Friday, 16 Apr 2021 04:50 PM MYT
BY MELANIE CHALIL
Malaysian folktales ‘Si Tanggang’ and ‘Badang’ come to life on stage this weekend at Penangpac. Picture courtesy of Penangpac
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PETALING JAYA, April 16 Why wait for the next Disney film to represent South-east Asian or Malaysian culture when our very own folktales offer the same magic, mystery and marvel, if not more?
To get Malaysians acquainted and re-acquainted with stories from our past, the Performing Arts Centre of Penang (Penangpac) will be bringing audiences a five-part series titled
Once Upon a Time to showcase Malaysian folklore that have captured the imaginations of generations before us.
Faridah is using the International Women’s Day Celebration 2021 platform and a virtual arts show special to draw attention to the plight of PenangPac. Photo: KLPac
Datuk Faridah Merican, the First Lady of Malaysian Theatre, is rolling up her sleeves to get the performing arts back on track despite the Government’s recent decision to delay the return of live audiences to theatre venues nationwide.
The Malaysian performing arts scene is hurting right now, with the days of empty theatres to continue and no recovery roadmap in place. The Government s health and safety regulations have not been loosened in terms of giving performing arts venues and theatres the opportunity to return with a limited live audience and under strict SOPs.
Theatre practitioners are unhappy that under the new MKN guidelines, live performances are allowed but must be held without a live audience. Photo: Filepic
With Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Johor and Penang effectively switching to the conditional movement control order (CMCO) from March 5-18, the National Security Council (MKN) has also updated its guidelines for live performances.
Under the new guidelines, all events, shows or live performances in the creative industry are allowed but must be held without a live audience.
Understandably, many arts and culture practitioners are unhappy with the guidelines. After all, cinemas are allowed to resume operations starting March 5 with a 50% capacity.