Latest news with #Ida
The Star
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
JitFest 2025 spotlights 'Visits', a darkly comic take on three women's stories
After 22 years, the late Jit Murad's morbidly witty and emotionally layered play Visits returns to the stage with renewed force. This bold revival features a striking cast – Sofia Jane, Nabila Huda and Nadia Aqilah – breathing new life into a work that remains as sharp, unsettling, and relevant as ever. Presented by Dramalab and directed by Ida Nerina, the play is part of the year-long JitFest 2025, held in memory of the beloved Malaysian theatre icon, who died of a heart attack in 2022 at the age of 62. Visits will be performed at the Nero theatre space, Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPac), 1 Utama Shopping Centre from June 20-29. Originally staged at The Actors Studio Box, Plaza Putra, Dataran Merdeka in KL in January 2002, this upcoming revival revisits the psychological and surreal layers of Jit's text while preserving his signature razor-sharp wit. 'Visits holds a mirror to everything we're almost afraid to admit – and makes us laugh through it. Jit wrote women like no one else: layered, contradictory, loving, cruel, and heartbreakingly human, perhaps even stronger than his male characters,' says Ida, who first stepped into directing for the stage with Visits all those years ago. The inaugural JitFest 2025, organised by Dramalab, honours the legacy of Jit Murad and keeps his memory alive through stage, storytelling, and celebration. Photo: The Star/Filepic It was part of the "Director's Workshop" series in 2001 organised by Five Arts Centre and The Actors Studio, with Ida participating as one of the directors. Back in February 2003, Ida also directed Visits at The Actors Studio Bangsar, as part of Dramalab's 10th anniversary celebrations. For Ida, Visits holds a special place – both as an actor and director – having been involved since its earliest iteration. She was part of the initial reading when Jit first presented the work as three short monologues at the British Council in Kuala Lumpur in 1994, alongside Liza Othman and Sukania Venugopal. The Visits story unfolds in a room at a high-end mental wellness facility, where the recovering Woman (Nabila), her relentless Sister-in-Law (Nadia), and the enigmatic Nurse (Sofia) engage in a tightly-wound power play. Together, they confront themes of mental health, class, motherhood, and the delicate balance between care and this new iteration, however, Ida hints that she's giving it 'a slightly different twist'. Sofia steps into the role of the Nurse in the upcoming staging of Jit Murad's 'Visits', bringing her own presence and perspective to one of the play's most emotionally grounded characters. Photo: The Star/Glenn Guan 'The first couple of times I directed it, I kept it safe and stuck to the surface. So this time, I wanted to go deeper on the subject of mental health and mental well-being," says Ida. 'The humour is still very much there, there's no escaping it in a Jit Murad production, but I think the deeper layers of his intentions are also there now,' she adds. Even if Jit once called it a straightforward work, there's no such thing as a truly straightforward play in his world – only layers hidden in plain sight, waiting to be felt between the lines. "This is perhaps the simplest play I've written. Which isn't to say I don't love it as much as all the other plays I've have spawned. Let me try to explain what I mean by 'simple': I wasn't driven by too large a theme," wrote Jit in his playwright notes in the Jit Murad Plays drama anthology (2017). The weight we carry For Nabila, who's more often seen on screen in films and TV dramas, theatre offers a unique challenge – one she finds herself continually drawn back to. 'One of the things I love about theatre is that I can play multiple characters that I might not get to on screen. The vibe is totally different," says Nabila. 'In Visits, there's a lot of layers to 'Woman' – she's raw and wild and outspoken. But she also kept a lot of things to herself, which weighed her down. Portraying her highlighted to me the importance of speaking out,' she adds. For Nadia, Visits marks her return to the stage after a five-year hiatus, and stepping into the role of the Sister-in-Law carries added significance. Nabila plays The Woman in a restaging of Jit Murad's 'Visits', a sharp, surreal take on mental health, class, and the fine line between care and control. Photo: The Star/Glenn Guan As a new mother, she feels a deeper connection to the emotional complexities of the character, and is grateful for the chance to re-enter theatre through a role that mirrors the contradictions and intensity of care, identity, and womanhood. 'Becoming a mother has changed my perspective on things, which influences how I take on my roles. I think I'm more empathetic now," says Nadia. 'In this version, we're trying to put a different spin on each character – humanise them and give them more nuance. So for Sister-in-Law, things aren't as they seem on the surface,' she adds. For Sofia, Visits is both familiar ground and fresh terrain. She first inhabited the role of the Sister-in-Law in the original 2002 staging, but returns now as the Nurse – an enigmatic presence in the play's psychological triangle. 'Before, Liza Othman's take was very motherly, like your typical 'makcik' next door. But when we read the script again, we realised that there's a darkness to the character that hasn't been fully explored yet in previous stagings," says Sofia. 'So hopefully we'll bring a fresh take that surprises those who saw the previous productions. And for first-time audiences, I think there'll be plenty that resonates –things that will feel relatable and spark conversations afterward,' she adds. For Nadia, 'Visits' marks her return to the stage after a five-year hiatus, and stepping into the role of the Sister-in-Law carries added significance. Photo: The Star/Glenn Guan In her director's notes for Visits in the Jit Murad Plays collection, Ida penned an insightful reflection on character work and Jit's writing: 'I learned relatively early on in my own acting career that a good character causes you to dig deep and find layers and layers, much like an onion. For me, Jit's women are always so interesting, to say the least. I believe he bases them on his own beloveds – his mother, aunts, sisters and friends – as they're all so perfectly imperfect.' On stage at PJPac this week, these roles will once again come alive – complex, flawed, and deeply human – a testament to how vividly Jit wrote the women in his life into his plays. Reaching out To support mental health awareness, organisers Dramalab will also hold a charity matinee on June 22. All the proceeds for the show will go towards the Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA) in support of its work in helping women and children in mental crisis. 'Even though we often struggle in securing funding for our shows, I felt that it was really important to give to those who might need it even more," says Ida. 'The play talks about different backgrounds, the dynamics of social class, of power play, of control, and also, for me, it's the mental health and child separation, which is why I thought MMHA would be a great beneficiary,' she adds. After the special matinee show, a short discussion will be held in collaboration with MMHA, exploring the experiences of living with mental illness as well as the perspective of a caregiver. Visits will be staged at Nero, PJPac, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya from June 20-29, with a special charity matinee show on June 22. More info here.
Axios
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Axios
Bonnaroo turns to fans to help decide festival's future
After three of the last six events were canceled, the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is asking fans to help decide the future of the annual event in Coffee County. Why it matters: Bonnaroo is a major economic driver for the region and one of the most prominent music festivals in the country. However, the event is on shaky ground due to cancellations and increasing competition. State of play: This year's festival was called off after one day due to rain. Bonnaroo organizers announced they would give fans three-fourths of their money back, before reversing course and offering full refunds. Flashback: The 2021 event was postponed to the fall, but then canceled due to flooding from Hurricane Ida. In 2020, the event was wiped out by the pandemic. Driving the news: Bonnaroo, which is majority-owned by Live Nation, held off on immediately rolling out its plans for the 2026 concert and camping event. Instead, Bonnaroo posted a survey asking fans for feedback on when the festival takes place and how it affects their experience. Between the lines: Bonnaroo has always tried to thread the needle on its timing. Organizers want as many young people to attend as possible, which means picking dates when college isn't in session. But that gets into the summer months, which as we know all too well, are especially hot in Tennessee. Bonnaroo in the fall would bring milder weather, but perhaps smaller crowds.
Axios
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Axios
United Houma Nation to have traditional dance, food at annual powwow
The United Houma Nation holds its annual powwow this weekend in Houma, about an hour from New Orleans, and the public is invited. Why it matters: The event offers an opportunity to learn more about the tribe that has deep historical and cultural roots in southeast Louisiana. The big picture: The powwow is free and is inside the air-conditioned Barry P. Bonvillain Civic Center on Saturday and Sunday. Non-native people are welcome, says Principal Chief Lora Ann Chaisson. The event will have traditional song and dance performances along with native craft, art and food vendors. About 10,000 people are expected to attend, says Jared Crosby, the chairperson of the powwow. Zoom in: The grand entry will be the best time to see all the dancers, Crosby says. They'll do it twice on Saturday (1pm and 7pm) and once on Sunday (1pm). There are also are various categories in which the dancers compete for prize money. The dancers are from multiple tribes across the country. "The powwow world, it's kind of similar to the rodeo circuit, where every weekend across the country, there's a dance going on," Crosby said, and participants travel to "show off their unique dance styles and share their traditions." YoungBird Singers, a Grammy-nominated drum group from Oklahoma, will also perform. If you go: The powwow is known for its fry bread and Indian tacos, which are also sold at Jazz Fest. The United Houma Nation runs that booth too. Fry bread is a culturally significant flatbread that's fried. The Indian tacos are made with fry bread as the base and filled with meat and other toppings. They'll also have Southern classics like poboys, Chaisson says. The state donated the shrimp for the event. Zoom out: The United Houma Nation held their first annual powwow last year after a hiatus from COVID-19 and Hurricane Ida. Ida devastated their new headquarters in Houma, which they had just moved into. The city of Houma is named after the indigenous people. The powwow focuses on disability awareness, with an emphasis this year on autism.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
One Piece chapter 1153 spoilers: King Harald's past revealed and the story behind Loki's birth
Luffy in One Piece | Credit: X One Piece chapter 1153 spoilers: In Chapter 1153, the spotlight is on King Harald, as the story uncovers key moments from his past and the hardships that shaped his rule. Alongside this, readers get a deeper look into the mysterious circumstances surrounding Prince Loki's birth, hinting at future twists in the storyline. Here's a look at all the spoilers. (Spoilers ahead) One Piece Chapter 1153 Spoilers byu/Skullghost inOnePiece One Piece chapter 1153 spoilers According to a Reddit post, the cover story has 'Yamato meets Kiku at Ringo. Kiku is now the Daimyo of Ringo.' Harald and Ida's First Meeting Harald finds Ida imprisoned in a circus and is enraged by the sight. In his fury, he destroys the town to rescue her. Ida reprimands him, explaining that the townspeople once saved her and she's working in the circus to repay their kindness. Moved by her compassion and strength, Harald is humbled and falls in love with her. He brings Ida back to Elbaf and begins modernizing the kingdom while building new alliances. Birth of Hajrudin Over the years, Harald and Ida have a son named Hajrudin. Marriage Blocked by Elbaf Elders Harald wishes to marry Ida, but the Elbaf Elders forbid the union. They choose Estridd, an Elbaf native with a fixation on omens, as his official bride. Loki's Birth and Rejection Estridd gives birth to Loki but is horrified by his unusual slit-like eyes. Fearing him, she abandons the infant by casting him into the underworld. Chapter Ending The chapter closes with baby Loki crawling from the shadows, surrounded by defeated beasts. He begins climbing the massive Adam Tree in an effort to return to the castle. One Piece chapter 1153 release date In Japan, the chapter will officially go live at 12 AM JST on Monday. However, for most international readers, it will be available on June 29. The official global release date for One Piece Chapter 1153 is June 29, 2025. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. First Published: Jun 25, 2025, 13:23 IST Iraa Paul writes for Indiatimes Entertainment section - She has equal passion for hot coffee and hot OTT content. She is a pro at suggesting movies and series to watch on the weekend or when you are having a bad day.
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
"Oilers are the second-best hockey team": Mattias Ekholm's wife Ida offers comfort to Oilers fans after Stanley Cup dreams shatter
Mattias Ekholm's wife shares touching open letter with Oilers fans (Instagram/@ibjornstad) The Edmonton Oilers' dream of clinching the Stanley Cup came to a devastating end yet again, this time in Game 6 against the Florida Panthers. With a 5-1 loss sealing a 4-2 series defeat, the heartbreak ran deep — not just among players and fans, but also within the families who've stood by through every exhausting moment. Mattias Ekholm 's wife praises Oilers Nation with raw, emotional letter after crushing Stanley Cup loss Amid the emotional wreckage, one voice quietly stood out — not from the locker room, but from the sidelines. Ida Björnstad, wife of Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm and a respected Swedish sports journalist, took to Instagram to deliver a deeply moving message that resonated far beyond the final score. 'As you might know, I'm a writer, and I love to put my thoughts into sentences and stories,' Ida began, in a post that felt more like a journal entry than a public statement. 'Most of my texts stay with me. This time, though, I would like to share some words with you.' Her post was more than a show of support; it was a heartfelt window into the emotional toll a Stanley Cup run takes on not only players but also their families. Ida's perspective came not as a reporter, but as a partner who's been living the ups and downs of the season behind closed doors. 'I know how much hockey means to the Canadian people, and I understand that the people in Edmonton are heartbroken today, including our family,' she wrote, capturing the collective disappointment that enveloped the city after the Oilers fell short again. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scam Exposed: What They Won't Tell You about zero trust! Expertinspector Click Here Undo She went on to highlight the intense mental and physical demands that playoff hockey imposes: 'Throughout the playoffs, many things are happening behind the scenes. Boundaries are being pushed in the most demanding way, both physically and mentally. For the players and their families, everything is about maximizing the chances of winning.' Despite flashes of brilliance from Edmonton — including two hard-fought overtime wins — the Panthers controlled much of the series. Edmonton was behind for a record-setting 255 minutes and 49 seconds and was outscored 28-17 overall. Game 6 saw Florida dominate early, with the Oilers unable to find their rhythm again. Still, Ida chose to focus on the positives. 'For two years in a row, we have made it to the Stanley Cup Finals. The Oilers are the second-best hockey team in the world, and we have fans who support this team in both good times and bad. There is so much to be proud of and thankful for.' And in her final thought, she reminded everyone of the bigger picture: 'As much as it hurts when you lose, this is a journey we will look back on one day, reflecting on the highs and lows and understanding that everything made sense.' As the Oilers now prepare for a pivotal offseason, Ida's message offers something rare — a sense of grace and perspective in the face of loss, reminding fans why they fell in love with this team in the first place. Also Read: Wayne Gretzky loved Panthers' Cup win over Oilers but also admits one part didn't sit right Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
