For events in Penang this week, go to the Penang Free Sheet.
Finding Cik Siti Wan Kembang, at The Zhongshan Building, 14 Mar, 8–10pm
In the legend of Kelantan, there are two warrior queens by the name of Cik Siti Wan Kembang who played important roles in the state’s history. Rusaslina Idrus presents a lecture on both extraordinary women who defied conservative gender norms and roles in society, and their changing meaning within Kelantanese and Malaysian society over time.
More info here.
Made In America, at Bobo KL, 13–15 Mar, 9:30pm
Can two Malaysian screenwriters encapsulate The American Dream, and write the perfect American film? Will it be a liberal arthouse movie, or a summer blockbuster? This performance is a collaboration between artists from Malaysia and Australia, about America. Presented by Terryandthecuz, featuring Douglas Lim and Gavin Yap. Content warning applies.
Admission is RM70 (RM55 for diners). More info here.
Lao Ban Series, at The Saxophone Store, 15 Mar, 8:30pm
An event co-organised by Lao Ban records, a label that focuses on experimental and improvised music. While the performers are known, it is difficult to guess ahead what will happen here. If you’re interested in how words and sounds might combine in an experimental group performance, this night may have some good surprises in store for you.
Admission is RM20 (students RM15). More info here.
Nadirah, at Revolution Stage Studio, 13–17 Mar, 9pm
What is the impact of interfaith marriages on a person or their family? Singaporean playwright Alfian Sa’at’s critically-acclaimed play Nadirah follows the titular character, a young woman, and her conflicts with love and religion, while living with her mother in Singapore.
Tickets begin at RM25. English surtitles available. More info here.
Malam Pertempuran Sakti, at Gerakbudaya Rooftop, 15 Mar, 8:30pm
A night of solidarity taking place in the wake of a backlash towards the recent International Women’s Day rally. There will be poetry, conversation, music by Takahara Suiko, a monologue by theatre performer Marina Tan, and the company of many women activists. Apparently, there will also be satay served.
More info here.
Rimbun Dahan’s March Open Day, at Rimbun Dahan, 16 Mar, 2–6pm
Rimbun Dahan opens up its gardens, studios and private gallery to members of the public. Visitors are invited to view works in progress by resident artists Ajim Juxta (Malaysia), Ruth Marbun (Indonesia) and Syarifah Nadhirah (Malaysia). Resident writer Dipika Mukherjee (Malaysia) will host a writing workshop. Angela Hijjas will conduct a garden tour at 2:30pm.
Admission is free. More info here.
Sunny Side Up — A Chamber Concert, at klpac, 16–17 Mar
The klpac Symphonic Band marks its tenth anniversary with a family-friendly programme of popular tunes performed in an intimate chamber setting. The repertoire includes music from famous animes and video games, evergreen classics, folk songs and more. The production is a fundraiser concert, and will collect items in need for the underprivileged (please check the wish list).
More info here.
Formosa, at Istana Budaya, 16–17 Mar
Renowned dance troupe Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan presents the Southeast Asian debut of their internationally-acclaimed and award-winning production, Formosa. See the history that shaped Taiwan, through choreography set to calligraphy visuals and contemporary Taiwanese poetry about the island.
Ticket prices begin at RM128 (students RM98). Discounts available. More info here.
Women are Women’s Greatest Enemies?, at AWAM, 16 Mar, 10am–12pm
A discussion on patriarchal bargains and the driving forces behind why people advocate against their own interests. This session is facilitated by women’s NGO AWAM, as part of their Feminis Buatan Malaysia series.
Registration is required (by Wednesday, 5pm). More info here.
A Textbook Problem of What’s Wrong With Our Education, at Gerakbudaya, 16 Mar, 2–4:30pm
Following the Education Ministry’s call for proposals to improve the national narratives presented within school textbooks, this panel evaluates the current scholarship of Malaysia’s history textbooks. Panellists Dr Helen Ting, Dr Ranjit Singh Malhi, and Fahmi Reza will discuss opening up the single-perspective narratives in textbooks, pedagogical strategies, and politically sensitive events erased from our narrative of history. The session will be moderated by Imran Rasid.
Admission is free. More info here.
Revelations, at Yellow Brick Road, 17 Mar, 8pm
A concert by Wicked Music People, which specialises in highlighting early music (late Renaissance and baroque). It’ll be a rare chance to hear a harpsichord in person — made more notable by the fact that WMP assembled this harpsichord in a journey that took over two years. They’ll perform a selection of vocal and instrumental pieces ranging from early baroque to Bach and Handel. To book a seat (recommended), email wickedmusicpeople@gmail.com or message them on Facebook.
Admission is RM35. More info here.
8th World Summit on Arts and Culture, at klpac, 11–14 Mar
The summit’s theme is ‘Mobile Minds: Culture, Knowledge and Change’. Delegates will examine how actors from across the cultural sector work together to actively lead change. Those interested in policy, governance, and shaping culture and arts in the future can take a look at the programme here.
Registration is required. Fee for those attending the summit independent of organisations begin at RM1,000. Official website here.
For those who are not attending, live broadcast feed of the first day is here. The UN’s report of the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights available for download here (PDF).
Note: All information is correct at the time of publication. Please confirm directly with the organisers/event websites. ArtsEquator is not responsible for any changes to the schedule of events. If you have an event you’d like us to highlight, please email events[at]artsequator.com.