The Art of Anike

At last, after almost 2 years since their conception, the costumes of Anike get to be publicly displayed... Presenting "The Art of Anike"!

Normally, costuming is associated with stage and theatre, but it is fast becoming an activity of its own. In some parts of the modern world, costuming events and competitions are held regularly, promoting and showcasing the creative talents of amateur costume designers and fans alike. Costuming is also big business in these countries. Malaysia still has lots of catching up to do, but with communities like the MySciFiFan Costumed Contingent and the Malaysia-Brunei Outpost of the 501st Legion: Vader’s Fist, this is fast becoming a reality.

The Actors Studio, with the collaboration of RedGuard Creations, proudly presents The Art of Anike, a showcase of costumes and props designed and made by marine biologist turned visual artist M.Hanif. The artist has been involved in amateur theatre for a number of years and is himself an avid costumer. He champions the cause of costuming simply because it is a great way of expressing oneself, and costuming is a beneficial and worthwhile activity if pursued positively. The stars of this exhibition are the costumes from Wong Phui Nam’s epic,”Anike”, a play which was presented by Cape Poetics in KL and Penang in 2006 and early 2007.

The organizers hope that this exhibition will introduce a new form of artistic experience for locals as well as tourists, and that this will be the start of more costuming-related activities to come, especially in the North.

Details of the events during The Art of Anike @ The Actors Studio Greenhall are as follows:

9th to 13th July 2007 @ 1100 to 2000
Static Display (free entrance)

14th July 2007 @ 2030
Finale - a live costume show - with photo opportunities and refreshments after (Entry by donation, minimum RM5)

15th July 2007 @ 1500
Costuming Talk by the artist, also with some refreshments after (Entry by donation, minimum RM10)

For more information and bookings for the finale/talk, please contact the Theatre Supervisor at:

04 263 5400 - or - 017 420 8084

or e-mail greenhall@theactorsstudio.com.my

Seats are limited for the finale and talk, so please book early!

Anike teaser trailer...

Here's something from Aliale... I hope that he can come up with more...



I wonder when the Anike DVD is coming out?

Costume profile: Yasmine

Anike's sister, Yasmine was supposed to be a gentle, submissive young girl, who was torn between the duty to her dead brother and obedience to the King. Yasmine chose to obey the King's edict by not assisting her sister and keeping to herself whatever knowledge she has of Anike's plans. Yasmine was given a pale blue top and a two-toned blue skirt. Her shawl was made from a sheer violet fabric with golden vines embroidered into it. The colours served to give her a "cooler" predicament, not like that of her older sister, who was the embodiment of fire and rage. Her skirt has a similar pattern to Anike's, a slight gesture of their kinship.

As such, her outfit was also designed to be more lady-like, preserving her femininity while giving the character an air of class. This feature is further enhanced by her jewellery and accessories. Yasmine's top is a theatrical modification of the traditional wrap-around top that was popular in the Indochina region. A similar version was worn by women of the Indonesian archipelago, typically on the islands of Jawa and Bali. The skirt is essentially of wrap-around design popular among the peoples of South East Asia. In the olden days, this would have been a piece of loose batik or songket cloth, which was fastened about the waist by a belt and a "jewelled" pending (buckle). The pending is another indicator of class, and was only worn by royalty and the wealthy.

The pectoral is an addition to traditional dress, which did not exist in olden times. A similar article of clothing may be found in that of the Minagkabau women and those worn by the natives of Borneo. However, these were usually made from embroidered fabric or beads. Ancient Egypt was the true inspiration for this piece of attire. Pectorals were often worn by the Pharaoh and royalties as symbols of status. The pectoral was added it to provide the kingdom of Anike with a distinct, identifiable character that was not too alien to the style of dress that was being portrayed. This pectoral is also worn by Anike, and pectorals of different designs were allocated to Maniaka and Nadim. In the case of Maniaka, his pectoral was part of his armour.