KENDURI KENDARA, a theatrical feast
by the keepers studio
PROJECT BY
the keepers studio
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Joined June 2017
About Me
Set up by two theatre friends Azzad Mahdzir and Tan Hui Woon, the keepers studio represents their hope to bridge activism with artistry, the political with the personal, and audiences with one another... See More
ABOUT PROJECT
KENDURI KENDARA
A theatrical feast of food, identity, love and discontent.
Presented by The Keepers Studio
As part of a wedding kenduri, a newlywed couple’s family usually invites guests to feast, to greet the couple, and also to visit the couple’s bedroom. Kenduri Kendara guides audiences through the same three settings to explore the themes of gender, faith and the frailty of human connections within these intimate spaces.
This 3-in-1 interactive presentation consists of a play, a feeding ritual, and an experimental self-portrait:
GEROBOK
Audiences explore the cultural object of the tudong and perform their own gender, memories, and identities through it, finally capturing it all with a self portrait.
SUAP
Audiences are invited to feed each other through a very local way of transmitting food to mouth, that is, by hand. (Audience who prefer not to participate are welcome to observe). What will we transmit besides food? What taboos are we willing to let go of for a deeper connection?
SAMAR
Audiences enter the home of a young Muslim couple and follow their marriage. Obliged to marry after she found herself with child, they build their lives together—as any other couple do—with love and laughter, as well as secrets and dreams of a life beyond. As audiences journey with them over a decade, we bear witness to what a marriage does to two individuals.
Ambitious yet intimate, Kenduri Kendara is a boldly conceived and unflinchingly relevant piece of theatre by a new Malaysian creative collective. Set up by two theatre friends Azzad Mahdzir and Tan Hui Woon, The Keepers Studio represents their hope to bridge activism with artistry, the political with the personal, and audiences with one another.
Featuring Boh Cameronian Arts Awards winner Nadia Aqilah, and introducing Surnia Fizul. Performance takes place in Malay language.
- In the context of Malaysia as a "moderate Muslim country", we are exploring the notion of gender politics, identity and the right to choose.
- It is crucial to acknowledge that policing of women and what they choose to wear (or not to wear) is not unique to the Muslim world or in traditional communities alone.
- The violation of sense of self and identity is universal, which can be found across communities.
- the keepers studio is a multi-disciplinary creative studio founded by Azzad Mahdzir (Petaling Jaya) and Tan Hui Woon (Ho Chi Minh City). The duo is currently exploring science and technology, and designing experience for social impact. KENDURI KENDARA is their first collaboration after more than a decade.
- To negotiate the balance between art and activism, for social impact.
- We bridge activists and artists to create content that is engaging, to propel themes and issues close to home.
- We explore ideas of gender, identity and human experiences, food and ritual as a performative tool—both within our socio-political and cultural context.
KENDURI KENDARA
3 persembahan dalam 1 acara.
Perihal jiwa, identiti, mulut dan perut.
Dipersembahkan oleh The Keepers Studio
Selayak kenduri kahwin, pihak keluarga pasangan pengantin lazimnya mengundang tetamu untuk menjamah jamuan, menyapa pasangan, dan juga menjenguk bilik pengantin yang diraikan. Kenduri Kendara membawa penonton melusuri tiga tetapan yang sama untuk meneroka tema-tema seperti jantina, kepercayaan dan kerapuhan hubungan manusia dalam ruang-ruang yang intim.
Persembahan interaktif tiga serangkai ini menghimpunkan sebuah drama pentas, upacara menyuap makanan, dan acara potret eksperimentasi:
GEROBOK
Hadirin akan meneroka tudong sebagai objek budaya dengan mendasari jantina, identiti dan kenangan peribadi mereka sendiri, sebelum mengakhiri pengalaman dengan merakam potret diri.
SUAP
Penonton dijemput menyuap makanan menggunakan tangan, di antara satu sama lain. (Yang memilih untuk tidak mengambil bahagian dialu-alukan menjadi pemerhati). Selain makanan, apakah pertukaran lain yang akan berlaku? Pantang larang apakah yang sanggup kita redahi demi hubungan yang lebih mendalam?
SAMAR
Penonton menjengah masuk ke dalam rumah pasangan muda. Setelah kehamilan, pasangan Muslim ini mengambil keputusan untuk berkahwin. Seperti pasangan lain, kehidupan mereka dibina dengan cinta berselang cabaran, dan rahsia bersilih harapan. Penonton menjadi saksi lebih sedekad perubahan dalam kehidupan dua individu yang mendepani dunia perkahwinan.
Berskala besar tapi intim, Kenduri Kendara ialah teater yang berani dan amat relevan, dipersembahkan oleh kolektif kreatif tempatan baharu. Diterajui Azzad Mahdzir dan Tan Hui Woon, The Keepers Studio memacu harapan untuk menghubungkan aktivisme dengan kesenian, politik dengan peribadi, dan penonton dengan satu sama lain.
Menampilkan pemenang Boh Cameronian Arts Awards Nadia Aqilah, dan memperkenalkan Surnia Fizul.
- Dalam konteks Malaysia sebagai "negara Islam bersifat sederhana", kami meneroka konsep politik jantina, identiti dan hak untuk memilih.
- Adalah penting untuk mengiktiraf bahawa sikap kepolisan terhadap wanita dan pilihan-pilihan mereka dalam pemakaian (atau pilihan untuk tidak memakai) bukanlah unik terhadap dunia Islam atau dalam komuniti tradisional sahaja.
- Pelanggaran rasa diri dan identiti ditemui di seluruh masyarakat sejagat.
- the keepers studio adalah sebuah studio kreatif pelbagai disiplin yang diasaskan Azzad Mahdzir (Petaling Jaya) dan Tan Hui Woon (Ho Chi Minh City). Kedua-duanya sedang meneroka sains dan teknologi, dan merekabentuk pengalaman dan acara demi dampak sosial. KENDURI KENDARA merupakan kerjasama pertama mereka selepas lebih dari sedekad.
- Untuk mencari keseimbangan di antara seni dan aktivisme demi impak sosial.
- Kami menjalinkan kerjasama di antara aktivis dan anak seni demi kerja-kerja yang melibatkan tema dan isu-isu tanah air.
- Kami meneroka tema seperti jantina, identiti dan pengalaman manusia, makanan dan ritual sebagai alat persembahan baik dalam konteks sosio-politik mahupun budaya.
RISKS AND CHALLENGES
- We are mindful of the extent of misogyny that is happening in Malaysia. We want our work to revolve around women and the narrative of femininity, and the motherly energy that abounds.
- We are aware—though the risk is low—that we might get into trouble with the authority. We have already faced with rejection in terms of venue collaborations, due to the political nature of our work.
- We wholeheartedly believe that our work is important and that it should see the light of day.
- As artists, some of us juggle multiple jobs to make ends meet. We reject the notion that artists must suffer to create. We strive to get paid for our work. This is one of our methods.
- If you are a student, inform your teacher or lecturer that you want to attend our event. We love students, contact us! Most of our team members teach for a living. We would be happy to talk about entry discounts and engagement program for big student groups.
- If you are a teacher or a lecturer, we are looking for progressive, dedicated educators to collaborate on lesson plans. Take a look at this sample, completed for an English class in 2009 at Kolej Matrikulasi Labuan.
- Always advocate for a positive discourse when engaging in discussions, be it online or offline, and always be courteous.
- We are looking for volunteers and artists to collaborate. KENDURI KENDARA is a long term project. Talk to us:
the keepers studio
the keepers studio
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Joined June 2017
About Me
Set up by two theatre friends Azzad Mahdzir and Tan Hui Woon, the keepers studio represents their hope to bridge activism with artistry, the political with the personal, and audiences with one another. the keepers studio is a multi-disciplinary creative studio founded by Azzad Mahdzir (Petaling Jaya) and Tan Hui Woon (Ho Chi Minh City). The duo is currently exploring science and technology, and designing experience for social impact. KENDURI KENDARA is their frst collaboration in more than a decade. Azzad (b. 1982) is a multi-disciplinary artist since 2012. An English teacher turned arts practitioner, he functions as head graphic and visual designer, a theatre all-rounder and an actor. the keepers studio was founded in his bedroom in 2013. That year, he received the "Mentor-Mentee Programme Grant" by "the National Creative Industry Policy & Kakiseni" for "Teater Kompilasi Nam Ron". Subsequently, the same project received 9 nominations at the "11th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards" (2014). And come 2016, he pursued directing two short plays, "Beromen" at "Projek Bilik Sempit" and "Pasang", a commissioned work for Sisters in Islam’s public forum for "Art for Grabs". In a span of 11 years, Hui Woon (b. 1982) has worn several hats as brand manager (P&G), marketing consultant and technopreneur. Since 2010, she’s been working closely with Vietnamese ventures and start-ups ranging from F&B, FMCG, real estate and retail. Hence when founding MASH by The Purpose Group in Vietnam in 2013, she dedicated herself with a bold vision: changing the game of brand-building through unconventional digital solutions and campaigns. In her spare time, she squeezes every opportunity to mentor and connects with youths, entrepreneurs, young marketeers and anyone crazy enough to think they can change the world.
Project funding closed
Rewards
Support RM45 or more
+ Discounted price ticket to the show x 1
+ 30% discount to future show (redeemable in 2018) x 1
+ Shout out on social media
Support RM130 or more
+ Discounted price ticket to the show x 3
+ 30% discount to future show (redeemable in 2018) x 3
+ Shout out on social media
Support RM300 or more
+ Discounted price ticket to the show x 7
+ 30% discount to future show (redeemable in 2018) x 7
+ Shout out on social media
Support RM3,000 or more
+ Tickets to the show x 10
+ Visibility as patron of the show at the venue, on social media and on website (when it is launched, for 2 years)
+ Special VIP night invitation x 10 pax
+ Hardbound copy of script x 1
+ Shout out on social media
PROJECT BY
the keepers studio
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Joined June 2017
About Me
Set up by two theatre friends Azzad Mahdzir and Tan Hui Woon, the keepers studio represents their hope to bridge activism with artistry, the political with the personal, and audiences with one another... See More
ABOUT PROJECT
KENDURI KENDARA
A theatrical feast of food, identity, love and discontent.
Presented by The Keepers Studio
As part of a wedding kenduri, a newlywed couple’s family usually invites guests to feast, to greet the couple, and also to visit the couple’s bedroom. Kenduri Kendara guides audiences through the same three settings to explore the themes of gender, faith and the frailty of human connections within these intimate spaces.
This 3-in-1 interactive presentation consists of a play, a feeding ritual, and an experimental self-portrait:
GEROBOK
Audiences explore the cultural object of the tudong and perform their own gender, memories, and identities through it, finally capturing it all with a self portrait.
SUAP
Audiences are invited to feed each other through a very local way of transmitting food to mouth, that is, by hand. (Audience who prefer not to participate are welcome to observe). What will we transmit besides food? What taboos are we willing to let go of for a deeper connection?
SAMAR
Audiences enter the home of a young Muslim couple and follow their marriage. Obliged to marry after she found herself with child, they build their lives together—as any other couple do—with love and laughter, as well as secrets and dreams of a life beyond. As audiences journey with them over a decade, we bear witness to what a marriage does to two individuals.
Ambitious yet intimate, Kenduri Kendara is a boldly conceived and unflinchingly relevant piece of theatre by a new Malaysian creative collective. Set up by two theatre friends Azzad Mahdzir and Tan Hui Woon, The Keepers Studio represents their hope to bridge activism with artistry, the political with the personal, and audiences with one another.
Featuring Boh Cameronian Arts Awards winner Nadia Aqilah, and introducing Surnia Fizul. Performance takes place in Malay language.
- In the context of Malaysia as a "moderate Muslim country", we are exploring the notion of gender politics, identity and the right to choose.
- It is crucial to acknowledge that policing of women and what they choose to wear (or not to wear) is not unique to the Muslim world or in traditional communities alone.
- The violation of sense of self and identity is universal, which can be found across communities.
- the keepers studio is a multi-disciplinary creative studio founded by Azzad Mahdzir (Petaling Jaya) and Tan Hui Woon (Ho Chi Minh City). The duo is currently exploring science and technology, and designing experience for social impact. KENDURI KENDARA is their first collaboration after more than a decade.
- To negotiate the balance between art and activism, for social impact.
- We bridge activists and artists to create content that is engaging, to propel themes and issues close to home.
- We explore ideas of gender, identity and human experiences, food and ritual as a performative tool—both within our socio-political and cultural context.
KENDURI KENDARA
3 persembahan dalam 1 acara.
Perihal jiwa, identiti, mulut dan perut.
Dipersembahkan oleh The Keepers Studio
Selayak kenduri kahwin, pihak keluarga pasangan pengantin lazimnya mengundang tetamu untuk menjamah jamuan, menyapa pasangan, dan juga menjenguk bilik pengantin yang diraikan. Kenduri Kendara membawa penonton melusuri tiga tetapan yang sama untuk meneroka tema-tema seperti jantina, kepercayaan dan kerapuhan hubungan manusia dalam ruang-ruang yang intim.
Persembahan interaktif tiga serangkai ini menghimpunkan sebuah drama pentas, upacara menyuap makanan, dan acara potret eksperimentasi:
GEROBOK
Hadirin akan meneroka tudong sebagai objek budaya dengan mendasari jantina, identiti dan kenangan peribadi mereka sendiri, sebelum mengakhiri pengalaman dengan merakam potret diri.
SUAP
Penonton dijemput menyuap makanan menggunakan tangan, di antara satu sama lain. (Yang memilih untuk tidak mengambil bahagian dialu-alukan menjadi pemerhati). Selain makanan, apakah pertukaran lain yang akan berlaku? Pantang larang apakah yang sanggup kita redahi demi hubungan yang lebih mendalam?
SAMAR
Penonton menjengah masuk ke dalam rumah pasangan muda. Setelah kehamilan, pasangan Muslim ini mengambil keputusan untuk berkahwin. Seperti pasangan lain, kehidupan mereka dibina dengan cinta berselang cabaran, dan rahsia bersilih harapan. Penonton menjadi saksi lebih sedekad perubahan dalam kehidupan dua individu yang mendepani dunia perkahwinan.
Berskala besar tapi intim, Kenduri Kendara ialah teater yang berani dan amat relevan, dipersembahkan oleh kolektif kreatif tempatan baharu. Diterajui Azzad Mahdzir dan Tan Hui Woon, The Keepers Studio memacu harapan untuk menghubungkan aktivisme dengan kesenian, politik dengan peribadi, dan penonton dengan satu sama lain.
Menampilkan pemenang Boh Cameronian Arts Awards Nadia Aqilah, dan memperkenalkan Surnia Fizul.
- Dalam konteks Malaysia sebagai "negara Islam bersifat sederhana", kami meneroka konsep politik jantina, identiti dan hak untuk memilih.
- Adalah penting untuk mengiktiraf bahawa sikap kepolisan terhadap wanita dan pilihan-pilihan mereka dalam pemakaian (atau pilihan untuk tidak memakai) bukanlah unik terhadap dunia Islam atau dalam komuniti tradisional sahaja.
- Pelanggaran rasa diri dan identiti ditemui di seluruh masyarakat sejagat.
- the keepers studio adalah sebuah studio kreatif pelbagai disiplin yang diasaskan Azzad Mahdzir (Petaling Jaya) dan Tan Hui Woon (Ho Chi Minh City). Kedua-duanya sedang meneroka sains dan teknologi, dan merekabentuk pengalaman dan acara demi dampak sosial. KENDURI KENDARA merupakan kerjasama pertama mereka selepas lebih dari sedekad.
- Untuk mencari keseimbangan di antara seni dan aktivisme demi impak sosial.
- Kami menjalinkan kerjasama di antara aktivis dan anak seni demi kerja-kerja yang melibatkan tema dan isu-isu tanah air.
- Kami meneroka tema seperti jantina, identiti dan pengalaman manusia, makanan dan ritual sebagai alat persembahan baik dalam konteks sosio-politik mahupun budaya.
RISKS AND CHALLENGES
- We are mindful of the extent of misogyny that is happening in Malaysia. We want our work to revolve around women and the narrative of femininity, and the motherly energy that abounds.
- We are aware—though the risk is low—that we might get into trouble with the authority. We have already faced with rejection in terms of venue collaborations, due to the political nature of our work.
- We wholeheartedly believe that our work is important and that it should see the light of day.
- As artists, some of us juggle multiple jobs to make ends meet. We reject the notion that artists must suffer to create. We strive to get paid for our work. This is one of our methods.
- If you are a student, inform your teacher or lecturer that you want to attend our event. We love students, contact us! Most of our team members teach for a living. We would be happy to talk about entry discounts and engagement program for big student groups.
- If you are a teacher or a lecturer, we are looking for progressive, dedicated educators to collaborate on lesson plans. Take a look at this sample, completed for an English class in 2009 at Kolej Matrikulasi Labuan.
- Always advocate for a positive discourse when engaging in discussions, be it online or offline, and always be courteous.
- We are looking for volunteers and artists to collaborate. KENDURI KENDARA is a long term project. Talk to us:
the keepers studio
the keepers studio
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Joined June 2017
About Me
Set up by two theatre friends Azzad Mahdzir and Tan Hui Woon, the keepers studio represents their hope to bridge activism with artistry, the political with the personal, and audiences with one another. the keepers studio is a multi-disciplinary creative studio founded by Azzad Mahdzir (Petaling Jaya) and Tan Hui Woon (Ho Chi Minh City). The duo is currently exploring science and technology, and designing experience for social impact. KENDURI KENDARA is their frst collaboration in more than a decade. Azzad (b. 1982) is a multi-disciplinary artist since 2012. An English teacher turned arts practitioner, he functions as head graphic and visual designer, a theatre all-rounder and an actor. the keepers studio was founded in his bedroom in 2013. That year, he received the "Mentor-Mentee Programme Grant" by "the National Creative Industry Policy & Kakiseni" for "Teater Kompilasi Nam Ron". Subsequently, the same project received 9 nominations at the "11th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards" (2014). And come 2016, he pursued directing two short plays, "Beromen" at "Projek Bilik Sempit" and "Pasang", a commissioned work for Sisters in Islam’s public forum for "Art for Grabs". In a span of 11 years, Hui Woon (b. 1982) has worn several hats as brand manager (P&G), marketing consultant and technopreneur. Since 2010, she’s been working closely with Vietnamese ventures and start-ups ranging from F&B, FMCG, real estate and retail. Hence when founding MASH by The Purpose Group in Vietnam in 2013, she dedicated herself with a bold vision: changing the game of brand-building through unconventional digital solutions and campaigns. In her spare time, she squeezes every opportunity to mentor and connects with youths, entrepreneurs, young marketeers and anyone crazy enough to think they can change the world.
project.REWARDS
Support RM45 or more
+ Discounted price ticket to the show x 1
+ 30% discount to future show (redeemable in 2018) x 1
+ Shout out on social media
Support RM130 or more
+ Discounted price ticket to the show x 3
+ 30% discount to future show (redeemable in 2018) x 3
+ Shout out on social media
Support RM300 or more
+ Discounted price ticket to the show x 7
+ 30% discount to future show (redeemable in 2018) x 7
+ Shout out on social media
Support RM3,000 or more
+ Tickets to the show x 10
+ Visibility as patron of the show at the venue, on social media and on website (when it is launched, for 2 years)
+ Special VIP night invitation x 10 pax
+ Hardbound copy of script x 1
+ Shout out on social media
Contact the keepers studio
- Just support