Grab your backstage pass, indulge in poetry and art or simply watch from home

April is perfect for those who are on the lookout for more cosy arts offerings away from huge crowds. 

While arts lovers have an abundance of shows to choose from, here is a rare opportunity to peek backstage and find out how the magic on stage is created. Klpac is bringing back its popular Backstage Bites on 23 April, an all-access guided tour experience made possible by Yayasan Sime Darby. Participants gather by 9.45am and the tour begins at 10.00am. 

Your guide is none other than klpac’s General Manager, Ian Chow. Not only will he be sharing the building’s 120-year-old history and award-winning design features but also little-known-facts be it spooky tales, backstage drama and more. Explore areas usually off-limits to the public such as the catwalk, peek into our costume store and step on the very stage graced by world-class performers. 

This special edition allows you to get your hands dirty with a 45-minute Drum Circle workshop led by The Colours of the Sound. After learning basic techniques of drumming, you can test out your new skills at the drum circle jam session after. 

Limited to 20 persons only, the fee for Backstage Bites is RM120 (tour and workshop) or RM60 (tour only). Each participant receives a pre-packed meal to be enjoyed on grounds of klpac or to be brought home. Register for April slots or upcoming editions via bit.ly/BB2022_RSVP. 

If all you want to do is sit back and soothe your weary soul, then 心声 Inner Thoughts from 28 April to 1 May is the perfect calm balm. This honest and moving presentation of Delia’s Li poetry accompanied by gentle song and music is a reminder of the simple joys in life. 

Performed in klpac’s indicine for only 25 persons each show, the show is directed by Joe Hasham OAM and features award-winning actor Tan Li Yang, professional Guzheng musician Jamie Teng along with award-winning musical duo (also music directors of inner thoughts), Jacqueline Teng and Toh Shir Ling. Tickets are priced at RM43 flat and can be purchased via https://bit.ly/innerthoughts2_tickets. 

If you’re up for something more thrilling, check out Theatresauce’s COYOTES, a new play written and directed by Alex Chua from 13 to 17 April at klpac’s indicine. Not for the faint-hearted as it contains strong language and depictions of violence, the play is on two siblings who grew up believing that everyone is dead and there’s nothing outside but man-eating coyotes. Tickets are available via www.cloudtix.co/shows/coyotes. 

Throughout April, Johan Ishak’s Caricatures exhibit can be viewed from 4 to 24 April 2022 at klpac. Homebodies can check out three shows online as part of WFH@klpac Ramadhan Edition. Watch Bangsawan Hikayat Si Miskin Menjadi Raja, pragina : EMOSI and Life Sdn Bhd: Differences on CloudTheatre from 16 April to 1 May 2022. Tickets available on www.cloudtheatre.com/my/.