A new XR Dance work by Annalouise Paul

Set within UNESCO-listed heritage houses, shopfronts and natural beauty of Penang’s tropical gardens, A Late Bloomer is a new VR Dance work that explores identity, trade and heritage. The integration of emergent technologies to preserve and respond to these living spaces together with the human body, hold a multiplicity of stories.

An engaging and rich story created by local and international artists who will perform live and virtually in an immersive experience.

A Late Bloomer began a new collaboration between Annalouise Paul Dance Theatre (Australia) and Maitree House (Penang) and dance artists Chan Kar Kah (Kuala Lumpur), Ruby Jayaseelan (Singapore) and Luvenia Kalia (Penang) in a first artistic development in Penang from 30 August – 16 September 2022.

Malaysian partners: Angel Community Cafe, Blue Mansion, Euphoria Dance, George Town Festival, Hunza Properties, Pinang Peranakan Mansion, Tropical Spice Garden.

Supported by the Australian High Commission in Malaysia.

In 2023, A Late Bloomer was performed live at the Pinang Peranakan Mansion by dance artists, Chan Kar Kah (Malaysia), Ruby Jayaseelan (Singapore) and Sun Phitthaya Phaefuang (Thailand) and Penang community groups, Ronggeng Rhapsody, Sayang Sayang and Tango Argentine. This was a second artistic development in Penang from 27 June – 22 July 2023.

Our partners: Persatuan Peranakan, Baba Nyonya Pulau Pinang, Y.B. Dr Ramasamy, (formerly) Deputy Chief Minister Penang, Straits and Oriental Museum, Penang Walkabouts, Angel Community Care, Wanitha Inc.

Supported by the Australian High Commission in Malaysia, Create NSW and National Arts Council Singapore.

Creative Team  

Director/Choreographer:  Annalouise Paul

Immersive Technology: Peta Khan

Dance Artists: Chan Kar Kah, Ruby Jayaseelan, Sun Phitthaya Phaefuang

Photography: Sherwynd Kessler

Videography: JJ Studios

Post Production: Maitree House, Cahaya XR

Producer: Annalouise Paul Dance Theatre

Photos: Development of ‘A Late Bloomer’ in Malaysia 2022 and 2023 by Annalouise Paul Dance Theatre.