HAFIDAH SAMAT finds out what’s in store at Istana Budaya next year
ALTHOUGH Istana Budaya’s calendar for 2009 may show a decrease in the number of performances, those listed seem to promise great entertainment for lovers of the performing arts.Istana Budaya has lined up a pretty impressive programme of performances for audiences of all persuasions.Compared to 39 performances in 2008, Istana Budaya will be staging 31 works in 2009, with 80 per cent being local productions. Unity, Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said that Istana Budaya’s gross income stood at RM3.3 million (as of November) and the figure is expected to increase to RM11.34 million, thanks to the staging of the smash hit musical Mamma Mia!“The collection has been the highest in 10 years and I hope that Istana Budaya will be able to repeat the success with the arts and culture smorgasbord in 2009,” said Shafie at the launch of the 2009 calendar recently. He added that although the statistics have shown an increase in audiences, this happens only when Istana Budaya stages an international production. Internationally-renowned productions such as Cats, Chang and Eng, Saturday Night Fever, Stomp, Mamma Mia! and The Sound of Music were more popular than local fare. When asked if the restaging of Puteri Gunung Ledang The Musical (PGLM) has the potential to be a long-running show in the vein as Phantom of the Opera and Cats at London’s West End, Shafie pointed out several factors to be considered.Apart from the quality aspect, he cited audience preferences and dynamic tastes as clear indications for Istana Budaya to ensure future staging is not static.Nevertheless, said Shafie, local productions are getting recognition and the critically-acclaimed PGLM was successful in attracting theatre-goers to Istana Budaya. He also said that Istana Budaya should continue its efforts to inculcate a love for theatre among urbanites. He added that it should also be an avenue for young and aspiring artistes and attract youngsters to watch and appreciate theatre shows.“The aim is to lure young audiences to appreciate local theatre. That requires innovative strategies and we should continue striving. I look at theatre as a platform to expose and boost our culture, and ultimately, boost the economy,” said Shafie.Istana Budaya’s in-house productions included Ali Baba, Suzana@60 and Sinbad which were well-received.He also said that Istana Budaya will be adopting several proactive formulas to strengthen its position in 2009.The new ruling will see Istana Budaya charging a 10 per cent deposit for the booking of show dates. There were cancellations of several major productions in 2008 after they failed to secure feasible sponsorships for their productions. “This new ruling is crucial to uphold the credibility of Istana Budaya and will discourage theatre producers to cancel their bookings at the last minute,” said Shafie.To ensure economic stability, Istana Budaya has also planned to acquire the copyright of several profitable international productions.The effort will help promote Istana Budaya as a cultural centre and a location for world-class acts.Shafie said that Istana Budaya’s 2009 offerings should attract a young crowd as well, citing musicals like Cuci and Cicak-Man.
What’s on
1 Makyung Raja Besar Senyanya. Dates: Jan 9-11. Venue: Lambang Sari
2 Konsert Orkestra Tradisional Malaysia. Dates: Jan 23-24. Venue: Panggung Sari
3 Puteri Gunung Ledang The Musical (Season III)Dates: Feb 6-21.Venue: Panggung Sari
4 Konsert Alam M Nasir Dates: Feb 27 - March 1. Venue: Panggung Sari
5 Iruvar II Dates: March 4-8.Venue: Lambang Sari
6 Teater Muzikal Sirah Junjungan Dates: March 9-14.Venue: Panggung Sari
7 24 Hours Theatre Dates: March 15.Venue: Lambang Sari
8 KL Kaladeiscope Dates: March 20-22. Venue: Panggung Sari
9 Mimpi Dates: April 3-5 April. Venue: Lambang Sari
10 Konsert Untukmu Wanita Dates: April 10-12.Venue: Panggung Sari
11 Malaysian Band Unplugged OAG Dates: April 17-19. Venue: Lambang Sari
12 Bangsawan Mahsuri Dates: April 24-30. Venue: Panggung Sari
13 Konsert Amal Untukmu Ibu - Black Dog Bone dan Carefree Dates: May 8-10.Venue: Panggung Sari
14 Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa Dates: May 15-17.Venue: Lambang Sari
15 Prince Siddharta The Musical Dates: May 22-31.Venue: Panggung Sari
16 Tribute To Sudirman Dates: June 4-6. Venue: Panggung Sari
17 Saya Yang Berhormat Dates: June 12-16.Venue: Panggung Sari
18 Konsert Orkestra Simfoni Remaja Dates: June 20-21.Venue: Panggung Sari
19 Festival Muzik KL 2009 Dates: July 1-5.Venue: Panggung Sari
20 Unforgettable Teresa Teng Dates: July 9-11.Venue: Panggung Sari
21 The Merchants Of Bollywood Dates: July 14-26.Venue: Panggung Sari
22 Konsert Klasikal Orkestra Simfoni Remaja Dates: Aug 6-8.Venue: Panggung Sari
23 Teater Tun Razak Dates: Aug 14-20. Venue: Panggung Sari
24 Gamat Dates: Oct 2-8. Venue: Panggung Sari
25 Yamaha Asia Electrone Festival Dates: Oct 10.Venue: Panggung Sari
26 Muzikal Cuci Dates: Oct 16-Nov 1. Venue: Panggung Sari
27 Little Singers of Monaco Dates: Nov 5-8.Venue: Panggung Sari
28 Di Mana Setangginya Dates: Nov 13-22. Venue: Panggung Sari
29 Cicak-Man Dates: Dec 8-20. Venue: Panggung Sari
30 Gema Zafana Dates: Dec 26-29. Venue: Panggung Sari
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