Culture

Introduction

Over the last few years, traditional arts and culture have made a comeback in Kuala Lumpur. All over the city, small-scale performances are rubbing shoulders with the more slick events at theatres. Despite this renaissance in local culture, western cinema and music still dominate, especially among the younger generation.

The monthly Vision KL Magazine (www.visionkl.com) gives listings on events and performances taking place in the city. It is available free of charge from 4 and 5-star hotels and in some bars. There is no umbrella ticketing agency for cultural events in Kuala Lumpur. Tickets are purchased direct from the venue.

Music

Dewan Filharmonik Petronas
For classical music concerts, the main venue in town is Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, in the Petronas Twin Towers complex. Malaysia's first classical concert hall, it is home to the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and also hosts other major classical concerts as well as cultural performances.

Tel: (03) 2051 7007.
Website: www.dfpmpo.com

Theatre

Istana Budaya Theatre
The move of Malaysia's Panggung Negara (National Theatre) to the massive Istana Budaya Theatre has revolutionised Kuala Lumpur's theatre scene. With seating for almost 1,500 people, the state-of-the-art venue is amongst the best in the world.

Jalan Tun Razak
Tel: (03) 4025 5932.
Website: www.istanabudaya.gov.my

Actor's Studio Theatre
On a smaller scale, the Actor's Studio Theatre is a flexible space with all sorts of performances and even some comedy.

Bangsar Shopping Centre
tel: (03) 2094 0400.
Website: www.theactorsstudio.com.my

Dance

Central Market
Traditional dance, such as Menora (all masked men) or Mak Yong (all masked women), is sometimes performed. However, there is no one venue or organisation taking charge of this. Some hotels and the Central Market also stage visiting regional dancers.