Harith Iskander needs little introduction - he’s often called the ‘Godfather of Malaysian Stand-Up Comedy,’ and with good reason too. Over 35 years, he has carved a unique space in the comedy world, blending sharp observations with humour that resonates across cultures. As he prepares for his upcoming performance, DFP Punchline: Harith Iskander, 35 Years of Laughter at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, we sit down with Harith to reflect on his journey, his comedic philosophy, and what audiences can expect from this milestone celebration.

Harith Iskander needs little introduction - he’s often called the ‘Godfather of Malaysian Stand-Up Comedy,’ and with good reason too. Over 35 years, he has carved a unique space in the comedy world, blending sharp observations with humour that resonates across cultures. As he prepares for his upcoming performance, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.dfp.com.my/harith-iskander-35-years-of-laughter">DFP Punchline: Harith Iskander, 35 Years of Laughter</a> at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, we sit down with Harith to reflect on his journey, his comedic philosophy, and what audiences can expect from this milestone celebration.

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DFP Punchline Series: Harith Iskander, 35 Years Of Laughter

When we talk about the death penalty, it is often discussed in numbers, laws, and policy debates. But behind every sentence is a human life, and a ripple effect that reaches families, lawyers, prison officers, and entire communities. At a time when Malaysia has repealed the mandatory death penalty but continues to retain capital punishment in law, questions about justice, humanity, and accountability remain deeply unresolved. Tali Tukang Gantung is a new theatre project presented by the Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights (MCCHR), the Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network (ADPAN) and Amnesty International Malaysia, that draws directly from real interviews with people connected to Malaysia’s death penalty system, bringing their lived experiences to the stage. Joining us to talk about this powerful work are performer Deena Dakshini, who carries these stories in a solo performance, and Janice Ananthan, the show's producer and a Project Officer at the Anti Death Penalty Asia Network (ADPAN). 

When we talk about the death penalty, it is often discussed in numbers, laws, and policy debates. But behind every sentence is a human life, and a ripple effect that reaches families, lawyers, prison officers, and entire communities. At a time when Malaysia has repealed the mandatory death penalty but continues to retain capital punishment in law, questions about justice, humanity, and accountability remain deeply unresolved. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cloudjoi.com/shows/4685-tali-tukang-gantung">Tali Tukang Gantung</a> is a new theatre project presented by the Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights (MCCHR), the Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network (ADPAN) and Amnesty International Malaysia, that draws directly from real interviews with people connected to Malaysia’s death penalty system, bringing their lived experiences to the stage. Joining us to talk about this powerful work are performer Deena Dakshini, who carries these stories in a solo performance, and Janice Ananthan, the show's producer and a Project Officer at the Anti Death Penalty Asia Network (ADPAN).

Tali Tukang Gantung

At its heart, Lorong Cermin is a story about people trying to move forward while carrying the weight of the past. Set in a town recovering from a devastating flood, the musical explores strained family ties, unspoken feelings, and the quiet hope that comes with rebuilding. We discuss how the cast brings these emotions to the stage, the challenges of performing in an original musical, and what this story might stir in audiences, with cast members Elysa Lee and Ong Xiao Wen.


Image Credit: klpac

At its heart, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cloudjoi.com/shows/lorong-cermin">Lorong Cermin</a> is a story about people trying to move forward while carrying the weight of the past. Set in a town recovering from a devastating flood, the musical explores strained family ties, unspoken feelings, and the quiet hope that comes with rebuilding. We discuss how the cast brings these emotions to the stage, the challenges of performing in an original musical, and what this story might stir in audiences, with cast members Elysa Lee and Ong Xiao Wen. Image Credit: klpac

Lorong Cermin

What happens when identity slips, and the body moves between showing and hiding? Body For Nobody sits in that quiet, in-between space, using movement, sound, and ritual to invite us to slow down and pay attention. Joining me to talk about this new full-length dance work is its creator, choreographer and dancer Ethel Deidre, developed through the REFLEKT Residency by Goethe-Institut Malaysia.

What happens when identity slips, and the body moves between showing and hiding? <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cloudjoi.com/shows/4805-body-for-nobody">Body For Nobody</a> sits in that quiet, in-between space, using movement, sound, and ritual to invite us to slow down and pay attention. Joining me to talk about this new full-length dance work is its creator, choreographer and dancer Ethel Deidre, developed through the REFLEKT Residency by Goethe-Institut Malaysia.

DFP Punchline Series: Harith Iskander, 35 Years Of Laughter

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