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Following this thread of artistic exploration, classical forms offer a captivating perspective in telling local tales, bridging the past and the present.

Adapting different stories to traditional art beckons the need for experimentation, which, according to contemporary dancer and choreographer Aida Redza, requires the experience of discomfort for both artists and audiences.

“With my knowledge about the traditions of Penang, I am helping to inject some local elements in the stories, characters, costumes, music and dialogues so that local audiences can relate to the performances more,” says ethnomusicologist and Ombak Potehi founder Tan Sooi Beng, who is grateful for the platform and…

Bulareyaung Pagarlava is an indigenous choreographer from the Paiwan tribe of Taiwan. He first aspired to become a dancer at the age of 12 and later enrolled in the Dance Department of the Taipei National University of the Arts to pursue his calling. Upon graduation, Bulareyaung joined the Cloud Gate…

George Town Festival has been a platform of choice for local artists to reach a global audience – the Festival has amassed a large international following over the years. But when the COVID-19 outbreak hit and the MCO came into effect in March 2020, the crisis for the Festival was…

If there’s one thing we know about Azmi Hussin, it’s that he works hard. At one point in his life, the then father of two with a third on the way had only RM 2.50 in his pocket. While sitting at the Esplanade scrolling through his phone to see who…

The creative industry is increasingly being recognised as one of the key driving factors for economies worldwide. Indeed, the importance of the creative economy was given acknowledgement on a global stage when in 2019, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2021 to be the International Year of Creative Economy for…

The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted our lives, and it’s been particularly challenging for individuals living with disabilities. The sudden change in routine can be startling for people with autism spectrum disorder. The visually impaired people struggle to maintain a physically-distanced space without being able to see it. Staying at home…

Penang is pretty special. Other than its street food, the state’s charm lies in its photogenic settings. From its colonial and heritage buildings to its people, culture, rugged landscapes, idyllic seascapes and humble street food, there’s always a postcard-perfect view waiting to be captured. During the day, this fascinating state…

Nine years ago, you wouldn’t be able to imagine that George Town would soon be a recognised street art capital in the world, in league with the likes of New York and Berlin. That’s because it wasn’t; until sometime in 2012, when the arts broke out from within the confines…