By NABILA AZLAN
Co-hosted by four engaging hosts Tria Aziz, Angie Cheah, Ronnie (Mohd Dzulhisyam Ismail) and Nave VJ (Navindran Vijayakumar), the 18th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards (18BCAA) presented by BOH Plantations and Kakiseni was nothing short of glorious singing and dancing. The prestigious awards ceremony handed out 30 awards, which totals to RM 44,000 of cash prizes mainly spanning the course of major performing arts fields, namely Dance, Music, Theatre and Musical Theatre, plus the ‘Best Of’ Category. Each sub-category winner received a BOH Cameronian Arts Awards trophy and cash prize of RM1,000, while each Best Of Winner received a BOH Cameronian Arts Awards trophy and a cash prize of RM5,000.
Present alongside BOH Plantations Sdn Bhd CEO, Jason Foo and President of Persatuan Kakiseni, Low Ngai Yuen is esteemed guest Timbalan Ketua Pengarah (Kebudayaan & Kesenian), Jabatan Kebudayaan & Kesenian Negara (JKKN), Rosnan bin Nordin. The awards night is also graced by the presence of a line-up of industry luminaries such as actress-producer, Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina; Chief Executive Officer at Yayasan Sime Darby, Dr. Hjh. Yatela Zainal Abidin; First Lady of Malaysian Theatre, Dato’ Dr. Faridah Merican and music historian, Paul Augustin.
A testament to the uncertainties heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic, 18BCAA’s theme ‘A New Day. Setia Pada Senimu’ reflects the industry’s talent and tenacity in tandem. In their opening speeches, Foo, Low and Rosnan cites their never-ending admiration for local arts practitioners.
While Low insisted that everyone should continue to work and create, she pleads with arts companies and organisations to stand strong and audiences to return to theatres. CEO Foo in the same spirit said, “This year’s 18th edition brings with it a much deeper significance. It is a strong testament to the indomitable will of the human spirit, casting the spotlight on passion, tenacity and versatility. These ummph factors have helped our arts practitioners adjust their sails and navigate the difficult years to stay on course.” Paying tribute to everyone present, Rosnan said on stage, “The arts unites all races. What you have is integrity and passion, don’t ever give up!”
Attendees feasted on the excerpts of five productions aka the ‘Best Of’ Nominees, namely A Notional History presented by Five Arts Centre (Theatre), Dark Light presented by Young Choral Academy (Music), Dream Of The Red Chamber presented by Lee Rubber Chinese Orchestra KL (Music), Follow The Light presented by theatrethreesixty (Musical Theatre) and N2 presented by La Danza Theatre (Dance). On top of these, the night saw the performances of two original songs composed by KuLT Productions, the opening number A New Day performed by the four versatile hosts for the night as well as Setia Pada Senimu, performed by formidable vocalist Tria, with her three co-hosts singing backing vocals.
Among the glorious award-winning productions of the 18BCAA are:
Five Arts Centre’s dance production Anggota (Best Group Performance, Best Choreographer in a Feature Length Work);
Ballet Theatre Malaysia’s dance production Alice In Wonderland (Best Set And/Or Visual Design, Best Lighting Design);
Lee Rubber Chinese Orchestra KL’s music production Dream of The Red Chamber (Best Production Values, Best Group Performance – Instrumental);
theatrethreesixty’s musical theatre production Follow The Light (Best Original Music & Lyrics, Best Original Book, Best Musical Direction, Best Ensemble/Group Performance) as well as theatre production 24 Jam Dalam 37 Tahun (Best Actor In A Leading Role, Best Actor In A Supporting Role, Best Director).
The three ‘Best Of’ recipients in no particular order are A Notional History, Dream of The Red Chamber by and Follow The Light.
Joining the long list of winners this year are BOH Cameronian Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Datuk Mohd Baharim Mohd Sharip (Dondang Sayang champion, advocate and violinist) and Gamechanger, Alvin Wee (Kuching-born, LA-based music producer; first Malaysian to win a Cinema Audio Society (CAS) Award in Hollywood for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing Award for his work on Disney’s animated feature film, Encanto).
Congratulations to the recipients of the 18BCAA! We look forward to the 19th edition next year.
For the full list of winners, visit the Kakiseni website via this link.
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