Frigg Live Expose

The New Media Asia Conference 2011

2011-05-07T10:54:00.000+08:00

The New Media Asia Conference is a 2-day conference on Social Media and the New Media. This includes the many facets of social networks, news portals, podcasts, etc. We will be exploring the usefulness of social media, as well as the reach of new media.

New Media is more than just stereotypically having a static presence on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and a website. It is all about interactions, and the impact it has on the people that the media touches. The conference aims to broaden the views and test new ideas and theories and attendees can put them to use immediately.

The theme for 2011 is: “Impactive Engagement”.

Topics of focus include, but are not limited to:

    * the many facets of new media and how they are leading the way to engagement
    * social media and how media today involves conversations
    * compelling new business models
    * gaming and gamification of applications
    * social networking and social network services
    * digital goods
    * new marketing methodologies
    * how old media and new media collaborate
    * the evolution of media
    * enterprise uses of social media
    * analytics & measurement

for more details, and to register, click on the title

Speakers

Derek Sivers
Founder, CD Baby

Cameron Reilly
Marketing Director, Suave Lifestyle Group

Timothy Tiah
Founder / Executive Director, Netccentric Pte Ltd / Nuffnang

Russell Conrad
Regional Director, South East Asia, Effective Measure

Matt Armitage
Founder, MN8

Jon Wade
Head of Digital Practice, Weber Shandwick

Daniel Riveong
General Manager, E-Storm Malaysia

Dan Milward
Founder, Instinct / WP E-Commerce

Neil Walter
Entrepreneur

Sulin Lau
Head of Marketing Services, DiGi

Paul Moss
General Manager, Platforms, Technology, Alt Media Sdn Bhd

Hanson Toh
Malaysia Country Consultant, Google Inc

Premesh Chandran
Chief Executive Editor, Malaysiakini

Khailee Ng
CEO, SAYS.my

Bernard Leong
Chief Technology Officer & Co-Founder, Chalkboard

Niki Cheong
Journalist

David Wang
Chief Geek, Buzz Media

John Lim
Podcast Producer

David Lian
APAC Social Media Practice Lead, Text 100

Reza Razali
Founder, Terato tech

The Business of Social Media

2011-05-04T10:55:00.002+08:00

MPH Bookstores brings distinguished author, Guy Clapperton, from the area of online business and social media to share his expertise with the audience in MPH Power Packed Seminar entitled Show Me The Money:The Business Impact of Social Networking.

The seminar will be held at PJ Hilton on May 25, and includes networking lunch and a copy of the author’s latest book. Ticket price is RM499 for members and RM699 for non members.

Guy Clapperton’s latest book, “The Social Media: Tweet, Blog, Link and Post Your Way to Business Success” was written as an introduction to social media and social networking for business managers and owners. He figured that a lot of businesses felt they could be doing something for their customers with this newfangled stuff but didn’t have a guide. Guy Clapperton’s aim is to help them get on the network most suited for their business and use it to their advantage. He will cover the topic from international perspective.

Participants to the seminar will acquire a better understanding of the world of social media and have access to a range of social networking tactics that will help them reach new customers and clients, as well as to get the existing ones to do more business with them. They will learn how to use the whole spectrum of social media in an efficient and measurable way in order to market their business, stay ahead of the competition and increase profits.

Very important, though, it is the skills to harness the limitless opportunities presented and turn them into truly fruitful achievements that naturally entail when things are competently handled. This seminar will deliver from the experience and knowledge of the speakers the much needed skills to help participants achieve such level of success.

Norashikin Aziz, General Manager for Creative Director Digital and Adzfar Aziz, Founder for Social Media Leader have been invited as panelist of experts to share their experience on how they blend the use of social media into their business and personal lives. Surely, this will be one of the many high points of the day.

Terima Kasih Cinta - Reviews & Video Interviews

2011-03-04T03:13:00.007+08:00

Terima Kasih Cinta is a 3 hour musical based on the 2006 Malay movie “Cinta” by Kabir Bhatia and is told in the style of GLEE, with popular retro songs given new arrangements courtesy of none other than Music Director Roslan Aziz. The production is directed and choreographed by Pat Ibrahim with Megat Shahrizal as assistant director; the duo also adapted the script for the stage. Pat crafted the nifty choreography to go with the songs.

The production stars Latiff Ibrahim, Safura Ya’cob, Tony Eusoff, Norish Karman, Anding Indrawani and singers Vince Chong and Deja Moss to budding new artists Diddy (of Akademi Fantasia) and Faradhiya.

Expect to hear favorites like Dia, Gemilang, Cinta, Perpisahan, Sejati, Dunia Ku, Selanjur Bercinta, Janji Manismu, Itu Kamu, Seribu Impian, Belaian Jiwa from Aishah, Alleycats, Sheila Majid, Zainal Abidin, Search etc. To hear these songs reinterpreted by amazing singers like Latiff Ibrahim, Diddy and Anding is a delight indeed. While the males were strong singers, the females didn’t really stand out except for Faradhiya who really got into her role with gusto.

Terima Kasih Cintais a series of 5 tales of love set in modern day KL and features three happy endings and two heart-wrenching sacrifices told in 6 square structues not unlike a Rubik’s Cube. Executive Producer Boudeng Edruce explained that Istana Budaya’s regular stage equipment had been under repair and they were forced to think outside the box for solutions.

Hamzah Tahir, a set designer, came up with the idea to place actors in boxes narrating their story.Characters being tangible by where they are and how they interact, paralleling life itself where we often box ourselves in difficult situations.

The characters in the five stories are also "color-coded", which is a brilliant way to distinguished them. If all of them were to wear white as in the promo poster, those at the back of the theater would have a problem identifying them. Thumbs up to the producer for being proactive.

The pink couple. (Shajiry Damery & Faradhiya)

The yellow siblings. (Anding & Deja Moss)

The bluesome threesome (Latiff Ibrahim, Safura, Diddy Hirdy)

The green couple. (Vince Chong & Nadia Aqilah)

The orange family. (Tony Eusoff, Norish Karman and Arrisa)

Latiff Ibrahim, who plays the role of Rahim Razali in the movie version,not only still has it, he has actually improved with age. His natural and easy going presence on stage certainly stood out. It was good to see him back at performing.

The chemistry between Tony Eusoff and 9 year old Arrisa as father and daughter singing and dancing team was endearing and entertaining.

Vince Chong had the part of half mild mannered Clark Kent and half Peter the Family Guy pat down andgot loud applause when he sang his solo. While he excels in portraying the bumbling character, he should be careful not to paint himself in a corner playing such parts only. Remember him in Taming of The Shrew?

Terima Kasih Cinta is an excellent effort from the best of our local Malay creative talents. Although a 3 hour production, it is fun, entertaining and engaging and eventually thought provoking. It is sad that it does not enjoy the local support that it rightly deserves.

The production is running without any corporate sponsors. I wish I could tell you the frustrations they have gone through in terms of finding sponsors and broken promises, but I am not going to because the point is they did not give up. I have the highest respect for the production team for deciding to carry on with the show despite the lack of financial support. They could have easily wrapped but this is really about embracing the arts and what you really believe in.

As Boudeng aptly puts it, CINTA is expected to be a platform to enhance the growth of players in the industry of theater production. The whole idea of this exercise is to inject new blood into the industry and give opportunity to the many local talents that we have and develop them to be involved in the fast growing industry of theater.

Terima Kasih Cintais as much a tale of love as it is about the resilience of the people who bring it to you and their passion and self-confidence. The only beef we had was the blinding fluorescent lights turned on after the emotional scenes. It was too bright for our eyes.

TERIMA KASIH CINTA runs at Istana Budayauntil Sunday 6th March 2011. Tickets are priced from RM30 – RM300.

For more info, go to www.istanabudaya.gov.my

Frigglive Review - Taming of The Shrew Bollywood Style

2010-07-03T10:46:00.002+08:00

text Dave Avran images Johan Nasir

Firstly, Frigglive would like to say that viewers should not compare this production to the works of The Actors Sudio. That would not be fair as this production does not have the resources of TAS and it’s not apple to apple. If you go prepared to enjoy “Shrew” as pure wacky mayhem with an underlying serious social message then you will be thoroughly entertained.

Script writer Gavin Yap tweaked the original farcical comedy revolving around the courtship of headstrong Katherina, (the shrew), by Petruchio, a gentleman from Verona in 17th century Italy to include hilarious elements of over the top Bollywood drama but if you listen carefully there are moments of serious social commentary delivered via punchy one-liners.

In the original play Katherina has a father but in this play she has a mother, superbly played by Junji Delfino, who built up a successful Chinese family money-lending business.

ToTS also includes a new character played by Vince Chong, reminiscent of the iconic Emcee in the 1966 Broadway musical “Cabaret” Vince plays multiple roles with aplomb, hyperactive Emcee one minute, Charismatic Priest the next, followed by a lazy Indian butler, a very gay tailor and finally the bride of Hortensio. He is a delight to watch onstage.

Sham Sunder is his usual funny self, his years of experience in theatre allowing him to improvise with impunity and being generally very funny as Petruchio’s loyal butler Grumio.

Frigglive does not want to give the hilarious storyline away, so please do go and catch the show for yourself along with friends and family. Expect to enjoy side splitting moments with the shenanigans of Joanne Kam, Aanantha, Ash Nair and Wong Wai Hoong flashing his athletic bod to the oohs and aahs of the female audience.

Music director Daniel Veerapen reworked popular hits by Barry Manilow, Lady Gaga, and Kanye West into typical colorful Bollywood performance numbers to complement and develop the scenes. Jazz diva Junji is Vocal Director. Of the 11 songs in the show, two are original compositions

Reza pretty cleverly created funny moments to shift the audience’s attention from the sexist elements of the play, thus avoiding uncomfortable emotions. In the end, ToTS is really about working on a relationship, supporting and understanding the person who is most important to you.

The only downside was the dodgy sound throughout the production during this review. The sound engineer appeared to be either asleep or comatose.

TotS is directed by Reza Zainal Abidin, and stars Joanne Kam and Aanantha in the lead roles, Junji Delfino, Ash Nair, Joey G, Sham Sunder Binwani and Wong Wai Hoong, The chorus singers include Maya Tan Abdullah, Zalina Lee and Maria Gomez, while the dancers consist of Pamela Chong, Loh Wei Jun, Kellyn Cheah, Vito Yap, Casslyn Kek and Fawzi Sukoman. Choreographed by Pat Ibrahim, Costumed by StevenSunny, Set designed by JiaWei and produced by Joanne Kam, Angie Teoh and Meggie Teoh.

ToTS is A toniQ Production. Showtimes : July 1,2,3,6,7,8,9 & 10 at 8.30pm, July 4 & 11 at 3.00pm Tickets : RM55, RM85, RM105 Call box-office (03) 7960 0439 (11am-6pm) www.pjla.com.my

Total Running time approx. 2hrs with 15mins Intermission. Rated 18PL - Mature audience.

The Tomorrow Awards

2010-04-21T11:08:00.002+08:00

The Tomorrow Awards Spring call for entries deadline is Friday, April 30th, 2010.

No outdated categories to shoehorn your truly innovative ideas into.

No crossover categories that have you entering the same ad multiple times (with multiple fees).

No campaign categories that still define "campaign" as three pieces of the same medium

In fact there are no categories at all. Simply the most groundbreaking work you've ever done.

The first round of Tomorrow Awards judging begins on May 1st, 2010,

and is done by a jury of advertising professionals and enthusiasts from around the world.

Maybe you know some of them.

Maybe you ARE one of them.

Andy Blood, Executive Creative Director, Whybin\TBWA

Ivan Raszi, Founder & Editor, Adsoftheworld.com

Laurence Parkes, Head of Digital Strategy, WCRS

Remco Marinus, Creative Director & Partner, Lemz

These people and hundreds of others will be exposed to your brilliant Tomorrow Awards entries.

They'll find out what makes your work shine, and if you're among the best of the best,

they'll select your entries to be shortlisted and move on to the Monster Judges.

The esteemed Tomorrow Awards Monster Judges are anxious to see which entries the Public Judges will deem "Tomorrow Awards worthy". Let's hear from some of them right now

The Tomorrow Awards is a quarterly award show, with Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter sessions,

and a single Grand Prix awarded after the Winter session.

The Spring 2010 session call for entries is happening right now,

and the deadline is Friday, April 30th, 2010.

KL Design Week 2010

2010-04-21T11:01:00.002+08:00

From the powerful voices of world-renowned designers, artists, thinkers and dreamers.

KLDW 2010 is proud to present a line-up of enlightening and inspirational conferences over the span of 3 days from May 7 until 9:

Day 1: Typographics Conference

Type is everywhere and most of the time was not being paid much attention to, yet paradoxically, successful type design is one that may be the key in dynamic graphic design. The Typographics Conference is set to discuss and delve into the subject of modern typography design.

Speakers' list:

* Reza Abedini (Iran)

* Rian Hughes(UK)

* Me & Mister Jones (Belgium)

* Andrew Byron (UK/LA)

* Hideki Inaba (Japan)

* Douglas Young - G.O.D. (Hong Kong)

Special mention: Reza Abedini's work is deeply rooted in the rich history, tradition and poetic sense of the Persian Culture. A grandmaster of typographic design, his name is listed in Megg's History of Graphic Design, as one of the world's outstanding post digital designers.

Day 2: Creative Magazines Symposium

This constant pursuit of creative integrity and inspirational ideas has led to the influx of independent creative-based magazines and media. The Creative Magazines Symposium serves as a platform for those who are currently involved or wishes to be involved into the world of creative magazines and media.

Speakers' list:

* Creative Review (UK)

* DesignBoom (Italy)

* +81 (Japan)

* Sven Ehmann (Berlin)

Special mention: Creative Review is the leading magazine for visual communication. Aiming to inspire, inform and stimulate debate among readers in the fields of visual communication worldwide, they have subscribers in 80 countries and readers in 120.

Day 3: Super Ani/Motion Conference

The Super Ani/Motion Conference is set to explore and dig into the world of motion graphics and animation design. This time around, there will be two sections, Anime Masters and Motion Masters.

Speakers' list:

* Feng Zhu (USA)

* David O'Reilly (Berlin)

* Niko Stumpo (Netherlands)

* Mr Tomioka of Kanaban Graphics (Japan)

* Fantasista Utamaro (Japan)

Special mention: A graduate of Art Center College of Design, Concept Designer Feng Zhu made his millions with movies such as Transformers, Star Wars Episode III, and many more Hollywood blockbusters. He is also the founder and Creative Art Director of FZD School of Design.

Krishen Jit ASTRO Fund.

2009-07-14T02:08:00.000+08:00

His groundbreaking theatre practice straddled and brought together a wide range of contrasting spheres, producing projects that were inter-disciplinary, multi-cultural, multi-lingual and experimental. Negotiating between academia and practice, tradition and contemporary pop culture, Hollywood and Bollywood, the mainstream and the marginalized, Krishen’s work articulated a Malaysian identity that was ever evolving and encouraged practitioners and audiences to reflect on their lives and societies.

This is the spirit of the Krishen Jit ASTRO Fund.

In 2006, the Fund received 80 applications. The 3 grantees were:

· Au Sow Yee for The 4th Dimension: Mapping The Imaginary Cinema, a film installation and performance.

* Sharon Chin for Sensors: Banned Books & Other Monsters, an interactive installation and exhibition.

* Dr. Ray Langenbach – for Malaysian Performance Video Archives Project.

In 2007, the Fund received 27 applications. The 3 grantees were:

* Amir Muhammad for the film Punggok Rindukan Bulan.

* Hardesh Singh and CH Loh for the CD Faith Hope Chaos: Malaysian Contemporary Music Vol. 1 anthology.

* Lim Kok Yoong for Let Arts Move You, an exhibition and engaged arts project in commuter trains and train stations.

In 2008, the Fund received 47 applications. The 4 grantees were:

* Carolyn Lau for The Light Show exhibition.

* Chris Chong for the film Karaoke.

* Fahmi Reza for the Projek Hari Hartal documentation project.

* FINDARS collective for The Rain Project, a series of monthly experimental arts presentations.

Once again, in 2009, the fund will give out grants ranging from RM5,000 to RM20,000 for :

* Training

* Workshops

* Attachments/residencies

* Experimental productions

* Research and documentation

* Writing

* Creating new work in music, dance, theatre, writing, film, visual/performance art

* Others

Examples include, but are not limited to:

- Artist A might want to study under well known Indonesian theatre director Putu Wijaya. Artist A could apply to be attached to a production directed by Putu Wijaya for a 4-6 week period. This would give artist A insights and learning on methods of this director.

- Artist B might want to do research on a subject for purposes of writing a new script. Artist B could apply to do this research and write the script.

- Artist C could apply to direct and mount an experimental workshop or production.

- Artist D could apply to attend a training workshop within or outside of Malaysia.

- Attachments and internships.

The Krishen Jit ASTRO Fund will try to be inclusive, but work sited in Malaysia will be given preference. All arts practitioners in Malaysia are eligible to apply. The fund will be managed by Five Arts Centre and ASTRO.

The selection panel for awarding the grants shall comprise:

* Dato’ Norliza Rofli – Director, Department of Culture and Arts, Ministry of Information, Communication and Culture, Malaysia

* A representative from ASTRO.

* Leow Puay Tin – Head, Department of Performance & Media, Sunway University College.

* Ravi Navaratnam – Five Arts Centre

* Mac Chan – Five Arts Centre

Application procedure - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

1. You may apply in English or Bahasa Malaysia.

2. Please keep your application limited to material that directly supports your application and our understanding of your work.

3. Your completed application with all information (including CV) should not exceed 10 pages. Each application should have only one project proposal.

4. You must complete all sections of the application form. Please follow the order given.

5. The selection panel reserves the right to call applicants for interview should the need arise.

Please mail all applications to:

Five Arts Centre

27 & 27A Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 7

Taman Tun Dr Ismail

60000 Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia

Tel / Fax + 6 03 77254858

fivearts@tm.net.my

www.fiveartscentre.org

Or email to:

fiveartscentre@gmail.com

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS 31 AUGUST 2009

----------

Five Arts Centre

27 & 27A, Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 7, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail

60000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Phone / Fax: +6 03 77254858

Email: fivearts@tm.net.my

Website: http://www.fiveartscentre.org

HANDS Drumming Festival 2009

2009-06-10T22:50:00.000+08:00

Highlights of the festival are performances by these same groups, as well as Kencana Putra, a traditional Malay drumming group; Deafbeat from the YMCA and drummers from several schools under HANDS tutelage. Having various drumming troupes participate, each with its own experience makes it a great way to share, and to learn skills and knowledge, for both participants and contributors alike.

Moreover, having different groups of people together will create ‘sparks’ which will ignite into a wonderful fun learning experience for all concerned. We hope this first festival of ours will set a trend for our ever challenging art form.

《鼓宴》

六月鼓艺节，让生活来场万花鼓宴！

宇宙欠缺空气，即使大爆炸也宁静无音；

地球上的我们，这个六月可热闹了！

手集团零九年重头好戏，

以鼓声击破天际线，

如星球相互撞击生化成光热轰隆的彩烟；

唤醒所有沉睡的灵魂，

共鸣、共感、共舞、共戏、共观。

手集团，因敲击认清自己，和万物对话多年，

在六月酝酿一场鼓艺大爆炸！

一场由鼓艺文化调理的盛饌，

集各方鼓团精髓，

融华、巫、印三族文化，

召各路鼓艺好手，

以敲击交流相互切磋，

以鼓乐韵律相互和旋，

以文化深层相互成长，

每一个表演、工作坊及交流，

就是要让你靠近鼓，触摸鼓，听到鼓。

我们大摆鼓的饗宴，

要你一起来大吃、大喝、大乐！！！

PERFORMANCE GROUPS

Hands

Hands Gamelan Group

Wadaiko Syo

Mokaba Art Groups

Kencana Putra

Dhol Federation

Deafbeat YMCA

Chong Hwa Independent High School, KL

SMJK Yu Hua, Kajang

Chong Hua High School, Seremban

Cempaka Schools (1983) Sdn. Bhd, KL

SJK (C) Naam Kheung, KL

VENUE Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac) www.klpac.com

DATE 10th – 14th June 2009

National Primary School Festive Drumming Competition

全国小学节令鼓观摩比赛

(Pentas 1)

10 / 6 / 2009 7.30pm

Ticket Price RM22

Performances

演出

(Pentas 1)

12 / 6 / 2009 8.30pm

13 / 6 / 2009 3.00pm & 8.30pm

14 / 6 / 2009 3.00pm & 8.30pm

Ticket Prices RM72, RM58, RM38

Ticket Promotions

1. Early Bird - 15% Discount (valid until 20 / 5 / 2009)

2. Group Tickets - Buy 15 free 2

(The ticket promotions above are only for the RM58 & RM72 ticket purchases)

3. Hands Club Members, Senior Citizens, Disabled - 10% Discount

Percussion Workshops

敲击工作坊

(Indicine)

10 – 14 / 6 / 2009

Gamelan

10 / 6 / 2009: 1.30pm – 3.30pm

11 / 6 / 2009: 8.00pm – 10.00pm

Wadaiko Syo

10 / 6 / 2009: 4.30pm – 5.30pm

13 / 6 / 2009: 10.30am – 11.30am

Mokaba Art Groups

12 / 6 / 2009: 3.30pm – 5.30pm (Dikir Barat)

13 / 6 / 2009: 12.00pm – 2.00pm (Wayang Kulit)

Hands

12 / 6 / 2009: 1.00pm – 3.00pm (for Beginner)

14 / 6 / 2009: 10.30am – 12.30pm (for Parent and Child)

Dhol Federation

14 / 6 / 2009: 1.00pm – 2.00pm

Workshop Registration and enquiries +603 – 6141 4480.

1st – 10th May open for Hands Club Members Registration ONLY, public registration will be after 10th May.

Registration Fee

PACKAGE ONE TWO FOUR!

* Purchase of any ONE workshop: RM50

* Purchase of any TWO Workshops: RM90

* Purchase of any FOUR Workshops: RM170

ENQUIRIES +603 – 6141 4480 (Hands Office手集团办公室)

+6012 – 274 4292 (Jason黎百龄)

mail@hands.com.my

www.hands.com.my/festival2009

SUPPORTED BY HSBC in the Arts, Malaysia Airlines, KWAN

摄影人

Come and have fun with us!

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead

2009-06-04T17:56:00.002+08:00

As an opening, be entertained with a humorous crash course on Shakespeare’s works. A pre-show appetizer entitled The Fifteen-Minute Hamlet directed by Nicole-Ann Thomas will be in play. This blitz version of Hamlet by Tom Stoppard brings together all the famous lines and scenes from the play.

Join the T4YP troupe on their first venture on stage as they bring you the misadventures and funny anecdotes of these characters

klpac launched its groundbreaking Theatre for Young People (T4YP) programme in 2008. Spearheaded by Director in-Residence Christopher Ling, it aims to provide a platform for young people to express themselves by creating meaningful theatre. Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead is just the beginning of an exciting season by the T4YP gang.

Performance Details

Show 18 to 20 June @ 8.30pm; 21 June @ 3pm

Venue Pentas 2, The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac)
Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan (off Jalan Ipoh)
51100 Kuala Lumpur
(location map & public transport options available on www.klpac.org)
Ticket prices: TBC (Call our Box Office for more information)
Box Office 03-4047 9000

Web www.klpac.org / www.t4yp.wordpress.com

Duration The Fifteen Minute Hamlet - 15 minutes;
Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead - 90 minutes

The T4YP Ensemble for 2009

Ayunni Binti Ayub, 25 yrs
Belinda Hon, 17 yrs
Dinesh Kumar Maganathan, 22 yrs
Gregory Sze, 17 yrs
Isabell Zubinsha, 17 yrs
Izmir Hadi Husein, 25 yrs
Michael Tan, 19 yrs
Nabihan Yaacob, 25 yrs
Nick Dorian, 21 yrs
Nur Hidaya Zakuan, 25 yrs
Priyadashini Maganathan, 18 yrs
Rachel Darshini Henry, 18 yrs
Sally Ann Chan, 18 yrs
Tung Jit Yang, 19 yrs
Sean Yap Shao Chi, 19 yrs

T4YP 2009 Season (performances)

1 – 2 May: The 100-Words Project
18 – 21 June: Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead
30 July – 2 Aug The Brink (Physical Theatre by Helana Foo)
6 – 9 Aug: What Does it Mean to Be Free? (by Alex Chua)
8 – 9 Aug: T4YP Sweatshop 2009
10 – 13 Sept: Hamlet

Mak Yong Titis Sakti

2009-06-04T16:35:00.003+08:00

This upcoming production stays true to the original presentation style of Mak Yong which fuses together acting, singing, dance, drama, romance and comedy. Like other Mak Yong performances, it boasts an all-female cast with the exception of three – the Memanda Bijaksana and two court jesters who provide comic relief. The cast, starring Rosdeen Suboh, Asrulfaizal, Zamzuriah Zahari and Tisha Zarina Zainal, will be backed by none other than Kamrulbahri Hussin & his all-male music ensemble.

With just a handful of veteran Mak Yong performers left and dwindling interest in traditional performing arts, The Actors Studio through its Teater Rakyat programme hopes to revive some interest in Mak Yong with this innovative adaptation. This could very well mark the very first local attempt at such a feat of using foreign text in a traditional Mak Yong performance.

And while most Mak Yong performances in KL are staged by students of this art form in the refines of college campuses or at private official events, the general public will have full access to this performance of Mak Yong Titis Sakti and get the opportunity to experience what was once largely performed as court entertainment in the palaces. With this, it will not only keep the interest of loyal fans alive but draw new audiences to this age-old art form that has been proclaimed by UNESCO to be a “Masterpiece of The Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”.

Synopsis

Raja Dewa Kayangan descends to earth and stumbles upon a young lady, Seri Laksana, who is madly in love with Indera Putera. Sadly, these feelings are not reciprocated as his heart is set on another lady Cempaka Puteri who happens to be the lover of Iskandar Muda.

Disturbed by Seri Laksana’s predicament, Raja Dewa Kayangan sends his jester to present Indera Putera with a gift – Bunga Kasih Sakti – a potion that will entice one to fall in love.

However, this immediately sets off a series of unpredictable events that will keep you entertained!

The Team

Based on William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Adapted by Norzizi Zulkifli and Nan Megat

Directed by Norzizi Zulkifli

Featuring Rosdeen Suboh

Tisha Zarina Zainal

Asrulfaizal

Ashafiqah Abd Aziz

Zamzuriah Zahari

Nur Ameera Ramli

Elza Irdalynna

Kamaruzaman

Zalika Nadia Zulkifli

Siti Farah Abdullah

Safia Hanifah

Lorna Hoong

The Good Body

2009-06-04T16:13:00.003+08:00

toniQ creative is co-producing a play with Catwoman Productions based on internationally acclaimed playwright, Eve Ensler’s The Good Body, under the patronage of YB Dato’Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen.

Staged for the first time in Malaysia from June 18-28 at Sime Darby Convention Centre, we hope to help the women in Malaysia achieve some freedom from their negative body image by providing an inside look at the outside exploring the cultures of food, beauty & desire through the eyes of women around the world.

Through Ensler’s honest, insightful, and sometimes naughty portrayal of genuine experiences and real-life obsessions, we are introduced to women who have found a hard-won peace with their bodies: an African mother who celebrates each individual body as signs of nature's diversity; an Indian woman who transcends "treadmill mania" and delights in her plump cheeks and curves; and a veiled Afghani woman who is willing to risk imprisonment for a taste of ice cream. These are just a few of the inspiring stories woven through Ensler's global journey from obsession to enlightenment. Ultimately, these monologues become a personal wake-up call to love the "good bodies" we inhabit.

Ensler freely admits that body-image issues affect men as well as women. “As I've traveled across America I've been really struck (by) the degree to which men are obsessed with their bodies and self-hating, too. It's really moved me very deeply and opened my mind to ways of considering and thinking about men."

We are passionate about the message we want to get across to women & men alike through the play in our cause for the greater good of women in Malaysia.

Proceeds from the Charity Premiere on June 18th, goes to Women’s Aid Organization (WAO) in line with ours & the playwright’s platform to raise awareness to stop violence against women.

Your support is very much appreciated.

Starring: Ida Nerina, Joanna Bessey, Joanne Kam, Samantha Schubert, Bella Rahim, Anrie Too

Directed by: Susan Lankester Producers: Meggie Teoh, Angie Teoh

DETAILS

Date: 18-21 June, 23-28 June’09

(18 June – Charity Premiere for WAO)

Showtime : 8.30pm

(except 28 June: matinee at 3pm & finale show at 8.30pm)

Total running time: 90 minutes

Venue : Sime Darby Convention Centre (Auditorium), Mt. Kiara

Ticket price* : RM65 and RM85

(18 June Charity Premier RM103, 28 June Matinee RM55)

Where to buy:

· Phone - AXCESS Hotline 03-7711 5000

· Online – www.axcess.com.my

· Outlets - sold at all Axcess ticket outlets in Klang Valley at Rock Corner Mid Valley Megamall, Tower Records Lot 10, Stadium Putra Bukit Jalil, Axcess office Section 14, 1 Utama Box Office, Parkson Sunway Pyramid, Penang - Tower Records Gurney Plaza, Johor Bahru – Music Valley Holiday Plaza.

* Ticket prices incl. of Axcess Fees

‘Bottom Top

2009-04-01T13:43:00.000+08:00

‘Bottom Top’ is a comedy of mother and son, fitting in social roles, and getting it all mixed up.

This comedy will see the return of Faridah Merican to our stage. Faridah is set to appear alongside the playwright himself, Mark Beau de Silva, a two-time BOH Cameronian Arts Award nominee for Best Original Script. To top this powerhouse mix, the play will be directed by KLPac’s Artistic Director himself, Joe Hasham.

Directed by Joe Hasham, featuring the writer Mark Beau de Silva alongside Faridah Merican, ‘Bottom Top’ runs at KLPac’s Pentas 2 from 6 May to 10 May. Tickets are priced at RM25 (adults) or RM15 (students, seniors and the disabled). RM5 off if you purchase tickets for both Bottom Top and Belacan Geragok and Other Prawns (27th - 31st May)! Call 03-4047 9000 (KLPac) or log on to www.klpac.com.

Belacan Geragok and Other Prawns.

2009-04-01T13:31:00.001+08:00

klpac is cooking up a feast with Mark Beau de Silva and Ashraf Zain in Belacan Geragok and Other Prawns. This all-new play is based on a story revolving around two Malaysians grappling with life and romance with their histories in tow.

Emmanuel de Cruz is part of the recent generation of Portuguese Eurasians who left Ujong Pasir in search of greener pastures. Adam Malik, on the other hand, has never left KL except for a short stint at MCKK.

The recession has hit the shores and Emmanuel subsequently lost his job at the TV station. Follow Adam as he coaches Emmanuel through several mock interviews, resulting in humourous and telling scenes of their relationship and their pasts which will ultimately determine their future.

Created by prolific writer Mark Beau de Silva and actor Ashraf Zain, local audiences were given a sneak preview when the duo appeared in two workshop performances in March. The feedback from the audience was taken into consideration as the two continued to fine tune the script and improve the staging of the play.

Two months later, these very same audience members will have the opportunity to see some of their thoughts and reactions injected into this entertaining treat.

Snappy, fun, and bitchy. Get to know these two prawns of different histories and smells...

This performance is recommended for matured audiences only.

I Have a Date With Spring – Open Audition

2009-04-01T13:10:00.001+08:00

I Have a Date With Spring, The award-winning Dama Orchestra is holding auditions for their production ‘I Have A Date With Spring’. They'll be casting for 12 principal roles (5 females & 7 males), and 15 ensemble roles (males/females) and 2 musicians (Double Bass Player and Percussionist). Those interested should go to the website for the full list of requirements.

I Have A Date With Spring – The Musical is a musical adaptation of the nostalgic and heartwarming stage and movie production by acclaimed playwright Raymond To Kwok Wai and director Clifton Ko Chi Sum. Set in the 60s-80s, I Have A Date With Spring follows the dreams, hope, aspiration, love, trials and tribulations of four singers who became the dearest of friends while working together at a well-known nightclub.

Audition is By Appointment Only. To schedule an audition appointment, please call 03 6201 9107 / 8 (Eri) or surf to http://www.damaorchestra.com/

An Introduction to Contemporary Art in Malaysia

2009-04-01T10:40:00.001+08:00

Part I: The Malaysian Art Scene: Art Practice in Context
Tuesday, 31 March, 6.30pm

This first part of the series takes a look at the different forces that have shaped contemporary art practice in Malaysia. This includes the development of our art history, and art market, education and infrastructure. It also reflects on why local contemporary art is relevant and interesting to our experience in the many forms it takes, and touches on the regional and international context Malaysian artists operate within.

Part II: Painters, Sculptors
Tuesday, 14 April, 6.30pm

Contemporary art in Malaysia encompasses a wide variety of approaches. Two major traditions continue to thrive, however. Painting remains the most popular medium for Malaysian artists, who have contributed in their own way to the wider development of this international artistic language.

Part II takes a look at a Malaysian kaleidoscope of painterly visions, from modern masters still working today to exciting young painters who are becoming all the rage, from formal abstraction to social narrative. It also explores contemporary Malaysian sculpture, whose power is often rooted in local forms, craftmaking and materials, and our cultural heritage.

Part III: Breaking New Ground
Tuesday, 28 April, 6.30pm

For many younger artists, and for a new generation of viewers, contemporary experience is most clearly expressed in the language of the visual and other sensory media that surrounds us. At the same time, global developments in art and technology have opened up new expressive possibilities for local artists. Part III introduces some of the innovators working with 'alternative media', and the processes and ideas behind art works which involve installation, performance, found objects, text, sound, video, photography, digital technology and more. A related phenomenon is a rising interest in interactive public art, with artists and artist-groups exploring ways for art to involve the viewer and the community at large, finding support from public and private institutions

Admission is Free and open to all. Limited Participants per Workshop so please call 03 2051 1228 (Rofiah) or 03 2051 7717 (Juaini) to secure your place.
www.galeripetronas.com.my

Health Seminar

2009-03-23T13:02:00.003+08:00

DR RATH SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGH IN CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AND CANCER

By Dr. Wong Ang Peng (Naturopath Physician)
Dr Matthias Rath is the world reknowned physician and research scientist who made the ground breaking discovery connecting cardiovascular disease, cancer and many other chronic conditions to nutrient deficiencies. Dr Rath’s scientific discovery changes our understanding of the origins of heart disease. Heart disease develops because of a long term deficiency of essential nutrients in the vascular walls, not because of high cholesterol consumption through our diet. Vitamin malnourished vascular walls weaken, causing microscopic cracks and lesions to develop, which trigger cholesterol molecules that are synthesized in the liver to deposit in the cracks of the vascular walls to reinforce the weakened structures.

Dr Rath’s recent scientific breakthrough points to the connective tissue integrity as a critical factor for blocking the invasion and spread of cancer cells. Understanding the mechanism by which cancer cells spread (metastasize), and later successfully developing a method to control them, Dr Rath has contributed a quantum leap forward to the path to defeating cancer.

Dr Wong Ang Peng

Dr. Wong is a professional speaker on health subjects especially chronic and degenerative diseases. He has won awards for his work on promoting natural medicine and health and the spreading of scientific knowledge in Malaysia and the Asian region.

ORTHOMOLECULAR MEDICINE (CELLULAR MEDICINE): A UNIQUE MEDICAL SPECIALTY

By Dr Romy Paredes (MD, CMT)

The most frequent cause of cellular malfunction is a chronic deficiency of essential cellular nutrients particularly vitamins, amino acids, minerals and trace elements, these cellular nutrients are the raw materials in all the biochemical processes that each cell of the human body undergoes.

Some well defined beliefs and principles distinguish the orthomolecular practitioner from orthodox health practitioner. These principles actually are an important part of our professional identity.

Dr Romy Paredes

Dr. Romy Paredes is a trained medical doctor in Integrative Medicine and is also a clinical metal toxicologist. He is the founder of Bio - Integrative Health Link Center Inc and the Head Doctor of Ananda Marga Wellness Center in Cebu, Philippines

THE IMPACT OF GE ON FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

By Dr Biju Negi (Programme Coordinator - Food Sovereignty and Ecological Agriculture Programme, Pesticide Action Network Asia and the Pacific)

The presentation will cover how GE is bad for the health of the people, animals, soil and water. The impact of GE on food and agriculture, and how that impact is a matter of concern to all of us, and our future generations. GE is bad science, and how transnational corporations engaged in GE promotion have paid scientific research to suit their own narrow commercial interest, at a great cost to humanity. The presentation will also cover how GE is related to anti natural health.

Dr Biju Negi

Dr. Biju Negi is a professional writer and consultant on agricultural issues and a trainer in writing and documentation. He is an activist in farmer movements and one of the founder members of a non-formal collective of small farmers and activists called Save Seeds Movement in Uttarakhand, Himalaya.

THE CREATED CONFUSION IN NATURAL HEALTH

By Ms Saroja Theavy Balakrishnan (Health Consultant & Writer)

Natural medicine is based on natural laws, or God-made laws, and has been in practise by civilisations and various cultures since time immemorial. It is about living and eating healthily and good health should be reflected in the physical, mental and emotional plain. Unfortunately, there is so much confusion that people fail to realize that living healthily without chronic illness is possible. Millions of young people die premature death. The middle age and the old are usually stricken with all kind of illness until they were confronted by heart attack, stroke, organs failures or cancer. Practically many of them suffer and go through a journey of degenerative health before they die.

The British House of Common Report (March, 2005) made compelling report about the pharmaceutical industry which controls the medical establishment. The industry controls the media and use NGOs as fronts to propagate and serve their hidden agenda to medicalise the masses. They do business with disease and use the human body as their market place. Drug sales of various types amount to multi-billions of dollars per year. Under the shroud of so-called ‘evidence based medicine’ , the industry promotes the use of synthetic drugs weffects to treat diseases, leaving behind long traits of untold iatrogenic diseases. Causes of most diseases are unknown and genetics are to be blamed. Never, never depend on the establishment to bring you good health, but you, and you alone.

Ms Saroja

Ms Saroja is a much sought after speaker on natural health. She passionately articles and short stories on social and health issues, winning many awards.

She is actively assisting The Dr Rath Foundation Works in the South East Asian region.

RENEWABLE ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

By Dr. Gan Khai Chung (Founder & Managing Director – Rapat Nusantara Sdn Bhd)

The development and patented Renewable Energy System of biomass to bio-energy, solar energy, and hydrogen fuel.

Environment preservation by recycling Organic & Agriculture Waste to bio-organic fertiliser for various multinational companies.

Organic Fertiliser production.

Biotechnology to produce good microbes for agriculture, livestock, solid waste management, waste water and palm oil mill effluent treatment.

Dr Gan Khai Chung

Dr. Gan is an engineer by profession and his area of specialties are renewable energy, biotech and environmental friendly waste recycling technology. He has patented a process using bio-waste to produce clean heat and energy in promoting rapid growth for crops in close greenhouses.

Seminar Details
Venue Dewan Seminar, Jab. Perkhidmatan Veterinar Neg. Selangor, Lot 2 Jln Utas 25/7 Seksyen 15

Date 18th April 2009

Time 9.00 am—5.00 pm

MAP SNH Seminar Seksyen 15 Shah AlamSeminar

click map to enlarge

Fees RM50/= (Non-members)
RM30/= (Members)

All cheques crossed and made payable and sent to:

Society of Natural Health, Malaysia
33 Jalan USJ 3/1D
47600 Subang Jaya
Selangor

RSVP : Ms Saroja Theavy (013-3635641)

Ms Laily Umar (013-2279723)

Creative Industry Conference and KL Design Week.

2009-03-18T20:29:00.004+08:00

1. Creative Industries Conference, 16-17 March 2009

Organised by RTM and the Division of Policy and Strategic Planning of the Ministry of Information, the Creative Industry Conference 2009 will be held on the 16th and 17th of March at Nikko Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. The speakers will comprise film makers, academicians, representatives from MdeC and Khazanah Nasional, among others. In addition, there will be 10 booths displaying information and material on the Government’s digitalisation programme led by the Ministry of Information.

For further information and registration details, go to : http://www.rtm.gov.my/creative09/

2. KL Design Week 2009

27th March - 4th April 2009

The largest annual international design event held in Malaysia, KL Design Week will feature cutting edge creativity and innovation in all areas of design. The Inaugural Design Week Festival in Kuala Lumpur

Simply put, the KLDW Festival is the 1st mega Creative Event of its kind to be organized in Kuala Lumpur. KLDW 2009 promises a wide mix of creative thoughts and eclectic ideas, of imaginative programmes and inspiring showcases, plus loads more under one event of “Show & Shine”, to showcase what we don’t have, and to enhance what we do have.

One time, One community, One aspiration... One event to steer and boost “Malaysia’s Creative Economy!”

Official Launch Programme

KLDW '09 / BECOME Launch @Taman Tasik Titiwangsa

Date: Friday, 27th March 2009

Time: 6pm - 10pm

** By Invitation Only

Programme:

1. 1000+7 Designs of ECO Bags Exhibitions

2. ECO Gigs & Musical Event

3. ECO Partners Exhibition

4. more..

INTERNATIONAL DESIGNERS’

//CONFERENCE

//FORUM

//MASTER CLASS

//SCREENING

http://kldesignweek.com

28th March 2009 - Saturday

Super Motion Design

Super Motion Design Conference is a unique conference that celebrates the various disciplines of design, animation and motion graphics. This conference is for Designers and Animators who are exploring the possibilities of international careers in these fields. It’s about sharing the experiences and expertise in the rapidly changing landscape of motion graphics and design, which encompasses new technologies, methods, mediums and values. It is also an in-depth look into the processes involved in mastering the art of design and animation.

Venue: MaTIC, Tunku Abdul Rahman Auditorium, Jalan Ampang

Map: http://www.capsquare.com.my/Home/HowToGetToCapsquare.aspx

Time: 9.30am - 6pm

TICKETS (http://www.kldesignweek.com/ticket.php)

Speakers:

1. Hue Visualab – KL

2. Hexa Project - Tokyo

3. Umeric - Sydney

4. JL Design - Taiwan

5. Studio4°C- Japan

6. Tokyo Plastic – UK

7. Rune Entertainment - Canada/Singapore/Brazil

29th March 2009 - Sunday

Maximum Minimalism Conference

In the Maximum Minimalism Conference, the crucial issues of contemporary design will be examined. A growing consciousness of environmental and social responsibility calls for simplicity, innovation, sustainability. Good design is a concept that encompasses sensibility with a sense of economy and is often inspired by necessity.

Venue: KLCC Convention Centre, Plenary Hall Auditorium

Time: 9.30am - 6pm

TICKETS (http://www.kldesignweek.com/ticket.php)

Speakers:

1. Chris Bosse (Sydney)

2. Stefan Sagmeister (New York)

3. David Carson (San Diego - USA)

4. Kuntzel & Deygas (Paris)

5. IDN (Hong Kong)

6. Shun Kawakami (Tokyo)

7. Supernature (Shanghai) and

8. Troika (London).

30th March 2009 – Monday

Session-01

International Designers Forum 1

This forum will serve as a platform for designers to deconstruct and discuss the happenings and scene of design unique to their city. As each design scene has distinctive features, cultures, art/design history and aesthetics, this forum hopes to uncover the individual situations and secrets of each city, to better understand each region and its design, in contrast with design on the global level. We are keen to understand the risks involved in embarking on a design career in your city, the tasks that you undertake as well as the challenges, problems and solutions that you have encountered. This forum hopes for participants to discuss and find solutions for common problems and to foster new networks.

Venue: MATIC, Tunku Abdul Rahman Auditorium, Jalan Ampang

Time: 9.30am - 12pm

TICKETS (http://www.kldesignweek.com/ticket.php)

Speakers:

1. Black Design (Singapore)

2. Aya Kato (Japan)

3. Graham Perkins (Singapore)

4. Nille Svensson of Sweden Graphics

5. Nathalie & Huda - Vit-E & Khatt Foundation (Lebanon)

6. Heath Nash (South Africa)

7. The Center for Creative Communications (CCC) (Japan)

Session-02

International Designers Master Class 1

In the Master Class session, which centres around a lecture to provide that personal face to face interaction, we invite you to listen to the professionals and absorb their expertise & experiences before understanding more via the succeeding Question & Answer session for a duration of 2 hours.

Here, our specially-invited guests and speakers will present their works, as well as share their creative processes, artistic journey, technological know-how as well as details as to how a certain piece of work is constructed.

Venue: MATIC, Tunku Abdul Rahman Auditorium, Jalan Ampang

Time: 1.30pm - 6pm

TICKETS (http://www.kldesignweek.com/ticket.php)

Speakers:

1. Chriss Bosse (Germany)

2. Troika (UK)

31st March 2009 – Tuesday

Session-01

International Designers Master Class 2

Venue : National Art Gallery, Auditorium

Time: 9.30am - 6pm

Fees: TICKETS (http://www.kldesignweek.com/ticket.php)

Speakers:

1. Nille Svensson of Sweden Graphics

2. Heath Nash (South Africa)

3. Nathalie & Huda - Vit-E & Khatt Foundation (Lebonon)

Session-02

Coffee + Carson

Venue: National Art Gallery, Auditorium

Time :3pm

** By Invitation Only

1st April 2009 (Wednesday)

Malaysian Masters - Masterclass

Malaysian Masters - Masterclass sessions will focus on a lecture on how to be a professional, embarking first as a design entrepreneur and creating a pathway into the International Design Arena.

An up-close face to face interaction, our specially-invited guest and speakers will present their works, as well as share their creative processes, artistic journey, technological know-how and also the technical details as how a certain piece of work is constructed. This session of sharing expertise & experiences will see the speaker present for 45 minutes

Venue : National Art Gallery, Auditorium

Time : 9.30am - 6pm

** Free Admission

Speakers: To be confirmed

INT’L & LOCAL DESIGNERS’

//EXHIBITIONS

//INSTALLATIONS

BECOME / 1000+7 DESIGNS

WORLD OF ECO BAG EXHIBITION

“BECOME” is one of the exhibition projects focusing on saving the environment and a campaign platform to urge the general public to “say no to plastic bags!”.

This exhibition will showcase a collection of 1000+7 designs from designers around the world, carrying ‘save the green’ illustrated messages. These pictures or graphic illustrations will be printed on recyclable and reusable bag materials and will be exhibited at the parks of Taman Tasik Titiwangsa and Capsquare KL.

27th – 29th March 2009

Venue-01:Taman Tasik Titiwangsa

Time:10am - 6pm Daily

** Free Admission

28th March - 4th April 2009

Venue-02:CapSquare KL

Time: 10am - 10 pm Daily

** Free Admission

28th March – 4th April 2009

International Designers’ Exhibitions

An extraordinary series of exhibitions and installation works by international designers will be showcased throughout the 9 days of KLDW ‘09. We are proud to present cutting-edge works which have been recognized globally for their excellence. Some of the highlights include an exhibition of the intricate and luscious illustrations of Aya Kato, A retrospective of David Carson's posters, Heath Nash's beautiful creations made out of recycled materials, Double Thumbs-Up Exhibition by IDN Hong Kong, Art & Sound by Dual City Session - Singapore/Japan, New Wave by Jackson Tan, Studio 4°C by Koji Morimoto, Hexa Project from Japan, Lava by Chris Bosse, Sweden Graphics & Uselessshoppe from Singapore.

Venue 01: CapSquare KL

Time: 10am - 10pm

** Free Admission

Exhibition & Installation works by:

1. Studio 4°C (Japan)

2. Sweden Graphic (Sweden)

3. Heat Nash (South Africa)

4. Hexa Project (Japan)

5. IdN (Hong Kong)

6. Mi2 (Taiwan)

7. Uselessshoppe (Singapore)

8. Art & Sound by Dual City Session

Venue 02:

National Art Gallery, Jalan Tun Razak

Time: 10am - 5pm

** Free Admission

Exhibition & Installation works by:

1. Aya Kato (Japan)

2. New Wave (Singapore)

3. Neubauism (Germany)

4. Nathalie & Huda – Vit-E & Khatt Foundation (Lebanon)

5. David Carson (USA)

6. If Interactive (Malaysia)

28th March – 4th April 2009

Malaysian Independent Designers’ Group Exhibition

Showcasing and discussing thought-provoking and challenging ideas, these young and enterprising designers will illustrate the endless possibilities of medium, technology and creative solution towards propagating its ideas and concepts of presentation. These installations and exhibitions will discuss the ideas behind it, The Challenge, The Task and The Solution.

Venue 01: CapSquare KL Time :10am - 10pm

Venue 02: National Art Gallery Time : 10am - 5pm

Venue 03: The Annexe, Central Market Time : 10am - 8pm

Venue 04: MSC Malaysia Cybercentre, Sentral Time : 10am - 5pm

Venue 05: Cloth & Clef, Changkat Bukit Bintang Time : 11am – 10pm

Venue 06: Le Meridien Hotel, Sentral Time : 11am – 10pm

** Free Admission

28th March – 4th April 2009

Degree Show Exhibition

This exhibition is to showcase a selected final thesis work of bachelor degree students or the best student works from various faculties; architecture, interior design, graphic design, fashion design and more. The objective is to not only exhibit and to recognize innovative works by students embarking on a new career in a new market place, but also to support the Malaysian Art & Creative Education institutions in developing their philosophical modules and education methodology.

Venue: CapSquare KL

Time: 10am - 5pm

** Free Admission

28th March – 4th April 2009

Young Tigers Exhibition

Young Tigers is an exhibition of local designs, installations and products of young, local, and independent design collectives and individuals driven by passion and enthusiasm.

The Young Tigers Program is designed to provide young designers a good meeting ground to share opinions, experiences and inspire each other, being both a shop and a gallery in one space. It is to generate, support and create a new platform for these young designers to present their concept of everyday-use products, as well as market their work at an affordable price, which range from RM20 to RM2,000.

Venue: CapSquare KL

Time: 10am - 5pm

** Free Admission

3rd April 2009 - Friday

Seven Bintang Awards Night

Seven Bintang Awards were initiated to recognize and reward talented and deserving Malaysian artists and designers. As the artistic identity of Malaysian art and design is still in its formative and tender years, Seven Bintang Awards is a pioneering effort in shaping artistic character, establishing a healthy art and design market, as well as spreading awareness, interest and uplifting the standard of practice.

Venue: Le Meridien Hotel

Time: 7.30 pm - 10pm

**By Invitation Only

4th April 2009 - Saturday

Secret Tent Design Bazaar

In an effort to evoke a sense of fun and mystery to the KLDW 2009 project, the city of KL is set to be bombed by an array of Secret Tents, a creative space where anything goes. Each individual secret tent is expected to showcase unique works of art and design, be it from an individual, a duo or as a collective group. The wide range of displays will represent the thoughts and insights of our very own young guns, our hope for the new Malaysian Creative Economy. It will provide a sneak peek into what we may expect of our design industry in the near future.

Venue: CapSquare KL

Time: 10am - 5pm

** Free Admission

4th April 2009 - Saturday

Arty-Party On The Street

A closing ceremony celebrating the historical milestone of KLDW’s inaugural event, arty-party marks the forces to be reckoned with. The forces that will boost Malaysia’s NEW Economy: The CREATIVE ECONOMY!

Venue: CapSquare KL

Time: 5pm - 11pm

Venue Maps:

MaTIC (Malaysia Tourism Centre), Jalan Ampang

109, Jalan Ampang,50450 Kuala Lumpur

http://www.mtc.gov.my/ENG/ABOUTUS/map.html

KLCC Convention Centre

http://202.179.97.117/sec_attending/directions_maps/maps/map_kl.htm

CapSquare KL, Off Jalan Ampang

B1-01 CapSquare Centre Management Office

No. 7, Persiaran CapSquare,

Capital Square 50100,

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

http://www.capsquare.com.my/Home/HowToGetToCapsquare.aspx

National Art Gallery, Jalan Tun Razak

http://www.artgallery.gov.my/web/guest/hubungikami

Condors at KLPac

2009-03-14T09:17:00.003+08:00

images by Haru

Brainchild of Ryohei Kondo, Condors has conquered their homeland turning the Japanese contemporary dance scene on its head. In fact, tickets for one of their performances in Tokyo were snapped up the very day it went on sale! And it doesn’t stop there – Condors Mania has spread all over the world and the troupe often performed to sell out shows overseas as well.

Wherever they go, their performance always sends audiences spinning through amazement, shock, and laughter. From their trademark Japanese high-school uniform outfits to their liberal use of shtick and overblown video imagery, this zany bunch redefines what a dance performance can and should be! The troupe is also notorious for its satirical treatment of Japanese pop culture.

Reviewer Jennifer Dunning wrote, "If there had been an applause meter on the premises, the meter would have very likely swung off the high end...An irrepressible, irreverent bunch of nicely ill-assorted sizes and presences, the men were impressive in their comic timing and knowledge of dance styles” (2000, The New York Times).

Conquest of the Galaxy: Jupiter premiered in New York City in 2001 to great success and toured to Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Miami, Costa Rica, Chile, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, Indonesia, Australia, Singapore and, of course, Malaysia. As a follow up to Jupiter, Condors premiered Conquest of the Galaxy: Mars in Europe in 2007 and it toured successfully to London, Paris, Rome and Brazil, gaining them legions of fans along the way.

Like Jupiter, Mars is made up of short scenes in omnibus style and integrates commercials, animation film, short plays and of course, dance. Since its premiere, Condors has updated and added new materials to Mars. The KL audience will have the opportunity to see the improved version of Mars. On the surface, the scenes seem to be meaningless connected but at the very end, it will bring back nostalgic memories and remind you of the things that are important in life.

The dance troupe is led by Artistic Director and Choreographer Ryohei Kondo. Kondo has danced with a wide range of leading choreographers such as Kota Yamazaki, Kuniko Kisanuki, Toshiko Takeuchi and Doug Varone. His choreography credits include The Fingers are Too Fat to Reach (1998), Love Parade (1999), Dream in a Dream (1999 – collaboration with Japanese traditional dancer Sengiku Bando), the film The Happiness of the Katakuris (2001 - directed by Takashi Miike) and a stage production of Faust (2004 – directed by Akira Shirai).

Kondo is also active in organising and hosting dance workshops all over Japan. In recognition of his work, he won the Terayama Shuji Award at the 4th Asahi Performing Arts Award for most promising young artist.

Condors solid track record include Kissing the Sun Series I-V (1996-1999), 2000 Virgin (1999), Spring Man (2000), Light My Fire (2000) and 2000 Darling (2000). Their collaboration with the Bel Canto Orchestra, led by French musician Pascal Comelade, at the Yokohama Landmark Hall (2000), was critically acclaimed.

Apollinaire Scherr commented "...when the flabby men and fit men, tall men and short men, men who can dance and men who, adorably, really can't, appear on the Tokyo stage in nerdy schoolboy uniforms as the Condors, the girls show up in droves and shriek happily...The Condors seamlessly blend dance numbers with video, puppetry and physical theater." (2001, The New York Times).

Show Details

Show Title: Conquest of the Galaxy: Mars

Presented by: The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur & klpac, with the cooperation of The Embassy of Japan

Preview: 19 Mar @ 8.30pm – RM20 flat

Show: 20 – 21 Mar @ 8.30pm - RM50, RM30 & RM20 (dance schools, JFKL members, sr. citizens, disabled)

Venue Pentas 1, klpac

Web http://www.condors.jp/ | http://www.klpac.org | http://www.jfkl.org.my

ABOUT CONDORS - contemporary dance company

Condors, the all male dance company that has turned the Japanese contemporary dance scene on its head, is electric, sweaty, outrageous and hysterical.

Ryohei Kondo started the company in the fall of 1996, and barely a year later its performance from the "Kiss the Sun" series at Theatre Fonte in Yokohama was a major success, gaining much attention from presenters and sponsors. The next year they opened the Tokyo Globe Theater's spring festival with a continuation of the "Kiss the Sun" series. The dance press enthusiastically reviewed the performance, which also set ticket sales records for the theatre. Later, this huge successful show was broadcasted on three separate occasions on SkyPerfect TV, the Japanese satellite television network. Soon Condors was in high demand and touring throughout the country.

In December of the same year, Kyoto Art Complex 1928 commissioned Condors to create a new piece for the inauguration of their new theatre. This was followed quickly by a tour of several venues in Tokyo and Osaka area. The Tokyo shows sold out on the day they were put on sale, leading to quick arrangements for additional performances. In January 2001, SkyPerfect TV continued to demonstrate the popular enthusiasm for the group by broadcasting a special feature on Kondo Ryohei and his work, and in the following month Condors' run of performances at the famed Apple Theater in Shinjuku drew sold out audiences every night. In the mean time, audiences in other countries were also catching "Condors mania."

In January 2000, they took their first trip abroad to the showcase at the Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) Conference in New York. The New York Times said, "If there had been an applause meter on the premises, the meter would have very likely swung off the high end" and called them "wonderfully nutty" and "an irrepressible, irreverent bunch of nicely ill-sorted sizes and presences" (January 15, 2000). They immediately received inquiries from a number of presenters, and in the following year returned to the US for performances in New York and Los Angeles. These performances also sold out, and were enthusiastically covered by The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and other local press. Condors continues to move on to new territory, and will be performing in various countries throughout East Asia in the fall of 2001.

Wherever they go, Condors performances always send their audiences spinning through amazement, shock, and laughter. From their trademark school uniform outfits to their liberal use of shtick and overblown video imagery, this company redefines what a dance performance can and should be. It may seem that they are more interested in presenting a highly entertaining performance than pushing the boundaries of performance art or presenting refined technique. Nevertheless, once the show is over and the laughter subsides, it becomes clear that what they have really done is redefine dance performance, its audience, and how it can be viewed. Many speak of creating a new form of dance for the 21st century, but Ryohei Kondo and Condors are doing it.

Disney On Ice - Princess Wishes

2009-03-09T00:12:00.004+08:00

Enter a world of wishes with your favorite Disney Princesses in Disney On Ice presents Princess Wishes. Tinker Bell represents the magic of Disney, as she whisks you through a collection of enchanting and beloved Disney stories. Join Ariel as she yearns to explore the world above the waves.

See Snow white finds her one true love. Discover a whole new world with Jasmine. Watch in wonder as the dreams of Cinderella, Belle, Aurora and Mulan all come true.

Snow White
Snow White, is the title character of a fairy tale known from many countries in Europe, the best known version being the German one collected by the Brothers Grimm. The German version features elements such as the magic mirror and the seven dwarfs, who were first given individual names in Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwars (1937)

Mulan
Fa Mulan is the protagonist of the 1998 Disney animated film Mulan and its direct-to-video sequel, Mulan II. She is inspired by the legendary Hua Mulan from the Chinese poem The Ballad of Mulan. She is voiced by Ming-Na Wen in all three titles (singing voice provided by Lea Salonga), and is one of the eight Official Disney Princesses.

Jasmine
Princess Jasmine‎ is a fictional Arabian princess and the protagonist who originally appeared in the 1992 Disney film, Aladdin, followed with its two direct-to-video sequels, The Return of Jafar (1994) and Aladdin and the King of Thieves (1996) and the animated television series.

Cinderella
Cinderella is a 1950 animated feature produced by Walt Disney, and released to theaters on February 15, 1950 by RKO Radio Pictures. The twelfth animated feature in the Disney animated features canon, the film was directed by Clyde Geronimi, Hamilton Luske and Wilfred Jackson, based the fairy tale "Cinderella" by Charles Perrault.

Belle
Princess Belle-Etoile is a French literary fairy tale written by Madame d'Aulnoy. It is Aarne-Thompson type 707, the dancing water, the singing apple, and the speaking bird. Her source for the tale was Ancilotto, King of Provino, by Giovanni Francesco Straparola.

Princess Aurora
Sleeping Beauty is a 1959 animated feature produced by Walt Disney and originally released to theatres on January 29, 1959, by Buena Vista Distribution. The sixteenth animated feature in the Disney animated features canon, it was the last animated feature produced by Walt Disney to be based upon a fairy tale.

Ariel
Princess Ariel is a fictional character, a mermaid and the protagonist of Disney's 1989 animated film The Little Mermaid. She later appears in the film's prequel television series, direct-to-video sequel The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea and direct-to-video prequel The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning.

And for the first time, catch breathtaking acrobatics performed live on ice!

It’s a magical show not-to-be-missed where believing is just the beginning!

The Australia Month @ KLPac

2009-03-07T09:10:00.003+08:00

Instigated by klpac’s Artistic Director, Aussie lad Joe Hasham, the australia month @ klpac promises to be a truly exciting cross-cultural exchange of dance, music and drama that will showcase the diversity, originality and vibrance of Australian arts and talents.

To kick off the month, short play guru Alex Broun and prolific dancer-choreographer Kay Armstrong will be flying in to run theatre and dance workshops from 3 to 5 April. These workshops, focused on developing original short works, will pave the way for the return of Short+Sweet in July with an all-new dance festival on top of the 10-minute theatre festival.

Take a step back in time to revisit the classics with Jeff Kevin who will be conducting a Shakespearean workshop entitled From the Page and onto the Floor from 6 to 24 April. Kevin is best known for his role in hit TV series Number 69 alongside Joe Hasham. His 3-week Shakespeare boot camp will culminate in a public showcase of selected Shakespearean works performed by the participants from 24 to 26 April.

The Malaysian premiere of sensuous contemporary dance work Rasa Unmasked brings together the best talents from across the shores - Ramli Ibrahim of Sutra Dance Theatre, Malaysia, Anandavalli of Lingalayam Dance Company, Australia, and ethnomusicologist / composer Alex Dea. The performance which sheds new light on India’s most vital aesthetic theory will run from 7 to 12 April.

Also in line with the cross-cultural exchange theme, australia month @ klpac will feature a stage adaptation of Nikolai Gogol’s short story The Diary of a Madman from 9 to 12 April. The riveting play, a result of an electrifying international collaboration between director Joe Hasham, actor Will Gluth, designer Mark Wager and assistant director Helena Foo, has been adapted and will be set in modern day Canberra.

klpac’s own community orchestra will be kicking off its 2009 season with a tribute to Australia’s music and songs. The klpac sinfonietta will join forces with local choir The Young KL Singers and several didgeridoo players to perform Aussie favourites like Waltzing Matilda, I Still Call Australia Home, Botany Bay, and Tie Me Down Kangaroo Sport while Joe recites famous Australian poetry.

The australia month @ klpac is set to be a major highlight in both klpac’s and The Australian High Commission’s 2009 arts programme and cultural offering.
Festival Overview

Presenters

The Australian High Commission & The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac)

Programme

Date
3 – 5 April
Short+Sweet 2009 (workshop)
- dance workshop conducted by Kay Armstrong
- writing / directing workshop conducted by Alex Broun studio

6 – 26 April
From the Page and onto the Floor (workshop & showcase)
- conducted by Jeff Kevin
Studio & Pentas 2

7 – 12 April

Rasa Unmasked (dance)
- collaboration between Ramli Ibrahim of Sutra Dance Theatre, Anandavalli of Lingalayam Dance Company and ethnomusicologist / composer Alex Dea
Pentas 1

9 – 12 April
The Diary of a Madman (play)
- directed by Joe Hasham, starring Will Gluth with Nicole Ann Thomas
Pentas 2

16 – 19 April
klpac Sinfonietta…in the style of Down Under (concert)
- with Young KL Singers & didgeridoo players
Pentas 1

Venue

The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac), Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan (Off Jalan Ipoh),
51100 Kuala Lumpur
(location map & public transport options available on www.klpac.org)

Box Office

03-4047 9000 / tickets@klpac.org

Branagh's Shakespeare

2009-03-06T18:36:00.001+08:00

Kenneth Branagh is probably this generation’s most prolific and exciting interpreter of Shakespeare. Season 3 of Paul Loosely's Shakespeare on Film - The Branagh Variations collects together, in chronological order, all of his cinema films (so far) in which he both starred and directed.

February 8
Henry VHenry V (1989)

Branagh brought a youthful, down to earth ‘laddish’ feel to the hero of Agincourt. As they ride into the breach, and as he sets his small army on the somewhat fey French, he’s really just ‘one of the boys’. Also starring Paul Scofield and Derek Jacobi

February 15
Much Ado About Nothing (1993)

Branagh and friends romping and flirting and laughing and cavorting through Shakespeare’s lusty comedy and through the beautiful Tuscan countryside. It’s quite a treat, watching a bunch of actors obviously having the time of their lives. Also staring Emma Thompson, Keanu Reeves and Denzil Washington

March 1
HamletHamlet Pt 1 (1996)

Branagh channels David Lean this time, having clearly decided that the story was an epic, he decided to film Shakespeare’s longest single work, the entire play with no cuts, combining all existing versions and variations – all 4 hours of it... in super wide 65mm! Also starring Kate Winslet, Julie Christie, Judy Dench and Derek Jacobi.

March 8
Hamlet Pt 2 (1996)

Part 2 of Branagh's re-interpretation of Shakespeare’s greatest tragic hero.

March 15
Love’s Labour’s Lost (2000)

The epitome of revisionism as Branagh turns a Shakespeare romantic comedy of courtly manners and simple love into a colourful Hollywood musical. Also starring Nathan Lane and Alicia Silverstone.

HOTEL REVIEW - NIKKO KUALA LUMPUR

2008-07-26T18:12:00.007+08:00

HOTEL REVIEW - NIKKO KUALA LUMPUR

A FINE DIMENSION IN LUXURY AND ELEGANCE

Thanks to the graciousness of Hotel Nikko Kuala Lumpur’s Director of Communications Ms Kattie Hoo and Communications Executive Ms Jamie Tan, Photographer Veronica and myself got an opportunity to sample the 5 star business class hotel’s tradition of exemplary service amidst the cityscape of vibrant Kuala Lumpur.

images by Veronica Ng and Nikko Hotel

Located along Jalan Ampang, at the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle, the 30 storey high building is a portal to the commercial, social and cultural hub of Kuala Lumpur, as the business, shopping and entertainment centers are just a walk away from the Hotel. Its greatest strategic advantage is the proximity to the newly opened Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, which is a short walk away. The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre is the country’s most technologically advanced, purpose-built convention and exhibition facility.

The Hotel’s 473 spacious guest rooms are luxuriously furnished with a range of deluxe amenities – including fully stocked mini bar, refrigerator, tea & coffee making facility, plasma TVs with news & movie channels, IDD telephones, personal safe deposit box, steam iron & ironing board and hair dryer.

Hotel Nikko Kuala Lumpur also provides plug and play high-speed Internet access (6 Mbps) in which guests can enjoy wireless Internet connectivity in selected area such Main Lobby area, Nikko Lounge (26^th Floor) and Function Rooms foyer on Level 1 and Level 2.

We were given our own individual rooms at the hotel’s exclusive Executive Floor, where we got a sample of their pampering with an express check-in. To cater to the needs of business travellers, the Hotel’s Executive Floor located from Level 24 to 30 offers impeccable standards of service and comfort.

Executive Floor guests enjoy exclusive access to the Executive Nikko Lounge on Level 26, attentively staffed by the Floor Manager and his team. The exclusive and comfortable lounge serves complimentary breakfast and cocktails, in addition to the availability of local and international newspapers and magazines for guests’ reading pleasure.

The highly professional facilities also provide wireless high speed Internet access for guest’s convenience. Guests can also entertain clients or conduct small meetings at this private and cozy lounge.

The Business Centre on Lobby Level offers complete secretarial services ranging from typing, faxing, high-speed Internet access and e-mail, rental of office equipment as well as hiring interpreters.

Recreation facilities include a spacious swimming pool amidst greenery and tropical landscape and those in needs for a good workout can sweat it out at the Fitness Centre. Located on the 5^th floor, both the pool and the Fitness Centre are open for all room guests.

Food and beverage facilities include the award winning Japanese and Chinese restaurants. Benkay Japanese Restaurant, voted as the Best Japanese Cuisine Restaurant in 2001 / 2002 by World Asia Media. Benkay Japanese Restaurant is named after a historic Japanese warrior who was strong, courageous and loyal during the war period in Japan.

The restaurant can easily accommodate up to 140 guests and is opens daily for lunch and dinner, offering diners an extensive a-la-carte menu as well as set lunches. Freshness and quality is assured in this restaurant as most of the ingredients used are air-flown from Japan twice weekly.

The restaurant has a Teppanyaki room that can comfortable accommodates up to 10 people, a Sushi Bar for 10 people and five private dining rooms (Ran, Kiku, Fuji, Haji and Tsubaki with a seat capacity of six to twelve) including two Tatami rooms. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner from 12.00 noon to 2.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.

Authentic Chinese cuisine and dim sum luncheons are the trademarks of Toh Lee Chinese Restaurant, voted as the Best Chinese Cuisine Restaurant 1998/99 by Tourism Malaysia. Toh Lee Chinese Restaurant is named after a peach tree originated from China. It has a delicate pale pink April flower blooms in masses of solitary stems. “Toh Lee” also known as the “Good Luck Peach”, is a symbol of prosperity as seen in the selection of food served. Toh Lee offers a variety of Beijing and Sichuan cuisine with a touch of fusion.

Located at Level 1 of the Hotel, the restaurant is vibrantly fitted with furnishings and fittings in rich red and gold. Besides the main dining, Toh Lee has six private rooms, Mui Fah, Sui Sin, Cheng Lin, Hai Tong, Pak Hup and Toh Fah. Total seating capacity of the restaurant is 208 with private rooms easily accommodating 12 to 14 persons each. Toh Lee Chinese Restaurant is open for lunch every Monday to Friday from 12.00 noon to 2.30 pm, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 11.00 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. and nightly for dinner from 6.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.

Café Serena Brasserie, located at the Lobby Level offers a panoramic view of the Lobby waterfall and lush garden landscape beyond its floor-to-ceiling glass windows. With a truly relaxing and calm ambience, it is the perfect place to enjoy a leisure breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring the most lavish buffet spread of international choices, Japanese specialties and all-time local favourites.

Buffet Breakfast is available daily from 6.00 a.m. till 10.30 a.m. while buffet lunch is from Monday to Friday, 12.00 noon to 2.30 p.m. Buffet Dinner is available from 7.00 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. nightly while on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, Buffet hi- tea is served from 12.00 noon to 4.00 pm. Besides the extensive buffet spreads, a-la-carte menu is also available.

Located at the Lobby Level is the Lobby Lounge which offers guests a refreshing respite from the day’s activities. The Lobby Lounge is fringe by a tropical garden and a lovely waterfall. Open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 a.m., the lounge with a seating capacity of 124 people offers a wide variety variety of beverages, snacks, afternoon tea and a fine range of cigars.

For quick snacks, The Deli located opposite the Lobby Lounge offers fabulous selection of fresh pastries, homemade breads, sandwiches, mouth-watering cakes, pralines as well as hot and cold beverages. The Deli is open daily from 10.00 am to 8.00 pm. From 6.00 pm every evening, diners can enjoy a 50% discount on all freshly-baked items.

Serving mouth-watering snacks and the best quality wines and beverages is the Bentley’s Pub. Located on Level 1, this elegant English pub offers 50% discount during happy hours (4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.) daily. Bentley’s Pub opens from Monday to Friday from 4.00 p.m. to 12.00 midnight, and closed on weekends and Public Holidays.

The Hotel’s meeting and banquet facilities provide the perfect venue for any events. The pillarless Grand Ballroom with a spacious foyer can accommodate up to 1300 guests for a theatre style set-up and 800 for a formal dinner. The Junior Ballroom has a capacity of 180 guests for a buffet set-up and 230 for a formal dinner.

In addition, there are also eight function rooms for meetings and seminars, which accommodates 30 to 70 people each. All the meeting rooms are equipped with complete conference facilities. In addition, some of the function rooms can be combined into two to accommodate a maximum of 100 guests for a buffet set-up.

An airport limousine transfer from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to the hotel will cost around RM240.00 (one way). Traveling to the city from the hotel is very convenient as the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Station is located next to the Hotel. In addition taxis and limousine transfers are also available from the Hotel.

Just 10 minutes walk from the hotel is one of the tallest buildings in the world, The Petronas Twin Towers. This 88 storey building located in Kuala Lumpur City Centre also hosts a lush park with excellent landscape. For leisure travellers, the new Aquaria at KLCC, an international aquarium with 5000 varieties of tropical fishes, offering a unique underwater ‘edutainment’ experience will be a sight to behold.

Shopping facilities around the hotel include Ampang Park Shopping Centre, Suria KLCC, Bukit Bintang Plaza, Star Hill, Lot 10 and many more. Complimentary hourly shuttle service is also available from the hotel to Bintang Walk and KLCC for the convenience of our guests.

The Hotel has picked up no less than 14 industry and hospitality awards for their impeccable service and their excellent Food and Beverage and ancillary facilities, and after a stay there we can confidently say that these awards are duly justified.

Frigglive gives Hotel Nikko Kuala Lumpur two thumbs up. Highly recommended for their particular brand of guest pampering.

Drum Slices 3

2008-06-27T19:02:00.002+08:00

Fri Jul 4, 2008 To:Sun Jul 6, 2008

Fri & Sat: 8.30pm. Sun: 3pm & 8.30pm.

Pentas 1, KLPac, Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan, Kuala Lumpur.

Tel:03 4047 9000

Entry Fees: RM57, RM47, RM32.

Drum Slices 3

Drums Slices is an annual concert performed by students from different schools, all eager and passionate about drums. Trained under the guidance of award winning Hands Percussion Team, this young group has attended camps on top of the training they received from the team. Entitled 'Rhythm Ride', this year's performance will present rhythm through drumming with percussions, gamelan and theatrical movement and elements to enchance the performance.

www.klpac.com

Indie Youth Fest

2008-06-27T18:58:00.002+08:00

Fri Jul 4, 2008 To:Sun Jul 6, 2008

10am-10pm.

High Street & Entrance, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Bandar Utama, PJ.

Tel: 03 7727 0093

A three day festival held in tandem with the Electronic Sports World Cup 2008, it's going to be a massive gathering of pro-gamers, musicians, cartoonists, hard-core console players and even indie filmmakers (Filmmakers Anonymous).

Performances by local talents will be held from 4pm-8pm throughout the three days. Bands slated for the festival include One Buck Short, Tempered Mental, On Chentaku, Deserters, Telephony Delivery, Superbar, An Honest Mistake, Army of Three, Greeenpaver, Estrella, Mia Palencia, Reza Salleh, Zalila Lee, Yuri Wong, Ady Suwardy and Yuna.

http://indieyouthfest.wordpress.com/

KLUE Urbanscapes 2008

2008-06-27T18:53:00.001+08:00

KLUE Urbanscapes 2008
Date: 28 June
Time: 12pm – 12mn

Venue: Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac), Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan, 51100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Admission: RM35 (Door sale) / RM25 (Pre-sale) *inclusive of RM2 ticket handling fee

Tickets Available At: KLPAC box-office (03-4047 9000) / The Actors Studio box-office @ Bangsar Shopping Centre (03-2094 9400)

Urbanscapes makes a return in 2008 and this year there is much to feast your eyes on from live acts, visual and performance arts, installations, film/video screenings, theatre performances and a marketplace. For more details, contact 03-21481377 or go to www.urbanscapes.com.my

Free Petrol From Motorola

2008-06-27T18:37:00.002+08:00

Motorola Rewards Customers with Greater Mileage

RM75,000 worth of petrol to be won!

Motorola, Inc. today announced an online contest in Malaysia offering up to RM75,000 worth of petrol vouchers to winners during this time of rising petrol prices.

Spanning five weeks from 20 June to 24 July, the contest is open to Motorola customers who purchase a Motorola ROKR E8, RAZR²V9, RAZR² V8, W230, W270, W375, W220, W281, W181, W209, L6i, V3i, U9, Q8, Q9h, or K1 handset from Motorola’s list of participating dealers¹ within the contest period. Each participant is able to send in multiple entries so long as each entry is unique and is tied to an individual mobile purchase.

To participate, customers must visit www.hellomoto.com/my and answer three simple multiple choice questions. Motorola will award every 50^th participant with all correct answers within a qualifying week RM1,000 worth of petrol vouchers. Participants are required to key in their phone’s IMEI number for verification as well as present proof of purchase for his/her Motorola mobile purchase.

A handful of lucky participants will also be picked each qualifying week at random to receive a free premium gift from Motorola. These winners will be notified by Brightstar Distribution Sdn. Bhd, authorised distributor of original Motorola products and accessories.

Winners will be announced on 31 July 2008.

The Fairly Current Show

2008-06-27T18:34:00.001+08:00

PopTeeVee

Fahmi Fadzil (performer, writer, designer & Mark Teh are working on The Fairly Current Show, a weekly Internet TV programme focusing on current and quirky affairs in Malaysia.

The show is part of PopTeeVee, a new media network initiated by Hardesh Singh (composer, producer, music entrepreneur) and friends. In the very near future, PopTeeVee will also feature other channels, including a local music channel (The Wknd Sessions) and a youth/student-generated campus news channel.

A new 7-minute episode will be available weekly - you can watch & download the first episode at

www.popteevee.net.

Clark Hatch at e centre, Cap Square

2008-06-27T18:28:00.003+08:00

10 GOOD REASONS TO JOIN CLARK HATCH

1. Free personalized fitness program with trained and experienced instructors.

2. Free reprogram every 8 weeks.

3. Exercise attire & towel provided.

4. Free motivational programs.

5. Free inclusive facilities; 15,000square feet gymnasium, sauna, lounge
room, luxurious lockers and changing facilities.

6. Over 70 group exercises weekly including latest trends from yoga to crazy
bar.

7. Open 365 days (most location)

8. Operational hours as early 6.30 am to 11.00pm (most location) and 24
hour facility.

9. Clark Hatch Lifespa package discounts.

10. Reciprocal privileges with over 55 clubs in the Asia Pacific Region.

Free Movie and Moneytisation for bloggers

2008-06-14T16:40:00.004+08:00

Watch Made Of Honour with McDreamy and Lots of Malaysian Bloggers
This month, we have a movie screening: Watch Made Of Honour, with more than 200 bloggers! Made of Honour stars Patrick Dempsey (of Grey's Anatomy fame), and is one of the year's most anticipated romantic comedies. Guys, if there's one romantic movie you have to see this year, make it this one. It's pretty good! Girls: You already know you want to see this based on the main actor...

They have an entire cinema hall booked on June 17th 2008 at TGV 1 Utama.

Please note that you have to write a blog post to get tickets. Details are on the Advertlets blog (link below). However, they have a limited number of seats for those from advertising and media agencies as well as publications, so do let us know at info@advertlets.com if you'll like to come.

Read more here:
http://www.advertlets.com/weblog/2008/05/27/advertlets-presents-made-of-honour-massive-movie-screening-in-june/

Or visit the Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/event.php?eid=22664496479

PS: we're considering having a drinks session after the movie. Let us know on your suggestions (where, when, etc).

Blogger Auditions
They're looking for some of the following: Parenting Bloggers, Bahasa Malaysia Bloggers, and Female Bloggers who Enjoy Spa & Beauty Treatments (this one is especially urgent) for some specific special projects. Do contact them if it sounds like something you'll be interested to be a part of: info@advertlets.com

Seriously, WTF is up with Petrol?
Here's an idea. Got a blog? Got some traffic? Advertlets.com lets you make some income with it.
It's for bloggers big and small, they have no minimum requirements at all. It's not just banner ads and cost per click - they also have sponsored blog post opportunities for you too, and community events.

Head down to http://www.Advertlets.com for more info and find out why in just about over a year of operations, they've built a blog advertising network with thousands of Malaysian Blogs and advertisers such as Starbucks, Toyota, EMI Music, HP, Celcom, Digi, Mediaprima & more.

Comedy Lounge Bar SaVanhToo

2008-06-14T16:11:00.003+08:00

Comedy Lounge
Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 9:00pm
Bar SaVanh Too, Plaza Mon't Kiara
Contact 60123391778
Email: communications@indochine-group.com

Air Con by Instant Cafe Theatre

2008-06-14T15:55:00.003+08:00

Instant Cafe Theatre Company (FIRSTWoRKS)
Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at 8:30pm
KLPAC Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan, Off Jalan Ipoh
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
RM 42, RM 27 (students, seniors)
Contact 0340479000
Email: firstworks@instantcafetheatre.com

Chep and Burn are top students in Sekolah Menengah Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah, an elite school in Kedah. Head Boy, Burn, is the school's golden boy and his best friend, Chep, is feared and respected by the younger boys for his quick temper and skill on the hockey field. The school is well respected for its strong academic and sports record. However the discovery of a dead prostitute in the abandoned railway tracks near their school unravels the status quo and we discover a less golden world of bullying, sex crimes and violence. Best friends William and Asif go from innocence to experience as they are forced to deal with the repercussions of the murder. But who is responsible for the murder and will they be held accountable?

Air Con challenges and interrogates the hypocritical habit of turning youth into scapegoats in times of moral panic. Ultimately, it casts a gentle albeit unflinching gaze at the perilous path of male adolescence, and interrogates the heartbreaking ways in which society often expects boys to become men.

Written by Shanon Shah

Directed by Jo Kukathas & Zalfian Fuzi

Produced by Susie Kukathas

TimeOut Comedy Thursday

2008-05-30T21:03:00.003+08:00

Speed Dating

2008-05-30T20:58:00.003+08:00

Date: Friday, 6th June 2008
Time: 6.30pm
Venue: Palm Square, Jaya One
Age Group: 29 to 35 (Female) & 33 to 41 (Male)

Theme: Art & Entertainment
Calling all movie (from art house to Hollywood) lovers to
those who pub crawl for live band performances.
Come & meet like minded singles!

Dating Fee: RM 45 per person (inclusive of food & drinks).
Booking: email name/gender/age to speeddate@jayaone.com.my to make a booking
Closing date: 3rd June 2008

Karen Nunis Blackstone Art Showcase

2008-05-28T16:49:00.003+08:00

Lobby, Hotel Equatorial
Jalan Sultan Ismail
Kuala Lumpur

KAREN NUNIS BLACKSTONE is a Malaysian artist residing in Singapore who has spent a significant number of years living in Japan.

Karen creates in various media - pastels, acrylics, charcoal & oil. Many of her acrylics combine the use of canvas, burlap & washi (Japanese rice paper), mounted on board, for a heavily textured finish. Her current series, however, focuses less on texture but more on line & fleeting moments of movement through her study of the female form.

Karen's art is also influenced by her interest in music. Apart from being a visual artist, Karen is a singer - songwriter - recording artiste. Her 2nd album, DARK SUN BIG RAIN, was recently released by her label, Rock Unite Music. Like her art, her music explores cultural universals, marrying eastern & western sensibilities.

For enquiries please contact Gerry at +6012 218 3595.

Theatre 4 Young People

2008-05-28T16:42:00.002+08:00

Singing For Funds - Cyclone Nargis Project

2008-05-25T14:54:00.003+08:00

P.Ramlee The Musical

2008-05-22T14:00:00.003+08:00

Date & Time: Wed 28 May - Sat 14 Jun 2008 (8.30pm, with additional 3pm shows on Sat & Sun)Venue: Panggung Sari, Istana Budaya

Back by popular demand, P.Ramlee The Musical pays tribute to one of Malaysia's most consummate entertainers - the legendary P. Ramlee whose outstanding body of work in film and music, and artistic genius survives even today, 35 years after his passing.

This dazzling musical will take audiences back to the glory days of the 50's, 60's and 70's with breath taking sets and props, stunning costumes and live music featuring original music by Singapore's Dick Lee and also some of P. Ramlee's most unforgettable pieces.

Learn more about the man - his loves, his dreams, his passion, his personal life, and what inspired him to write all those beautiful songs and films we love even today.

http://www.pramleethemusical.com

Colours of Malaysia, Flavours of Malaysia

2008-05-21T11:33:00.005+08:00

At the Putrajaya Palace of Justice, Malaysia celebrates its 10th anniversary of ‘Colours of Malaysia’ or Citrawarna with an explosive night of fun, flair and flavours. Creative lightshows and dazzling displays of fireworks will dapple the vast canvas of the evening sky as a host of dancers parade the length of Persiaran Perdana at Putrajaya promoting their ethnicity, culture and traditions proudly.

Thousands of performers from far swung corners of Malaysia will be displaying the uniqueness of their cultures, traditions and arts in the form of dance and music. The nation’s people celebrate with vigour and unity.

The show begins as the evening sun melts into the horizon, providing a cool respite from the day’s heat. Pre-show will commence at 5.00pm while the main event will take centre stage at 8.30pm and Post-show will start from 10.30pm onwards.

The celebration of colours will be further enriched with a month long celebration of Flavours of Malaysia or Citrarasa, to be held from 6th June till 8th June at the Titiwangsa Lake Garden in Kuala Lumpur, and will then be celebrated across the nation. The closing event will take place on 20 June 2008 in Miri, Sarawak.

Citrarasa aims to introduce a wide variety of delicious authentic local cuisine and selection of exotic fruits from the different states of Malaysia. A mélange of flavours tossed into unique selections of dishes specific to the people and locale demonstrates Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity.

There will be various food promotions and demonstrations at hotels, shopping malls and tourists’ destinations nationwide. Various activities like cooking competitions and demonstrations as well as live performances have been lined up to add spice to the festivities.

Starts 24th May 2008. Tourism Hotline: 1300-88-5050
www.coloursofmalaysia..com.my