Traditional Performing Arts Festival

Preface

This is only a concept paper, intended to elicit comments and support. It is not a planning document and does not contain details. This will come later.

Brief Proposal

If Penang is to make a mark on the arts scene, it must find a niche which is both unique and original. The Penang Jazz Festival or the World Music Festival are great events which we all enjoy, but no matter how well these are staged, Penang will always be regarded as a follower and not obtain the recognition that it wants.

The Penang Performing Arts Festival will be original and unique and as far as we know no other city in the region is doing it.

Some Working Definitions

For the purpose of this paper, traditional performing arts (TPA) are any performances based on the heritage and culture of indigenous peoples, acted by one or more persons with costumes and props and accompanied by music. Contemporary presentations based on or inspired by TPAs are included.

The TPAs will be drawn from the ASEAN region and will include those from South India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and South China (to reflect our diverse origins).

Proposal

The proposal is to stage an annual TPAs Festival which will showcase and promote the traditional performing arts of Asia. Most of these arts are disappearing and are not easily accessible to the average person.

Such an event will be unique and no other city or country in the region is doing it.

In addition to performances the festival will also hold workshops, seminars and conferences. It can also promote traditional foods, clothes, trades and crafts.

Justification

• It can become the flagship tourism and cultural event.
• In time it will make us a world centre of heritage, culture and tradition.
• It will attract the best type of tourists than any of our current annual events.
• The new government will want to do something original, so timing is good.
• It will reinforce our status as a World Heritage Site, if we get it.
• It will reinforce our role as a regional centre.
• The Tourism Ministry ‘Malaysia Truly Asia’ tagline jells with the concept.

Conclusions

• It will be a unique event that will promote and preserve our arts.
• It will establish our position as a regional centre and raise its profile.
• Bring in better quality tourists.
• Reinforce our image as a centre of heritage, culture and education.

If properly executed and promoted, within 5 years it will be on the calendar of every international heritage and culture group and be known as the event to be at if you want to see Asian traditional performing arts.