Merdeka State of Mind documentary screenings, at APW, 8 & 9 Sept, 8pm
A celebration of freedom of expression in Bangsar, this festival features two nights of timely documentary screenings: the subjects of child brides in Malaysia, and the Orang Asli blockades currently under siege in Kelantan. The director for each film will be available after the screening for a Q&A.
More info here.
Interdisciplinary Art Festival Tokyo (IAFT) 17/18 in Malaysia, at Lostgens’ Contemporary Art Space, 1–11 Sept
The exhibition includes works shown in IAFT17/18 last March 2018. IAFT is a festival founded in Japan to “shatter the current norm of fixed spaces and audiences”. The works are video installations by artists Sung Nam Han, Hiroko Okada and Shuhei Nishiyama, and include themes of examining prejudices against older women in Japan, and interrogation on social issues such as unemployment.
More info here.
All Female Comedy Show, at Crackhouse Comedy Club KL, 3 Sept, 9pm
Sixteen female comedians take the comedy stage (some for the first time) to entertain you. Winner of Comedy Star Programme 2018, Shaq, will be headlining the show. Comedian Quirky Juliana will be hosting. Tickets are RM25 online, RM30 at the door.
Tribute Night to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, at No Black Tie, 5–6 Sept, 9pm
For those who want company in remembrance of the late Aretha Franklin: A tribute night to celebrate her music. Performed by Shanghai-based vocalist Denise Mininfield, accompanied by Jingles (Bass), Wan Gigi (Guitar), and Steve Thornton (Percussions). Admission is RM50.
More info here
malaysian citizenship, A Solo Exhibition by Kentaro Hiroki, at A+ Works of Art, 6–29 Sept
Kentaro Hiroki, an artist based in Thailand, holds his first solo exhibition in Malaysia after a year of investigating the country’s history, anthem and pivotal moments in the formation of its people’s identities. This exhibition features a reproduction of malaysian citizenship, Tan Sri Mohamed Suffian’s book detailing the laws defining a Malaysian citizen.
Opening is at 6 Sept (Thurs), 7pm.
More info here.
Ilham Conversations: Deeper Than Indigo, at ILHAM Gallery KL, 8 Sept, 11am
Jenny Balfour Paul, world leading authority on indigo, will be speaking at ILHAM. In this illustrated talk, the speaker will discuss her acclaimed book Deeper Than Indigo (2015). Admission is free.
More info here.
S+S Film, at klpac, 7–8 Sept, 8:30pm
SHORT + SWEET festival returns to klpac this year with a new category: short films! All works are ten minutes or less, which makes S+S a good way to get a sample of everything out there. Audience members also get to vote for their favourite productions, and send their favourites to the finals.
More info here.
I am Ravana – A journey with Rama, at The Temple of Fine Arts, 6–8 Sept
Critically acclaimed I am Ravana is a headliner in DiverseCity KL Intl Arts Festival (KLIAF). The dance production is a collaboration between Saraswati Mahavidhyalaya (Australia) and Temple of Fine Arts (Malaysia). This show is an alternate take on classic Indian epic Ramayana, and interrogates the duality of good vs evil.
More info here.
Eggsistentialism, at 11 Jalan Tangsi, 7 Sept, 8:30pm
Part of KLIAF, Eggsistentialism is an award-winning comedic autobiographical journey of writer/performer Joanne Ryan trying to decide in her final years of fertility on whether or not to have a child. A multimedia show that combines live elements of comedy, autobiography and testimony. Tickets are RM50.
More info here.
Amidst The Wind 《风中二十》 by 共享空间专业舞团 Dua Space Dance Theatre, at Istana Budaya, 8–9 Sept,
A 20th anniversary celebration for the dance company, this show is a collaboration with renowned modern dance troupe City Contemporary Dance Company (Hong Kong) in their Malaysian debut. This show combines 11 highlighted excerpts from the repertoire of both dance companies. Tickets begin at RM68.
More info here.
Majlis Perasmian Meraikan 60 Tahun Balai Seni Negara 1958 – 2018, at National Art Gallery, 4 Sept, 8pm*
A ceremony to celebrate 60 years of the National Art Gallery, to be officiated by the prime minister of Malaysia. If you’ve never met, seen or heard from the current Minister of Tourism, Art and Culture — this is your chance! His deputy and sec-gen will be there too.
Official FB listing here. Invite mentioned here.
*The invite says the event begins at 8pm, but according to the schedule, it seems guests who are not VIPs are required to turn up by 6:30pm.
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