I have to confess that while I have always been a fan of dance as a participatory sport, the idea of watching a live dance performance fills me with absolute horror. Others may see poetry in motion. I, however, would much rather watch paint dry. Still, it takes all sorts, and I am more than … read the full post

Up until a few decades ago, Kuala Lumpur had a Chinese majority, and it was only very recently that Malays became the city’s largest single community. Even today, most of central KL feels much more Chinese than it does Malay, which probably comes as a big surprise for any visitor expecting a conservative city dominated … read the full post

Shopping is not just a popular pastime in Kuala Lumpur, for many people it has reached the status of a religion. Shiny new malls open with alarming regularity, providing yet another place to worship the god of consumerism. And despite offering virtually nothing original, they seem full of happy customers, even before the paint is … read the full post

Up until very recently, the idea of tourists coming to Kuala Lumpur specifically to see or buy Malaysian contemporary art would have been virtually unheard of. But a thriving independent gallery sector, together with the success of Malaysia’s first two contemporary art auctions, and the growing popularity of the country’s annual International Art Expo, has … read the full post

Without wishing to offend anyone, Malaysia really sucks at sport. Apart from the odd medal in badminton, this nation of more than 27 million people rarely gets anywhere near the winners’ podium. This is particularly embarrassing with football, where enthusiasm for the game is hardly ever matched by success on the pitch. The Malaysian national … read the full post

A few months ago, I was reading a Tourism Malaysia leaflet and stumbled upon a reference to the Kuala Lumpur Festival. I was somewhat surprised, as despite living here for more than four years, I was completely unaware of the city even having an arts festival. It turns out I was not alone. I asked … read the full post

I hate shopping. Not for food, or anything useful, you understand. No, I hate shopping as a leisure activity. The idea of spending hours on end shuffling aimlessly round an air-con mall, fills me with a horror normally reserved for repeated colonic irrigations. I understand this puts me in somewhat of a minority, not just … read the full post

June 21 marks World Music Day, an event which originated in France 30 years ago as a celebration of the summer solstice (the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere). Also known as the Fete de la Musique, it now spans more than 100 countries round the world, including Malaysia. Thanks to the … read the full post

Following the burst of artistic activity that accompanies the French Art and Film Festival in Kuala Lumpur every May, June can seem like a bit of a quiet month when it comes to the performing arts. Fortunately for resident and visiting culture buffs alike, the KL Performing Arts Centre, together with the Actors Studio, have … read the full post

I am beginning to think that I am the only person I know who does not have a tattoo. It’s not that I have a problem with them; I’ve been toying with the idea of getting inked for several years now. Two main things have put me off: that you have to live with it … read the full post