Art, music, events and entertainment in Penang

This week in Penang - two art exhibition openings on Friday and Saturday (see art exhibitions section). Plus more tours, workshops, and talks.

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TALK - KNEE PAIN & OSTEOARTHRITIS, Online, Wednesday 23rd September 3pm

Chronic knee pain is not normal, and it is not necessarily a sign of getting older. Everyone’s joints go through a normal cycle of damage and repair during their lifetime, but sometimes the body’s process to repair our joints can cause changes in their shape or structure. When these changes happen in one or more of your joints, it’s known as osteoarthritis. Tune in to Dr Ng Khai Oon’s FB Live session here as he talks about knee pain and osteoarthritis.

FITNESS - TABATA, Online, Wednesday 23rd September 5pm

Tabata is an interval style workout where you push yourself as hard as you can for 20 seconds and rest for 10 seconds. A great way to improve muscular endurance as well as cardiovascular.

Free of charge, to join this workout, click here.

FILM - SUNSET, Hikayat, 226 Beach St, Wednesday 23rd & Thursday 24th September 6pm

1913, Budapest, in the heart of Europe. The young Irisz Leiter arrives in the Hungarian capital with high hopes to work as a milliner at the legendary hat store that belonged to her late parents. She is nonetheless sent away by the new owner, Oszkár Brill. Refusing to leave the city, the young woman follows links to a lost past. Her quest brings her through the dark streets of Budapest, into the turmoil of a civilisation on the eve of its downfall and war. English subtitles.
 Winner, Best Co-production, Seville European Film Festival
Winner, Best Director, Beijing International Film Festival
Screening and refreshments RM15.
Booking here essential.

FILM - THE ACT OF KILLING, The Screenery, 81 Lebuh China, Wednesday 23rd & Sunday 27th September 7pm-10pm

2012 documentary film about individuals who participated in the Indonesian mass killings of 1965–66. This controversial film won best documentary at the 67th BAFTA awards. Indonesian presidential spokesman on foreign affairs, Teuku Faizasyah, claimed that the film is misleading with respect to its portrayal of Indonesia.The film was ranked 19th on a list of the best documentaries ever made in a 2015 poll by the British Film Institute. In 2016, it was named the 14th greatest film released since 2000 by a poll of critics published by the BBC.

Join the private Facebook group here for more information. For the present all film screenings are free of charge.

CHARITY CONCERT - ROCK WITH US, Online, Wednesday 23rd September 9pm

Online charity concert featuring all your favourite local and international musicians performing for a good cause to raise funds for the underprivileged children at Darul Ihsan Orphanage. Join the Facebook livestream here.

TALK - WHAT HAPPENED TO THE NEW MALAYSIA?, Online, Thursday 24th September 8am

May 2018 saw a momentous change of government in Malaysia, ending the 50-year-run of one of Asia's most resilient authoritarian coalitions. March 2020 saw another—this time, without an election. Amid public-health and economic turmoil, Malaysia has been navigating uncharted political waters ever since. The new government has all but rolled back reform. And the prospect of a snap election, that might bring back the once discredited “kleptocratic” leadership of Barisan Nasional, puts into question many of the assumptions behind hopes for a “New Malaysia.” Our panelists cannot tell you what’s next, but they can at least discuss how we got here and what buoys and shoals might lie ahead.

This event will be moderated by Margaret Scott, a NYSEAN co-founder and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at NYU Wagner.

 

Register for the webinar here.

NIGHT SAFARI, The Habitat, Penang Hill, Thursday 24th September, 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 by jeep to The Habitat where guides will point out the animals and birds who settle down as dusk falls. Dinner at David Brown’s Restaurant, enjoy the sunset at Curtis Crest (weather permitting), then as the night deepens meet the frogs, reptiles and other creatures that come out in the dark. Then take a jeeps back down the Hill. 
RM180 per adult, RM150 per child under 12. Email or message +60164570221 to book.

TALK - COUNSELLOR, CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST, PSYCHIASTRIST: WHO SHOULD YOU SEE IN MALAYSIA, Online, Friday 25th September 8.30pm-10pm

Three professionals will explain the differences between a counsellor, clinical psychologist and a psychiatrist in Malaysia, expand awareness of the general Malaysian mental health system and offer an alternative platform for the public to ask questions about mental health. Register here to be sent the link. 

THEATRE - HAVE/HAD, penangpac, Friday 25th 8.30pm, Saturday 26th 3pm & 8.30pm, Sunday 27th September 3pm

BUY 1 TICKET AT NORMAL RATE OF RM45 AND GET ONE TICKET FREE (Limited to 30 free tickets) This special price is available thanks to a kind supporter of arts who donated 30 tickets to the production team of HAVE/HAD.

Have/Had is a thought provoking theatrical experience about the concept of truth and lies, reality and fantasy, which we often find ourselves trapped in. It addresses vital questions that all of us can relate to. When we find ourselves entangled in a web of lies, will we follow our rational mind or our emotions? When confronted by reality, will we tell the truth or will we choose to lie?

If to lie is how we survive life, does truth even matter?

Tickets RM 45. Get tickets online from Proticket .

ART WORKSHOPS - A NEW BEGINNING, Ming Fine Art, St Jo’s, Gurney Paragon, Saturday 26th, Wednesday 30th September & Saturday 3rd October

In conjunction with the art exhibition, A New Beginning (see below) artists Ng Hun Kim and Yew Soo Cheng will demonstrate their technique. You will get to see the artists in action and see how they produce their beautiful creations RSVP at 604 893 0519. Limited places. Free of charge.

Saturday 26th 1pm-2.30pm Mid-Autumn Calligraphy & Painting

Wednesday 30th 2.30pm-4pm Chinese Brush Painting

Saturday 3rd October 2.30pm-4pm Mixed Media Painting

ART DEMONSTRATION - PENANG lN WATERCOLOUR, Online, Saturday 26th September 4pm-5.30pm

Renowned Penang artist Khoo Cheang Jin is doing live watercolour paintings of 8 Penang scenes on Saturday afternoons. These are not be the usual tourist hot spots but lesser known beautiful places in Penang. Last week was boats off Karpal Singh Drive. So join Cheang Jin and explore with him, live on Facebook here.

NIGHT EXPLORATION, Penang Hill, Saturday 26th September, 7.30-10.30pm

See the nocturnal wonders of the Penang Hill Rainforest. In deep darkness, surrounded by hundreds of jungle sounds and with the help of head lights, you enter a world inhabited by the most unique, diverse and shy night creatures. Many animals, especially insects, amphibians, and reptiles , hide from predators during the day. This means that night time is the best time to find beautiful frogs , shy snakes and other rainforest creatures that only come out at night.

RM 50 per person, meet at the Dataran, Penang Hill. Register 016-4201189. More information on Facebook here.

FILM - ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, The Screenery, 81 Lebuh China, Saturday 26th September 7pm-10pm

Cult 1975 musical comedy horror film about a young  couple whose car breaks down in the rain near a castle where they seek help. The castle is occupied by strangers in elaborate costumes celebrating an annual convention. Head of the house is Dr. Frank N. Furter, an apparently mad scientist is actually an alien transvestite who creates a living muscle man in his laboratory. The couple are seduced separately by the mad scientist and eventually released by the servants who take control

Join the private Facebook group here for more information. For the present all film screenings are free of charge.

TALK - THE PSYCHOLOGY OF TREASON, TREACHERY AND BETRAYAL IN WARTIME MALAYA, Francis Suite, E&O Hotel, Tuesday 6th October 7pm-8.30.pm

Andrew Barber is an entertaining speaker and author of several books about the history of Malaysia. In this session he will focus on the spies, double agents and even triple agents who betrayed their comrades & countries during WW2 - and examine what drove them to do so.
RM45 per person to include tea/coffee on arrival.

Email or message +60164570221 to book.

TALK - BECOME MONEY WISE, Mei Hotel, Abu Siti Lane or Online, Tuesday 6th October 7.30pm-9.pm

In Lean In Penang’s monthly session, certified trainer and coach Caydee Schwarz will help you understand your own money personality and show you a money management system that is proven to work well for thousands of people, no matter how small their income is.
 For Register here.

ART EXHIBITIONS

STILL BY SHARON KOW, G Art Gallery, G Hotel, September 24th-December 21st

Renowned local self-taught pencil artist Sharon Kow Siew Suan presents Still, a series of artworks that depict a state of mental quietude. Sharon believes that “Stillness speaks”, as we take time to be still and to quiet the mind, we can achieve a clear introspection of our thoughts and emotions. Her artworks are intricately illustrated using just colour pencils.

Free of charge, open 24 hours (G Hotel mezzanine floor)

OPENING 6pm-7pm FRIDAY 25TH OCTOBER

GRACE’S WATERCOLOUR DIARY, penangpac, Straits Quay, Until September 27th

Dr. Grace Choong is a Penang artist who has been actively involved in local and international art scenes.  She has held 12 solo art exhibitions and participated in more than 200 joint art exhibitions.  Gallery 1, penangpac, 4th floor Straits Quay, 10am until 6.30pm daily.

THE THREAD OF LIFE, EXHIBITION BY DAYANG ArtSpace, ChinaHouse, Beach St, Until September 30th

Old pictures tend to trigger nostalgia. The pictures used for the thread of life exhibition are negatives taken in 1936 in various places in Asia and the Middle East. Dayang has enriched these black and white images to combine these stories of the past with her perception of life. Experiences  ‘gathered’ are like dots and life is the line that connects them. Dayang has added colourful threads as her vision of how the past intertwines with the present.

Dayang Salim is a Singaporean artist and designer who is residing in Kuala Lumpur. Her work has been exhibited in China, Malaysia, The Netherlands, Belgium and Hong Kong. Her works focus mainly on different cultures and experiences of living abroad.

The ArtSpace at ChinaHouse is open from 10am until 10pm daily.

A NEW BEGINNING, Ming Fine Art, St Jo’s. Gurney Paragon, September 25th-October 4th

New Beginning is a duo exhibition by artist Yew Soo Cheng and Ng Hun Kim. It is a collaboration between East and West and uses two different mediums.

Official Opening Saturday 26th September 2020 at 5pm.

10am-10pm daily.

PE’EL BY KIDE BAHARUDIN, Hin Bus Depot, Jalan Gurdwara, October 2nd-November 1st

Pe’el is a Malay word that means habit or behaviour.The artworks displayed in Pe’el carry stories revolving lives of the people in villages and towns, comparing similarities in daily behaviour and social activities in the 50’s and 60’s in Malaysia.Trading, food and beverages served, entertainment and social gatherings; various races from different walks of life interacting with each other. See the societal values that have been discounted, the past Malaysia is almost foreign to some.

Hours: Mon-Fri 12pm-8pm, Sat-Sun 11am-8pm. Free admission

THE DEATH AND LIFE OF HOKKIEN EXHIBITION, Cheah Kong Si, 8 Armenian St, Until October 25th

The southern Chinese language Hokkien, widely used in Penang, has 25 million speakers; two and a half times the population of Sweden. While the Swedish language faces no threat of extinction, Hokkien is set to vanish as its speakers abandon it for Mandarin.
In this exhibition, you will see that the root cause of decline in such languages is an ideology, which emerged in the 19th century. This is also an exhibition that challenges our preconceived idea about Chinese. A pre-historic bronze drum and old books printed in southern Chinese languages are on display for the first time in Malaysia. 9am-5pm daily. 

ART COMPETITIONS

BALIK PULAU FESTIVAL ART COMPETITION, Until September 30th

The Balik Pulau Festival Art competition is now open for submissions by Malaysians aged 7-17. Cash prizes for winners. For more details see the website here.

SPOTLIGHT BY PENANG ART DISTRICT COMPETITION, Until October 1st

Spotlight by Penang Art District returns with its 2020 edition, offering young aspiring and emerging artists the opportunity to undergo an intensive mentorship with an art professional and showcase their body of works in a solo exhibition. Welcoming applications from all over Malaysia, Spotlight 2020 is an open call for artists aged 30 and below. For more information, visit the website.

“LANDSCAPE” AND “FLORA” ART COMPETITION, Until October 1st

Open to all artists aged 15 and above, using Any painting medium (oil, acrylic, watercolor, ink, gouache etc) and any size of painting. Cash prizes and certificates will be awarded by a panel of 6 well-known artists and 2 international gallery owners. Entry fees for non Malaysians USD 18 for up to two images and USD 6 for each additional image; for Malaysians RM 75 for up to 2 images and RM 25 for each additional image.

Send entry form, proof of remittance along with artwork images, or enquiries to this email address.

Warrior Fitness now offers coach-led training both outdoors and live online via Zoom from Mondays-Fridays. Our training system is designed and planned for all fitness levels. All are welcome. Imagine being fitter and healthier and while also feeling better than ever. Now is the right time; do come and join us for our 7-day FREE TRIAL.


For more details on the schedule and how to join WhatsApp 018-2827567 or email here.

EVERY WEEK IN PENANG

NATURE WALKS AT PENANG HILL, Penang Hill, Daily 9.30am, 11.30am, 2.30pm & 4.30pm

Free of charge nature and heritage guided tours of Penang Hill. Spaces limited so registration essential at 016-4201189. More information on Facebook here.

GUIDED TOUR OF CHEONG FATT TZE BLUE MANSION, Lebuh Leith, Daily 11am & 2pm

A 45-minute guided tour through the history of the spectacular UNESCO award-winning mansion, revealing stories of its original owner and extended family, and of the house’s design philosophy and stunning architecture.

RM 25 for adults, RM 12.50 for children. Tickets can be purchased online here.

GUIDED TOUR OF PENANG HOUSE OF MUSIC, Level 4 Komtar via ICT Mall, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 11.30am & 2.30pm

Tour this unique curation of Penang's popular music heritage with faithful depictions of the era. Strictly by appointment (maximum 10 people per tour) 012 416 1550.

Admission prices (Malaysians): RM 20 for adult, RM 10 concessions, children under 5 free. Admission prices (non-Malaysians): RM 30 for adult, RM 15 concessions, children under 5 free.

SUNSET WALK, The Habitat, Penang Hill, Saturdays and Sundays 5.30pm

The Habitat Penang Hill Sunset Walk is back!
Enjoy a Self Guided Walk to watch the sunset from Curtis Crest, the highest point in Penang, or email to book in for a guided walk with a guide to point out the nocturnal jungle life to you. RM 65 per adult, RM 45 per child for self-guided walk, RM 95 per adult and RM 65 per child for a guided tour.

PAINTING WORKSHOPS - ARTSY SIP, Prima Tanjung, Saturdays 2.30pm-5pm

No art skills required. You will be guided throughout the process. A different theme every week. All materials provided. RM 88 including coffee/tea or RM 95 including a cocktail. For reservations call 0124417100. More information on the Facebook page here.

OPEN MIC & PRO JAM, D’Loovi’s, 24 Lebuh Melayu, Sundays 8pm-11pm

A rare opportunity to watch live music in person during the pandemic and for budding singers, musicians and indie artists to perform in public. Bring your own instrument if you wish to play. More information here.

EXPAT COFFEE AND CHAT, Mondays at Brown Pocket, Gurney Paragon, and Saturdays at Kim Haus, 9 Lebuh Campbell, 10.30am-12.30pm

Get together for expats and newcomers to Penang. Email here do WhatsApp +61411735011for more details.

WEEKLY WRITES, Luma, Hin Bus Depot, Every Monday 2.30pm-10.30pm,

Hosted by #MYWriters Penang, the weekly write-ins at LUMA allow writers to gather in one place with their laptops or notebooks and set aside time to do some serious writing. More details on their Facebook page here.

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

Weekly pub quiz, now with social distancing and maximum of four people per team.  More information on Facebook here.

HIN BUS DEPOT MARKET, Hin Bus Depot, Every Sunday 11am-5pm

The Hin Bus Depot Sunday market is back, with social distancing and SOPs in place. A reduced but still vibrant market place of the products of local entrepreneurs, crafters, artisans, with indoor busking by local musicians, and the relaxed vibe we love. More details on their Facebook page here.

MEDITATION CLASSES, Online, By appointment

Learn to mediate 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.

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.

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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