#WORD

There's just something about festivals that I just love
especially if they are of the arts
screenplays, musicals, stage productions, local publications, showcases, exhibitions, writings
all things that feature the product of one's creativity
the communication of significant emotions
or so it can also be the release of  deep feelings
they provoke different thoughts and views
about issues, perspectives, opinions
and there's no right or wrong answer
just simply,
individualistic expression

just last month, I got to participate in the KAKISENI Arts Festival's Street Parade
featuring Spanish circus acts, fire-breathers, dance troupes, street performers etc

and also catch two brilliant local productions

 the first was a homegrown musical about a heartfelt story of friendship,
centering in nostalgic Old Ipoh Town, with colourful characters and catchy sing-a-long tunes

BROKEN BRIDGES
staged in klpac, Sentul Park

bagged most of the BOH Cameronian Awards this year
and also our hearts

the second one was the amazing award-winning local play,
about friendship and the diversity of Malaysia
in terms of race and religion

PARAH
which rocked the stage at the World Theater Festival in Brisbane last year
and re-staged for the third time at the new architectural dpac, Damansara
caught hold of my heartstrings and at the same time, tickled my funny bone
not to mention, thought-provoking

"Who are the indigents and who are the immigrants?"
" Is there a grain of truth in even the most repellent stereotype?"
" What power does a word have to shape reality?"
"And is a civic nationalism possible in any society obsessed with race?"

it explores the theme of love and society.
belonging.

I'm very excited for this next festival I'll be going to this weekend
THE COOLER LUMPUR FESTIVAL: #WORD
It's a literary + arts festival, featuring the theme of word.
spoken word, written word
in a string of workshops by authors, journalism forums, book swaps,
storytelling sessions for kids (free ice cream!)
talks, exhibitions, plays and music showcases
all in celebration and appreciation of literary and the arts
if you're an artlover or even if you're not,
do make time to check them out
wanna know what's in store? click here!

Oh on a side note, I'll be backpacking lovely Penang with my cousin, Jessie next week!
oh all the yummy foodies, I'm coming for you!
and of course, the heritage sites and walking tours
Bags all packed, tickets all booked,
I'ma see you guys when I'm back in a week's time!

and have a good book with you, while you're at it