Bfm :: Front Row

KL City Opera (KLCO) will be presenting Opera Si! La Bohemia, a stunning reimagining of Puccini's La Bohème, set in 1960s Malaya, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Puccini’s death. Directed by Amelia Tan, this production transports audiences to the golden age of P. Ramlee and the Shaw Brothers’ film industry, blending classic opera with the cinematic flair and vibrant culture of the era. Featuring a talented double cast, the performances promise a visual and auditory feast, and we find out all about it from conductor Dr Bernard Tan, and tenor Tan Chee Shen.

Dua Space Dance Theatre's upcoming production Purnama explores the moon's symbolism through Malaysia's rich multi-ethnic heritage. Taking inspiration from the moon's phases—new, crescent, quarter, and full—Purnama beautifully intertwines traditional and contemporary dance to reflect the cultural narratives that the moon has inspired throughout human civilisation. We find out more about this performance from Lim Hong Jie, a senior dancer and the Assistant Artistic Director from Dua Space Dance Theatre.Image Credit: Duo Space Dance Theatre Sdn Bhd

We're promised a clucking good time at the upcoming dance production, A Hen-Made Tale, the Dance, a collaboration between KL Shakespeare Players, Kenny Shim Dance Collective, ASK Dance Company, and Asia Ballet Academy. Based on the children's book written by Lim Soon Heng, the story is a whimsical tale of scheming hens, which is now being brought to life through stunning choreography and playful storytelling. We speak to choreographers Kenny Shim, from Kenny Shim Dance Collective, and Imran Syafiq, from the Ask Dance Company (ADC), to find out more about the story, the collaborative effort behind the show, and the importance of making the performing arts accessible to children.

Musical Treasures is an exciting Broadway-inspired fundraiser organised by renowned choreographer Farah Sulaiman, aimed at supporting Persatuan Sindrom Down Malaysia (PSDM). Featuring iconic hits from beloved musicals like Hamilton, Mamma Mia!, and The Sound of Music, the production promises a vibrant song-and-dance spectacle while working to raise RM300,000 for PSDM's essential programs. The show's writer and director, Sabrina Hassan, and guest artist Abdul Muhaimin, join us to share insights into the creative process behind the show, the importance of its charitable mission, and what audiences can expect from this heartwarming performance.Image credit: Musical Treasures

When Earth became a living hell, humanity sought refuge on the Moon, hoping it could restore the lost glory of our civilization. But what happens when our greed and thirst for power emerge once more? Following the success of Orang Bulan, Yusof Bakar completes his science fiction trilogy with two new BM plays—Penakluk Bulan and Pemusnah Bulan. Continuing with the same characters and universe, Trilogi Bulan delves into themes of familial love, Resignation Syndrome, climate change, and AI. Directed by Christopher Ling, we find out what's in store as all three of Yusof's plays are performed in one compelling night from Yusof himself, and cast member Nik Waheeda. 

PESZTA, a vibrant arts festival in Kuala Lumpur's historic Kampung Attap, is set to return for its third year over the Malaysia Day weekend. This unique festival, named after a playful twist on the word "Pesta" to incorporate its three main venues—Pentago, SAM Mansion, and The Zhongshan Building—celebrates Malaysia's independence and diversity through a series of community-focused programs. We find out what's in store at this year's festival from Liza Ho, the Co-founder of the Zhongshan Building and Sarah Amer, a co-organiser of PESZTA.

Ballet Manila's Greatest Hits in Malaysia, presented by DanceLink, is a dance production featuring Ballet Manila, one of Southeast Asia’s premier ballet companies. Led by Artistic Director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, the first non-Russian artist in the prestigious Kirov Ballet, the show opens with Lisa’s rendition of the opera-ballet "La Traviata" and continues with a diverse program of classical, modern, neoclassical, and contemporary pieces. Featuring soprano Anna Migallos, baritone Roby Malubay, and tenor Nohmer Nival, the event also celebrates cultural ties by showcasing Malaysian artists, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Malaysia. Artistic Director Lisa joins us to share what's in store. 

The 39 Steps is a high-energy theatrical adventure combining mystery, espionage, and humour. Adapted from John Buchan’s novel and Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film, it follows the dashing Richard Hannay, whose ordinary life is upended when a mysterious woman claiming to be a spy is murdered in his flat. Now on the run from a shadowy organisation called “The 39 Steps,” Hannay navigates a whirlwind of intrigue across London and the Scottish Highlands. With over 80 characters brought to life by a talented cast, this comedy blends Hitchcockian suspense with Monty Python-esque slapstick. Presented by Limelight Theatre, we find out more from the show's creators and cast members, Joe Wyatt and Nikki Brown. 

 A Reason for Falling is a contemporary dance performance by Malaysian artist Hwa Wei-An that invites the audience to reconsider the concept of falling as more than just a loss of balance, but as a moment filled with possibility. Inspired by the thrill of freeriding, Wei-An began developing this work in 2018 during a choreographic residency with Dance Nucleus, aiming to translate the experience of navigating uncharted mountain paths into the flat, open space of a dance floor. Over seven years, the piece evolved through various iterations, including a 2021 video installation and a 2022 live work-in-progress presentation, culminating in this thought-provoking exploration of gravity, surrender, and movement. Wei-An joins us to share more.

The Barehands Residency (BR) was established by Malaysian artist Juhari Said in 2010, and is a dedicated space for artists to collaborate and exchange ideas. Located in Hulu Langat on a four-acre property called Akal di Ulu, the residency has welcomed artists from around the world, creating an environment that encourages creativity and cultural dialogue. Following a successful 2023 residency in partnership with AP Art Gallery, BR continues to grow, and the upcoming residency aims to further strengthen these connections and contribute to the broader art community. We find out more from Nazura Rahime, the Project Manager of the Barehands Residency, and Kazutaka Shioi, the resident artist for this year's residency.

The Poetics Collective, under the banner of VerSeS Music Ensembles, will be performing the romantic and expressive works of Johannes Brahms, Robert Schumann and Clara Schumann. Featuring Robert Schumann's  Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood), Clara Schumann's Three Romances for Violin and Piano, Opus 22, and Johannes Brahms's Liebeslieder Waltzes, Opus 52, this program delves into the richness of German Romantic music, featuring both instrumental works and a variety of lieder (songs). These lieders will demonstrate the composers’ skill in setting text to music for solo voice or instrument. We speak to pianists Darrel Chan and Iau Jo Yee from The Poetics Collective, to find out what's in store.

The Sisters Soong is a new production by The Actors Studio Seni Teater Rakyat, weaving a dramatic tale that spans the personal and political spheres of three of the most influential women in 20th-century China. Written by Joe Hasham OAM and directed by Dato’ Dr. Faridah Merican, this play blends history and fiction to explore the lives of the Soong sisters—Ai-ling, Ching-ling, and Mei-ling—who each played pivotal roles in shaping modern China. Set against a backdrop of political upheaval and familial loyalty, the play promises an engaging theatrical experience, enhanced by live music, intricate choreography, and stunning period costumes. We find out what's in store from two of the production's actors, Season Chee who is playing the character Charlie Soong, and Jane Tee, who is portraying Soong Mei-ling.

lowercase laboratories are set to present its debut text adaptation production of Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus, which hopes to offer a fresh, innovative take on the classic play, focusing on the psychological depth of the characters and the brutal consequences of their choices. Known for its extreme violence and themes of revenge, this adaptation uses real, dead, and dried flowers to symbolise violence and decay, creating a hauntingly beautiful visual experience. We speak to director Low Yee Choy, and actor Farah Rani, to discuss this staging of Shakespeare's early work, and how this production differs from traditional interpretations.

Bharatha Kalanjalii Malaysia are celebrating their 50th anniversary, kicking off a year-long calendar of events with the Bharatanatyam dance performance, Swarnarekha. The school was co-founded in 1974 by Srimathi Meera Venugopal, a distinguished disciple of the renowned Dhananjayan duo, who has been working hard ever since to promote Indian classical dance here in Malaysia. We catch up with Meera, and also her son Rajdessh Gopal, the Director of the school, to look back at the last school's milestones and challenges, and to discuss their plans for the future, including the performances, workshops, and seminars, in store for their 50th anniversary celebrations.

Nothing Gentle in the Shadows is a film that addresses the stigma and silence surrounding sexual violence against men, exploring how their masculinity is questioned by authorities and society when they come forward. The documentary features three male sexual assault survivors from diverse backgrounds who share their experiences, underscoring that sexual violence can affect anyone, regardless of race, gender, or age. A film co-directed by Joshua Inberaj & Laura Low, Nothing Gentle in the Shadows will premiere at 20th Freedom Film Festival, and we discuss what the documentary film is trying to tackle with its co-directors, Joshua and Laura.

Joseph Haydn's oratorio "The Creation," depicts the biblical creation story from the Book of Genesis, and is set to be performed in Malaysia for the first time since 2013. The one-night-only event, conducted by Prof. Dr. William Weinert from the Eastman School of Music, will feature the Malaysia Bach Festival Singers and Orchestra, and three soloists. We discuss what's in store with Prof. Dr. David Chin, the Founder and Artistic Director of Bachfest Malaysia, the Director of the Bach Collegium and Music Professor at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and a Senior Fellow of the Bach Archive in Leipzig, Germany.

The Taalam Percussion and Solkattu Academy Malaysia (TAPAS Malaysia) are set to launch this Sunday, and will be the first ghatam school in Malaysia, serving Southeast Asia. The launch includes a morning rhythm workshop, and also free evening performances for the public by leading Malaysian Carnatic music practitioners. We discuss ghatam music, and the upcoming events with Karthik Krishnasamy, the Director of  TAPAS Malaysia. 

Under the direction of Cheryl Mah and guest conductor Damrih Banawitayakit from Thailand's Silpakorn University, An Uncommon Journey III is both a concert and outreach project, spearheaded by The klpac Symphonic Band. At the concert, we’re promised Malaysia’s brightest young wind, brass, and percussion musicians perform with the Outreach Band and saxophone soloist Mohd Shahrizal Kamal, the 2023 Malaysian Wind Music Prize winner. The concert features 61 musicians aged 16 to 22 from across Malaysia, and will feature new compositions as well. We speak to  Cheryl Mah, the Music Director & Resident Conductor of the klpac Symphonic Band, and Dr. Low Chee Meng, the Project Manager of the show, to discuss what's in store.

Noted With Thanks is a new stand up show that captures the unexpected twists of life during and after the global lockdown. While many experienced love, loss, self-discovery, and even new pets, Malaysian comedian Kuah Jenhan took a different path by landing his first "real" job at 34, after a 15-year career in stand-up comedy. Adapting to office life, Jenhan finds himself trading the lively atmosphere of performance workshops for the more mundane corporate brainstorming sessions. "Noted With Thanks"  humorously explores how to pursue your dreams by seemingly giving them up, presenting a fish-out-of-water, printer-out-of-paper tale that promises to entertain in a completely safe-for-work manner. We speak to Jenhan to find out more.

After five years, The klpac Orchestra are back with its unique East meets West concert, Tunes from the East II. This upcoming concert will feature a 70-strong orchestra under the direction of Maestro Lee Kok Leong, showcasing some of Malaysia's most talented Chinese instrumentalists. Featuring a mix of renowned pieces  and also the premiere of local compositions we find out what's in store from the conductor Kok Leong, and composer Yong Tan, whose piece "Dots" will be performed at the show.