Local arts scene celebrates its post-pandemic best

In recognition of the pandemic-related freeze, next month’s 18th Boh Cameronian Arts Awards will feature the best shows produced locally from 2020 to 2022.

Its head of awards, Hilda Looi, said 101 shows had submitted entries for dance, music, theatre and musical theatre categories.

However, shows that were shown online during this period are not included.

“The performing arts are all about live shows. As such, our judges are required to be onsite to watch and judge shows.

“However, if a show is being shared via live streaming and the producers can make arrangements for the judges to be at the live streaming site, then the show is eligible to be included in the judging process.

“There was only one show that met this requirement during the three years,” Looi said.

However, nominees for several categories, best featured lead performer (under the category of dance), best solo performance – instrumental (music), best musical direction (musical theatre), and best performer in a leading role (musical theatre), were left unannounced during the press conference held last week.

When queried, Looi said: “They are the sole winners as the judges all agreed that no other submission managed to reach the benchmark they have each demonstrated.”

Therefore the winners of all the categories will be announced at The 18th Boh Cameronian Arts Awards ceremony that is slated to take place on May 14 at PJPAC, 1 Utama E, 1 Utama Shopping Centre in Petaling Jaya.

The past three years have been very challenging for the local arts scene.

“Needless to say, the arts scene needs more projects where producers have the funding to make it happen.

“It is very challenging for artistes to make it a career, thus many are starting to only do it part-time. Others are those who already have professional careers and the performing arts are their passion.

“And perhaps a third group are those who will just take what is on the table for them as long as they can pay the bills every month with no savings,” Looi said.

Starting young is key

She also called on the government, corporations and the community at large to play a big part in performing arts.

“There is a lack of understanding of how the performing arts can contribute to a healthy society.

“As such, it is often down at the bottom of the priority list. In my opinion, not only do the performing arts preserve certain cultures, but it is also an element that affects the economy and society.

“Children should be allowed to experience the performing arts as soon as they are ready for school. Schools introduce it as a subject and once talented children are identified, they are nurtured and given more opportunities to progress into the industry.

“The child needs to see how he can be successful and what he will get in return. More often than not, many had to give up their dreams in the performing arts because they were not able to survive. I have noticed that happening, especially during the pandemic,” Looi explained.

The main complaint about the local performing arts scene is that it is always the same old faces.

Looi added that the arts scene needs to be seen as a vital industry that needs to recover.

“The pandemic has caused changes within the industry. Someone must take the lead to open up more projects and encourage more practitioners (plus potential practitioners) to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“Secondly, we need to have more performing arts advocates. What we have now is not enough. In terms of post-pandemic funding, corporate social responsibility resources have either been more widely shared or the amount reduced.

“Lastly, educating the community and building new audiences for the performing arts industry is a very vital step to take. People must know that it is not only for the entertainment value that one goes to a show,” she said.

There is much more to learn from shows that could impact our own lives, Looi said.

“We need to create the ‘demand’, which is why we also launched Kakiseni Junior to fill in the gaps in children’s learning experiences and exposure to the arts.”

‘Honoured to be nominated’

Terence Toh, along with Lydia Tong and Kelvin Loh, received three nominations in the musical theatre category (best original music & lyrics, best original book and best ensemble group performance) for their musical theatre production “Fortune Kooky” (presented by KuLT Productions).

“I am delighted and honoured to be nominated. It is always wonderful to have your work recognised, and proud to be part of the Malaysian performing arts industry, which is full of so many talented people.

“The last few years have been tough on the arts, and I am glad we have all pushed through,” said Toh.

“Fortune Kooky” is a comedy about the crazy things people do when it comes to money. The main protagonist, Jared, is an enterprising entrepreneur who wants to become successful with a fitness app. When things go wrong, he must examine what truly matters in life.

“Fortune Kooky” was staged in PJPac in April 2022 and then in Singapore in August.

“We started writing it in late 2019, with plans to stage it in 2020. Unfortunately, the pandemic, of course, changed a lot of our plans.

“It did, though, give us more time to work on it and develop it, so maybe that was a bit of a blessing in disguise,” said Toh.

Recognition as an actor

Nabil Zakaria, who was nominated for best actor in a supporting role for his work in “Perempuan Terjahanam” (presented by Rumah Lapan Tiga), said: ”I am super happy. It’s cool to have your work recognised."

Nabil said the nomination for his role as Awang in this women-centric play was unexpected.

“Perempuan Terjahanam” is a compilation show of three separate yet similar pieces and was staged from Oct 12 to 16 last year at the Asterik Anak Seni Studio.

The play explored the story of three women as they try to live in a patriarchal world.

“At the same time, I am very grateful to my director Anwar Rusdini and Rumah Lapan Tiga, as the latter took me in for ‘Perempuan Terjahanam’, and the former was the one that helped me shape my character.”

“Art is super subjective, so I know ‘measuring’ performances and their value is very difficult and can differ from one person to the next. I would still be disappointed if I didn't win though!” said Nabil in jest.

LETTER | Are local tourism industry players working in silos?

Fahmi: Foreign artistes guideline passed pre-GE15, issues identified

Syerleena's journey: From kickboxing and water sports coach to reformist MP

Century-old Penang Chingay parade back to showcase arts, culture

Syerleena: RM25m not enough to rebuild devastated arts industry

Jing's journey comes full circle with Nian Gao dance production

Kelantan state govt opens 'cinema' for two nights

Insightful monologues by new writers in 'Her Story' and 'His Story'

Name of Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture retained - Tiong

Arts and Culture Dept to be moved to new ministry – Fahmi

Telur Pecah 2.022 is more than just an art exhibition