Harith Iskander headlines klpac’s 20th anniversary fundraiser

The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac) is closing 2024 with a grand two-day special, “Laugh, Love, Give with Harith & Friends,” from December 14 to 15. Set in the iconic Pentas 1, the event promises an eclectic mix of performances by top Malaysian talents, aimed at raising funds for the nation’s leading performing arts hub.

Headlining the show is Malaysia’s comedy legend, Harith Iskander, who marks his return to klpac after a decade. Known as the “Godfather of Stand-up Comedy in Malaysia,” Harith will also celebrate his 35th year in the industry in 2025. Speaking about his involvement, Harith shared, “I got my start doing stand-up comedy every single month for about five years at The Actors Studio’s first theatre underneath Dataran Merdeka. My hats off to Joe and Faridah for walking the talk and sustaining multiple spaces almost single-handedly for the past 30 years. The country needs an institution and hub like klpac and they should not have to do it alone.”

Harith’s comedic brilliance will be complemented by musical acts, including the YCA Chorus under Susanna Saw, and a lively Balinese dance, Janger, featuring Zhafir Muzani alongside the Young KL Singers (YKLS) directed by Mak Chi Hoe.

A Star-Studded Line-Up to Celebrate the Arts

The benefit event will showcase nearly 80 artistes, offering a blend of comedy, music, and dance. Renowned singer Clinton Jerome Chua, celebrated for his powerful vocal range and rising fame, will also grace the stage. Known for memorable performances on platforms like I Can See Your Voice Malaysia, Chua’s growing fan base eagerly anticipates his upcoming EP.

Adding to the vibrant programme, the TUTAS Conservatory’s rising stars will present a surprise musical feature under Christopher Ling’s direction. Meanwhile, Dancesteps Studio, led by Shirena Hamzah and Clara Lim, will deliver an exhilarating dance number.

Dato’ Dr. Faridah Merican, Co-Founder and Executive Producer of klpac, remarked on the effort behind the event, saying, “It is heart-warming to see almost 80 artistes and arts workers coming together for this fundraiser. It will be an absolute blast as we have assembled an excellent programme that has a bit of comedy, music, and even dance.”

Fundraising for a Resilient Future

The event’s proceeds will go entirely toward klpac, which is marking its 20th anniversary with this meaningful fundraiser. Like many arts institutions, klpac faced financial struggles during the pandemic, with sponsorships dropping by 40%. Despite the challenges, the centre has regained its pre-pandemic visitorship, welcoming 80,000 visitors in 2023 for 130 shows.

klpac’s efforts extend beyond performances, providing job opportunities, educational programmes, and initiatives to make arts accessible to diverse communities. Its recent klpac Connect initiative includes programmes tailored for families, schoolchildren, and underrepresented groups.

How to Support the Cause

Tickets for “Laugh, Love, Give with Harith & Friends” are priced between RM80 and RM500 and are available on www.cloudjoi.com. Additionally, the public can contribute through the “Save Your Seat” initiative, where adopting a seat offers long-term recognition for supporters.

Dato’ Dr. Faridah emphasized the importance of public involvement: “Looking at recent world events, it is not enough to voice your support, but people need to turn it into positive action. We hope that arts lovers, especially those who have been a part of klpac’s story, will come and show your support.”

With Harith Iskander’s comedic brilliance and an exceptional line-up of artists, this benefit promises to be an unforgettable celebration of the arts and a heartfelt call to action for Malaysia’s cultural community.