GEORGE TOWN – With news of its impending closure, the Performing Arts Centre of Penang (Penangpac) is not leaving without a fight as it celebrates its 10th anniversary with a three-day show entitled ‘A Decade with Penangpac’ this week.
Launched on November 11, 2011, the centre was made possible with a partnership with The Actors Studio and E&O Berhad. The partnership included a rent-free arrangement. It has a 300-seat theatre, a Black Box that can seat 160 pax and three studios.
However, Eastern and Oriental (E&O) Berhad decided to withdraw from the partnership a few months ago. Efforts made by The Actors Studio to rethink their decision proved futile.
According to company manager Alexander Ooi, the centre’s directors from the E&O side have resigned in the last two weeks. Therefore, it seems like a nail in the coffin.
“With the end of this partnership, we will need to pay rent, chilled water and electricity to Straits Quay. If we include maintenance, it could be RM125,000 per month.
“We really cannot afford it. Penangpac can’t make any profit.
“So if we cannot get help and find a solution by the end of this year, we will need to close down,” he told The Vibes.
Even while its future remains uncertain and having just emerged from a devastating year, the show must go on.
‘A Decade with Penangpac’ will feature 10 exciting acts that include music, dance, comedy and drama.
Hosted by Karam Tabba, the show will start with ‘The Waiter’ by mime artist Asyraf Nazmie (Ash), ‘Nocturne’ by harpist Dr Jessenzzth Chua, ‘Danse Macabre’ and ‘Duo Abecedaire’ by horn player Ong Yong Hang and clarinettist Chee Hui Hui, a Mridangam performance by Haarishwar Sunmugavel, a joget showcase by Shuqdancer, ‘Boria Penangpac’ by its boria group Muhibbah Boria, ‘A German in Penang’ by comedian Tommes, erhu player Jamie Chong Jian Mei, ‘A Couple of Secrets’ adult comedy sketch by Penang Players Music and Drama Society and a surprise performance by The Actors Studio Seni Teater Rakyat.
Priced at RM30 per ticket, the audience are promised laughter and intrigue.
The show is sponsored by the Penang Chief Minister’s Office under Chow Kon Yeow, Penang social development exco Chong Eng and Tanjung Bungah assemblyman Zairil Khir Johari.
With permission to run at 50% capacity under the SOP, Ooi hopes the show will achieve better ticket sales and raise at least RM10,000. If the target can be achieved, it will help the centre cover its expenses for this December. – The Vibes, November 8, 2021
