I was made aware of this local play that is coming to KL performing arts center by Emily, a friend and a blogger who is involved in this thingy. As someone who was actually involved in similar type of stuff before (back in Penang, years ago, in Mandarin,) I naturally got interested and agreed to help in giving a little metion of the play here, for whatever it (this blog) is worth.

The play - Rojak (not to be confused by certain funny blogger.) Read the following “press release” material written by the producer, Rueben:

What is ROJAK!?
In short its a compilation of shorts and monologues originally written put together into one big performance. Genres ranging from comedy, to tragic comedy to drama and even to political issues, which we’ll leave it as the unmentionables for now… As our objective is to make theatre more accessible to youth, I personally believe that TOS is a great hub for young aspiring thespians to come forward to express themselves. Rather than having one big play where there will only be 1 to 3 main characters, having multiple shorts will create an opportunity for everybody. Even aspiring writers.

Now the play is run by the group that calls themselves the oral stage. From my understanding, they are a bunch of students with too much time and basically think that acting in theater is cool or something. (much like what I did, though was only ever casted in comedies.. &^@#&) I figure they soon find that these stuff is hard work, involves a great deal of dedication, devotion, and faith. Then again, being in their 2nd year, I believe the oral stage is not just all talk and no show. I wish them luck and will certainly attend the show for the support of home-brewed, grass-root shows.

You can also read more on their website at theoralstage.blogspot.com. Go watch it, bring your date, this will be something out of the ordinary hollywood movie and popcorn. Besides, you get to visit the marvellous Sentul park koi center.

the poster, with more details

got cute girl in the cast too.. o.O bonus!

and this is where KLPac is located

note: read the review

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Asakusa (浅草) is one of those must-go places in Tokyo, it has one of the oldest shopping area (Nakamesise (仲見世)), definately a place to go if you are into buying lotsa souvenirs or local traditional tidbits. Besides, it is also where you can find the oldest temple in Tokyo, Senso-ji (金龍山浅草寺)

gate of the temple houses a HUGE lantern.

One of the major difference in Asakusa from the rest of Tokyo is the buildings. There are more old buildings around the area in a city where most everything are built less than half a century ago due to the great war. It gives you a glimpse of what Tokyo used to be.

very tourist centered shopping area

Between the main gate of the temple and the temple itself is the Nakamise shopping area. It is believed to be the oldest shopping area, established since the late 17th century. Here you can find all sorts of tourist souvenirs from traditional Japanese fan to fancy fridge magnets. Local cookies, mochi, and all sorts of other tidbits were on the offering too.

that top left balls in the machine thingy was all I can afford, 100 yen each. hehe

this is supposed to bring me good luck!

The Senso-ji itself is a set of a few magnificient buildings, including a small tower. Here is the place where the biggest Shinto festival (matsuri) is held every spring. As with most temples and shrines, there are sake offerings in huge barrels.

the temple itself, with sake offerings on the sides

There was also a very lovely garden, with cherry tree in full blossom and a pond, with some lazy kois swimming in it.. tranquility in a busy city.

sakura tree over hanging a nice pond

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To whoever fell for the noob April Fool’s trick, sucks to be you. I was really travelling, and now lets talk about Tokyo DisneySea. Most of you might have heard of Disneyland, but there is really a newer (and better) Disney Park with the ocean theme right next to the older “land” version.

this is how you get in..

The park is located at Chiba, just next to Tokyo city. Our tickets, or Disney Passports (or whatever heck they want to call that stub) allows us to go to either Disneyland or DisneySea, but not both, since you can’t realistically enjoy 2 parks in a day anyway. We chose DisneySea after reading some reviews about that place being a little more adult oriented (eg: they serve beer), and a lot newer, and more awesome.

no photoshopping here, very nice fantasy world

Driving into the parking ram is an experience in itself. There were about 20 mouse eared Disney employee ushering us to the parking spot along the way. We didn’t have to make any wrong turnings or spend an extra minute mining for a spot. 27551 times better than hunting for a parking spot at 1-U, mid valley, or maybe a more realistic comparison, Sunway Lagoon.

various attractions and rides

The park is divided into 7 sections to what they named “ports of call”. Mediterranean Habour, American Waterfront, Lost River Delta, Port Discovery, Mermaid Lagoon, Arabian Coast, and Mysterious Island. Each housing a different theme and attractions. For example, Mermaid Lagoon is just kawaii, orientated towards younger visitors, while the Lost River Delta spots slightly more hardcore attractions like the Indiana Jones Adventure, and the Raging Spirits rollercoaster that includes a 360 loop.

dancing, singing, and all that jazz, all in Japanese

We ended up spending a lot of time walking around the park looking for the rides when the time on our “fass pass” comes up, and even more time waiting in some of the lines. Started off with 20,000 leagues under the sea (cute fakeplan submarine designed by Cap. Nemo), and ultimately went for Raging Spirits the rollercoaster, Sinbad’s Seven Voyages (basically a puppet show,) StormRider (beefed up cinema with awesome effects), Aquatopia (going round n round in a lake,) Journey to the Center of the Earth (thrilling ride,) Indiana Jones Adventure (scary with skulls and all,) took the Electric Railway (a bit too short) and also watched some of the famous disney shows (all in Japanese).

All these, including 2 meals, took the whole day. Between the waiting and the walking, it was a lot of fun. The decoration was superb, huge crowds even though it was a Tuesday, but most everyone was courteous and nice. Weather was a bit chilly that day tho.

the food is actually pretty good

The food that we had at the park was actually quite nice. A mexican meal for lunch, american burger thingy for dinner, and pop corn in between with some nice warm tea. Don’t miss out on the park if you head to Tokyo. Seeing so many caucasian performers dancing jolly and singing in perfect (so far as I am aware) Japanese is just another kinda experience.

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Did my last 3 posts convinced you I’m in Tokyo? hahahaha, maybe next I’ll post about a nice dip at onsen (hot spring), visiting Tokyo Disneysea, visiting the Nikko Shrines, or enjoying hanami (watching cherry blossom)

Photoshop is great, ss2 mamak tomorrow, anyone?

Happy April’s Fool Day.

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