WESAK (VESAK) DAy
19 May
Venue: Nationwide
Tel: 03-2274 1141 (Buddhist Maha Vihara)
http://buddhistmahavihara.com
Celebrated by Buddhists around the world, Wesak Day marks three significant events in Buddha’s life: his birthday, enlightenment and achievement of Nirvana. On the dawn of Wesak Day, devotees gather at temples to pray, and make donations and offerings. One of the biggest Wesak celebrations in Kuala Lumpur is held at the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Brickfields. The area around the temple will be lined with stalls selling vegetarian food, offerings such as flowers, joss sticks and candles, as well as images of Buddha, prayer beads and other paraphernalia. The highlight of the celebration here is a long procession of elaborate floats, escorted by candlecarrying devotees.

P.RAMLEE THE MUSICAL (SEASON II)
28 May—14 June, 8.30pm and 2.30pm (on Saturdays)
Venue: Istana Budaya, Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur
Admission: RM203, RM183, RM153, RM123, RM83, RM53, RM33
Tel: 03–7711 5000
www.axcess.com.my
Get to know the legendary P.Ramlee, one of Malaysia’s most consummate entertainers, a little bit better in this dazzling musical, which takes audiences back in time, from the legend’s humble beginnings in Pulau Pinang, to his glory days in Kuala Lumpur. Be blown away by the stunning costumes, incredible sets and props, and live music featuring original music as well as some of P. Ramlee’s most popular pieces. Catch glimpses of P.Ramlee’s personal life: find out why Azizah is said to be his dream girl, and how he fell in love with his wives, Junaidah, Norizan and Saloma. This second season features some new faces: Musly Ramlee plays P. Ramlee, and Emelda Rosmila Hamid plays Azizah. Liza Hanim and Melissa Saila reprise their roles as Saloma and Norizan.

STIRRING ODISSI
21 May—14 June, various times
Venues: Amphi Sutra, Malaysia Tourism Centre,
KLPac and Petronas Gallery
Admission: RM103, RM73, RM53, RM38 (performances)
Tel: 03–4021 1092/4022 9669
http://stirringodissi.com
For over 25 years, KL-based Sutra Dance Theatre has been preparing the grounds for a major event like Stirring Odissi, which brings together over a hundred of the world’s best Odissi dancers and musicians, as well as visual artists and scholars—all of whom have been inspired by Odissi, a form of Indian classical dance from Orissa, Eastern India. This festival, which celebrates creativity, excellence with a global vision and a passion for this elegant, sensual and lyrical dance form, is the brainchild of its most tireless exponent in Malaysia: Sutra Dance Theatre’s artistic founder and director, Ramli Ibrahim—a direct disciple of the pioneer Guru, Deba Prasad. For more than two decades, Ramli has consistently exposed Malaysian audiences to Odissi, and has over that period produced internationally recognized Odissi dancers. Stirring Odissi, which will be the most extensive Odissi exposition ever staged in Malaysia, showcases solo and group performances, exhibitions of paintings and photographs and a seminar which will discuss relevant topics in preparing this dynamic dance style for the 21st century. Hailing from around Malaysia as well as from various parts of India, the UK, Japan, USA, Singapore and Switzerland, some of the world-renowned performers participating include Madhavi Mudgal, Minati Mishra and Masako Ono; as well as our very own January Low, Revathi Tamilselvam and Ramli himself. This major event in the performing arts calendar for 2008 in Malaysia and India is also held in conjunction with Sutra Dance Theatre’s 25th anniversary.

VALTINHO ANASTACIO
May 30 & 31, 10.30pm
Venue: No Black Tie, Jalan Mesui, Kuala Lumpur
Admission: RM40
Tel: 03–2142 3737
While Valtinho Anastacio continues to carry on the legacy of his fellow Brazilian percussionists, his individual dynamics as a musician and vocalist put him in a category of his own. Born in São Paulo , Brazil , Valtinho was 20 when he won a nationally broadcast vocal competition which helped establish his career and his reputation as being an exciting and uniquely talented performer. He began working with major Brazilian artists, including the legendary Elis Regina, who selected him from more than 700 candidated to perform with her in the highly acclaimed musical Saudade do Brazil, as well as to record the show’s top-selling double album on Warner Bros.

After a successful tour of Europe and Japan with his own group that culminated with his electrifying performance at the All That Jazz Festival in Tokyo, Valtinho moved to New York City, where he still resides and continues to captivate and thrill audiences with his unique vocal and percussive skills and his charismatic stage presence

KUALA LUMPUR TANGO FESTIVAL 2008
16 to 18 May, various times
Venue: The Annexe Gallery, Central Market Annexe, Jalan Hang Kasturi, Kuala Lumpur
Admission: Individual Workshops: RM90;
Chacarera: RM50 per class; Guided
Practica: RM30 per session; Milonga
entrance: Thursday, Friday & Sunday – RM 25 (includes first drink); Gala Dinner & Dance: RM140; “The Four Seasons” Tango Show: RM120, RM100 or RM80 Tel: 012–3151008
Email: marguerite.brodie@gmail.com
http://tangomalaysia.com
Supported by the Argentine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, this festival revolves around the beautiful Argentine Tango, and features beginner workshops to advanced level workshops conducted by three talented young couples: Fernanda Ghi and Guillermo Merlo, Ana Padron and Diego Blanco, and Paola Jean Jean and Nicolas Cobo. Apart from the workshops, they will be performing a full-length extravaganza entitled “The Four Seasons” at the Menara SGM, Jalan Bukit Bintang on 18 and 19 May. There will also be a class on the Chacarera, an Argentine folk dance which is a fun and easy to learn. This will be part of the programme for the Gala Dinner & Dance held at the prestigious Royal Selangor Golf Club Main Lounge, on 17 May. The Festival will be limited to 100 participants and is expected to have participants from around the world, including Thailand, Indonesia, Bali, Singapore, Brunei, Philippines and as far away as Korea, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates, Australia, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Turkey and Sweden. Learn the dance, feel the passion!

THE SWAMP DWELLERS
7—11 May, 8.30pm—10.30pm
Venue: Panggung Bandaraya, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Jalan Raja, Kuala Lumpur
Admision: RM42 (adults), RM22 (students)
Tel: 03–4149 8600
www.masakinitheatre.com.my
Based on a play written by Nobel prize winner Wole Soyinka, the Swamp Dwellers stresses the contrast between traditions versus the new. Alu and Makuri live their lives according to age-old rituals and superstitions, while their children have turned their backs on wishy-washy practices in search of riches in the city. But when their son Budin returns to the village with nothing to show for his city-trotting, he begins to ponder and re-evaluate his stance on traditions.

FAITH & POWER: WOMEN IN ISLAM FAITH & POWER: WOMEN IN ISLAM
Ongoing until 04 Jul
Venue: Islamic Art Museum, Jalan Lembah Perdana Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03–2274 2020
www.iamm.org.my
Muslim women have occupied positions of power for as long as Islam has existed. This ranges from the trading might of the Prophet Muhammad’s first wife, Khatija, to the more formal position of the 12th century Yemeni ruler, Malika Arwa. The Qur’an alludes to women of power from as long ago as the Queen of Sheba. In more recent times, the political leadership of Islamic states such as Pakistan and Bangladesh has drawn heavily on the female half of the population. The exhibition Faith & Power: Women in Islam explores a rich history that has often been overlooked. Examining the lives of these women, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia provides a physical dimension with artifacts from distant times and places. Jewellery, clothing and the accoutrements of power bring new vigour to the lives of forgotten queens, consorts and wielders of influence from behind the throne.

FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL
08—16 May
Venue: GSC 1 Utama( New Wing), GSC
Mid Valley Megamall, GSC Pavillion KL
www.gsc.com.my
www.faf08.com
Come and watch the best of French cinema right here in Kuala Lumpur. This year’s film fest will showcase eight movies that will surely open up your minds to the French cinematic experience. Among the titles that will be screened are Paris Je T’aime, Sur Mes Levres (Read My Lips), and Ne Les dis a Personne (Tell No One). For the complete schedule of movie screening, please refer to www.gsc.com.my.