Weekend for the arts: 'Sang Kancil & Dragon King' musical, art of 'Consent'
PERFORMING ARTS: 'SANG KANCIL AND THE DRAGON KING'

Venue: PJPAC, 1 Utama

Date: Feb 29 to March 3

The Year of the Dragon is a big inspiration for the new musical Sang Kancil And The Dragon King, which is opening at PJPAC tonight.

The children’s musical, presented by theatre company Liver And Lung, tells the story of schoolboy Ben, who is transformed into Sang Kancil. He must win over the Dragon King using his wit in order to transform back to a human.

Directed by Shafeeq Shajahan, the musical stars Joshua Anthony Gui, Putrina Rafie and Phraveen Arikiah.

“Sang Kancil And The Dragon King is more than just a musical. It’s a vibrant celebration of cultural stories, coming together to create a narrative that is as educational as it is entertaining,” says Shafeeq, Liver And Lung co-founder, who also wrote the musical production.

The 70-minute musical features original music and lyrics, developed in collaboration with singer-songwriter Irena Taib (from indie group The Impatient Sisters) and Ji Yong.

More info here.

PERFORMING ARTS: STORYTELLING SHAKESPEARE: ROMEO & JULIET

Venue: Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPac), Empire Damansara

Date: March 3, 1pm and 3pm

The KL Shakespeare Players are staging their interactive, family-friendly performance of Romeo & Juliet this weekend at the Damansara Children Arts Festival. The 60-minute play will be performed in English in a garden-like setting, with actors Lim Soon Heng, Nurul Sofia and Nave VJ bringing the Bard's iconic story to life.

The audience can expect to become part of the play as the tale’s feuding families – the Montagues and the Capulets – taunt each other across the stage. You’ll also be encouraged to stand up and dance from your seat, respond to open-ended questions about what to do and weigh-in on the punishment to be meted out.

At some point, the audience will even help make a special potion for Juliet.

This fun-filled production is one of the many highlights of the Damansara Children Arts Festival (Feb 29 to March 3). Apart from storytelling sessions, craft workshops, gaming zone and an arts camp, other theatre performances to check out include the Bottle Man Magic Troupe from Taiwan, music from renowned pianist Dr Esther Shin, the well-loved Johor Baru Children’s Arts Society, and movement sessions from the Dance Space academy.

There will also be a children’s market. Just look up the festival programme, to pick out a fun arts activity!

More info here.

The Badan Warisan Malaysia building in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. It will be rolling out its fundraising Collectible Fair 2024 on March 2. Photo: Filepic/The Star

BADAN WARISAN MALAYSIA COLLECTIBLE FAIR 2024

Venue: Badan Warisan Heritage Centre, Kuala Lumpur

Date: March 2, 10am-5pm

Treasure hunters gather! This Saturday, Badan Warisan Malaysia (The Heritage of Malaysia Trust) is rolling out its fundraising Collectible Fair 2024.

If you are an avid collector, come join the fun at this event to find hidden gems, while supporting Badan Warisan Malaysia's cause. There will be various collectible items, including pre-loved antiques, artworks (originals and prints), china/porcelain, brassware, furniture, oriental rugs, and vintage books.

All items are on an “as is where is” basis and will be sold on a “first come, first served” basis. No refunds, no exchanges.

Beyond the cultural exploration, the event is distinguished by its fundraising purpose, with proceeds dedicated to supporting initiatives that contribute to the preservation and promotion of our shared heritage.

Free admission event.

More info here.

A visitor hugs Xeem Noor's artwork titled ‘Articulation’ (knitted variegated yarn and papier-mache beads, 2024) at the 'Consent' show at Temu House. Photo: The Star/William Gary

EXHIBITION: 'CONSENT'

Venue: Temu House, Petaling Jaya

Date: ends March 3

Consent might bring to mind a negative reaction given the subject matter, but this exhibition in the cozy space of Temu House is actually a creative playground where visitors have the opportunity to touch, grab and play with most of the artworks.

There are 11 artists that make up this exhibition, including Australians David Blumenstein, Linda Brescia, Lada Dedic, Giselle Stanborough, and Garry Trinh, while the Malaysians are Joanne Loo, Nadia Nizamuddin, Xeem Noor, Trina Teoh, Umar Sharif and Tep York.

Each of their pieces, a playful mix of mediums, opens a dialogue about "consent".

Curated by Dedic and Sharmin Parameswaran, the works focus on the relationship between curator, artist, and the audience.

“Each artist gives different access to their art. Some are open (to touching the artwork) while others are more hesitant and protective, understandably,” says Sharmin.

“It’s been fascinating to see not only the artist's presentation of their ideas, but also how different audiences react to being given or denied consent to interacting with the artworks,” adds Dedic.

You can view a diverse range of artworks, including digital media, illustrations, installations, textile and interactive art. You can even draw some art on the spot (there is a stack of pens provided) and have it kept in the exhibition.

Admission is free.

More info here.

Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra conductor Ahmad Muriz Che Rose is set to merge the worlds of keroncong and ghazal with orchestral music this weekend. Photo: The Star/Yap Chee Hong

MUSIC: SIMFONI BUDAYA: KERONCONG & GHAZAL
Arts,PJPAC,Temu House,MPO,Keroncong,Ghazal,The Back Room,DPAC
A list of arts and culture events to check out in the Klang Valley this weekend and beyond