Jazz It Up For Charity, at ALOFT KL Sentral, 16 Feb, 7pm
A night of entertainment, with singers Elvira Arul, Sean Ghazi, Datuk Yusni Hamid, and Malaysian beauty pageant queen Sanjna Suri. This fundraiser is for two vital spaces run by SEED Malaysia; a drop-in center in Chow Kit and SEED Malaysia T-Home, which provide support for the homeless, trans people, and those living with HIV.
Ticket prices for individual seats begin at RM150. Contact mitch.yusof@seedfoundation.com.my, nishaayub5479@gmail.com or +03 2697 0655 to book tickets.
More info here.
Norm and Ahmed, at klpac, 12–17 Feb
This play centres on a midnight conversation between a Pakistani student and an Australian workman. First staged in Malaysia by The Actors Studio in 1989, this 2019 production is part of their 30th anniversary. In recognition of the play’s take on racism, the shows begin with a selection of poetry and songs featuring Amelia Tan, Ian Chow, Omar Ali, Mark Beau de Silva, Sandra Sodhy, Sheena B, Sukania Venugopal & Dr. Wan Zawawi.
Tickets are RM65 (RM50 concessions). More info here.
The Romantic Violin, at Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, at 13 Feb, 8:30pm
The MPO performs with violinist Akiko Suwanai, the youngest winner of the Tchaikovsky International Competition (1990). The programme consists of Mozart’s Così fan tutte Overture, Haydn’s Symphony No. 104 ‘London’, Brahms Violin Concerto, Sarasate’s Zigeunerwisen.
Tickets begin at RM56. More info here.
Forsea and Democracy Fest 2019, at White Box and Black Box Publika, 13–17 Feb
This festival includes the launch of FORSEA (Forces of Renewal Southeast Asia), along with a conference on SEA sociopolitical issues, music performances, artist sharing sessions, documentary film screenings, and booths by 40 regional NGOs.
Of note is Democracy in Action, curated by Intan Rafiza. This is a group exhibition of documentation by 21 Southeast Asian artists who are directly involved in social movements. Artists include Shaq Koyok, Pangrok Sulap and many more from Malaysia, and performance artist Arahmaiani and artist collective Taring Padi of Indonesia. Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad delivers the keynote address, 16 Feb, 11am.
Admission is free. Official FB page here. Full festival programme here (3.2MB PDF). Official FORSEA website here.
Sharon Chin: Ingin Jadi Pelukis Drawings 2013 – 2018, at HOM Art Trans, 13–20 Feb
An exhibition of artist Sharon Chin’s drawings, including illustrations, activist work, graphic journalism, and drawings for artworks. The opening reception is on 13 Feb (Weds), 7–10pm. These works represent the artist’s thrills and challenge in drawing, as well as the joy of fulfilling the vision of what her local community imagines of an artist.
Admission is free. More info here.
Pierrot Lumière, at DPAC Black Box, 14 Feb, 8pm
A collaborative multimedia sound performance. The show combines a celebrated interpretation of Arnold Schönberg’s masterpiece Pierrot Lunaire by collective MAM.manufaktur für aktuelle musik, and an immersive video installation by WARPED TYPE.
Tickets are RM50 (RM45 for DPAC members). More info here.
TJIS Vol. 27 : Valentine’s Special [ BYOB ], at InTun Nation, 14 Feb, 8pm
This Valentine’s Day edition of poetry open mic The Jack It! Series has two headlining spoken word poets: Jack Malik and Farah Aiman are both familiar faces in the poetry scene, and have each represented Malaysia in the Causeway Exchange Poetry Slam. Singer-songwriter Suehaila will also be performing. Those interested in performing at the open mic should register early.
Admission is RM20. More info here.
Bobo Nose, at Bobo KL, 16 Feb, 9:30pm
A fabulous Rainbow Valentine event with drag performance by Carmen Rose, comedy by Nuha, spoken word with Sheena Baharudin and songs performed by Joshua Gui.
Admission is RM60 (RM45 for diners), reservations recommended. More info here.
The Weight of Our Sky: Book Launch!, at Kinokuniya KLCC, 16 Feb, 5pm
Hanna Alkaf’s debut young adult novel, The Weight of Our Sky, has been making waves with its beautiful cover artwork, promise of a strong Malaysian story in the international literary scene, and splendid critical reviews. The author will do a reading, host a Q&A, sign books — and there’ll be exclusive launch-only merchandise.
Admission is free. More info here.
Feminis Buatan Malaysia 2: #MYMeToo: Sexual Harassment in M’sia, at AWAM, 16 Feb, 10am–12pm
As part of the Feminis Buatan Malaysia series, AWAM is hosting a discussion on sexual harassment in Malaysia and the upcoming Sexual Harassment Bill. Discussion will also look at bystander roles and how one can intervene in a situation or provide support to peers.
Participation is free. More info here. RSVP here.
Chia Yu Chian: Private Lives, at ILHAM Gallery, 17–23 June
ILHAM Gallery’s latest show focuses on artist Chia Yu Chian’s practice, showcasing his paintings from the late 1960s until his passing in 1990. The works offer a portrait of a city and its people. Exhibition opening is on 16 Feb (Sat), 6pm, and open to public.
Image: Chia Yu Chian, Queue Up, (1970).
Admission is free. More info here.
For events in Penang this week, go to 
.
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.