Organised by the Rotary Club of Bukit Kiara Sunrise, “A Voice for Afghan Refugees” features local orchestra Camerata Musicales and members of the Afghan refugee troupe Parastoo Theatre, in a one-night-only performance to raise funds for Afghan refugees.
Debuting in 2012, Camerata Musicales was founded by pianist, music arranger, and conductor Lee Jia Jie. What began as a family trio – with his sons accompanying him on the violin and cello – has since grown into an ensemble proper that performs for live gigs and charity events.
This weekend’s concert will include pieces by the likes of Chopin and Tchaikovsky, as well as hits by the 1970s British band Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) such as “Mr Blue Sky” and “Telephone Line”.
Meanwhile, Parastoo Theatre will perform a short play about Afghan culture that is both funny and sad.
Founded in 2017 by refugee journalist and dramatist Saleh Sepas, Parastoo’s aim is to raise awareness of what Afghan refugees can contribute to their host society, while highlighting their struggles with employment, domestic violence, and other plights.
“Parastoo”, a girl’s name, is the Persian word for the migratory swallow.
A graduate of Kabul University’s Faculty of Fine Arts, Sepas worked for Afghan media and the BBC before falling afoul of the Taliban. Fleeing to Malaysia in 2016, he found himself lost and in despair until he asked himself what he could do for his community and launched the troupe.
Sepas told FMT that acting provides him and his troupe members with a “therapeutic outlet”. For example, they have highlighted Afghan women’s issues such as child marriage through productions such as “Screaming in Silence” in 2019.
This Saturday’s performance is part of Parastoo’s post-Covid comeback, which included “And Then Came Spring” earlier this year. Sepas also plans to stage his new play, “Red Sky Over Kabul”, in August.
‘A Voice for Afghan Refugees’
When:
Saturday, May 6, 8-10pm
Exhibition from 6.45pm
Where:
HELP University Hall,
Subang 2 Campus No. 1,
Persiaran Cakerawalla,
Shah Alam, Selangor
Entry by donation of RM120 or RM200. To book your seats, click here.