Instant Theatre, curated by performance artists group, XiaoKe x ZiHan from China (All photos courtesy of George Town Festival)
Into its 9th year, the George Town Festival (GTF) – which runs from Aug 4 to Sept 2 – has matured into one of the most important arts and culture events for the Southeast Asian region, evidenced by the influx of participants from all around the world. Opened with a celebration of Malaysian cultural showcase last weekend, the UNESCO World Heritage site in and around the heart of Penang saw its annual transformation into an international arts stage, with over 100 events lined up.
The visionary creator and festival director of GTF, Joe Sidek, says of its growth, “It has been quite a journey with the festival over the past years. I have seen it grow within the community and gradually with the rest of the world.”
From its extensive programme of local and international performing arts shows, photography and art exhibitions, workshops, film festival, music performances and many, many more, we’ve earmarked 10 shows and activities we’re excited about:
Instant Theatre (Aug 10 & 11)
There’s something about seeing creation at its rawest, and this showcase, curated by performance artists group, XiaoKe x ZiHan from China, creates a platform for exactly that. Watch artists of various disciplines and backgrounds create on-the-spot live performances in an open public space.
Say No More (Aug 10, 11 and 12)
Twenty six female artists from Penang, Indonesia and Australia come together in this intimate and collaborative sharing of personal struggles, triumphs, defeats and survivals anchored upon, interestingly, a wedding setting.
WHIST (Aug 10-12, 16-19)
In an hour-long performance that mixes physical theatre, interactive Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), there's only one way to truly understand what UK-based AΦE dance company is trying to do — experience it for oneself. One thing’s for certain, the viewer is not just a bystander in this family’s story told from 76 perspectives.
The Poverty Line (Aug 11 to Sept 2, exlcluding Mondays)
What do people around the world eat? And what do they eat if they’re poor? That’s the question explored in this exhibition that spans daily food choices by those from 28 countries across six continents.
Isle of Dreams (Aug 18 & 19)
Pantomime and puppetry meet theatrical extravaganza in this “mythological musical” from Taiwan, which promises a poetic and visual experience played to hypnotising strains of traditional Nanguan and Beiguan music popular among Southern Chinese communities.
Konsert Kopitiam (Aug 18, Sept 1)
Two different local kopitiams in George Town — Asia Café and Kafe Hooi Ping — will be transformed into a live stage venue for one night each only. Enjoy a plate of char kuey teow and community vibes as musicians, poets, comedians and even magicians entertain in this event curated by lawyer and poet Cecil Rajendra.
Liar’s Walk (Aug 24, 25 and 26)
What better way to get to know a city than going on a guided tour? Except this one’s filled with treachery, and it’s up to you to tell truth from fiction in two incredibly fun tours complete with performance art, as well as prizes and forfeits waiting at the end.
KaBooM: Stories from Distant Frontlines (Aug 25 & 26)
Australian theatre maker Deborah Leiser-Moore brings her provoking work based on the experiences of frontline soldiers, all related with the accompanying presence of one female performer throughout, adding a women’s perspective to the “men at war” narrative.
Under the Kayon Tree (Aug 25 & 26)
The stories of Hang Li Po, Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat and Mahsuri come to life through the compelling voice of arts veteran Shanthini Venugopal, the magical sounds of award-winning composer Jyotsna Prakash, and dancers from the Temple of Fine Arts.
Blind (Aug 31 & Sept 1)
Don’t miss the group of men and women in blindfold walking slowly through the streets of the city, with their routes and actions planned by local Penangite themselves. The public performance invites you to ponder at your own pace — what have we become in this capitalistic world?
See the full line-up of the festival here.
