 Feb, George Cukor’s 'Romeo and Juliet' (1936)
• 26 Feb, John Farrell’s 'Richard the Second' (2001)
presenterMalaysian
Association of Chinese
Comedians
venue
Stage 1, penangpac
date & time 3 – 4 Feb @ 9pm
tickets
RM38
February 2011 saw the
Malaysian Association
of Chinese Comedians
perform in Penang for
the very first time. Their
show titled “Internal
Affairs” played to a
laughing-out-loud
audience of 600.
FEB Someone Who’ll Watch
Over Me (Play)
08
presenter
The Actors Studio
venue
The Actors Studio @ Lot 10
8–11 Feb @ 8:30pm; 12 Feb @ 3pm
RM 48, RM28 (Conc.)
date & time
tickets
venue
date & time
tickets
promotion
Stage 2, penangpac
16–18 Feb @8:30pm; 19 Feb@3pm
RM 48, RM28 (Conc.)
2 0% Discount for Someone Who’ll
Watch Over Me & The Compleat Wrks
of Wllm Shkspr in a single receipt.
This year MACC are
back with their latest
show - THREE and a
half MEN (CNY Edition) LIVE IN PENANG.
Be prepared for more crazy stand-up from
newcorner Dr Jason Leong and permanent fixture
Phoon Chi Ho, Kuah Jenhan and Douglas Lim.
production in 2012.
The highly acclaimed
production of
Frank McGuinness’
masterpiece by The
Actors Studio Malaysia
is back! After its hugely
successful 2011 run in
Kuala Lumpur where it
played to full houses
night after night and
received rave reviews,
The Actors Studio is
re-staging this brilliant
3 men. An Englishman, an Irishman and an
American have been taken hostage and held in a
windowless cell in Beirut. They have no contact
with the outside world and are uncertain about their
future. As the three men strive for survival they also
strive to overcome their differences.
The play was inspired by Irishman Brian Keenan’s
abduction in 1986.
the actors studio @ lot 10
tel:(03) 2142 2009 / 2143 2009
web : www.theactorsstudio.com.my
kuala lumpur performing arts centre
tel: (03) 4047 9000
web : www.klpac.org
performing arts centre of penang
tel: (04) 899 1722
12
web : www.penangpac.org
17
presenterklpac
venue
Pentas 2, klpac
Feb (Preview), 18, 21-25 Feb @
8.30pm; 19 & 26 Feb @ 3pm
RM35, RM23(Conc. & Preview)
date & time17
tickets
“Sex to change the
course of the world” – A
grad student’s online
personal ad lures a
mysterious journalism
student to his
subterranean research
lab under the pretense
of an evening of “no
strings attached” sex.
But when a major global
catastrophic event
strikes the planet, their date takes on evolutionary
significance and the fate of humanity hangs in the
balance. Will they survive? What about the fish in
the tank? And who is that woman pulling levers and
playing the timpani? An epic and intimate comedy
that spans over billions of years, boom explores the
influences of fate versus randomness in the course
of one’s life, and life as we know it on the planet.
Featuring Jon Chew, Sharon Lam, BB Ostella Adam
and Directed by David Lim
"Mr. Nachtrieb has a gift for darkly funny
dialogue and an appealing way of approaching
big themes sideways. [boom] winds up speaking,
quietly and piquantly, to our enduring fascination
with and need for myths about the beginning of life
as well as its end." - New York Times
"From pants-around-the-ankles comedy to hipster
Twilight Zone takeoff…boom is imaginative and easy
to like." - The New Yorker
"A grandly whacked-out apocalypse fantasy…one of
those charmed evenings." - Washington Post
FEB 青春禁忌游戏
Taboo Games of Youth
23
(Chinese Drama)
presenterThe Actors Studio Teater Rakyat &
ACX Productions
venue
The Actors Studio @ Lot 10
date & time 23–26 Feb @ 8.30pm; 25–26 @ 3pm
tickets
RM30, RM25 (Conc.)
promotion Buy 10 Free 1 for students
Originally by Russian writer Lyudmila Razumovskaya
in the 1980`s - is a play that has made a worldwide
impact. It recounts the story of four students who
visit a teacher one evening in an attempt to persuade
her to hand over a key lock so that they can change
test scores. After the play was staged in the former
Soviet Union it caused such controversy that it was
subsequently banned.
《青春禁忌游戏》原名是《亲爱的叶莲娜•谢尔盖耶夫
娜》，是前苏联的一个话剧。该剧讲述了4名年轻的学生
为了得到老师保管的存放试卷的保险柜钥匙，换掉他们
上午失败的考试试卷，以为老师过生日为名，精心策划、
实施的一个残酷的“游戏”。女老师的理想主义情操和孩
子们那与自身年龄不符的残酷、冷漠之间，进行了一场以
死亡为结局的较量。
该剧创作于20世纪80年代，在最近的十几年里，它几
乎被搬上了欧洲所有国家的舞台，美国和加拿大也上
演了它。它在哪里上演，就在哪里引起轰动。
《青春禁
忌游戏》是俄罗斯女作家柳德米拉•拉苏莫夫斯卡雅创
作于20世纪80年代的一部有强大力量和世界性影响的
剧作。
FEB Shakespeare Demystified :
Mechant Of Venice
29
(Workshop Performance)
klpac
venue
Indicine, klpac
date & time29 Feb (preview) @ 8.30pm.
1–3 Mar @ 8.30pm, 3 Mar @ 3pm.
tickets
RM20, RM15(Conc. & Preview)
presenter
The Merchant of Venice
is one of Shakespeare's
most exciting plays,
filled with laughter
and darkness, love
and hate, forgiveness
and revenge. The
Jewish moneylender
Shylock makes a loan
to Antonio, a Christian
merchant. Their loan
contract; steeped in
prejudice and centred
on the play's infamous “pound of flesh,” sweeps the
two men and everyone in their worlds into chaos.
The insightful Portia boldly intervenes to try and
save Antonio, with unforeseen consequences for all.
Featuring: Lim Kien Lee, Lim Soon Heng, Sandee
Chew, Nabihan Yaacob, Alfred Loh, Omar Ali,
Marina Tan and Tung Jit Yang.
孤独、忧郁的数学女老师叶莲娜•谢尔盖耶夫娜怎么也没
想到，在这个飘雪的寒夜，四名热情的学生会来为她庆祝
几乎淡忘了的生日；她更没想到，灿烂的鲜花里，藏匿着
一场青春的“游戏”。
“游戏”缘于一把“钥匙”。孩子们要借用它打开存放
考卷的保险柜，他们带来了正确的答案，企图调换；他
们是即将毕业的十年级学生，不理想的毕业考试成绩将
毁掉美好的未来；而叶莲娜恰好保管着钥匙，可她拒绝
交出……
“游戏”进行中，理想与实用、封闭与袒露、真实与谎言、
激情与冷漠、执着与困惑、规则与无忌、坚守与摧毁、昨天
与今天，在较量、搏杀！风雪后的明天，会是什么样的呢？
13
FEB “boom” By Peter Sinn
Nachtrieb (Play)
10th January 2012 at penangpac was
certainly another night to remember.
'Malaysian Girls The Musical' not only
played to a full house, but to one of the
greatest theatre audiences we have
experienced in the years since we have
been presenting shows after opening
our doors 8th of August 1995 at The
Actors Studio@Plaza Putra, barring those
famous comedies of ICT and Comedy
Court - to name a few.
14
The Penangites just threw themselves
to the performers and the energies
both ways was electric.The actors too
put their very best foot forward on
Stage 1 penangpac - it was extremely
heart warming! I hope each and every
audience member would have taken
back something warm and beautiful from
'Malaysian Girls'.
We kept hearing so many thank you,
thank you, thank you, Penang has been
waiting for this, excellent.... as Joe and I
smiled broadly.
As we step into February and leave
behind fire crackers & love letters
and welcome the Year of The Dragon,
The Actors Studio is busy with Frank
McGuinness Irish Classic 'Someone
Who'll Watch Over Me' February 8th to
19th at The Actors Studio@LOT10 and
Stage 2 penangpac! Followed in March
with 'The Complete Works of William
Shakespeare'. LOOK OUT FOR the 20%
DISCOUNT when you purchase tickets
for BOTH plays!! Charles, Kingsley and
Gavin will be waiting for you.
Thank you for supporting Malaysian
Theatre
Faridah Merican is the Executive
Producer and Co-Founder of
The Actors Studio Malaysia,
The Kuala Lumpur Performing
Arts Centre and The Performing
Arts Centre of Penang.