Celebrate Heritage! Hidden Retreat The Road ... - The Expat Group

Joe Sidek
“I always feel positive,” stresses Joe, after
outlining the alarming logistics of the Theatre
of Ships project. “I’m stubborn! And it will
be inspirational! That’s what I want to do, I
want to inspire people!”
George Town Allure
It always comes back to the people, and
perhaps it is the people that have made this
ambitious and unlikely festival not only
survive, but succeed and blossom over the
years. “I had over 200 proposals for people
wanting to be a part of the festival this
year,” Joe says, shaking his head in awe,
“and they are still coming in! I went to
Japan and had hundreds of artists wanting
to talk to me about it. I am already talking
with artists and performers who can’t
come this year, but want to come in 2014
or 2015!”
While the international artists bring their
talents, the local people are instrumental
too, supporting the festival and allowing it
to thrive in the city they call home. “The
people of Penang are so brave,” remarks Joe.
“They take ownership of their home, even if
they weren’t born in Penang. As soon as you
arrive, it becomes your home.”
Penangites’ pride in their heartland will
be bolstered further come June when the
curtain rises on the 2013 GTF and the city
fizzes with creativity: theatre performances,
art exhibitions, film screenings, concerts,
installation, street theatre, and kite displays
are just a few of the exciting events planned.
“Why did they all come to this island no
one has heard of?” asks Joe rhetorically,
shaking his head delightedly when I
enquire how such a young festival is
attracting international talent. “No idea. I
should have asked them!”
Whatever the reason, the world is coming,
and this small island is set to be transformed
by a cultural, artistic celebration like no
other that will inspire, astound, and delight.
“Come and share Penang,” Joe urges, “just
come and share.”
HIGHLIGHTS
I Musici
7 June; Dewan Sri Pinang, RM20-100
I Musici carry the title of oldest
chamber music group in Italy, and
they will be bringing their beautiful
sounds to George Town for the festival.
Audience members should listen out
for the group’s contemplative version of
Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, a CD of
which has already sold 25 million copies
worldwide.
Heritage Celebrations
6-7 July; various George Town streets
This 2-day long celebration marks the
anniversary of the UNESCO World
Heritage status being earned by the city.
Expect traditional arts, food, craft, and
events to take to the streets around the
historic centre.
Taking Off
8 June; Esplanade
Kites will be the focus down at the
Esplanade, as master kiters are joined by
members of the ASEAN Kite Council for
a stunning display of kites and crafts. A
performance by a percussion group is
just one of the planned events.
Secret Gardens of Earthly Delights
7 June-7 July; various gardens around
George Town
Ten artists, ten sites, and ten gardens
come together for this unique installation
project that sees gardeners and landscape
artists teaming up for a presentation of
earthly delights. Visit the festival website
for details of the locations.
Obscura
21-30 June; various venues
This new photography festival hopes
to engage the public in photography
through a series of exhibitions, talks,
and forums that will bring together
amateur and professional photographers.
International professionals taking part
include American Maggie Steber (who
worked with the Smithsonian and
National Geographic) and Ian Teh from
London (Time and Newsweek).
Bridges & Kaki Lima
29 June; Victoria Street (starting from Lorong
Lumut)
Sutra
Local and regional dancers have joined
to create this contemporary dance piece
that revitalises the tradition of street
performance by using the streets, bridges,
and kaki lima (five-foot ways) of George
Town as inspiration and a stage.
Sutra
29-30 June; Dewan Sri Pinang, RM20-100
Flemish/Moroccan choreographer Sidi
Larbi Cherkaoui has created a brand-new
dance piece in collaboration with Turner
Prize-winning artist Antony Gormley that
features 17 Shaolin monks and will be
accompanied by music created by Polish
composer Szymon Brzóska.
Art @ Whiteaways
7 June-7 July; Whiteaways Arcade, Beach Street,
Sekeping Victoria, Victoria Street, Fort Cornwallis
Valentine Willie, a top contemporary art
collector and curator, will select a present
a selection of works from some of the
top regional talents including Rebecca
Wilkinson and Chan Kok Hooi from
Malaysia, and Agus Baqul Purnomo from
Indonesia.
Pro Musica Gala Concert
6 July; Dewan Sri Pinang
Returning to the festival for another year
is the Pro Musica Gala, with this year’s
instalment bringing the international opera
talents of Julie Mossay (soprano), Ines
Madeira (mezzo soprano), Enrico Casari
(tenor), and Laurent Kubla (bass/baritone).
They will perform pieces from Mozart,
Handel, and Bizet among others.
The George Town Festival 2013 runs from
7 June-7 July. For more events or information, visit
www.georgetownfestival.com.
Penang International 15