THE Penang Island Creative Theater Arts Association (KREATER) is set to bring soulful theatre performances called ‘Northern Traditional Theater Festival@Georgetown (FTTU 2023) at Sia Boey Garden at the end of this month.
The FTTU 2023 will be held from Sept 29 to Oct 1.
Muhammad Nasrul Azhar Mohd Noor, a representative from KREATER, said the inaugural programme will feature five main traditional theatre performances from three northern states, namely Penang, Kedah, and Perlis.
According to Nasrul, the five main traditional performances include, ‘Jikey’ from Perlis, ‘Wayang Kulit Gedek’ and ‘Mek Mulung’ from Kedah, and ‘Boria’ and ‘Teochew Opera’ from Penang.
“The programme, which is themed “Traditional Heritage in The Park,” aims to showcase the arts and heritage which are passed down to the present generation and are still actively practised in the northern states,” he said during a press conference held at Komtar today.
Nasrul shared that the programme, which was scheduled to be held two years ago, faced delays due to financial constraints. However, with the assistance of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC), they are finally able to organise it.
“We would like to thank MOTAC, the state government, the National Department for Culture And Arts, Penang (JKKNPP), and our strategic partner MyPenang Creative for making this possible.
“Through this programme, we are also able to promote tourism,” Nasrul said while adding that the show is free for all.
Meanwhile, MyPenang Creative representative Syazwan Hayqal Mohammad Sani said that there will also be various supporting activities such as exhibitions, games, competitions, and workshops for visitors.
“For instance, we will also have colouring contests, masks, and ‘Wayang Kulit’ puppet-making competitions to stir the passion for arts among our community in Penang irrespective of race.
“Souvenirs and food will be sold at the event as well. And participants will just need to make minimum payment to take part in some of the workshops,” Syazwan said.
Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) general manager Dr Gwee Sai Ling said volunteers from PYDC will be helping with the event.
Those who are interested in participating in the workshop need to register earlier.
For further information and details about this programme, visit MyPenang Creative’s website www.mypenangcreative.com, or visit www.facebook.com/mypenangcreative.com or check out www.instagram.com/mypenangcreative.
Also present were JKKNPP officer Nuraini Mat Doa, Triple I Studio Jason Ong and Penang Art District manager Kenny Ng.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud