MELAKA, 21 October 2016 – 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.
 |
| Australia's Max Drowling |
“Over the years, MAPFest has brought some
of the best art and performances to our audience and
fans. The overwhelming support created a solid
foundation for us to pursue our passion in promoting
Melaka as a hub for various art disciplines. We knew
that our efforts all these years paid off when we were
informed that the global art community is supporting our
cause,” said Andrew.
“In recent years, MAPFest was recognised
and has received several awards for various categories
by numerous local and international awarding bodies. We
believe the festival has contributed to the growth of
the art scene in Melaka and Malaysia. We will continue
to undertake this path with hope that more corporations
will join us to support the festival financially or
in-kind, to share our passion and to cultivate budding
artists. Public and private sectors are welcome to join
us and play a more active role in uplifting the art
industry.”
 |
| France's Mic Guillaumes was in his elements |
The eighth installment is set to elevate the
festival with greater engagement, allowing visitors to
conceive the art spiritually. Creative director and
performance artists Tony Yap said that over the years,
works presented in the festival were a stepping stone
for the audience and fans to understand the fundamentals
of art. “MAPFest has developed a philosophical vigor.
The festival is now a rich ground where artists from
different disciplines, background and levels of
accomplishment can find a punctum for creation,
collaboration, exchange and creative experimentation.
Thus reminding ourselves of why we exist and the
inexhaustible enthusiasm way for life is propelled
through art.”
“We believe that the festival has reached
its maturity for the public to further explore in art
education. Only by examining the depths and the
spiritual aspects of every work, will it allow us to
immerse ourselves into understanding the true context
and purpose of every art.”
 |
| Naked Peel by Christos Linou... |
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.
 |
| Memori "PRAHARA" by Kingkin Ayu Bondan Banowati |
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.
 |
| Malaysia's Local Artiste Chong Keat Aun |
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 days 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.
“Themes of spiritual transformation create
a frame for works of art. We inspire one another,
support each other and encourage humble distinctions.” Tony added.
For more information and announcements, please visit :
Website : www.melakafestival.com
Facebook : fb.com/
Instagram : @mapfest
Enquiries can be
e-mailed to mapfest@melakafestival.com.
MAPFest is founded and organised by Arts
and Performance Festival Melaka Sdn Bhd, initiated by
E-Plus Entertainment Productions (M) Sdn Bhd, and
supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Visit
Malaysia Year, Jabatan Warisan Negara, Majlis Bandaraya
Melaka Bersejarah (MBMB), Bandar Warisan Malaysia, Tony
Yap Company, Perbadanan Muzium Melaka (PERZIM), the
Australian High Commission, the Kedutaan Besar Republik
Indonesia, the Embassy of France, Alliance Français de Kuala Lumpur, Institut
Français and Embassy of Japan in Malaysia.
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