The ninth edition of a hugely successful cultural extravaganza served as a catalyst for the outpouring of street art in Penang.

Lee Yi-Hsiu’s Isle of Dreams.

Dates: August 4–September 2, 2018

Place: George Town, Penang

What is it? The ninth edition of a hugely successful cultural extravaganza that served as a catalyst for the outpouring of street art in Penang.

Don’t Miss: Kelantan, an opening show spotlighting the Malay traditional arts of its namesake state such as the mak yong dance-drama; live production 2062, which explores hot-button geopolitical issues; Isle of Dreams, a mythology-inspired theater piece by Taiwanese playwright Lee Yi-Hsiu that puts a contemporary spin on the island’s classical Nanguan and Beiguan music.

Other Highlights: The opening weekend’s showcase of short films made in Southeast Asia; a screening of the Angelina Jolie–directed historical thriller First They Killed My Father; and performance art involving blindfolded actors covered in clay wandering the city streets.

More information here.

This article originally appeared in the June/July 2018 print issue of DestinAsian magazine (“Taking The Stage”).