KUCHING: One of What About Kuching’s (WAK) most unique experiences is happening at La Promenade Mall here this week.
A theatre group is creating a whole show from scratch. From 9pm-9.30pm on the Oct 23 till 27, we open the doors for audiences to witness the pressure cooker playmaking process from start to finish for free. This is followed by 3 ticketed performances over the weekend (Oct 28 and 29).
A theatre group is creating a whole show from scratch. From 9pm-9.30pm on the Oct 23 till 27, we open the doors for audiences to witness the pressure cooker playmaking process from start to finish for free. This is followed by 3 ticketed performances over the weekend (Oct 28 and 29).
Theatrethreesixty is leading the project called “VII” in collaboration with local talents from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak.
“Seven creatives, seven days, one week to make sense out of the world we are living in,” said Christopher Ling, the project director.
Theatrethreesixty and Applied and Creative Arts Faculty students are creating this new theatre experience – written, rehearsed, and presented in seven days consecutively for the WAK 2023 audience.
“Take a peek behind the curtain and see the process, curation, and creation of VII. For seven days, we open the doors for audiences to witness the pressure cooker playmaking process from start to finish.
Established in March 2014, theatrethreesixty’s productions have been seen all over Malaysia and Singapore, having been featured at the Kota Kinabalu Arts Festival, the Kakiseni International Arts Festival, The Other Festival Ipoh, Festival Belia Putrajaya, Gerak Angin Virtual Arts Festival and the Causeway Exchange Festival, Singapore.
La Promenade Mall’s corporate communications manager Jennifer Tang urged art lovers to support the unique experience.
“On Monday (note to ed: Oct 23), the groups met for the first time, and the ideation process began, from scripting to set design. Anyone can come anytime during the day and night to view the progress.
“This is a great opportunity for locals to interact with KL based veterans, including directors, actors and sound engineers,” Tang said.
This is theatrethreesixty’s fourth time doing shows for WAK. Previously, their shows were at the Old Court House and Think & Tink.
Moving to La Promenade Mall’s Exhibition Hall, the group has more space, more equipment and the show will also be closer to the university students.
Tang said La Promenade was delighted to be part of WAK this year.
“WAK is without a doubt Sarawak’s best art’s festival. This year, there were two WAK events at La Promenade: Oktoberfest, which has ended, and this week’s immersive theatre,” Tang said.
“There is a thriving arts and events scene in Sarawak, and La Promenade is the perfect venue. We have art retailers like Hoan Gallery, we have hosted stand-up comedy shows, including Kevin Jay, and we’ve hosted architectural competitions. All of which were well-received.”
VII: Theatrethreesixty's 'VII' project, a collaboration with local talents from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak.
LING: Seven creatives, seven days, one week to weave meaning into the world we call home.
SQUARE ONE: A theater group is creating a show from scratch, and from 9pm-9.30pm on Oct 23-27, offering free access for audiences to observe the playmaking process in action.
MESMERISING: WAK has previously achieved success with their productions, including "Lost/Found" from 2019 and "The Hyacinths Are Blooming” from 2022.
Ticketed theatre shows are scheduled for Sat and Sun (note to ed: Oct 28, 29).
For more info, visit lapromenademall.com.my and hsl.com.my, or search @lapromenademall on social media.