Diaspora | August 2016 by trootz.com

editor bliss

proof elezabeth vashini

contributors navinn rajendran zeenee coogan

layout bliss

cover photo Chris anthony PHOTOGRAPHY

publicity navinn rajendran raja suryah

online raja suryah kokiladevi

Hello readers! Welcome to the second edition of Diaspora magazine. A magazine fully dedicated to the Tamil independent entertainment scene. Sorry for the slight delay. Our second edition is rather simple and once again, we are keeping our contents and design at a minimalistic level. As we keep experimenting to what the market needs and demands, Diaspora will continue to evolve to something special. Also, we are looking for people to join us. If you are passionate about the Tamil entertainment scene, call us or email us! We would love to work or collaborate with you. We are looking for potential business owners to purchase our ad spaces to keep us going in this journey. Looking forward for your continuous support and encouragement! - Team Diaspora | August 2016

COVER IMAGE Talent: Rabbit.mac Photography: Chris Anthony Photography Graffiti: Jegathesan Palanisamy Photoshot assisted by: Nathan Santana 2

CONTENTS p.5

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MUSIC

MOHINI DEY

COLLABORATES WITH STEVE VAI Indian guitarist Mohini Dey collaborates with legendary American guitarist Steve Vai for the funky and Zappa-esque music Bop! Sounding extremely funky yet experimental, Bop! can be best defined as the metamorphosis of guitar music. Blending various elements from the past with Vai’s ingenuity and Mohini Dey’s out-of-the-box guitar play – Bop! is a truly catchy and playful tune. Mohini Dey needs little introduction in the guitar world as the Mumbai bass guitarist has been described as a prodigy by many acclaimed musicians. She draws her influence mainly from her father Sujoy Dey, a popular bass player himself. By the time this music prodigy turned 10, she was already performing on stages and recordings. Drawing inspiration and influences from guitarists such as Abraham Laboriel, Marcus Miller, Victor Wooten, Jaco Pastorius and more, Mohini Dey has performed with the likes of Zakir Hussain, A.R. Rahman and Hariharan, to just name a few. The young bassist has gone from child prodigy to a virtuous bass guitarist, blessed with musical knowledge. Her latest collaboration with the legendary Steve Vai is an evident of her growing talent, as well as her status as a bass player for her generation. Bop! is definitely the kind of music you will dig, if you are into something out-of-the-ordinary. There is no one genre to classify Bop! as it transcends generation and genre.

photo credit | deepak tiwari

MUSIC Jonita Gandhi has lend her vocals in Satellite, a song produced by Sanjoy, a Bangladeshi-American music producer. Possessing an angelic voice, Jonita Gandhi’s latest work sees her collaborating with up-and-coming music producer Sanjoy for the EDM-infused song Satellite. Satellite is written by Natalie Hawkins and Stephen Rezza. The song is part of Sanjoy’s album Dance Under The Influence, which can be streamed on SoundCloud. Hailing from San Jose, the album also features popular Indian vocalist Benny Dayal.

JONITA GANDHI

Jonita Gandhi definitely highlights her poise and melodious vocals in Satellite, which complements the love song. Jonita also revealed recently through social media that a new video is in progress and will be released in the coming days.

IN SANJOY’S SATELLITE

DIANA TARAA

IN UNNODU FEAT JAMEZ RAJ

The Tamil Independent scene is definitely boomimg and the latest song Unnodu, a pop trap track by Diana Taraa and Jamez Raj’s composition is what really pushes the scene musically. A genre-bending song, Unnodu is a track that you should listen. A debut for Diana Taraa, it is good to see Jamez Raj, who continues to experiment with his music, back on the radar with this song.

VIDEO

HIP HOP TAMIZHA RAPS ABOUT JALLIKATTU

In Takkaru Takkaru, the Indian hiphop artist raps how big and Monsanto-like corporations are creating propagandas to kill Indian breeds. Hiphop Tamizha went as far getting real interviews with farmers and a MBA student from Coventry University to discuss about jallikattu. The musical duo successfully fuses the local issue with the sounds of hip hop, simultaneously reaching out to a bigger audience, particularly the youths of Tamil Nadu.

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TAKKARU TAKKARU IS CREATIVITY AS ITS PEAK

Hiphop Tamizha’s latest music release Takkaru Takkaru is a socially themed rap number which attempts to raise awareness on bull-taming or ‘jallikattu’. Composed of musicians Adhi Ramachandran Venkatapathy and Jeeva R, the music video is more of short documentary, exploring the essence of jallikattu in Tamil tradition and culture. The video was released a couple of days ago is gaining a lot of buzz for its social commentary. While many artists would hide away from discussing such delicate matter, Hiphop Tamizha blatantly states the hidden agenda behind the banning of jallikattu. He even explains further how it will effect the livelihood of farmers and destroy the identity of the Tamil people.

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Takkaru Takkaru is creativity at its peak, right from the visual to the sound. A distinctively Hiphop Tamizha’s number, the Chennai musicians have now definitely established themselves as the forefront of Tamil hip hop in Chennai through this rap song. Rap artist Adhi has openly discussed about jallikattu and his recent initiative just comes to show how seriously he takes this social issue.

VIDEO

KAITHI

A DARK LOVE SONG RAM AGARATHI X INNO GENGA

Canadian Tamil rap artist Ram Agarathi’s latest music Kaithi is a visually-appealing music video which explores the theme of love. Also featuring Inno Genga, the love song talks about how a man becomes a prisoner to his own feelings. Adding to that, the song also attempts to highlight how the persona succumbs to a woman who’s already taken by another man.

Ram Agarathi drops his verses to precision and this is his best rap verses to date. Punchy, precised and raw, the Canadian rapper brings a dark and serious tone in the song. Meanwhile, Londonbased Inno Genga brings balance to this dark song with his harmonious vocals. Overall, Kaithi is a cumulative effort of Tamil talents from Europe and Canada. The chemistry of Ram Agarathi and Inno Genga was present through Kausikan’s music, similarly Dayan Shan’s direction alongside Desuban’s technical skills just brought the best out of Tamil talents from the west.

Written and directed by Dayan Shan, who has established himself through TamiLOL, both the audio and video oozes in quality. Popular German-Tamil based music composer Kausikan composed the song, while award-winning cinematographer and editor Desuban was responsible for the striking visuals.

VIDEO

THESE MADURAI RAPPERS ARE HEATING UP THE SCENE

Fast forward now in 2016, hip hop has taken a center stage in both the Tamil community, as well as, Kollywood. The latest addition to the growing Tamil hip hop scene is Madurai Souljour, a group of 4 friends – 3 emcees and 1 producer, originating from Madurai, Tamil Nadu’s third largest city. Consisting of Saheerul Waris (Syan), Senthil Kumar (Senthuzhan), Robin Arulsingh (Robin) and Nowshadth Ali (Nowsa G), who is the music producer, Madurai Souljour takes pride in being the first Madurai Tamil hip hop group. Emblazoning the strength of Madurai Veeran in its logo, Madurai Souljour is embodying what hip hop is all about – the power of local culture and social commentary.

Initially hip hop was merely a recreational activity, but today hip hop is considered an empowering agent for young adults. While hip hop is constantly evolving, the essence of hip hop remains intact – which is to address issues of social injustice, to provide social commentary and to mediate various mainstream institutions. In short, as hip hop penetrated into mainstream societies, today it has become a medium of self-expression. As local cultures started to appropriate features of hip hop within their own community, various localization of hip hop started to unfold. This saw the beginning of Tamil hip hop, which existence first began in 1998 through a song called Vallavan from Malaysia’s finest hip hop group Poetic Ammo groundbreaking album It’s A Nice Day To Be Alive. Poetic Ammo consists of Yogeswaran Veerasingam (a.k.a. Yogi B), Chandrakumar Balakrishnan (a.k.a. Land Slyde), Nicholas Ong (a.k.a. Point Blanc), and Sashi Kumar Balakrishnan (a.k.a. C. Loco.)

The young Tamil hip hop group got its big break in 2013 when Yogi B invited them for an audition while the Malaysian rap pioneer was visiting India. What started as a simple audition, has now led to the formation of the group.

Nonetheless, it was only a few years after that in 2006 that Yogi B cemented the foundations of Tamil hip hop with Vallavan (music album) through his newly formed Tamil hip hop supergroup – Yogi B and Natchatra (Dr Burn and Emcee Jesz). The success of the album saw the Malaysian Tamil hip hop group breaking into the highly competitive Kollywood industry.

And judging from their second release, Yeppadi Padinaro, Madurai Souljour possess all the elements of hip hop to become trailblazing hip hop artists. A hard-hitting beat accompanied with punchy lines, the unofficial street jam is gaining momentum among the Tamil community. While Chennai can take pride with Hip Hop Tamizha, now Madurai has its own hip hop boys that they can cheer for.

COVER

SUNITHA SARATHY COVERS KING OF POP Popular Indian singersongwriter Sunitha Sarathy recently covered Michael Jacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Way You Make Me Feel. Paying tribute to one of her childhood icons, Sunitha Sarathy worked alongside bassist Napier Naveen Kumar to release this amazing cover. The vocalist, famous for her flexibility in performing both Indian contemporaries and Western classical music, clearly shows her vocal prowess through the cover. The Way You Make Me Feel was released in 1987 as the third single for Michael Jacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seventh studio album, Bad. The pop and rhythm & blues song is written and composed Jackson, and produced by Quincy Jones. Accompanying the cover is a simple yet elegant music video, directed by Sajid Ali with the Monesh Kumar (DOP) and Vicky (Asst DOP). The slick and craft editing is by Rahul Gupta + Sususudio. We are loving this cover by Sunitha Sarathy as she shows why A.R. Rahman once said that this Indian songstress is giving Celine Dion the run for her money.

NEWS

SLY SQUAD ANNOUNCES SECOND ALBUM

MARAVAN GOES INTERNATIONAL

Maravan, a Malaysian Tamil thriller movie, is reaching new heights. In June 2016, Maravan won the Country Best Award at the 2016 International Open Film Festival New York & Dhaka (IOFF). The film faced around 4000 submissions from 105 countries. Adding another feather to the cap, Maravan was also selected as one of the semi-finalist at the Phoenix Film Festival (PFFM) 2016, which was also announced recently. Unlike typical Malaysian Tamil movies, Maravan possess a deep story which thickens as the film progresses. Weaving pieces of reality the reality into it, Maravan is the directorial debut of SD Puvanendran. The story centers around human trafficking and drug trade. Inspired by true events, the plot highlights the rags-to-riches story of a rubbertapper who is involved in illicit activities. M.Chandran written and produced the action-thriller movie.

SLY Squad’s Mista Carey has taken to social media to announce that SLY Squad are all set to release their much anticipated second album. After the huge success of their debut album, Ithu Chumma Trailer back in 2012, their yet-to-betitled second album is all geared up. Rumours have mentioned that the Selayang talents have been working hard on this album for the past four years. They have been busy experimenting their sound, hence we are hoping this album will not only be a sequel to Ithu Chumma Trailer but to see these Tamil music group to push the boundaries of the Tamil independent scene.

Starring Kumaresh Haridass, Denes Kumar, Kavitha Thiagarajan, Logan, Seelan, Pushpa Narayanan and Sangeetha Krishnasamy, bringing together seasoned veterans and popular talents working together.

Also worth noting, Mista Carey and D7 have teamed up to provide emceeing services as Karetthe’Ven & Vezhutthe’Ven – The Wacky Emcees. Follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thewackyemcees

The film also made its presence felt in other international film festivals, mainly Russian International Film Festival, Singapore World International Film Festival, Barcelona Planet Film Festival and Scenes the International Debut Film Festival.

SHABIR

NEWS

BREAKS INTO KOLLYWOOD AS ‘SAGAA’ MUSIC PRODUCER

photo credit | mothership.sg

The growth of the Tamil independent music scene is unprecedented and the latest success story is acclaimed, awardwinning Singaporean-based composer Shabir, who is already starting to make waves in Kollywood through Sevulu Kizhiyum, the initial single of Sagaa, a film direction by Murugesh. The music video was released on 9 May 2016 on YouTube by Think Music India and it features Shabir, along with the cast of the film.

Actor Pandiarajan will be donning the villain role. According to Shabir, the album consists of 7 songs and was produced in four different countries – Singapore, Hungary, Malaysia and India. He had also collaborated with a European orchestra to produce one of the soundtracks. The upbeat album will also feature a host of independent talents, such as international Tamil rap pioneer Dr Burn, Southeast Asian metal band Rudra and actress Andrea Jeremiah. Adding to the list, playback singer Naresh Iyer and gospel singer Alphonse will also feature on the album.

Sagaa is a story centered around love and betrayal. It focuses on the theme of teenage friendship, which sees Saran of Kadal fame and Pasanga trio Kishore, Sree Raam and Paandi all sharing the centre stage. Prithvi Rajan, the son of

NEWS

Manggalyam Tanthunanena teaser unveiled!

BGW Studios just unveiled Manggalyam Tanthunanena teaser and it looks impressive. The 31 seconds teaser shows the lead character, played by Bala Ganapathi William, is on a taxi ride heading somewhere. The driver of the cab asks whether business is the motive of his journey. What happens next is a silhouette visual of Bala Ganapathi William going down on his knees to an elderly couple, most probably his parents. The following visuals revolved around Bala Ganapathi William and lead female, Reneetha. Another visual shows Reneetha in tears. Judging from the teaser alone, the plot revolves around the theme of love and family. Manggalyam Tanthunanena is produced by Bala Ganapathi William @ BGW Studios ad directed by Karthik Shamalan. Kabilan Plondran is responsible for the story and music by Varmman Elangkovan. The film stars Bala Ganapathi William, Reneetha Veeraya and Lingkesvaran.

by Navinn Rajendran

INTERVIEW

n a n h s i r K Nita

When was the first time you got on stage?

In the year 2012 for Junior Paadavaralam Singing Competition as backstage host. Apart from being a master of ceremony, what else do you do?

I am an IT Professional by profession and apart from being Master of Ceremony, I do also Host, VJ & have acted in a few movies ( Ais Kosong & Patthataari - an upcoming theater movie) . I am also in the midst of considering offers to be model for agencies & voice overs. Which events/program that you hosted has been memorable?

Definitely Malaysia Kalai Ulagam Online TV program as that gave me a platform & identity as a Host. Where do you see yourself in 3 years time?

As one of well known talented host in Malaysia. Wish to be part of Astro programs What would motivate a child to be an excellent speaker?

Exposure to IQ visions which creates curiosity in them & parents guidance & patience to let kids speak out.

by Zeenee Coogan

FEATURES

charles roberts

stage

presence How many can say that they have had their parents support since day one to pursue a career in the arts? Stage actor, Charles Nilbert Philip Roberts can and he tells Trootz how he got there. 14

FROM across the room, local thespian Charles Nilbert Philip Roberts looks like your average macha. Beard intact, black t-shirt, shorts and flip-flops. As you get closer, his artistic aura hits you like a wave, pulling you in with charm and grace all thrown in. It is heartwarmingly obvious that this young man is passionate about the arts, and there is a sense of comfort that he belongs right there. “My parents have been very encouraging of my interest and that makes it so much easier to do what I love,” the 26 year old Kamal Hassan fan tells Trootz. It has been his dream since he was in primary school to be in films, and when he made that decision, he received all the support and blessings from his folks. “It was in Standard One when I was given the school information card to fill in my ambitions, did I realise I’ve always wanted to be an actor.” “We had three choices. The first I had stated policeman, and second was bounty hunter. Both influenced by films I had watched. The third choice got me thinking. Why did I have to be only one thing? If I were an actor, I could be everything,” he reveals, in between shy giggles, adding that he grabbed every opportunity to be in school plays since then. But somewhere in between primary and tertiary education, Charles decided not to be an actor but to write and direct films. His father, a drummer with the famous Aseana Percussion Unit, went out looking for avenues for his film education. Charles enrolled with Akademi Seni Budaya Dan Warisan Kebangsaan (ASWARA) to pursue a Diploma in Filmmaking. “I thought I was not good looking enough for the screen, so I started dabbling in production. Also I was drawn to Sylvester Stallone’s scriptwriting after watching Rocky. But I had that irking feeling that drew me towards acting, and so I continued auditioning.” Charles’s first stage gig was for internationally recognised Short + Sweet Festival last year. He was part of a play called “1504”, written and directed by veteran Kent Tan. “I got to pit myself against some of the finest stage actors in the country, and the festival opened up many acting opportunities,” says Charles. He went on to be in “I Hate My Job”, where he wrote his own script in Tamil. “I didn’t think much about it until the audience started laughing at my Tamil jokes even before the subtitles came up. That totally gave me a boost and the rest is history.” Charles will be acting as Horatio, a character in William Shakespeare’s tragedy Hamlet opening August 4 at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre. Tickets are priced at RM45 for Adults and RM35 for Students, Senior Citizens and Disabled. For purchase, call 03-40479000.

INTERVIEW | KRISHMUSIC

The growth of Tamil independent music is taking center stage, as many independent Tamil talents outside Chennai are being recognized for their artistic progress. In recent times, numerous Malaysian Tamil rap artists made their commercial breakthrough in Kollywood through their distinct rap verses and punchy lines. In Europe, the Tamil scene is booming and the immense progress just comes to show that collectively the industry has a bright future ahead. Adding to that, the recent Tamil talent to break into Kollywood is Krishmusic, a French Tamil composer. The young composer runs his own production house, Dream Prod, along with his friends and has composed several songs under his belt. Krishmusicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s achievement is something to be proud of as not many composers are able to make such crossovers. This is something to cheer about for the Tamil diaspora community and we at Trootz are lucky enough to catch hold of this talent for a short interview.

Q: Firstly, we would like to congratulate you on your achievement to compose for a short film in the competitive Kollywood industry. Before moving on, tell us a little bit of yourself. My name is Krishanth and it is easier to refer to me as Krishmusic. I am a beatmaker and music producer, currently based in Paris, France. Music is my passion and during my free time, I try my best to experiment with different kinds of music. Q: If I’m not mistaken, you started Dream Prod, how is that going for you? At the moment, all is well for my music créw Dream Prod. Currently, we are working with many projects. One such project we are excited about is our rapper’s Sugu album, which is set for a 2017 release. We are also currently working on our little bro Ruku and Vino’s second video clip called Nenjil Jil Jil. Besides that, I keep myself busy working with many independent artists. Q: How would you describe your music? I would best describe my music as fusion. Right now, I’m trying to make a connection between Trap, dubstep, hip hop & melodious Indian music. I want my music to be different, at the same time, have an American pop feel to it. Q: Recently, you are set to break into the Kollywood scene with your debut in a short film. Can you tell us more about this collaboration? To begin with, it’s a big opportunity for me to collaborate in this movie of Mr Anandh Murthy. The short film also features Kabali actress Dhansika, who will be donning the role of a prostitute. I feel this is a bold film and to be part of it, it’s just amazing. I’m also happy that I’m not alone in this journey as my friend, rapper Ratty Adhiththan will be featured along the short film too. Q: What are your hopes as a music composer? My hopes as music composer is simple - I just want my music to spread around the world. Q: Anything else you would like to add? Thanks to everyone who has supported me. My friends, my family and also thanks to the Trootz team for this interview. Do continue to support independent artists as we give a lot of our time to produce quality work on par with big names. Thank you once again to everyone. We at Trootz would like to thank Kris Guna for his time to do this short interview with us. We wish this young composer all the best in his future endeavours and he continues to strive making good music. We are extremely excited to see this collaboration and hope to hear from him soon as the project progresses.

INTERVIEW RABBIT.MAC 18

photo credit | velen shots photography

There is nothing stopping this Penang-born rap artist as he continues to push his musical boundaries through the Malay version of Ulagam Oruvanukkaage - Wilayah Kabali. From gaining cult-like status as an underground artist to achieving mainstream success through his hip hop outfit PYSCHO.unit, Rabbit.macâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest feat is something admirable as the rapper switches to singing. A life-long fan of Superstar Rajinikanth, we touched base with the Malaysian rap superstar who recently performed at Bollywood Dance in Geneva, Switzerland. 19

Q: Are you a fan of Superstar Rajinikanth? Definitely, who wouldn’t? I’m a huge fan of Rajinikanth, especially for his famous and inspiring quotes. His admirable unique style and infectious onscreen actions are what makes him a superstar. Q: How would you describe your feelings when you learned that you’ll be singing in Wilayah Kabali? In the South Indian cinema industry, every knock has always been a golden opportunity for me. Honestly, I did not have a clue or an idea this would land on me. I’d say this is the best collaboration deal I’ve ever got by far and will always be the first best in my entire career. First, it’s for a Rajini movie and secondly, I tried singing which I’ve never did as Rabbit Mac. It’s an honor lending my voice to this particular actor, a living legend, a superstar for each and every Tamil singer or rapper out there. I’d also like to express my actual feeling right after the song got released, it was unreal - ‘expect least from everything, more for that something’. Thanks to the entire team who got my back. Shoutout to Malik Streams Corp, the entire production team from India, Roshan Jamrock, Shathia, Narayani and my PU4LYF fam. Q: How was the lyrics writing process? It was totally awkward I would say. It’s not as how I did previously for all of my other songs. Wilayah Kabali is definitely the first song which I have to write according to its actual content written in Tamil. It required a lot of translating and adapting. It was totally a new experience, yet my first one. Special thanks to Narayani and Shathia for working together with me, to ultimately create Wilayah Kabali. Q: What inspired the name Wilayah Kabali? A day before the release, Roshan texted me asking me to suggest a title for the song. I gave him 5 titles which are Seribu Rancangan, Dunia Kabali, Kuasa Tak Berdaya, Menunduk Seiringan and Siang Akan Jelma. Right after a minute of realizing Rajini’s impact in our own community, taking over people’s hearts from each and every corner of the streets. Hence, I sent Roshan another name, one last one from all the options to name the song. Next day, it was up on YouTube as Wilayah Kabali. Yeap, definitely feeling prouder now that I gave the title. Bam!

photo credit | chris anthony photography

Q: How is the response so far? I think the response I’m getting for Wilayah Kabali reminds me of Ma Carrotz back in 2009. It is the exact same feeling. Everyone’s congratulating and sending their positive and honest feedbacks, a special thanks to those who commented positively on the comments section on YouTube. The funny part is, there was an event recently where they referred to me as the Kabali fame Rabbit.mac. It was only two weeks ago. This is how things change when you are involved in Thalaivar’s project. After all said and done, all praises to the man up there. I’m not just lucky, I’m blessed. We would like to wish the best to Rabbit.mac for his upcoming compilation album.

KLPAC AUGUST LISTING

Tragedi Hamlet

P The Actors Studio Seni Teater Rakyat V Pentas 1 D 4-6 Aug @ 8:30pm; 7 Aug @ 3pm T RM45; RM35 (Students, Disabled, Senior & TAS Card member) As part of The Actors Studio Seni Teater Rakyatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shakespeare 400 season, Tragedi Hamlet will be staged in Bahasa Malaysia with full English surtitles from 4 to 7 August 2016. This will mark the fourth time Datoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Faridah Merican will be directing Tragedi Hamlet with a brand new cast that brings together some of the most exciting fresh blood breaking into the scene with some of the most powerful names in Malaysian theatre. Featuring Ali Alasri as Hamlet, Tria Aziz as Getrude, Omar Ali as Cladius, Hana Nadira as Ophelia, Arief Hamizan as Laertes and Adry Nasution as Polonius. Also featuring Charles Robert, Shukri Mohd Tahir, Aiman Asmawar, Farah Rani, Benedict Chin Wen Shern, Nina Nashrah Binti Abdul Jalal and Hannah Choong. The haunting echoes of the cello and didgeridoo when fused with percussions in the musical scoring, makes Tragedi Hamlet a production that is not to be missed!

Ladies of the Red Chamber

P TAS Seni Teater Rakyat presents a production by The Mythical Orien-

tal Dance Company V Pentas 2 D 5-6 Aug @ 8:30pm; 7 Aug @ 3pm T RM58; RM38 (Students, Disabled, Senior Citizens, TAS card members)

Inspired by the famous Chinese classical novel – Dream of the Red Chamber, this performance is choreographed by Malaysian choreographer Jack Kek and Hong Kong Choreographer Chris Lam. Featuring emerging local Chinese music orchestra – Ricco Chinese Chamber Orchestra and the famous Guzheng artist from Hong Kong - Lee Khun Chap.

The Outcast Dance Show 2016 P Outcast Dance Studio Sdn Bhd V Pentas 1 D 13 Aug @ 8.30pm; 14 Aug @ 3pm T RM40 – RM90

Get ready for another round of colorful and exciting dance numbers at The Outcast Dance Show 2016! Produced by Dato’ Gavin Chan, this year’s dance show will encompass new themes and original routines by the instructors of Outcast Dance Studio. Get set to be mesmerized by dance styles such as Salsa, Cabaret Showdance, Latin and Ballroom, African, Afro Contemporary, Bellydance, Jazz and Pole Dance!

Yayasan Sime Darby Arts Festival P Yayasan Sime Darby & klpac V klpac D 20 & 21 Aug T Free

With a free admission tag, come one, come all as hundreds of artistes invade the klpac grounds to bring you a giant buffet of all things artsy. From the contemporary to the traditional, mainstream to the experimental, expect to feast on something different at every turn and every corner. The Yayasan Sime Darby Arts Festival produced in collaboration with klpac is a Malaysian community project that brings together artistes from Klang Valley and some from beyond to showcase the breadth and depth of the buzzing Malaysian arts scene. There will be performances, workshops, screenings, installations and a whole host of arts-related activities covering all genres such as dance, drama, music and visual arts.

World’s Best Movie P The Actors Studio Seni Teater Rakyat V indicine D 10 - 13 Aug @ 8.00pm T Free Admission

Condensed animated adaptations of plays by William Shakespeare will be screened for FREE This August! Spend your nights at klpac with 12 TV mini-series of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Tempest, Macbeth, Romeo & Juliet, Hamlet, Twelfth Night, King Richard III, Taming of the Shrew, As You Like It, Julius Caesar, The Winter’s Tale & Othello. For more details, go to www.klpac.org.

Yayasan Sime Darby Arts Festival P Yayasan Sime Darby & klpac V klpac D 20 & 21 Aug T Free

Giacomo’s Puccini’s La Bohème

P Kuala Lumpur City Opera (formerly known as The Eat, Sing & Travel People) V Pentas 1 D 25-27 Aug @ 8pm; 28 Jun @ 3pm T RM128; RM116 (Students) Kuala Lumpur City Opera presents, La Bohème, an opera in four acts by Giacomo Puccini to an Italian libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa based on Scènes de la view bohème by Henri Murger. One of the most widely performed operas throughout the world and one of the universal icons of opera, La Bohème tells the story of two poverty stricken lovers, the care-free life of the Bohemians, jealousy leading to a tragic end.

Shakespeare’s Sonnets P The Actors Studio Seni Teater Rakyat V Pentas 2 D 25- 27 Aug @ 8:30pm; 28 Aug @ 3pm T RM45; RM35 (Conc.)

Five singer-songwriters and four actors take centre stage to present a different take on Shakespeare’s Sonnets. Each of the singer-songwriters will interpret the classical sonnets into contemporary song, while the actors will present the classical Shakespearean versions. You’ll also find a blend of classic and contemporary as they work in tandem to produce an eclectic and exciting mix of genres to present the timeless works of Shakespeare. Shakespeare’s Sonnets is directed by Joe Hasham OAM.