The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac) has been dishing out performances that do its name justice for many years now, and it’s a similar story with the Damansara Performing Arts Centre (dpac). With their range of one-off specials to lingering shows, they are where to go for a nice dose of dance, music, theatre and more. Numerous presentations will take place at these two venues during the final weeks of 2019, including the following three.
A Man For All Seasons
First staged by The Actors Studio in 1991, A Man For All Seasons makes a return in conjunction with the the studio’s 30th anniversary celebration.
Having premiered at London’s Globe Theatre, the play, written by the late English playwright Robert Bolt in 1960, has been a great hit both in stage and silver screen forms – the latter courtesy of a film adaption that netted six Oscars, four Golden Globe Awards (including Best Motion Picture – Drama) and seven BAFTA Awards. The plot is based on Thomas More, who entered the history books mainly for not wanting to acknowledge King Henry VIII’s divorce from his wife Catherine of Aragon in order to remarry.
In the director’s seat is Joe Hasham OAM, who has assembled a cast that is composed of old and new talents. Scottish actor, Charles Donnelly assumes the role of Sir Thomas while the returning Patrick Teoh, who played Wolsey in the first production, takes on the character of Thomas Cromwell. Reza Zainal Abidin and Na’a Murad play Chapuys and Henry VIII respectively.
A Man For All Seasons
WHEN 8pm (7, 10-14 Dec), 3pm (8 &15 Dec)
ADMISSION RM40-RM100
WHERE Pentas 2, Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre, Kuala Lumpur
TEL 03 4047 9000
klpac.org
A joint effort between MyDance Alliance and The Actors Studio, Dancebox has been around for nearly two decades. Simply put, it is a project that facilitates short works of dance.|
MyDance Alliance is a non-profit association which counts a mere ten-people committee who run it on a volunteer basis, with the mission of supporting and promoting dance in the country. Established in 1989, The Actors Studio meanwhile is the brainchild of husband-and-wife team Joe Hasham OAM and Dato’ Dr Faridah Merican, both of whom would go on and oversee the formation of klpac in 2005. Their aim is to nurture the growth of performing arts in Malaysia.
While it has been running since 2001, Dancebox strives to remain fresh and exciting even as it holds on to its roots. This time round, it will be invigorated by contemporary choreographers from not only Malaysia, but the Philippines as well. Alongside are some interesting performances, including those by the wheelchair-dancers of Beautiful Gate Performing Arts Troupe and youngsters from the Chin Student Organisation of Cheras Centre.
Dancebox December 2019
WHEN 8.30pm (16 Dec)
ADMISSION Min RM15 donation
WHERE Pentas 2, Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre, Kuala Lumpur
TEL 03 4047 9000
klpac.org
Over at dpac, Tunas Tari, which was formed in 2015 to enable children to experience and appreciate the heritage of traditional Malaysian dance, presents Chasing Colours with the support of the Maybank Foundation. It’s a story that hits home with those who find it difficult to be happy with the way they are.
Perched on the peak of a mountain range, a pair of pigeons named Merdu and Manis do nought but stare longingly at the vibrant plumage of jungle birds, which they find far superior compared to their own dull grey feathers. They then go to substantial lengths in order to splash colours on themselves, resorting to sticking the fallen feathers of the other birds on their bodies with the hopes that the adornments would impress their flying brethren. The stubborn pair even go as far as to seek the counsel of the King of the Jungle himself, the Malayan tiger, in their pursuit of colour.
Showgoers will bear witness to this charming, educational tale as it is performed by the skilled dancers of Tunas Tari.
Chasing Colours
WHERE Blackbox, Damansara Performing Arts Centre, Selangor
WHEN 2pm & 5pm (14 & 15 Dec)
ADMISSION RM48-RM58
TEL 03 4065 0001 / 0002
dpac.com.my