In China’s locked-down coronavirus city, grocery delivery is a lifeline

In China’s locked-down coronavirus city, grocery delivery is a lifeline

CORONAVIRUS | Reluctant to go outside for fear of catching the new coronavirus sweeping the Chinese city of Wuhan, Edward Wang found a lifeline: grocery delivery services provided by local retailers.But with hundreds of thousands of other people in Wuhan also stuck inside their homes doing the same thing, and retailers struggling to get hold of their staff, the service became overloaded.So for Wang, now in Canada after flying out of Wuhan on an evacuation flight, a daily ritual developed during his days on virtual lockdown in the city.At the turn of midnight, grocery stores would open up their… (more…)

75 years after Auschwitz was liberated, she returned with her family for one last ritual

75 years after Auschwitz was liberated, she returned with her family for one last ritual

PHILADELPHIA — In the breath between before and after, Anita Lewinski saw this was the end, and searched for her small goodbye. Their train had stopped at the gate of death.It was October 1944. They were Jews.The rail car had a window, by chance. Outside, the vast camps of Auschwitz-Birkenau sprawled across more than 400 acres of Poland’s southern countryside. Vacant eyes stared through barbed wire and barking dogs fought the leash. On the train, shock spread from face to face, reality replacing the long-whispered rumor.Anneliese Winterberg was just 15. She had blue eyes, her hair blond as cor… (more…)

Record-breaking US astronaut set to return to Earth

Record-breaking US astronaut set to return to Earth

Almaty (Kazakhstan) (AFP) – US astronaut Christina Koch is set to return to Earth Thursday having shattered the spaceflight record for female astronauts by spending almost a year aboard the International Space Station.Koch of NASA is expected to touch down in the Kazakh steppes with colleagues Luca Parmitano of the European Space Agency and Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian space agency at 0912 GMT after 328 days in space. The 41-year-old Michigan-born engineer by training surpassed the previous record set for a single spaceflight by a woman — 289 days, held by NASA veteran Peggy Whitson — … (more…)

The Beauty of Abstract Art

The Beauty of Abstract Art

Written by Fabian Subash

 

My name is Fabian Subash Anthonysamy. 

I am 37 years old.

I am from Kuala Lumpur.

I am a fine artist and an upcoming one. 

I graduated in Visual and Digital Arts (Fine Arts) at Limkokwing University.

 

I have done 10 solo exhibitions and one group exhibition at various churches, such as:

  1. St. John’s Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur (16 December 2012)
  2. Church of Good Shepherd, Setapak, Kuala Lumpur (19 May 2013)
  3. Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Jalan Peel, Kuala Lumpur (4 August 2013)
  4. Church of St. Francis Xavier, Jalan Gasing, Petaling Jaya (24 November 2013)
  5. St. Jude’s Church, Rawang (8 – 9 March 2014)
  6. Holy Family Church, Kajang (25 May 2014)
  7. Church of St. Anthony, Pudu, Kuala Lumpur (14 – 15 June 2014)
  8. St. Ignatius Church, Petaling Jaya (6 July 2014)
  9. Church of Visitation, Seremban (13 – 14 August 2016)
  10. Church of Our Lady of Fatima, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur (16 – 17 June 2018)
  11. Group exhibition – Malaysian Fashion and Art Week 2018, White Box, Publika (19 – 25 November 2018) 

I exhibited my paintings in bazaars at various places such as Publika, e-Curve, The Curve, Amcorp Mall, Bangsar Shopping Centre and many more. I have also participated in the Christmas Bazaar for both American and British Associations of Malaysia. My paintings have been auctioned at the annual dinners of the Catholic Doctors Association of Malaysia and the Catholic Lawyers Association of Malaysia.

The purpose of my exhibitions is to promote abstract art to the public especially for the young children and young adults in Malaysia and across the globe. I know they should be exposed to this particular kind of art, henceforth becoming more creative and innovative. Abstract art is so rich in colour, shapes, lines composition, and depth. The things that you can learn from it are amazing and endless. There is no age limit to abstract art. It is so therapeutic for all ages because of the two most important elements: colour and style. These attract the audience. Abstract art is much easier to do in comparison to scenery and figurative paintings.

I want to help our youth pass their time productively rather than going out and wasting their money at clubs: drinking, mixing with the wrong company, and doing unnecessary things. This will expand their thinking and eventually will be a good habit for them to cultivate. From this, I know that they can also apply this knowledge in their daily lives – studies, work, or even sports. Nowadays, everything that we do needs us to be creative and innovative. Yes, of course theoretical information and knowledge is important, but only to a certain extent. Most importantly, it is using our common sense to reason out and perceive life by improvising, adapting and overcoming.

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fabiansubash.legend/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abstract_fabian/ 

All images are the property of Fabian Subash.

Gold Rain and Hailstones kicks off ICT 30th anniversary

Gold Rain and Hailstones kicks off ICT 30th anniversary

The Instant Café Theatre Company turns 30 this year. To begin the year, ICT is in the process of restaging Gold Rain and Hailstones as the opening of a programme of Malaysian writers, voices and stories. Gold Rain and Hailstones by Jit Murad is a seminal work in Malaysian theatre history.

It was Jit Murad’s first play, originally staged in 1993 to huge public and critical acclaim. Jit and his plays inspired a generation of Malaysian writers in both film and theatre, and he counted such people as the late, great Yasmin Ahmad among his close friends. His plays also delighted a generation of theatre goers who loved his wit, his warmth, his ingenuity, his way with words and his very Malaysian humour.

There are a number of reasons for restaging this play now. One is because it is an important play that has particular resonance for us Malaysians today. Hujan emas di negeri orang, hujan batu di negeri sendiri, baik lagi negeri sendiri as the old saying goes. Whether that is true or not is the subject of the play. Another reason is to introduce Jit Murad and his work to a new generation of Malaysian theatre makers. We hope this restaging of Gold Rain can inspire another burst of creativity just as it did before. Originally directed by the then ‘up and coming’ young director Zahim Albakri, it was performed by Jit Murad himself and Lin Jafaar. Now the task of directing has been given to another ‘up and coming’ theatre and film director, Gavin Yap, whose second major feature film will be released in April. This play marks his return to theatre after a period honing his craft in cinema. Ultimately, he intends to turn the play into a feature film. The play features an impressive cast of strong, young actors: Sharifah Amani, Redza Minhat, Farah Rani and Ghafir Akbar.

Why are stories like Gold Rain and Hailstones important?

Because in this new and promising era, the people of Malaysia need to have their stories told and their voices heard. Hujan emas di negeri orang, hujan batu di negeri sendiri, baik laginegeri sendiri is the reality today.

But people want to speak, to know if they can speak without fear, to ask questions, form their own opinions, debate, make informed decisions more than before. Good theatre creates the environment for intellectual and creative liveliness. It sparks curiosity; feeds inventiveness; stimulates creative thinking and leads to creative solutions; it nourishes critical thinking and forms independently-minded people who are not easily led.

The purpose of theatre is to share stories, to provide a place where we can listen deeply to each other. Good theatre tells the diverse stories that we must hear if we are to have a better understanding of those outside our immediate communities. It generates empathy, develops kindness and cultivates generous, open-minded, tolerant individuals.

Theatre provides an outlet for the dispossessed, the disadvantaged, the voiceless and invisible, the youth from troubled backgrounds, the middle class liberal who feels under attack, the quiet conservative who feels she cannot express her opinion safely. As in the Malay tradition, good theatre can be a place of healing and emotional growth for the community, a soothing balm and an avenue to explore and come to terms with some of life’s harsh realities.

ICT has always been a ‘people’s theatre’, giving equal value to theatre and its audience. It believes in breaking through protocols and in making theatre for everyone. It hopes to make us all feel braver to say what is on our mind – singly and as a collective. There is no one opinion that is right or wrong.  It wants theatre viewers to see themselves as a diverse but homogenous lot – people seeking to express themselves or to see their experiences reflected. Through its political satire it has tried to speak Truth to Power; through its current New Malaysian Writing platforms – FIRSTWoRKS and ALMoST TRUE SToRIES –  it wants to help nurture new Malaysian writers who have written in Malay, English, Chinese and a mixture of all those languages, to tell much-needed new Malaysian stories. Through its workshops and education outreach it has sought to share knowledge; through its international collaborations, tours and workshops it has sought to bring Malaysia to the world and the world to Malaysia.

 
What inspired you to write Gold Rain and Hailstones? And why is the play timely for a restaging?

 I can’t recall the original ‘inspiration’, to be honest. It was a long time ago. Something about the guilt and defensiveness of my own ‘dislocation’ as ordained by my own society… and perhaps a subtler point that being ‘different’ was planted even BEFORE the overseas experience? Maybe in the current climate we feel more latitude to express individuality? Bear in mind, I rather hope it speaks to ‘mutts’ of ALL ilk and races. I am forced to acknowledge that this was a young man’s play. Ultimately we arrive at reconciliation with our society in our OWN ways.  

 

How do you hope the play will be received this time around? And would you have changed anything in the script?

I suppose I hope they’ll watch the play with the above sentiments. With nostalgia – and much kindness. To be frank, It was what I wrote at a certain point in my Life. It’s become a fossil in quartz, as it were – and special to me for that fact.  

 

What’s keeping you busy lately?

 Working on a new play. Ideas bristling like porcupine quills – but youth’s focus and bravado eludes me these days.  

 

Will you be watching the play?

 Damn right I’ll be watching the play! Every night, probably…I just hope I still have enough clout to get a fortnight of comps!

About the play

The Instant Café Theatre Company presents GOLD RAIN & HAILSTONES
by Jit Murad

Directed by: Gavin Yap

Featuring: Ghafir Akbar, Sharifah Amani, Redza Minhat, Farah Rani

Venue: DPAC Theatre

Performance Dates & Times 

March 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 @ 8.30PM 

March 2, 3, 9, 10 @ 3PM

Tickets: RM65, RM50

Golden Tickets: Be a Golden Ticket Buyer! Instant Café is dedicated to the idea of keeping ticket prices low! You can help us do that by buying a Golden Ticket for only RM150. A Golden Ticket gets you absolutely nothing but a warm special feeling that you have played some part in subsidizing theatre tickets and spreading the love of theatre in Malaysia. Yes, you have now become an Instant Patron of the Arts. Oh and you also get a choice of the best seats in the house. It doesn’t get any more Golden than that.

DPAC Box Office: www.dpac.com.my; 03-4065 0001, 03-4065 0002

Golden Tickets available at dpac or by emailing us at: [email protected]

Instant Café Theatre Company Sdn Bhd Bank Details: RHB, 2140 3500 133 062  

 

View Website

 

Gold Rain and Hailstones is a Malaysian classic by acclaimed playwright Jit Murad. It was first staged to critical acclaim in 1993, hailed as the best play of the year, moving audiences to laughter and tears. In conjunction with the production we will be holding writing workshops, talkback sessions and a Masterclass. This is the opening production to mark Instant Café’s 30th Anniversary. We are still in need of funding to stage this play. To find out more about how you can support Instant Café, this play and our work please contact us at [email protected]

BookXcess launches the first BookXcess out of Kuala Lumpur at Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang

BookXcess launches the first BookXcess out of Kuala Lumpur at Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang

BookXcess launches the first BookXcess out of Kuala Lumpur at Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang

Featuring the longest bookshelf in Malaysia at 70 metres in length and a two-storey bookshelf measuring 10 metres high, the BookXcess team brings you a uniquely diverse selection of   sought-after titles. Book lovers can expect a variety of books from art and design to literature, fiction, non-fiction, young adult, children’s books and many more hidden gems. Exclusively for BookXcess, parents of young ones will also find Little Hippo augmented reality (AR) books available at the store. AR books create an immersive, interactive reading experience. Children will be able to read, play and learn with these AR books as it uses cutting-edge AR technology to revolutionize reading for the next generation.

“One of the reasons there are so few avid readers in Malaysia is that books are very expensive. Books cost a lot in relation to the average person’s income and this is a barrier for many book lovers. As such, BookXcess’ goal is to make reading popular again; for books to become a household item that everyone can afford,” shared Andrew Yap, Founder of BookXcess Sdn. Bhd.

Taking up the entire 7th floor and part of the 8th floor, covering 26,000 sq. ft, BookXcess Gurney Paragon Mall features a children’s section which offers a breath-taking view of the ocean, providing inspiration for young readers to spark their curious minds. The bookstore also features comfortable reading spaces for customers to browse the sample books available. In addition, customers can also visit Café Wolf, BookXcess’ very own in-store café for refreshments or a quick bite.

According to Hunza Group Executive Director, Ms. Khor Tze Ming, “Shoppers nowadays enjoy getting lost in a cosy feeling of peace and quiet where books have their back amidst the crazy buzz of a busy mall. The establishment of BookXcess is a great complement to the mushrooming of international schools in Penang, which is in line with the state government’s vision in transforming our state into an international city with high-income economy that is knowledge-intensive.”

BookXcess Gurney Paragon Mall is also Red Readerhood’s first long-term initiative in Penang. Started in 2011, Red Readerhood gives back to communities by working together with local organisations to give books to those in need. Customers can purchase and donate a book at the Red Readerhood corner, and for every book a customer donates, BookXcess will match it with another book. The first four homes that will benefit from this initiative are House of Hope, The Salvation Army, St. Joseph’s Home and Hope Worldwide Penang.

 

Customers can also stay updated on the latest BookXcess news on:

 

About BookXcess

BookXcess has built a reputation for offering a wide selection of books – from bestselling novels, children’s books, cooking and architecture to literature, history, evergreen classics and décor – at hugely discounted prices. As a remainder bookstore, it offers a wide range of overprinted and unsold copies from publishers around the world. The company’s primary aim is to encourage the joy of reading by making books available at affordable prices.

BookXcess opened its first outlet in Amcorp Mall in 2007, and has retail outlets at the Starling, fahrenheit88, as well as gift stores called BookXcess XS in 1 Utama, SS15 Courtyard and Centro Mall, Klang. In May 2018, BookXcess also launched the nation’s biggest and only 24-hour bookstore at Tamarind Square. The company also offers online shopping at bookxcessonline.com to meet the needs of customers outside the Klang Valley.

About Gurney Paragon Mall

Located in Gurney Drive, Gurney Paragon Mall is the premier shopping mall in Penang Island, built around and inspired by the former St. Joseph’s Novitiate – converted into St. Jo’s, an area for stylish restaurants and cafes steeped in the architecture of Penang’s heritage. Spanning 700,000 sq. ft. NLA over nine floors, Gurney Paragon Mall offers a superb mix of fashion and lifestyle brands, sea breeze-fronting al-fresco dining areas as well as the first IMAX screen in Penang. It provides a memorable experience to all shoppers and pleasure seekers.

Gurney Paragon Mall was also certified as a national record holder of The Malaysia Book of Records with the achievement of “First Shopping Mall Integrated With A Heritage Building”. Other achievements include “Best Retail Development Malaysia (5 Star) – Asia Pacific Property Awards Development 2018-2019”, “Best Experiential Marketing” Silver Award 2017 & 2018 by Malaysia Shopping Malls Association (PPK)”, “FIABCI Malaysia Property Award 2015 (Retail Category)” and etc.

For media inquiries please contact:

Renuka Ramalingam

PR Manager, BookXcess Sdn. Bhd.

[email protected], +6017 5754450