COMMENT | Last weekend I went to the Performing Arts Centre of Penang in Straits Quay to watch a 90-minute variety show showcasing a handful of talented local artists. The line-up included jazz, Teochew opera, boria, tango, contemporary ballet and a few short plays.

I am usually pretty laid back when it comes to criticising the local performing arts scene this as an active participant in this slow-growing industry, I try to support our local talents as much as I can.

However, after watching a short play making a mockery out of a transgender character staged by a well-known theatre group in Penang with more than 15 years of experience, I just cannot contain myself anymore.

The play began with a transgender woman and a man having a conversation on stage. Throughout the conversation, she excuses herself several times to tighten her wig, drawing barrels of laughter from the audience.

The transgender woman then starts making sexual advances towards the man by asking him his favourite sexual ...