Talk, Play, Think (TPT) is a monthly series of lecture demonstrations on music and the performing arts by the academic staff from the faculty, visiting speakers, as well as professional practitioners. “Talk” refers to an academic lecture, while “play” involves performance demonstrations. The “think” element refers to the stimulation of new knowledge and the creative ways generated from the presentations. Talk, Play, Think (TPT) presentations bridge the gap between theory and practice, the academician and practitioner, and diversify ways in which knowledge may be acquired in an academic setting. The Faculty of Music and Performing Arts is proud to present performing arts academicians and scholar-practitioners who combine performance with research and scientific-based findings, in addition to professional practitioners’ experiences in performance, composition or choreography. TPT broadens our knowledge base through the sharing of undeniably rich sources of information by local, national and international researchers and practitioners alike.
MARCH 2017
The Power To Noh
by: Dr. Naohiko Umewaka
22 March 2017, Recital Hall, Faculty of Music and Performing Arts, 2.30p.m – 4.30p.m
A Masterclass in JAPANESE Noh: An introduction to classical Noh drama. Participants will have an opportunity to experience the basic introduction to Noh Theatre, developed by the Japanese philosopher and dramatist Zeami over 600 yars ago. Noh drama is rigidly traditional Japanese drama which in its present form dates back to the early 14th century. Noh is a multi-disciplinary art form that combines dance, chant, music, mask, costumes and ancient stories in a powerful and stately performance with a highly stylized ritualistic presentation. The power of Noh, with its emphasis on the spiritual, lies in its ability to convey emotions subtly and create a mood of otherworldly silence.
SEPTEMBER 2017
Throne of Thorns a Contemporary Intercultural Theatre Performance: The Process of Creation
by: Norzizi Zulkifli
13 September 2017, Recital Hall, Faculty of Music and Performing Arts, 2.30p.m – 4.30p.m
Throne of Thorns is a contemporary intercultural theatre performance directed by Norzizi Zulkifli a Malaysian director with the Australian actors and creative team in Australia. Initially the production was a doctoral creative project that was staged at the University of Wollongong (UOW) in February 2015 and performed in English. Throne of Thorns is a Malay centred intercultural theatre that fused traditional Malay performance techniques (specifically from Mak Yong and other traditional Malay forms), with Shakespeare’s The Tempest, to create a new theatrical piece that was intercultural and contemporary, yet having obvious connections to Malay cultural traditional able to communicate to a 21st century Malaysian and Australian audience.
OCTOBER 2017
Choral Music Writing Workshop
by: Dr. Johan Awang Othman
11 October 2017, Recital Hall, Faculty of Music and Performing Arts, 2.30p.m – 4.30p.m
This choral music writing workshop, in general, will explore various aspects and techniques of writing music for the choir, particularly, in the context of music education in the local public Malaysian primary and secondary level of schooling. The main objectives of this workshop include a survey and understanding of choral music, its composition and musicality, idiomatic vocal writing and multiple voice arrangements, and approach to music and text, amongst others. References to the western and local canon will be considered. The workshop consists of two parts – a lecture on choral writing and hands on work on choral writing and performance. This workshop will also be supplemented with some basic techniques of conducting a choir to effectively perform selected choral arrangements produced by the participants during the workshop.
NOVEMBER 2017
Playing at The Top of Your Game As A Music Athlete
by: Dr. Cliffton Chan
15 November 2017, Recital Hall, Faculty of Music and Performing Arts, 2.30p.m – 4.30p.m
To become a skilled musician, for even the most talented beginner, one needs to practice many hours every day and over many years to become an accomplished professional. It has been estimated that at least 10,000 hours of deliberate practice is required to achieve proficiency and mastery on a musical instrument. The regular daily training loads resulting from practice, rehearsals and performances place great demands on the body and mind. As a consequence, playing-related musculoskeletal disorders, e.g. neck, back and shoulder pain and nerve entrapments are common phenomena amongst musicians. Fortunately, many of these problems are preventable and modifiable especially if identified early and with good lifestyle and instrumental playing habits. This presentation will provide invaluable information on PRMDs and simple practical strategies to prevent playing-related problems. Every student will take away at least one practical thing they can immediately change and do to become a healthier and better musician.