Hua (華) Settler Imaginary in Borneo, at Malaysia Design Archive, 19 July 8pm
Academic Dr Zhou Hau Liew presents ‘Preliminary Thoughts on the Hua Settler Imaginary in Borneo: Cultural Mapping, Revolutionary Communism, and the Ideas of Chineseness’. This talk rethinks the legacy of communism in Sarawak through cultural mapping.
Image: Lanfang Republic Borneo Map, source unknown.
More info here.
Hannan Azlan presents Foreign Scum (Comedy Show) at Twenty20Two, 20 July, 9pm
Hannan Azlan is a fast rising comedian — quirky, lewd, and occasionally breaking out into raucous song accompanied by her ukulele. She’ll be bringing some of that BDE to this comedy show as the host, and presenting young comedians from Australia, Bahrain, Brunei and the Maldives. Tickets are RM25 (reservations) or RM30 (at the door).
For mature audiences only.
More info here.
What Am I, A Bloody Banyan Tree? at Lot’ng Arts Space, 19–29 July, 8:45pm and Sunday 3pm matinees
A teacher struggling with her beliefs takes centre stage in this story of meaning, identity, and human worth. This monologue was first staged in 2016, and has since been updated with a trilingual script (English, Malay and Hokkien). Marina Tan is both actor and writer, and the play is directed by Christopher Ling. Tickets are RM33–RM43. English surtitles available.
Mature Audience Advisory: This play contains scenes and language that may trigger and offend.
More info here.
Indicinelive! V, at klpac, 19–29 July, 8:30pm
How will the local arts scene tackle the politics of the “new Malaysia” post-GE14? This edition of popular revue show Indicinelive features five young writers (Ariff Kamil, Veshalini Naidu, Freddy Tan, Terence Toh, Tung Jit Yang) backed by a large ensemble. Tickets tend to sell out, so if you’re keen, get them early. Tickets are RM60 each (RM50 concessions; and Buy 3 Free 1 Promo) .
Sample their humour here.
Selam 2.0 Film Premiere (Director’s Cut), The Bee, 20 July 8pm
See the director’s cut of this award-winning mat rempit sci-fi short film by Mien Ly. There are also performances by singer-songwriter Brendan de Cruz, band Khaimano, queer punk Shh…Diam! and Nadir.
Cover charge RM25 inclusive of one drink (RM15 for students).
More information here.
Good Vibes Festival, at The Ranch in Gohtong Jaya, 21–22 July
This annual music festival is a mix of local and international acts — headliners include Lorde and Sza. Local acts to watch out for: Kyoto Protocol, Pastel Lite, Noh Salleh and DangerDisko. There will also be art installations, food, and other activities onsite.
Some tickets are still available (RM360–400 for both days).
Book Discussion: Becoming Arab by Sumit Mandal, at Malaysia Design Archive, 21 July 3pm
This discussion will focus on historian Sumit K Mandal’s latest publication, Becoming Arab: Creole Histories and Modern Identity in the Malay World. The book uncovers hybridity and transregional connections underlying modern Asian identities.
Discussants: Sumit Mandal, writer and producer Mayang Al-Mohdhar, and history academic Afra Alatas.
More info here.
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