THE ‘Isle to Isle’ programme will once again connect Penang and Taiwan and bring forward a slew of dynamic, creative content and profoundly intriguing cultural performances to George Town Festival 2019.
Now entering its second year, the ‘Isle to Isle’ programme opens on July 18 and will continue through July 21 with programmes happening at various venues in Penang, including the Royale Chulan Penang, Jetty 35, GSC Gurney Plaza, Wawasan Open University and Komtar.
It is part of the George Town Festival 2019, which is returning for its 10th edition this year from July 13 to 28.
State Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage (PETACH) Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said the ‘Isle to Isle’ programme would not be the average cultural exchange.
“Not only it connects Penang and Taiwan through cultural exchange, but it is also a platform to highlight a dying traditional artform and the struggles it is facing,” said Yeoh.
He cited the Taiwanese glove puppetry art form that is slowly disappearing as interest in this classical performing is gradually being abandoned in favour of modern-day song and dance.
“Festive-goers can expect a screening of ‘Father’, a documentary detailing the life of master puppeteer Chen Hsi-huang. The traditional puppet show is infused with modern elements presented by Taipei Puppet Theater,” Yeoh added.
He also said Taipei Corners and Good Home Taiwan would be showcasing 14 indigenous labels from Taiwan.
Industry experts in the fields of design and event curation would be at the design forum, featuring six designers and curators from Taiwan who have designed and curated iconic events as well as award ceremonies.
Soon said the series of Isle to Isle programme was a collaboration between George Town Festival, Taipei’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Penang City Eye.
Yeoh said his office would start at least a festival or event in Penang every month. Early this month, the state government has introduced the ‘Experience Penang 2020’ tourism year.
Also present were Penang Alumni Association of Taiwan Universities and Colleges president Lim Goay Huah, Penang City Eye chief editor Chong Lee Choo, publishing editor Chng Kar Guan and TLM Event executive director Aleex Quah
Story by Danny Ooi
Pix by Nur Amirah Husna Roslan