Johor Bahru Writers & Readers Festival 2016
Festival Guide
JOHOR BAHRU INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL CITY
Johor Bahru: International Festival City (JB:IFC) is a bold initiative by the Johor Society for the Performing Arts (JSPA) to catapult and position the city of Johor Bahru as a leading festival city in the region; hosting world acclaimed events encompassing arts, music, culture & more. As the city expands its local and global reach, so must it continue to embrace and promote the arts - both at a community and international level - as well as showcase the rich and historical culture of Johor and Malaysia to its many residents and visitors. The hallmark of any great city is its ability to connect the arts and culture to the resident and business communities. As the JB Festivals move in tandem with the ambition of the city, we welcome the participation of corporate partners, sponsors and supporters to help realise the vision of making Johor Bahru a truly great and world-class city.
“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads only lives once.” – George R.R. Martin
The Johor Bahru Writers and Readers Festival brings people of all ages and backgrounds to read, write, imagine, and create. With a variety of activities such as exhibitions, workshops, book sales, poetry recitals, and theatre performances, the Festival not only features Johor Bahru’s very own literary and artistic pioneers, but also provides a platform for aspiring, up-and-coming creatives and visionaries to share and showcase their talent. The Festival welcomes everybody to engage, inspire, examine, and celebrate the connection between imagination and creation.
Comments from our festival curators Yap Leong
Tok Rimau
Programmer/Curator – ‘A Picture Paints a Thousand Words’ Exhibition
Programmer/Literary Director – Workshops/Book Sales by Independent Publishers
The first word ever was invented as a form of art. ‘A Picture Paints a Thousand Words’ aims to encourage a deeper, more engaging interest in reading through art, by exploring the multiple connections between art and writing. There are countless words hidden within a picture, and there are entire worlds embedded within a word.
If I am the prime minister, I will launch a programme called “One Citizen, One Book.” Everybody should write a book, at least. It is the next best thing to time travelling because a book is indeed a long lasting legacy. You can communicate your ideals to the future generation through your book just like Munshi Abdullah (1796-1854) communicates his adventures through Pelayaran Abdullah. For now, I am not the prime minister. I am doing what I can with the resources available to me to promote literacy in Johor Bahru through Johor Bahru Writers and Readers Festival. Enjoy!
Shakespeare Demystified: The Merchant of Venice (Theatre) Friday & Saturday 13th & 14th May 2016 8:00pm & 9:00pm respectively
A condensed production of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, focusing on key canonical scenes in original Shakespearean English. Narration, in contemporary English, punctuates the performance to provide contexts, character analyses and clarifications of unfamiliar “Shakespearean expressions”. The theatre-goer who has never read or even heard of Shakespeare will, by the end of the performance, be familiar with the main plot, major themes and relevant social issues. (Suitable for all ages) Presented in English by KL Shakespeare Players.
HAMLET – Sebuah Adaptasi Eksperimental (Theatre) Sunday 15th May 2016 8.30pm
An experimental, compact adaptation of William Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’, presented in Bahasa Malaysia to provide introductory-level insight into the Shakespearean classic. The performance welcomes audiences of all backgrounds to learn more about Shakespearean work and engage, examine, and experiment with interpretation together with the actors. Subtitles in English and Mandarin provided. (Suitable for all ages)
Southern Poetry Festival: The Southern Literary Journey (Poetry) Thursday 12th May 2016 8:30pm
A poetry slam that celebrates the aesthetics and rhythm of words across three languages: English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Mandarin. From the award-winning to the up-andcoming, the festival showcases the work of poets from around Malaysia, and invites audiences to explore the beauty of language and the possibilities for creating meaning. Featured Poets/Performers: Wong Yoon Wah, Yahaya bin Suip, Tan Chai Puan, Heng Yiwang, Kho Tong Guan, Margaret A/P Sinnapan, Ho Sok Fong, Nadia bt Ishak, Seah Kwee Wei, Wee Juan Hiong, Wong Soo Wah, Chan Shuk Hui. Presented in English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Mandarin by Southern University College. (Suitable for all ages)
Fall in Love with Bhutan: Launch of Bhutan Travelogue by Chen Su Yin (Talk) Thursday 12th May 2016 7:00pm
A closer look at author Chen Suyin’s travels in Bhutan, and how she translated her love for the country’s sights and sounds into text and images. Presented in Mandarin by Chen Suyin (Suitable for participants aged 16 and above)
Connecting Text and Image – Illustration Series by Southern University College (Workshop) Thursday 12th May 2016 1:30pm onwards
A series of workshops that explores the connection between words, imagination, and imagery. The series features two sessions, the first being ‘Eternal Movements in Persian Traditional Illustration’ followed by ‘Illustrate Your Imagination (Primary Techniques)’. Activities include discussion and analysis of Persian traditional illustration, and application of primary techniques to translate concepts and ideas through illustrated responses to written texts. Presented in English by artists Dr. Mohammad Tirani and Nasrin Rabiei from Southern University College. (Suitable for participants aged 13 and above)
UTM Language Academy Creative Workshops for Teachers (Workshop) Friday 13th May 2016 10:30am onwards
Specially designed programmes for English teachers focusing on ways to incorporate speaking activities and drama techniques in teaching strategies to make classes fun, enjoyable, and memorable. Participants will be given hands-on experience in handling and coordinating speaking activities, and learn to use accelerated learning drama techniques that can be applied in their everyday classes. Presented by Dr. Abdul Halim Abdul Raof & Dr. Masdinah Alauyah Md. Yusof (Speaking Activities: Of Coordination and Practice); Dr. Abdullah Mohd Nawi (Applying Drama Techniques in TESL). (Suitable for all English teachers)
UTM Language Academy Creative Workshops for Secondary School Students (Workshop) Friday 13th May 2016 10:30am onwards
Creative workshops aimed at helping students integrate vocabulary, grammar, and listening skills into fun, alternative ways of experimenting with English. Students will develop their creativity in composing their own songs, explore and develop an understanding of English through drama, and engage in a unique opportunity to share their ideas without the confinements of perfect grammar or structures through poetic forms. Presented by Aminabibi Saidalvi (Fun With Lyrics); Norhanim Abdul Samad (Drama Workshop for Young People & Poetry Workshop for Young People) (Suitable for all secondary school students 13 – 17 years old)
Naratif Atas Kertas: Novel & Cerpen (Workshop) Saturday 14th May 2016 10:30am onwards
A workshop by dynamic, independent publishers Legasi Oakheart, aimed at opening doors into the world of writing, art, and literature. It serves as a platform for participants to create their own literary work, and encourages participants to submit their manuscripts for publishing by the end of the workshop. Presented in Bahasa Malaysia by Legasi Oakheart. (Suitable for participants aged 16 years old and above)
Guerilla Filmmaking (Workshop) Saturday 14th May 2016 10:30am onwards
Guerilla filmmaking is DIY filmmaking with low budgets, solo or skeleton crew and using whatever is available as simple props. Participants will be exposed to the fundamentals of filmmaking and take part in a production of a short film. The workshop will end with the screening and discussion of the short film made by the class. The workshop will be handled by avid short film makers led by Tok Rimau, winner of the People’s Choice and Honourable Mention Award BMW Shorties. Presented in English and Bahasa Malaysia by Tok Rimau, Agas, and Marjinal Studio. (Suitable for participants aged 16 years old and above)
Bengkel Comicoaching (Workshop) Sunday 15th May 2016 10:30am onwards
The Comicore Club has persevered in their support of Malaysia’s comic and creative works industry for years through initiatives such as ‘Comicoaching’. ‘Comicoaching’ is a workshop designed to help new artists and writers gain insight into the industry, equip them with the necessary skill sets and techniques needed to produce comics, and explore alternatives for publication outside the independent circuit. Presented in Bahasa Malaysia by Reja Mus and Bhopahiry Baharum – Comicore Club (Suitable for participants aged 16 and above)
Book/Merchandise Sales by Independent Authors/Publishers Saturday 14th May 2016 10:00am onwards
An avenue of growth and sharing for local writers and publishers to meet one another, and share their work with the public. Everyone is welcome to browse through books, artwork, and merchandise in support of Malaysian talents and join in the celebration of imagining and creating.
Write; Post; Share (Pre-Festival Event) Tuesday 3rd May 2016 8:00pm onwards Roost Repurposed Recycled, Jalan Dobi
Keeping your voice unique and relevant is no easy task in an age where information surrounds us everywhere we go. Join us for this sharing session with some of Johor Bahru’s movers and shakers to explore ways of navigating and adapting to ensure the right message is delivered to the right people right at their fingertips. Presented by Peggy Loh - My Johor Stories, KK Lew MAGistrate, Lauren Yee - The Star Tok Rimau - Curator JBWRF, Rachel Phoa - JB City Guide, Chris Parry - Johor Green, TIMMY - TIMS Clothing, Caster Chong - Vouch Magazine, JIDA, San Francisco Chronicle.
Programme 12 May 2016
1:30 p.m. Southern University College presentation talk—Eternal Movements in Persian Traditional Illustration
Black Box @ Mall of Medini
2:00 p.m. Southern University College—Illustrate Your Imagination (Primary Techniques) Workshop - Part 1
Black Box @ Mall of Medini
3:30 p.m. Southern University College—Illustrate Your Imagination (Primary Techniques) Workshop - Part 2
Black Box @ Mall of Medini
7:00 p.m. Fall in Love with Bhutan: Launch of Bhutan Travelogue by Chen Su Yin
White Box @ Mall of Medini
8:30 p.m. Southern Poetry Festival
Black Box @ Mall of Medini
13 May 2016
10:30 a.m. UTM Language Academy Creative Workshops For Teachers - Part 1
Black Box @ Mall of Medini
10:30 a.m. UTM Language Academy Creative Workshops For Teenage Students (13–17 years old) - Part 1
White Box @ Mall of Medini
2:00 p.m. UTM Language Academy Creative Workshops For Teachers - Part 2
Black Box @ Mall of Medini
4:00 p.m. UTM Language Academy Creative Workshops For Teenage Students (13–17 years old) - Part 2
White Box @ Mall of Medini
8:00 p.m. Shakespeare Demystified: The Merchant of Venice
Black Box @ Mall of Medini
14 May 2016 10:30 a.m. Naratif Atas Kertas: Novel & Cerpen - Part 1 (For 16 years old & above) 10:30 a.m. Guerilla Filmmaking Workshop - Part 1 Mixed Bahasa Malaysia & English (For 16 years old & above) 2:00 p.m. Naratif Atas Kertas: Novel & Cerpen - Part 2 6:30 p.m. Guerilla Filmmaking Workshop - Part 2 8:00 p.m. Screening & Discussion—Guerilla Filmmaking Workshop 9:00 p.m. Shakespeare Demystified: The Merchant of Venice
White Box @ Mall of Medini
Black Box @ Mall of Medini
White Box @ Mall of Medini Black Box @ Mall of Medini White Box @ Mall of Medini Black Box @ Mall of Medini
15 May 2016 10:30 p.m. Bengkel Comics Coaching - Part 1 (For 16 years old & above) 2:30 p.m. Bengkel Comics Coaching - Part 2 8:30 p.m. HAMLET - Sebuah Adaptasi Eksperimental
White Box @ Mall of Medini White Box @ Mall of Medini Black Box @ Mall of Medini
The Johor Bahru Classical Music Festival 2016 15–19 June 2016
Classical music inspires the interpretation of new meanings, new possibilities and new connections. Get ready for a jam-packed programme with performances by Malaysia’s best musical talents from the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO), The Sutera Ensemble, Ensemble Virama, and the Malaysian Harp Ensemble, along with the internationally renowned UK-based Malaysian Harpsichordist Dato’ Dr. Ng Kah-Ming, French Cellist Florent Audibert, Spanish Guitarist Sara Guerrero, and Austrian Accordion/Saxophone Duo Duo Aliada. Music will be in the air as Johor Bahru explores the thrilling soundscapes of the classical music world!
The Johor Bahru Writers & Readers Festival would not have been possible without the generous support from our family of partners.
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Mall of Medini, Iskandar Puteri Medini Iskandar, 79200, Nusajaya, Johor Darul Takzim For more details on programme content and ticket prices, contact us at jbartsfest@hotmail.com, 019 713 9900.
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