Malaysia’s art scene also flourished during that era, with many works from the period continuing to influence and inspire the nation’s creative landscape today.
But how much does society remember and appreciate of those who came before them? Such is the central question behind “What the Elders Left Us – Researching, Remembering, Reimagining the 1960s”.
This arts festival puts the spotlight on prolific local artistes of the ‘60s, exploring their legacies, as well as what was handed to them from those who came before.
Look out for staged readings, performances, artwork, performance lectures, listening parties, wayang, panels and more.
Festival director Jo Kukathas told FMT Lifestyle that she hoped the festival would inspire greater appreciation of artistes of the 1960s.
“One thing I’ve always wondered is how come we all know Hamlet, and even minor Shakespeare characters like Horatio, but we hardly know any characters from our plays?” Jo asked.
“I hope the festival shows people that we have so much literature and texts. Read them. Take these interesting characters and use them. Give them their place in the sun!”
Jo shared that the idea for the festival was sparked after unearthing a box belonging to her late father, political writer and playwright K Das.
This, combined with a viewing of the painting “Self Portrait With Friends” by painter Patrick Ng Kah Onn, got her obsessed with the 1960s performing arts scene.
“I thought, this is such an incredible painting. The ‘friends’ were so beautiful, so layered, and Ng used designs that were freely modernist but drawn from the past. Our festival programme’s look is inspired by this work,” Jo shared.
Events kicked off last Saturday with “The More We Get Together”, a procession theatre led piece by actor and lecturer Rosdeen Suboh. This saw audience members play the role of travellers heading to Perak from Kuala Lumpur, as they walked through the grounds of KLPAC.
One highlight of the festival is “What the Fire Didn’t Destroy”, a rehearsed reading of a previously lost play, “All the Perfumes” by K Das.
The play details the encounter between housewife Rokiah (played by Sharifah Amani) and Tan (Gregory Sze), a man who may or may not be a communist.
The “Sounds of the Sixties and an Afternoon Dance Party” block on Nov 1 is another highlight.
It will feature “The Music of my Father”, a session with composer and pianist James Boyle on the life of his father, Jimmy Boyle, who composed many beloved tunes such as Chendering, Jauh Jauh, Ingat Ingat and Bunga Negara.
Duo Joni Atari will also present a reimagined version of Usman Aswang’s radio play “Surat Dari Tawau”.
Also look out for “Stage Made of Sweat” on Nov 2. This viewing–listening gathering by filmmaker Kumanavannan Rajendran traces how drama troupes from Tamil Nadu once toured Malayan plantations, and reflects on how Tamil theatre continues to survive and transform in Malaysia today.
Many of the festival’s crew members believe in the importance of exposing Malaysians, especially the younger generation, to cultural works of the past.
“I think we should start efforts like this at an early age, even from school. Arts practice has a lot of benefits for everyone. Encourage an appreciation for our own works, instead of just works from outside,” actor Gregory Sze said.
“I worry about young people nowadays, how it is not easy for them to discover their art and culture. We have a lot of good materials, but they are not always easily accessible,” actress Sharifah Amani said.
“I’m glad we have events like this festival. We need to preserve our culture for those to come, to remember our roots,” Sharifah added.
Event: What the Elders Left Us – Researching, Remembering, Reimagining the 1960s
Date: Oct 31–Nov 2
Venue: Damansara Performing Arts Centre, H-01, Empire Damansara, Jalan PJU 8/8, Damansara Perdana, 47820 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Free admission
For more information, visit Cloudjoi.