MELAKA ART AND PERFORMANCE FESTIVAL 2014 STARTS ON 21.11.2014

Updated: Monday November 17, 2014 MYT 12:51:56 PM Melaka Art And Performance Festival returns with a broader dance-centred programme

This historical Portuguese-era fort, A'Famosa in Malacca, is just one of the heritage sites co-opted by the Melaka Art And Performance Festival 2014 for its performances. This historical Portuguese-era fort, A'Famosa in Malacca, is just one of the heritage sites co-opted by the Melaka Art And Performance Festival 2014 for its performances.

The three-day Melaka Art And Performance Festival 2014 (MAPFest), which starts Nov 21, is back with a bumper schedule that includes contemporary dance, performance art, puppet theatre, storytelling and spoken word sessions, short films, music and workshops.

The free admission festival takes place in many of Malacca's heritage sites and historical streets including the church ruins on St Paul's Hill, A'Famosa, the Proclaimation of Independence Memorial and the Stadthuys.

This historical Portuguese-era fort, A'Famosa in Malacca, is just one of the heritage sites co-opted by the Melaka Art And Performance Festival 2014 for its performances. This historical Portuguese-era fort, A'Famosa in Malacca, is just one of the heritage sites co-opted by the Melaka Art And Performance Festival 2014 for its performances.

The three-day Melaka Art And Performance Festival 2014 (MAPFest), which starts Nov 21, is back with a bumper schedule that includes contemporary dance, performance art, puppet theatre, storytelling and spoken word sessions, short films, music and workshops.

The free admission festival takes place in many of Malacca's heritage sites and historical streets including the church ruins on St Paul's Hill, A'Famosa, the Proclaimation of Independence Memorial and the Stadthuys.

Thailand-born Nakarin Jaikla has kept true to his traditional Thai Lanna background despite actively exploring Western dance styles. The Thai dancer is part of the Melaka Art And Performance Festival 2014. More than 65 homegrown and international artists (Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, France, Ghana, South Korea, Ireland, Brazil, The Netherlands, Morrocco, Canada, Poland and the United States) will take part in this sixth edition of MAPFest which has brought Malacca's heritage areas to life with its day-long arts programmes.

Among the highlights this year are Australian-based writer/puppeteer Elnaz Sheshgelani's works that blend shadow puppetry, Persian-influenced music, documentary and theatre, Thailand's Nakarin Jaikla, who is a Lanna (northern Thai tradition) contemporary artist, and Indonesian performance artist Rudi Abdallah who critically analyses social issues and inequality in his homeland.

Australia-based writer/puppeteer Elnaz Sheshgelani's works are set to give the festival a blend of shadow puppetry, Persian-influenced music, documentary and theatre. Elsewhere, Australia folk singer Kavisha Mazzella, with her socially conscious songs ringing with echoes of Celtic, Fado and Gypsy influences, is bound to delight music fans. Veteran homegrown folk roots singer-songwriter Antares is also a festival highlight as he takes to the stage with his signature socio-political and spiritual stirrings. The return of festival favourites like Agung Gunawan (from Indonesia) and Chong Keat Aun (Malaysia), both cross cultural performers, will only add to the festival's illuminating live performances.

More info on MAPFest and festival schedules at www.melakafestival.com

Thailand-born Nakarin Jaikla has kept true to his traditional Thai Lanna background despite actively exploring Western dance styles. The Thai dancer is part of the Melaka Art And Performance Festival 2014. More than 65 homegrown and international artists (Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, France, Ghana, South Korea, Ireland, Brazil, The Netherlands, Morrocco, Canada, Poland and the United States) will take part in this sixth edition of MAPFest which has brought Malacca's heritage areas to life with its day-long arts programmes.

Among the highlights this year are Australian-based writer/puppeteer Elnaz Sheshgelani's works that blend shadow puppetry, Persian-influenced music, documentary and theatre, Thailand's Nakarin Jaikla, who is a Lanna (northern Thai tradition) contemporary artist, and Indonesian performance artist Rudi Abdallah who critically analyses social issues and inequality in his homeland.

Australia-based writer/puppeteer Elnaz Sheshgelani's works are set to give the festival a blend of shadow puppetry, Persian-influenced music, documentary and theatre. Elsewhere, Australia folk singer Kavisha Mazzella, with her socially conscious songs ringing with echoes of Celtic, Fado and Gypsy influences, is bound to delight music fans. Veteran homegrown folk roots singer-songwriter Antares is also a festival highlight as he takes to the stage with his signature socio-political and spiritual stirrings. The return of festival favourites like Agung Gunawan (from Indonesia) and Chong Keat Aun (Malaysia), both cross cultural performers, will only add to the festival's illuminating live performances.

More info on MAPFest and festival schedules at www.melakafestival.com

MALINDO FLIES FROM MELAKA TO PENANG AND PEKANBARU

Malindo Air launches weekly Penang-Melaka, Pekanbaru flights NOVEMBER 5, 2014

MELAKA, Nov 5 — Malaysia's hybrid airline, Malindo Air, has launched its five-weekly flights from the Melaka International Airport, Batu Berendam here to Penang and Pekanbaru, Indonesia.

Chief Executive Officer Chandran Rama Muthy said the flights, using the 72- ATR-72-600 aircraft, were on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursday, Friday and Sundays.

The Penang-Melaka flight, which takes one hour and 20 minutes, leaves at 10.10am and returns at 3.15pm while the Melaka-Pekanbaru flight, which takes one hour and five minutes, leaves at 11.50am and returns at 12.50pm.

Speaking to reporters after receiving passengers on the inaugural Penang-Melaka light here today, Chandran said the initial flights were over 90 per cent full.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron was on hand to greet the 70 passengers upon arrival at 11.30am.

Chandran said the Penang-Melaka air fare was RM79 one way while the Melaka-Pekanbaru flight cost RM70 one way.

He said Malindo Air planned to increase the frequency of both flights to six times weekly within the first six months due to growing interest in Melaka as a health tourism destination and a world heritage site among Indonesians, particularly those from Pekanbaru.

Malindo Air also plans to introduce the Melaka-Kota Baharu on Nov 21, he added. Malindo Air has 18 planes, comprising 11 ATR-72-600 and seven Boeing 737s. — Bernama - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/travel/article/malindo-air-launches-weekly-penang-melaka-pekanbaru-flights#sthash.xkm3F5EH.dpuf

GRAND DAME OF MELAKA TURNS 44

Malacca's oldest departmental store is currently celebrating her 44th. Anniversary. Founded in 1970, she was the grand old dame in providing Malaccans and visitors value for money merchandize.

We want to congratulate the management of Madam King for celebrating her 44th. Birthday.

VEDROMALL@JALANKEEANN GETS MOVING

The Vedromall@theMelaka River has started work.

Heavy machinery for doing soil stabilisation has moved in. Estimated to be around RM 200 million, this Vedromall is a 5 storey fashion mall with 2 underground car park. Slated to be completed in 2017, hopefully the project will add some active night life around Jalan Kee Ann.

FORMER CATHAY CINEMA AND THE SHORE

Former Cathay cinema being renovated to Panggung Bangsawan.

The massive "The Shore" at Jalan Bunga Raya Pantai. The new Swiss Hotel will be opening there with Tang as well.