Front Row

How do you turn a street into a cultural hotspot? That’s exactly what Jalan Negara Kita is doing in Taman Melawati. Launched as a collaboration between artists and the local community, this initiative is bringing art, music, and creative experiences into the heart of the neighbourhood. We find out more from Nazura Rahime, the co-founder of Jalan Negara Kita, and Azhari Abd Taharim, the Chairman of...

Ever wanted to start an art collection but didn’t know where to begin? The Paramount Art A-Fair might just be the perfect place. Back for another edition at Awegallery , this mini art fair showcases a variety of artworks - all priced under RM5,000 - making art ownership more approachable. We speak to gallery owner and exhibition co-curator Dora Ong, to chat about this year’s featured artists, what...

Prof. Dr Jalaini Abu Hassan ’s artistic journey is one of memory—of places, people, and materials that shape his work. Trained at some of the world’s most prestigious art institutions, Jai remains deeply connected to his Malaysian roots, often reflecting on them through unexpected mediums like bitumen. In Sepia Tak Sepi , he brings these elements together, inviting us into a world where materialit...

What if dance wasn’t just about movement, but a way to reconnect—with yourself, with others, and even with the planet? That's at the heart of Touch Me Hold Me Let Me Go , a unique performance by Malaysia-born, Vancouver-based artist Lee Su-Feh, in collaboration with sound designer Kent Lee, and lighting/multimedia designer Syamsul Azhar. Blending lecture, poetry, music, and movement, this immersiv...

Do Malaysian children still know the stories of Sang Kancil, and the princesses of old? That question sparked Dondang Dongeng , a musical celebration of Malaysia’s rich folklore, which was first staged back in 2023. With five BOH Cameronian Arts Awards under its belt now, the show is a bold retelling of these timeless tales through song and storytelling. Joining us are Melina William (Creative Dir...

If you love classical music, or if you’re curious but haven’t quite taken the plunge, you’ll want to check out the debut performance of 12tone Ensemble ’s string orchestra, Strings À La Carte . Featuring a creative "concert menu" concept, this performance highlights the rich variety of the string repertoire, which includes works from Dvorak, Kreisler, Elgar, Holst and Arlen. We speak to concertmas...

Love is complicated. And if you’ve ever felt like Tamil cinema’s epic love stories set the bar a little too high - or hilariously low - then Kaadhal Tholvigal - The Failed Romances is the show for you. Created by TerryandTheCuz , this hybrid cabaret blends music, theatre, and storytelling to explore the highs, lows, and over-the-top drama of romance through the lens of Tamil films. Ahead of its de...

Love is in the air, and what better way to celebrate it than with timeless classics from the golden age of music? Yesterday Once More: Love Is All You Need brings together a stellar lineup of vocalists, including Joel Wong and Rachel Liu, to serenade audiences with hits from Nat King Cole, Aretha Franklin, The Beatles, and more. Ahead of this Valentine’s Day concert, we chat with Joel and Rachel a...

Poly is an absurdist play intertwining three tales: a criminal under scrutiny, a cult’s obsessive search for a saviour, and a couple unravelling in the face of betrayal. Written by Ian Skatu, this surreal exploration of communication and human connection blends mystery, humour, and chaos, to challenge the audience’s perception of reality in a world teetering on the edge of absurdity. We speak to d...

Mélange in art is the fusion of diverse ideas, styles, materials, or cultures to craft something distinctive. Much like a collage, it brings together contrasting elements—traditional and modern techniques, global and local influences, or various art forms like painting, music, and sculpture. This is the theme of Beautiful Mélange , a group art exhibition presented by Satu: Creative Collective , fe...

Art often reflects the artist’s journey, but for Kevin Loo , it also tells the story of his evolving relationship with his son. In his latest exhibition at Awe Gallery , Huios: Sons, Kevin and his 8-year-old son, Alexander , have created a body of work that reflects the power of generational connection through abstract expressionism. We explore the story behind the exhibition with Kevin and Alexan...

Harith Iskander needs little introduction - he’s often called the ‘Godfather of Malaysian Stand-Up Comedy,’ and with good reason too. Over 35 years, he has carved a unique space in the comedy world, blending sharp observations with humour that resonates across cultures. As he prepares for his upcoming performance, DFP Punchline: Harith Iskander, 35 Years of Laughter at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas,...

Dato' Zahim Albakri, Executive Producer and Director | Ida Nerina, Executive Producer Description: For nearly three decades, Jit Murad’s plays and performances touched audiences with their humor, honesty, and sharp reflections on Malaysian identity and society. Now, on what would have been his 65th birthday, the theatre community will celebrate his extraordinary legacy in What A Load of Jit , a on...

Experience the best of Broadway in Kuala Lumpur with Musical Treasures , a vibrant showcase of beloved musicals, which isn’t just a treat for theatre lovers - it’s a call to action in the fight against cancer. With a dynamic cast and a mission to inspire, this latest production by choreographer Farah Sulaiman is hoping to raise RM300,000 for Cancer Research Malaysia’s pioneering initiatives. We sp...

“ Searching… ” weaves together four short musicals, from a father’s frantic search for his missing daughter to a young couple exploring love through their GPS device. These intimate stories explore heartache and healing, capturing the fleeting moments often overlooked in daily life. Presented by TUTAS Conservatory's seventh graduating class, this inaugural musical, written by Nick Choo and directe...

Invisible Habitudes is a contemporary dance performance that explores the intricacies of identity, belonging, and diversity, in a rapidly shifting world. The evocative performance has captivated audiences across Europe, and is now coming to Malaysia this month, presented by The Human Expression Dance Company (T.H.E Dance Company), led by Kuik Swee Boon, the Founding Artistic Director and Main Chor...

The 1990s in Kuala Lumpur were marked by rapid urbanisation, economic growth, and a wave of national pride. Beneath this optimism, however, a dynamic counterculture was brewing—a movement that embraced parody, play, and artistic experimentation to challenge mainstream narratives and authority. Boom Boom Bang: Play and Parody in 1990s KL , now on display at ILHAM Gallery, captures this transformati...

The holidays are almost here, a time for joy, reflection, and giving back. This year, Holly Jolly Holidays , presented by The Philharmonic Society of Selangor or “The Phil”, brings all three together in a spectacular concert that also supports the work of The National Autism Society of Malaysia. We speak to Brenda James, the Chairperson of  The Philharmonic Society of Selangor, and Cason Ong,...

When Double Punctum first premiered a decade ago, it marked a groundbreaking moment in the Malaysian performing arts scene by blending photography, theatre, and dance. Now, under the guidance of director Loh Kok Man from Pentas Project, the production returns with a restructured version of its 'White Paper' segment, bringing new life to the original vision. We speak to dancers and performers Ming...

Christmas with Mr. Bach - An Interactive Family Concert promises to blend the magic of the holiday season, with an educational journey through the life and music of Johann Sebastian Bach and his talented family. We catch up with Professor Dr. David Chin, the Founder and Artistic Director of Bachfest Malaysia , to discuss the inspiration behind this festive concert, the enchanting elements that mak...

What does it take to keep the arts alive? For the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC), it means constant innovation, collaboration, and a touch of magic. Their latest effort, Laugh, Love, Give with Harith & Friends , is a fundraising variety show aimed at supporting the centre’s mission as it heads into its 20th anniversary. We’re joined by Artistic Director and Co-Founder Joe Hasham a...

Mortal Man: Two Monologues by renowned playwright Leow Puay Tin, is described as a unique exploration of the lives and formative influences of two Malaysian artists, and brings to life Puay Tin's signature "tikam-tikam" storytelling method - a blend of performance and chance that creates a deeply personal yet universally resonant narrative. Presented by Five Arts Centre , we speak to the productio...

Ring in the holiday season with December's Gifts , a year-end concert presented by Musicians Linkage , happening for one night only. This musical celebration promises an enchanting evening featuring a delightful blend of classical and contemporary pop music. With performances by Nixon Tan, Insyirah Azlan, and rising star Sophia Li ZhuChen in her debut solo, the concert is a celebration of musical...

The Bhai Mardana International Festival of Music 2024 , titled Raga Rang, is set to take place, organised by the Bhai Mardana Sangeet Academy (BMSA) in collaboration with Thrive Talent Tank. This maiden festival celebrates the rich heritage of Indian classical music and dance, and features a stellar lineup of local talents and renowned artists from India. The two-day event promises mesmerizing per...

Retro swing sensations Sean Ghazi and Ida Mariana are back with Tarakucha! Snapshots , promising a fusion of retro, jazz, and Malaysian flavours. Presenting the Malaysian songbook through the show, the dynamic duo join us to share more about the immersive performances in store, with wall-to-wall musicians spanning the entire BoboKL stage-wall, and which features the 12-piece “terrer-menerrer” big...