The space in Straits Quay on the island is also significant in that it is the first, and only, such location for the performing arts in the northern region of the country.
“The numbers and hugely impressive track record do not lie,” say penangpac co-founders Joe Hasham and Faridah Merican of The Actors Studio (TAS), in an open letter published on social media recently.
“Over the past decade, penangpac housed almost 1,000 performances and events, including 100 international troupes; entertained 250,000 audiences from all walks of life; educated almost 1,500 students from three years old to seniors in all facets of arts; brought performing arts to our schools and community, reaching over 50 schools; and provided 2,700 students their first exposure to the arts through free introductory workshops.”
These accomplishments only add weight to the news that the venue is in danger of being shut down, just as it was about to get back on its feet following the months-long lockdown.
“Unfortunately, the 10-year partnership between TAS and E&O Bhd will come to a premature end as E&O has withdrawn from the partnership,” Hasham and Merican state in the letter, leaving the theatre company to fend for the already struggling arts centre on its own.
“This withdrawal means the end to the rent-free arrangement for penangpac in Straits Quay, which was the main reason it could sustain until today.”
To keep the arts venue running, some RM1.5 million will be needed annually, they reveal. “Whether we will be able to raise the funds needed in this race against time is another question altogether.”
‘A decade with penangpac’
TAS artistic director Hasham is pithy on the matter. “Disappointed? Yes. Devastated? Yes! Concerned for the future of the performing art’s industry in Penang and the northern region? Definitely,” he tells FMT.
“Unfortunately it’s all about money. We are trying everything in our power to prevent penangpac from sinking.”
Financial issues notwithstanding, TAS is commemorating the anniversary of the arts centre with a showcase this weekend, “A Decade with penangpac”, comprising acts by performers who have graced the stage over the past 10 years. These include mime artist Asyraf Nazmie, harpist Jessenzzth Chua, Indian dancer Haarishwar Sunmugavel, and the venue’s own boria group, Muhhibah Boriais.
penangpac will also host the festival of 10-minute plays and dance performances, Short+Sweet Penang, from Dec 3-11.
Merican, who is known as the First Lady of Malaysian theatre with a decades-long career, urges Malaysians, especially Penangites, to take the opportunity presented by loosened restrictions to enjoy the arts, while simultaneously contributing towards the longevity of this important performance space.
“At the end of the day, what kind of Penang do we want to leave to our children and grandchildren?” the open letter concludes. “Hopefully not one that only values economic prosperity but also our arts, culture and heritage.
“penangpac, at the end of the day, exists because of and for the people here. Let us protect this dream together for our future generation.”
There is one more performance of ‘A Decade with penangpac’ tonight. Ticketing information for this and other shows can be found here, and keep up-to-date via Facebook.
penangpac welcomes contributions to ensure its continued existence. To donate, click here.