Back in high school, I’m sure most of us would be either involved or have attended a play or grand performance of some sort. I still remembered the bubbling excitement of being backstage, getting ready to go on, and the long, tiring hours of rehearsals after school and on weekends. If we’re lucky, the school would arrange for a Milo truck outside; a perfect pick-me-up after sweaty rehearsals. Sound familiar?
The thrill of bringing to life one’s work on stage, be it a book or a reenactment from classic literature, has no limits. You can see this through the colours, the sounds, the choreography, and the expressions. And my oh my, we cannot deny the standing ovation that awaits us at the end. Simply exhilarating. Hence, in remembrance of our performing days and the upcoming World Theatre Day, here are 10 different performing art shows you and your loved ones should go and enjoy. There is a little but for everyone!
The South-East Asian folklore of Is Tanggang is an unforgettable one. It tells the tale of Tanggang, a young man, who longs for an escape outside the world despite his impoverished state in his fishing village.
One day, a merchant ship arrives and Tanggang made the call to join the ship. Fascinated and curious all at once, Tanggang was enamoured by the world he has seen beyond his village. He works hard to change his rustic perspective and captures the heart of a foreign princess.
Although receiving much success, he was ashamed of his roots. Upon arriving back in his village, he refuses to recognise his mother. Devastated, his mother casts a spell on her ungrateful son which turned him into a rock. Like all folktales, there is a lesson to be learned. Watch as this classic come to life under the talented hands of Iron Gang Puppet Theatre’s interpretation of Is Tanggang.
Date: 25th - 26th March 2022 @8:30PM / 26th - 27th March 2022 @3PM
Venue: PJPAC, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Bandar Utama
Price: From RM196.00
This iconic, award-wining play was first produced in 1947 by none other than Tennessee Williams. It tells the story of a fading Southern Belle named Blanche Dubois. She leaves behind her privileged lifestyle with her sister, Stella, into a shabby New Orleans. Together with the sisters, you too would explore along with them their loneliness, frustration and longing for communication despite being society’s misfits.
Date: 19th, 22nd - 26th March 2022 @8PM / 20th & 27th March 2022 @3PM
Venue: KLPAC, Sentul Park
Price: Early Bird - RM70.00 / Normal Price - RM80.00
Brought to you by the team behind the award-wining musical ‘The Working Dead’, Kooky Fortune is an all-new Malaysian musical comedy that will leave you clutching your belly!
Following the story of Jared, a hawker’s son who becomes rich after developing a fitness app, it seems like his dreams are all coming through after being blessed by the God of Wealth. However, as much as we think money is “King”, Jared soon realises that people can do crazy things with money involved. Are you curious to find out what happens next? Head on over to PJPAC and find out from Jared himself!
Date: 7th - 10th April 2022
Venue: PJPAC, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Bandar Utama
Price: Early Bird - RM64.00 / Normal - RM80.00
If you are a lover of classical music, look no further. The Spirit of Celtic brings about the wonders of Scottish music and bagpipes music through the Philharmonic Winds of our very own local clarinetists.
Date: 22nd April 2022 for Open Rehearsal / 23rd April 2022 for Concert
Venue: PJPAC, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Bandar Utama
Price: RM50.00 Flat Rate
Here is to another one for the music lovers alike! Together with the KLPAC Symphonic Band, Music Director and Resident Conductor Cheryl Mah is going to take you on a musical journey to discover pre and post-war band classics from the last century.
Beginning with Aaron Copland’s ‘An Outdoor Overture’ to ‘Chorale and Alleluia’ by Howard Hanson. If you are familiar with some of the band staples or wish to revisit these great works of the past, do head over and get your tickets now!
Date: 9th - 10th April 2022
Venue: KLPAC, Sentul Park
Price: Early Bird - RM30.00 / Normal Price - RM44.00
Dance comes in all movements. The way paint flows on the canvas as its master wilfully wields their brush, every crescendo and diminuendo of the string quartet and of course, the dancers that accompany such splendour.
“As the brush strokes, as the oil flows across the canvas, just like a resplendent dance, into our hearts like the Vena Amoris, meaning the ‘vein of love’, awakening the lost soul within us and igniting a flame that sets an inferno of inspirations.”
In this upcoming art showcase, Qing Gallery is pleased to invite us to step into the artworks of three unique artists.
Date: 25th February – 25 April 2022
Venue: Qing Gallery, Kuala Lumpur
Price: Free
This peculiar play illustrates the lives of two siblings who grew up to believe that everyone was dead and there was nothing out there but man-eating coyotes. But one day, a stranger arrives at their doorstep. Torn between what they knew and what they have discovered, which reality would they choose now?
Theatresauce presents ‘Coyotes: A New Play’ which explores the grey space between truths and lies, written and directed by EDL alum Alex Chua.
Date: 13th - 17th April 2022 @8:30PM / 16th - 17th April @3PM
Venue: KLPAC, Sentul Park
Price: RM48.00
For some of us who wish to enjoy the works of the theatre at home, here are some recommendations from KLPAC’s Watch From Home (WFH) we think you might enjoy!
Although the pandemic has proven rehearsals to be difficult, this did not stop the crew from ‘Bollywood Dreams’ to keep rehearsing their art. Between the numerous cast changes and endless planning for two long years, it finally premiered to a full house when performances were permitted in March 2021.
Sadly, not many got to experience this performance due to the limited sitting capacity. Hence, ‘Bollywood Dreams’ premiered online via CloudTheatre and is made available on-demand on CloudTheatre Revive for your enjoyment!
Based on Big Head Potato Head” by Mark Beau de Silva (Malaysia) and co-adapted by Tilottama Pillai (New York), ’Bollywood Dreams’ follow the story of two young boys with big dreams. It has been brought to life by Directed by Dato’ Dr. Faridah Merican.
Price: RM35.00 (48-hour streaming period) / RM100.00 (120-hour streaming period)
Calling all horror enthusiasts, this one’s for you! With a splash of comedic relief, ‘Don’t Let Hantu Know’ is the 6th edition of the #dontlet series. This edition is jam-packed with a compilation of spooky ghostly tales from a zombie attack to an actual real-life encounter with a spirit.
Price: RM35.00 (48-hour streaming period) / RM100.00 (120-hour streaming period)
Last but not least, let us end this listicle musically! Bringing back the groove from the 40s and 60s where swing and jazz were all the buzz. Treat you and your loved ones to a night (or day!) of classic wonders like Elvis Presley, Nat King Cole and many more.
Price: RM35.00 (48-hour streaming period) / RM100.00 (120-hour streaming period)
With these, we hope you and your loved ones will be able to experience the wonder that is theatre!
