GEORGE TOWN – The Penang Performing Arts Centre (PenangPAC) staffers have taken a 30% salary deduction to keep the state's sole dedicated centre for performance threatre alive after 30 shows were either cancelled or postponed since the start of the movement control order (CMO) in March.
Barely meeting their operating costs, the staffers here shared their sacrifice which was needed to keep the centre alive despite the limited support and shows available due to lockdown conditions.
PenangPAC’s publicity manager, Fa Abdul, told The Vibes that uncertainty brought by the pandemic has made it difficult to stage shows as most theatregoers are reluctant to visit the centre.
“We are following every guideline and government SOPs, and on top of that, we have our own SOPs in place to ensure our patrons are safe in our centre.
"Unfortunately, it hasn't been easy to fill our seats, although they are now reduced by half due to the crowd control SOP. But we keep trying to continuously stage shows, making theatre available for those who are still supporting us.
“Some may say it isn't a good decision to stage shows when you can barely cover the operational costs, but we believe we have bigger roles to play. We have a big responsibility to not to let the performing arts industry fade. And for that reason, we'll do whatever it takes to keep our centre alive, even it means having our salaries slashed by 30%.
“As the only fully functional performing arts centre in Penang, we realise our responsibility in giving other industry players a sense of hope. Since July, we have collaborated with a few industry players to support them in not only in staging live theatre shows, comedy and orchestra concerts, but also online shows.
"If there is one thing we have learned from this pandemic, it is to stand together as one team – 'kita jaga kita',” she said, adding that they were the first in the country to state a live theatre show after the ban for entertainment industry players was lifted on July 1, 2020.
PenangPac staged The Ice Kacang Project from July 3 to July 5.
They were also the first to stage a stand-up comedy show, 'Garu Saves penangpac', from August 21 to August 23 and a musical concert, 'Sounds Familiar', on September 11-12.
On why PenangPAC continues to pursue live shows, Fa explained that they are fearful that the prolonged lockdown will result in lifestyle changes where people get comfortable living in isolation. This is will adversely affect the sustenance of the performing arts industries overall.
“This is why, while many of our friends in the performing arts industry are choosing online platforms to continue promoting their creative works, our main focus remains on live shows. If we do not make the option to watch live performances available for our patrons, we may end up with another crisis in hand when Covid-19 ends.
“At the same time, the pandemic has brought financial troubles into many homes, and people are being careful with their money.
"Be it live performances or online recorded shows, we end up being compared to available entertainment outlets such as YouTube, TikTok and Netflix – although it isn't a fair comparison,” Fa said, adding that persevering is the only way forward as they are frontliners of the performing arts industry.
“The survival of the industry depends on our survival.”
PenangPAC has received support from the state under Penang State Exco Office for Tourism and Creative Economy (Petace), State Exco Office for Social Development & Non-Islamic Religious Affairs, and the Chief Minister's Office, federal – Cultural Economy Development Agency (Cendana) – government and the public.
However, Fa hopes that private corporations will also give them a helping hand.
Earlier this month, the Arts, Live Festivals and Events Association (Alife) sent a distress call to the relevant ministry and government agencies to save what’s left of the industry after more live event operators, suppliers, crew, and support staff are being forced to exit the sector.
“We stand by the government in its efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus, but we need them to stand by us in entrusting industry players to conduct events in a safe manner under strict health protocols. Test events have been conducted and reports show that it can be done,” said Alife Malaysia chairman Para R. in a statement.
Alife is also called for clearer communications between the various agencies involved in approving and licensing commercial live events and business events.
“There is clearly a disconnect between the federal authority and local, state approving bodies related to the process of submitting approvals for a commercial live event and ultimately obtaining an approval,” the statement read. – The Vibes, November 26, 2020
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