Presented by Marrow Collective and performed by interdisciplinary artist Kar Kah Chan, in collaboration with cinematographer Joie Koo, dancers Ker Yee Teng and Winnie Tay Yi Xuan, Malaysian composer Yii Kah Hoe, and visual artist Sim Hoi Ling, “SERENITY: A Glimpse Through the Traditional Lenses” is a screening session, a performance, and a brief workshop that aims to connect traditional art forms with contemporary practices in dance and discover the vibrancy and diversities of the Malaysian art scene. Inspired by two classical tragic female characters in kabuki and Chinese opera – Sagi Musume (Heron Maiden) and Yokihi (Lady Yang Gui Fei) – which were famously recreated and portrayed by Kabuki actor Bando Tamasaburo V, the contemporary dance work of the programme aims to reflect on the commonalities and aesthetics created from the memories of kabuki and Chinese opera. Meanwhile, the screening session is a 15-minute site-specific performance and digital work that captures still images and subtle movements in contrast with the traditional houses of Malaysia, relocated in Rimbun Dahan, the home of architect Hijjas Kasturi and his wife Angela. The programme culminates with a brief workshop to introduce the artist’s practice to the general public and art communities in Penang.