Happening Events at George Town Festival 2023 !!
With more than 50 programmes for a spectacular celebration of arts, culture, and heritage, George Town Festival 2023 will return with its 14th edition from July 15–30. The people-centric arts platform is also designed to engage communities and festival-goers of various ages, backgrounds, locales, and nationalities, creating a tapestry of the human experience for all to enjoy. Here are some highlights that we have picked for this weekend !Comedy - Queens of Asia Date: 29 July 2023Time: 8pmVenue: SPICE Convention CentreTickets: RM70, RM252(Group of 4), RM90, RM324(Group of 4) Age: 18 years old above Queens of Asia is a spectacle of laughter and empowerment that combines these comic powerhouses. Witness this side-splitting tour de force with Asia's comedic kings, who offer true fire and zest in an eruption of laughs.Queens of Asia features the region's top female stand-up comedians! The show begins with Aditi Mittal, is one of India's Top 10 stand-up comedians, who has TWO Netflix specials under her belt, and Sharul Channa, Singapore's trailblazing first full-time female comic. Malaysia's comedic stars, notably Shamaine Othman, the multi-hyphenated titan of screen and stage, and the Queen of comedy, Joanne Kam Poh Poh, have joined the list!BhumiMATADate: 28-29th July 2023Time: 8.30pmVenue: Penang Institute (10 Jalan brown)Ticket: RM30, RM108 (Group of 4)Age: 12 years old above BhumiMATA is a multidisciplinary production that combines aspects of classical, ceremonial, and modern dance forms to discover and embody the voice of the woman across generations. This show features community, pre-professional, and professional dancers, takes audiences on a cross-cultural and intergenerational interaction to investigate and reintroduce conceptions of femininity, the relationship with nature, and the hidden and overlooked narratives of women. Furthermore, BhumiMATA integrates culture, history, and heritage to convey the essence of survival, protection, spirituality, and sacrifice from a feminine perspective by exploring themes of femininity, nature, and secret stories.The BAWAKALI: An Atypical JourneyDate: 27-28th July 2023Time: 8pmVenue: COEX, Hin Bus DepotTicket: RM108, RM388 (Group of 4)Age: 18 years old above The BAWAKALI: An Atypical Journey is an experimental production by Lee Swee Keong and a group of Penang and Kuala Lumpur artists and performers. Participants are invited to investigate the relationship between meditation, creativity, and knowledge exchange as it is framed by the concept of mindfulness. In this event, all artists will promote the interchange and growth of ideas and recommendations by leading a process of talks and exchanges between participants. These are manifested through acts such as retreating, watching, listening, and paying attention - strategic techniques for increasing creativity. Warna-Warni George Town workshopDate: 30th July 2023Time: 8pmVenue: Chinese Chamber of CommerceRegistration Fees: RM20 - includes a copy of Warna Warni George Town.Suitable ages : 13 years old above Azmi Hussin, a renowned Malaysian artist, portrays the essence of Penang's rich cultural diversity in Warna Warni George Town, a colouring book depicting ancient structures and major landmarks inside the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site. He combines these architectural marvels into magnificent pictures that capture the spirit of Penang's tangible legacy with his great eye for detail and artistic flair. From the late 19th century to the present, all of which have performed a variety of functions and enabled a variety of relationships between generations. These will include Masjid Kapitan Keling, India House, the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Campbell Street Market, one of the two neighbourhood markets in the inner city.Launcher - Traditional and Future CombinationDate: 29 - 30th July 2023Time: 5pm - 12am (29th), 11am-7pm(30th)Venue: Hin Bus Depot, GeorgetownTicket: Free AdmissionLauncher is a theme night that combines traditional and futuristic stylings. With historic décor and futuristic lighting, the Hin has been transformed into a blend of classic and modern components.The highlights of the launcher is a performance by a traditional band, who perform a blend of classic and new music using traditional instruments and modern technologies. The band engages with the audience, taking requests and providing a one-of-a-kind and amazing experience.The Monkey King Adventures: Love of OnibabaDate: 29 - 30th July 2023Time: 8pm (29th July), 3pm (30th July,) 8pm (30th July)Venue: Majestic TheatreTicket: RM50, RM180(Group of 4)Languages: Hokkein,Japanese and Malay with Mandarin and English Subtitles A localised sequel to the literary classic Journey to the West is presented by Penang's Ombak Potehi in association with the Japanese theatre company Team ITO. As in the original tales, the fabled Tang dynasty Buddhist monk Tang Sam Tsong journeys to India in search of holy texts. Sun Ngoo-khong (the Monkey King), Tu Pat Kai (Pigsy), and Sua Tseng (Friar Sandy) are with him. Onibaba, a female supernatural monster from Japanese folklore, tricks them into disembarking at Penang Island on their return trip from India. Therefore, the intense fighting scenes with string puppets that split in two and flying potehi glove puppets will captivate you!Batik Showcase: A Modern InterpretationDate: 30th July 2023Time: 7pmVenue: Beach Street, George TownWith a new generation of artists falling in love with the art form and traditional fabric, Batik has grown in popularity in Malaysia particularly in recent years. Batik Showcase: A Modern Interpretation introduces a new wave of Batik in modern fashion, exhibiting its versatility through varied garments and styles.The fashion shows is coordinated by Ivan Choo, director of Velvet Signature, and highlights domestic talents as well as leading Malaysian designers such as Aden Yong, Aliza Rezki, Edric Ong, and more. More information, do visit https://georgetownfestival.com/2023/. Catch up before the festival ends !!