You might well think that an English playwright who produced his work at the turn of the 17th century has little relevance in a modern Southeast Asian city such as Kuala Lumpur. But the fine people at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre clearly see things differently, if their March schedule is anything to go … read the full post

When talking about how Christmas is celebrated in Kuala Lumpur, it is important to draw a distinction between the city’s small Christian community, and everyone else. For the vast majority of KL’s population, the festival is devoid of any religious connotations. Even the festive decorations have been denuded of any Christian imagery. Malaysians generally need … read the full post

What I like most about the performance arts scene in Kuala Lumpur is that virtually all tastes are catered for, from experimental jazz to comedy musicals. Few venues in Southeast Asia provide such a breadth of offerings as the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre. Take December, for example, where the highlights include a Mandarin-language stage … read the full post

Most visitors to Kuala Lumpur’s Central Market are probably unaware that they are close to one of the city’s most subversive organisations. It might not look much from the outside, but the Annexe Gallery plays an important role in the fight to make Malaysia a more free, equal and democratic society. The latest manifestation of … read the full post

Modern society seems to suffer increasingly from acute Attention Deficit Disorder. Pleasure has to be easy; gratification has be instant. So it is fitting that Kuala Lumpur, a city where ADD has reached near epidemic levels, should have an entire performance arts festival dedicated to people who cannot concentrate on the same thing for more … read the full post

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

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