World Animal Groove 2013

Great news! The Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) will be organizing the World Animal Groove (WAG) in Kuching this coming October for the 2^nd year running, and have added exciting new programs to enhance an already awesome event.

Besides the music concert, SSPCA Bazaar and animal blessing, the society has included the SSPCA Animazing Race and Wiggle Waggle Walk, all happening on October 12th at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) in Kuching.

The program starts with the Animazing Race and followed with the SSPCA Bazaar, Wiggle Waggle Walk, animal blessing and music concert. Both the Wiggle Waggle Walk and the animal blessing will be held in the afternoon while the music concert starts at 7pm.

SSPCA is hoping to attract more than 1,000 runners for the Animazing Race which covers a distance of 10km. The race is divided into two categories - men and women and offers cash and medals for the top 10 winners. A total of RM2, 400 will be given as prizes to the winners.

The race is open to those 16 years and above and each runner is required to pay a participation fee of RM60. Each runner will be given a t-shirt, one ticket to the WAG Music Festival and other gifts upon registration. The registration form is available online at www.wagmusicfestival.com.

The society is also expecting more participation in the animal blessing. Last year about 50 pet owners brought their pets the blessing which was performed by religious leaders from various religious organizations. Some came with their dogs, cats, rabbits, tortoise and sugar gliders.

The Wiggle Waggle Walk involves owners and their pets and will be around the BCCK premises.

The highlight for the day’s program is the WAG Music Festival and it features The Bottle Boys from Denmark, Avijit and Friend (India), comedian Bibi Kaypoh (Kuala Lumpur) and Sarawak’s very own SMK Matang Gamelan band, Nading Rhapsody and Gabriel F Louis.

Tickets to the music festival are priced at RM60 each for adults and RM30 each for children between 3 to 12 years old. The tickets are available online at www.ticketxpress.com.my starting today. To commensurate the launching of WAG 2013, SSPCA is offering the ticket at a special price of RM40 each for adults and RM20 for children from now until July 31.

The WAG Music Festival is organized in conjunction with the World Animal Day which is celebrated on October 4 worldwide annually. Last year the music festival attracted some 2,500 visitors and SSPCA is hoping the number will increase this year.

Given that WAG is organized by UCSI Communications Sdn Bhd, who are known for their meticulous attention to detail and the fact that it is held to raise funds for the construction of the Animal Village which is estimated to cost RM1.5 million, and that some of the proceeds will also be used for upkeep of the present animal shelter, this is a cause which truly deserves the strongest support.

The shelter houses about 2,800 animals every year and needs an average of RM25,000 a month  to feed and provide medical care for the animals. 

Muscle Training on Imagination with Theatre du Soleil

Kakiseni with the support of Capricomm present Creation Workshop “Muscle Training on Imagination” with Theatre du Soleil happening at The Actors Studio in Taman Tun from  July 17-27, 2013. Shaghayegh Beheshti is a world-renowned artist and belongs to one of the legendary stage ensemble, Theatre du Soleil. 

As a performer with incredible achievements and possessing experience that is wise beyond her years, Shaghayegh Beheshti will be coming down to Malaysia to head a workshop called “Muscle Training on Imagination”, a 9-day workshop on instructing talents and collective creation.

Last year, Kakiseni has invited an internationally-renowned theatre master Philippe Gaulier, who was here to share his unique vision and tutor on performance art. Nearly 40 performing artists in attendance were honored to be with the master and through the vigorous but enthralling 5 days, they’ve greatly profited and flourished with useful tips and advises from this workshop. 

Keeping up with the good feedback the workshop has received, Kakiseni, with collaboration alongside Capri Communication and Need Entertainment, to once again make an invite to the international young artist, Shaghayegh Beheshti, to made a visit here in Malaysia, for in-depth course and teachings of the knowledge regarding theatre and performance.

Beheshti was born in Iran and had moved to France since early age. She joined Theatre du Soleil in 1997 and she’s been taking part in numerous world-renowned theatre production ever since. Theatre du Soleil is the most influential theatre in the French theatre history, captivating audience’s attention ever since its inception. 

They’re the very first to incorporate theater entity space into their production, causing a breakthrough in the art-form.  Their first major success, “1789”, which was produced in 1970s, has surprised the overall theatre arts scene.

Besides, Theatre du Soleil encourages combination of creation and social issue. During the initial stage of production, they put much emphasize on performer’s impromptu creation and being involved in research for long period of time. Under the instruction of theatre’s founder Ariane Mnouchkine, Beheshti has been with the company for 16 years, holding important positions including playwright, advisor, assistant director and actor. 

She has been playing decisive role in several stage performances and film. She’s one of those people that most directors would love to work with. 

Furthermore, she has an extensive experience in performing, giving her the great opportunity to work with different artists. These experiences have helped her in creating ideas for stories and character-shaping, making her one of the most outstanding actor in contemporary theatre scene. 

Every production from Theatre du Soleil will be a highlight in art scene and its creation will play a role in the world’s trend. This time in Malaysia, Beheshti will share her stories that she has with Theatre du Soleil, alongside her ideas and technique for creativity. It’s definitely a not-to-be-missed opportunity for drama enthusiasts.

The content of this workshop will focus on the art of impromptu and collective creation. Participants will have to work for 8 hours a day throughout the workshop’s 9-day period. Physical training will be held each and every morning. After an hour break at noon, there will be impromptu and collective creation session.

The module of this workshop is based on Theatre du Soleil’s long term training and working mode. The organizer is calling on everyone related to performing arts and enthusiasts to take part in this workshop. The opportunity to learn directly from a world-class artist is especially a golden chance for newbies.  

 Limited seats are available. For those who are interested, please contact the organizer immediately. For more information, log on to the relevant website and the official Facebook page