The eighth Melaka Art and Performance Festival (MAPFest) returns to the majestic city of Melaka from Friday to Sunday, 25 – 27 November 2016, 10AM to 10PM, with world-class artists lined-up to showcase their internationally recognised works.
More than 40 artists from 10 countries will muster at St. Paul’s Hill to paint the skyline of Melaka with multi-disciplinary art display like contemporary dances, visual arts, multimedia arts, paintings and video arts, just to name a few.
All events and performances during the festival is free admission.
MAPFest, was established in 2009 by Festival Director Andrew Ching and Creative Director Tony Yap, and has since grew into a well-received and much anticipated event by locals and the global art community.
Artists from Australia, France, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, India and the United States of America will gather in the prominent UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing their global sold-out shows and newly arranged collaborative art performances.
One of the highlights of MAPFest 2016 is ‘Naked Peel Part 4 (The Metaphysical)’ by Christos Linou, a twelve-hour interactive cross-disciplinary dance installation that investigates cultural migration, racism and sexual stereotyping.
The work was inspired by a Greek Cyprian orange peel recipe, reflecting the hardship of migrants to build a family in foreign countries, insulted with words of racism and sexual taunts. The artwork was developed by Linou during his Masters study in Melbourne University, and has since performed around the globe. A sequel from the first three parts will be staged during the festival.
Indonesia’s trio – Kingkin Ayu Bondan Banowati, Indi Nidia and Ismy Dwi – will perform a dance routine titled ‘Kidung Prahara’, a performance that depicts the importance for Javanese women to conceal their feelings, and portray themselves with manners.
Home-grown performers including Lee Kien Fei, Rithaudin Abdul Kadir, Yii Kah Hoe and Chong Keat Aun and Kiea Kuan Nam will also participate in the festival.
MAPFest 2016 will be featuring various solo and collaborative performances over the 3-day festival.
Main highlights include the MAPPING Programme, where performances are site specific and performed in various locations within the vicinity of St. Paul’s Hill; Cerita Pendik 1 & 2, a two hour solo or group performance by artists to showcase their individually unique art; and the finale, Eulogy for the Living, a two hour collaborative performance by all artists, directed by Tony.
Other activities including free forums and workshops will be open for public participation.
For more information and announcements, visit www.melakafestival.com or follow on Facebook at fb.com/melakaartandperformancefestival.
