Art, music, events and entertainment in Penang

New exhibitions at Soundmaker Studio, the G Hotel and Viva Victoria, live Italian arias and Irish pub songs, guided tours, markets,  films, horse racing and more happening in Penang. Plus plenty of new online theatre plays and talks.

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FILM - WHO YOU THINK I AM, Hikayat, 226 Beach St, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 27th-29th April 6pm

Starring Juliette Binoche, a 50-year-old divorced teacher, creates a fake Facebook profile of a 24-year-old woman. She finds a photo of a pretty young blonde and uses it. She has created an entirely fictional character, but why?French with English subtitles.

Screening and refreshments: RM15. Register by email.

WORKSHOP - SOAP MAKING, One Stop Midlands, Thursday 29th April 11am

Learn to make handmade soap using natural ingredients and essential oils. RM80 per person, maximum 4 participants per session. Register by email or whatsapp 016 850 2780.

MARKET - ZERO WASTE, Island Plaza, Friday 30th April - Sunday 2nd May 11am-6pm

A meet-up event to understand going to a zero-waste lifestyle. There will be some green vendors selling a range of products such as personal care, pastries, vegetarian curry puff, homemade soap & shampoo, organic vegetables, biodegradable plastics, penan bags, and a recycling campaign. More information here.

FILM - CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL DANCE DAY, Hikayat, 226 Beach St, Friday 30th April 6pm-10.30pm

Two special film screenings and a buffet dinner in the company of Penang’s renowned dancer-choreographer, Aida Redza, to celebrate International Dance Day.

6.00 pm - Pina
German Director Wim Wenders  offers a very personal tribute to the legendary dancer and choreographer Pina Bausch, who transformed the language of dance with her revolutionary body of work.Winner, Best Documentary, European Film Awards
Winner, Audience Award, Philadelphia Film
7.45 pm - Buffet dinner
8.30 pm - Yuli: The Carlos Acosta Story
The life-affirming story of the great Cuban dancer Carlos Acosta – from the tearaway child on the streets of Havana to the first Black dancer to perform some of the most famous ballet roles. Winner, Best Film, Nantes Spanish Film Festival
Nominated, Best Screenplay, Goya Awards

Screenings and buffet dinner | RM50
Advanced booking is essential (there is a limit of 20 places, following SOPs). Register by email.

FILM - DAYS OF BEING WILD, The Screenery, 81 China St, Friday 30th April 7pm

A 1990 Hong Kong drama film directed by Wong Kar-wai. The film stars some of the best-known actors and actresses in Hong Kong, including Leslie Cheung, Andy Lau, Maggie Cheung, Carina Lau, Jacky Cheung and Tony Leung Chiu-wai. The movie forms the first part of an informal trilogy, together with In the Mood for Love (released in 2000) and 2046 (released in 2004)

Free of charge, to book, join the private Facebook group here.

CHARITY - BLOOD DRIVE, St John Ambulance, 24-A Jalan Grove, Saturday 1st May 9am-4pm

Give blood to give back to the community. More details on Facebook.

MARKET - LABOUR DAY POP-UP EVENT, Tanjung Point, Tanjung Tokong, Saturday 1st May 10am-9pm

Food, drinks and handicrafts for sale. For more details check Facebook.

GUIDED TOUR - NIGHT SAFARI, The Habitat, Penang Hill, Saturday 1st May 4.30pm-9.30pm

Ever wondered why the rainforest is so noisy at night…. because that’s when all the insects, animals, frogs and friends come out to play! 
Depart from the Botanic Garden and take the Jeeps to The Habitat where  guides will point out the animals and birds who settle down as dusk falls. After dinner at David Brown’s Restaurant return to Curtis Crest to enjoy the sunset (weather permitting).  As the night deepens we will meet the frogs, reptiles and other creatures that come out in the dark! And finally, we will take the Jeeps back down the Hill. 
RM200 per adult. RM125 child 9 & below. RM150 child 10 & above. Email or WhatsApp +60164570221 to book.

FILM - SIDEWAYS, The Screenery, 81 China St, Saturday 1st May 7pm

2004 American comedy-drama road film following two men in their forties, Miles Raymond (Paul Giamatti), a depressed teacher and unsuccessful writer, and Jack Cole (Thomas Haden Church), a past-his-prime actor, who take a week-long road trip to Santa Barbara County wine country to celebrate Jack's upcoming wedding. Sideways received widespread acclaim from critics and won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, and was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Haden Church) and Best Supporting Actress (Madsen).

Free of charge, to book, join the private Facebook group here.

TALK - WHO ARE THE DUSKY LANGURS AROUND US?, Online, Saturday 1st May 7.30pm

Learn more about the Dusky Langurs, an endangered species, how to protect them from extinction, and how to help them. Register for the free of charge zoom talk here.

TALK - MUSICAL HERITAGE, Online, Sunday 2nd May 8pm

What is musical heritage? Is it a mythical thing? Is it related to our folk roots, culture or history? Do we have a shared musical heritage?Join the PPO virtual academy for this talk about Getting to Know Our Musical Heritage with esteemed music and choral educator, Ms Susanna Saw. Sign up here. PPO members free of charge. Non-members RM 10. 

FOOD & BEVERAGE - FRENCH CHEESE TASTING, Two Frenchies, 38 Bishop St, Tuesday 4th May 7.30pm

Sample 6 different French cheeses accompanied by salad, bread and dessert. RM150 per person includes a glass of your choice of red or white wine. Limited to 16 people per evening. Email  or WhatsApp +60164570221 to book.

GUIDED TOUR - MOONLIGHT MANSIONS MYSTERY TRISHAW RIDE, George Town, Wednesday 5th May 7pm

Support the trishaw riders and enjoy a night-time trishaw ride around the mansions of George Town and end with a delicious dinner in a mystery mansion. Includes bonus special guest who will give you a potted history of the Esplanade and surrounding areas. 
RM170 per person to include trishaw ride (one trishaw per person) and dinner. Numbers limited. Vegetarian & other dietary options available. Email  or WhatsApp +60164570221 to book.

COMEDY - STAND-UP COMEDY OPEN MIC, 54 Jalan Chow Thye, Thursday May 6th 8pm

Penang’s stand-up comedians try out their new material. Drinks available for purchase. Doors open at 7.30pm. For more information check Facebook.

COOKING WORKSHOP - LIVE FROM TROPICAL SPICE GARDENS, Online, Friday 7th May 6pm

Chef Rohana demonstrates her special lamb curry and stir-fried water convolvulus. The recipe can be sent in advance so you can prepare to cook along if desired.

RM 25 (Free for Spice Family members). To register click here and scroll down the page.

FILM - DIVINES, Alliance Française, Jalan Phua Hin Leong, Friday 7th May 7.30pm

A 2016 movie set in a housing estate in a Paris "banlieue":  It is the story of a friendship, of the struggles and rebellion of adolescent girls and their refusal to accept their fate as victims of their "milieu". A film that bristles with energy and verve, moving and exhilarating, and beautifully painting the complexities and conflicts of young women who have been failed by society.
English subtitles. Free of charge but seats limited so booking by email essential. Members of Alliance Française will be given priority. Call 04-227 60 08 or email to find out how to join.

THEATRE - TALES FROM THE SCARS, Online, Until May 7th

Ten monologues, ten lives and ten itching scars waiting to be scratched. ‘Tales from the Scars’ is a collection of ten intimate stories based on real life episodes, often buried within layers of complexities. It is a raw, forthright, funny and dead-serious addition to the well-known ‘Tales Series’ by writer/director Fa Abdul. Contact Desmond (+6016-4112459), or Jeevan (+6016-4718072) by May 7th to get the YouTube link. By donation of RM15 minimum.

THEATRE - TALES FROM AMMA’S KITCHEN, Online, Until May 7th

Fa Abdul presents Tales From Amma’s Kitchen, a collection of humorous and heart-warming tales featuring a loveable Indian mother, her not so Indian children, a Chinese daughter-in-law-wannabe and an Indonesian maid next door who is more Malaysian than most Malaysians. Contact Desmond (+6016-4112459), or Jeevan (+6016-4718072) by May 7th to get the YouTube link. By donation of RM15 minimum.

WORKSHOP - THE ART OF MINDFUL WALKING, Tropical Spice Gardens, Teluk Bahang, Saturday 8th May 8am-9.15am

Learn therapeutic breathing and movement techniques, and practice mindful walking for stress-free living. RM 25 (Free for Spice Family members). To register click here and scroll down the page.

HORSE RACING, Penang Turf Club, Saturday 8th, Sunday 9th & Saturday 15th May 1pm onwards

Enjoy the racing in person in the air-conditioned viewing terrace of the grandstand. Dress code smart-casual. Betting optional! More details on the turf club’s website here. RM 26 per person.

TALK - THE MAKING OF “CLIMATE IS EVERYTHING”, Online, Saturday 8th May 2pm

An epic conversation with the artistic team behind the powerful TIME’s ‘Climate is Everything’ Cover. The panel will explore the story behind the magazine cover, the initial point of the conversations with TIME, thought process with the team, making of the work, coordinating and implementing the performance art. The session will conclude with a Q&A session from the audience. Register for the free of charge zoom session here.

COOKING WORKSHOP - NYONYA SPECIALITIES, Tropical Spice Gardens, Teluk Bahang, Sunday 9th May 10am-12.30pm

Nyonya specialities nasi kerabu and sago gula melaka will be demonstrated by Chef Jess during this hands-on, in person cooking class.  RM 170 (RM 136 for Spice Family members). To register click here and scroll down the page.

MUSIC - THE DRAMBAND, Healy Mac’s, Straits Quay, Sunday 9th May 7pm-9pm

The first live gig by Penang’s Irish band since the St Patrick’s Day celebrations in early March 2020. Free of charge, table reservation essential due to limited seating. Call 04 890 3477

MUSIC - BRASILIAN AND MALAY SONGS, penangpac, Sunday 15th May 3pm

“An Afternoon of Songs in (Brazilian) Portuguese and Bahasa Melayu" features hits from favourite artists such as Siti Nurhaliza, Sheila Majid, Saloma, Dayang Nurfaizah, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Nara Leão, Luis Bonfa and more.  RM 60 tickets available for purchase here.

CHARITY DINNER - BOND IS BACK, Evergreen Laurel Hotel Ballroom, Saturday 15th May 6pm

Charity dinner and dance with a James Bond theme to raise funds for The Batu Grace Children’s Home. RM250 per person includes western buffet, free flow wine, beer & soft drinks, and dancing to DJ JuaKali. Plus raffles, auctions, and prizes.Tickets can be purchased via WhatsApp from Tiina 0176752645 or Gordon 01140736744. More details on Facebook.

WORKSHOP - CHINESE BRUSH PAINTING, Penang Heritage Trust, 26 Church St, Sunday 16th May 2pm-5pm

Learn traditional Chinese brush painting. PHT members RM 150, non-members RM 180. Limited to 10 participants. Book by email or phone 04 264 2631.

FILM - SHARASOYJU, Alliance Française, Jalan Phua Hin Leong, Friday 21st May 7.30pm

In picaresque Nara, Japan, summer awakens different emotions for teenagers Yu (Yuka Hyyoudo) and Shun (Kohei Fukungaga), though neither of them is happy. For the former, the season fails to bring about the excitement and anticipation of pending adulthood, thanks to the revelation that the woman who raised her is not her mother, but her aunt. While Yu is overwhelmed by the feeling she has been living a lie, Shun is reminded that his twin brother disappeared during a festival five summers ago. English subtitles.

Free of charge, booking essential by email. Members of Alliance Française will be given priority. Call 04-227 60 08 or email to find out how to join.

THEATRE - MANUSIA RAJA: AMUK, Online, Until May 21st

A monodrama written by Yusof Bakar and performed by
Wazir Bakri. The case of a rioter who was shot by police as seen through the eyes of different individuals.
In Malay with English surtitles. Contact Desmond (+6016-4112459), or Jeevan (+6016-4718072) by May 21st to get the YouTube link. By donation of RM15 minimum.

CHARITY - A RIDE OF HOPE, George Town, Saturdays 22nd May- 27th June 9am-12pm

Organised by Penangnites for Penangnites to raise funds for  the trishaw peddlers in Armenian Street, Prangin Mall and Penang Road.  RM 50 for an hour's ride around the Heritage trial in Georgetown. The trishaw peddlers are among the worst hit and least supported during the pandemic. Ride of Hope plans to get them at least RM00 per month from May to Aug 2021. Whatapps for tickets and info 0164426456

MUSIC - VIVA ITALIA!, Il Bacaro, 106 Campbell St, Sunday 23rd May 4.30pm

An intimate afternoon of Italian arias, performed by local professional singers, in a traditional Italian restaurant. RM 95 including a drink and Italian snacks. Table booking (minimum for 2-4 people) essential by email or whatsapp 011 6399 7580.

ART EXHIBITIONS

FADED, Soundmaker Studio, 1st Floor, 18 Bishop Street, Until May 20th, 1pm-7pm Daily

Group indie exhibition featuring Sliz, Kangblabla, Bibichun and others. Free of Charge. For more information checkFacebook.

I PAINT MUSIC, G Art Gallery, G Hotel, Until May 31st, 10am-10pm Daily

Internationally-recognised Penang-based artist Madeleine Ekeblad exhibits new works in enamel and pen and ink in her “I Paint Music” series, as well as her signature painted “lady in red” pieces. Free of Charge.

GROWTH, Viva Victoria, 169 Victoria St, Until June 15th, 12pm-11pm Daily

A solo exhibition of Love Lee Lily’s dot mandala artwork. Free of Charge.

BLACK, WHITE & SHADES OF GREY, ChinaHouse Upstairs, Ongoing, 12pm-10pm Daily

The Gilded Lion Antiques & Art Gallery‘s exhibitions of black and white and monochrome artwork. Check out the engravings, lithographs, aquatints, etchings, and other fine art formats dating all the way back to the 17th century on display. Free of Charge.

FINE PRINTS BY GILDED LION, E&O Hotel Art Gallery, Heritage Wing, Ongoing, 24 hours

The Gilded Lion Antiques & Art Gallery‘s exhibitions of carefully selected and curated fine prints. Check out the engravings, lithographs, aquatints, etchings, and other fine art formats dating all the way back to the 17th century on display. Free of Charge.

PAUSE - A GROUP EXHIBITION, Hin Bus Depot, Jalan Gurdwara, Until May 2nd 12pm-8pm

A group exhibition featuring 10 artists at Hin Bus Depot: Bibichun | Esther Geh | Fahmi Mustaffa | Forrest Wong | Ho Su San | Ivan Gabriel | Kangblabla | Teh Yew Keong | Teoh Kooi Pei | Yap Ley Min

For more information, click here.

WATERCOLOUR ART AUCTION, Online, First & Third Week of the Month

An online exhibition venue For the paintings of the members of the Penang Water Colour Society. All are welcome to join the Facebook group here to view and purchase artworks, and participate in the twice monthly online auction.

EVERY WEEK IN PENANG

NATURE WALK - PENANG HILL TOUR, Penang Hill, Daily

Daily free Guided Walks to Penang Hill Visitors. For booking please call 016-4201189. More information on Facebook here.

NATURE - THE HABITAT, Penang Hill, Daily 8.30am-6.30pm

The Habitat rainforest discovery park on Penang Hill is open again. If you are interested in starlight camping, sunset walks, private events and tours of the park during this time, contact by email or at 019 645 7741. Park entrance fee RM 55 (RM 35 concessions).

NATURE - TROPICAL SPICE GARDEN, Teluk Bahang, Wed & Thurs 9am-4pm, Fri, Sat & Sun 9am-6pm

The Tropical Spice Garden has also re-opened after MCO. Enjoy 6 landscaped acres of a treasure trove of more than 500 living specimens of lush and exotic flora from around the world. Tickets cost RM20 adults (RM15 concessions) with a self guided audio tour available for RM 10. Guided tours available on request. For more information go to the website.

GUIDED TOUR - CHEONG FATT TZE MANSION, Lebuh Leith, Thurday-Sunday 11am and 2pm

Experience an important part of  Penang’s colourful history and one of its most iconic pieces of architecture on an insightful tour of its architecture and history.

RM 25 (RM 12.50 for children). Book tickets online here.

MUSIC & YOGA - BUDDHA BEAT YOGA, Soundmaker Studio, 18 Bishop Street, Every Sunday 10am & 4pm

Buddha Beat Yoga sessions are back! Try their unique solution to staying fit: Yoga + Live Music. We promise you an experience you won't forget. RM25 per session. RM80 for four sessions. Contact 012 423 2105 to register. Limited to 10 people per session. First session free of charge. More details on Facebook here.

OPEN MIC & PRO JAM, D'Loovi's, 24, Lebuh Melayu, Every Sunday 6pm-10pm

Budding singers, musicians, and indie artists take to the stage and jam. More details on Facebook.

TALK - ANSWER2CANCER, IWA Clubhouse, 6 Lorong Lembah Permai 5, Every Monday 10.30am

Educational series of talks covering the latest information concerning prevention and treatment. Email to register a place. IWA members RM5, non-members RM 10.

PUB QUIZ, Healy Mac’s, Straits Quay, Every Monday 8pm

Traditional pub quiz, 4 per team, 4 per table, RM 5 per person to enter. More details here.

NYONYA DANCE CLASSES, IWA Clubhouse, 6 Lorong Lembah Permai 5, Every Wednesday Afternoon

Nyonya Dance Classes for beginners and more experienced dancers.  RM 40 per month. Please phone for details 016 850 2780 or email .

QIGONG & STRETCH, IWA Clubhouse, 6 Lorong Lembah Permai 5, Every Friday 9.30am

Learn the 8 qigong movement exercises of the '8 Pieces of Brocade', plus some excellent stretch exercises. RM5 for IWA Members, RM10 for Non Members. Please phone for details 016 850 2780 or email .

HIN MARKET, Hin Bus Depot, Jalan Gurdwara, Every Saturday 11am-6pm, Sunday 11am-5pm

The popular Hin Market is a weekly platform for entrepreneurs, small business owners, craftsmen, artisans, musicians, performers, and makers of all kinds to showcase their products, crafts, and talents.

Now open both Saturday and Sunday. More details on Facebook.

SEAFRONT MARKET, Hotel Mercure, Tanjong Bungah, Every Saturday 3pm-9pm

A new weekly seafront market for art, fashion and snacks from local vendors. For more details check Facebook

SUNDAY SOUL SESSION, Online, Every Sunday 5pm-7pm

DJ Carl Hinds invites you every Sunday for a late afternoon dose of two hours of chilled soul music. The stream starts at 5pm through mixcloud here.

MEDITATION CLASSES, Online, By appointment

Learn to meditate for peace, calm and inner strength. Classes via zoom, at no cost. For more details and to sign up WhatsApp Helen 013 430 1229.

A community service of Brahma Kumaris Penang.

COMMUNITY Ongoing

Due to Covid-19 the meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous are temporarily suspended.  Instead, the Penang AA Group have scheduled several online meetings accessible via Zoom.  If you would like more information about the AA Penang online meetings, please call 011 512 31396.

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