Arts centre opens at Straits Quay

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THE opening of the Performing Arts Centre of Penang (Penangpac) at Straits Quay in Tanjong Tokong will serve as a platform for local talents to develop.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said “a lot of money” was invested in building the northern region’s first arts centre but it was worth the while.

“The estimated cost initially was RM6.5mil but in the end, some RM8mil was spent to realise this dream but I assure you that it’s money well-spent because the rewards will be invaluable,” he said at the opening of Penangpac on Friday.

Good turnout: Guests attending the opening ceremony of Penangpac at Straits Quay.

The not-for-profit performing arts centre was modelled after the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac) in Sentul Park, Kuala Lumpur.

Penangpac, the country’s first arts centre located in a retail development district, was built in partnership by The Actors Studio (Malaysia) and Eastern & Oriental Bhd.

The 2,044sqm centre boasts a 300-seat theatre, a 160-seat black box theatre and three studios.

Describing Penangpac as a project that made Penang proud, Lim said Penangpac would be another reason for tourists to visit the state.

He said to be an international city, a vibrant and creative culture had to be nurtured and Penangpac was “just the first step”.

In her speech, KLpac, Penangpac and The Actors Studio co-founder and executive producer Datuk Faridah Merican described her continuous journey to promote performing arts in Malaysia as an emotional one.

Memorable start: A percussion performance marks the opening of Penangpac.

“It has been a long road that has brought tears, laughter and joy but every step has been a learning process,” said Faridah, who is often referred to as the First Lady of Malaysian Theatre.

Her husband and KLpac, Penangpac and The Actors Studio co-founder and artistic director Joe Hasham described the opening of the centre as “very special” as Penang was always in Faridah’s heart.

The St George’s Girls’ School alumni and Joe co-founded the country’s first-ever privately owned theatre space, The Actors Studio Theatre, at Plaza Putra in KL in 1995.

In 1998, they followed suit with The Actors Studio Academy to nurture theatre talents.

Joe said from now until the end of the year, all shows at Penangpac would be free.

“There will be something happening here every weekend until the end of December and it’s absolutely free,” he said.

In his speech, E&O deputy managing director Eric Chan said the company was very honoured to be involved in the project.

“We all have a role to play to make Penangpac Malaysia’s cultural beacon,” he said.