WITH many venues forced to close amid the Covid-19 pandemic, performing artists are left in the lurch with financial problems and concerns over their stalling careers.

Some have turned to social media, undertaking art projects with no monetary returns while others have gone into “survival mode”, putting their career and passion on hold.

Aniq Durar told The Malaysian Insight since the cancellation and postponement of shows because of the movement-control order (MCO), he has had to rely on government aid and familial support.

“It was already hard enough to make ends meet as a performer, especially in Malaysia, but with the pandemic and MCO, it is downright impossible,” said the 27-year-old.

“My profession, as well as my part-time job (front desk), rely on the very thing that spreads the virus, face-to-face community engagement.”

Aniq said he is stressed as he is unable to work to earn enough to pay his own bills and has to rely on external aid.

“In terms of being unable to perform, I am currently on ‘survival mode’, so I can’t even think about it. Passion is my last priority because I need to think about putting food on the table.”

Earlier this year, Aniq was involved in two shows titled Malam Sayu Berpuisi by the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts (KLPac) where the theme was Wawasan 2020 which he focused on marginalised Sarawakian narratives as well as what connects the Borneo states and the peninsula.

Another show was the opening act for the launch of Malaysia’s first conservatory degree programme in the performing arts, under Taylor’s University in collaboration with The Actors’ Studio (TAS).

Last Friday, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Nancy Shukri sparked criticism when she said it is “easy” for those in the arts to adapt to the current situation, in an interview with Astro Awani’s Consider This programme.

She also provided an example of rewards offered by an online singing competition on the ministry’s website when asked if the arts sector is neglected during an economically challenging time.

“I am angry at having a Motac minister (Nancy) who seems to have little to no knowledge of the reality on the ground and without the competency or interest to actually help out,” said Farah Rani, another struggling freelance performing artist.

Farah, 32, does a monthly improvisation (acting without preparation) show at the Crackhouse Comedy Club which has now been cancelled indefinitely.

“As a performing artist in Malaysia, I was already struggling with my finances prior to the MCO,” she said.

“I’m mourning the fact that for an indefinite period of time, I won’t be able to sit in an audience and watch a live performance. I’m worried about theatre companies and how they will survive.

“The future is uncertain. The other shows that I’m meant to be working on this year, a restaging of Instant Café Theatre’s Gold Rain and Hailstones in September, and The Actors’ Studio Seni Teater Rakyat’s Mixtape For Maz in November have not been officially cancelled.”

Farah, a Kuala Lumpur-based performer, is also anxious because she fears that more shows will be cancelled and that she won’t be able to get back on stage.

Theyvapaalan Jayaratnam, based in Kuala Lumpur, shares Farah’s sentiment.

“It is very stressful, most of my jobs that helped with the rent have been postponed indefinitely and rightly so, I am just so puzzled,” said the 28-year-old.

He said while there are performers who are still able to put food on the table because they hold day jobs, it is not the same for him and his friends who are full-time performers and living off their savings.

“Being a performing artist in Malaysia doesn’t really allow you to save as much, Malaysia doesn’t value their performing artists and we’re always bargaining for better salaries when we can,” said the Penang-born performer.

While the situation is bleak for performing artists everywhere, some are taking it one day at a time.

Tess Pang, a freelancer in Kuala Lumpur, told The Malaysian Insight that she is taking things one day at a time.

“My feelings fluctuate from being extremely optimistic to being completely overwhelmed, but I’m getting used to going through these waves,” said Pang.

“I’m grateful for the months when I had work and was able to save up because right now, I’m living off those savings, which is nerve-racking.

“Most performing artists here are freelancers and are finding themselves unemployed indefinitely.

“It’s not just them, it’s everyone involved in a production from the producers, stage managers, lighting designers, sound and technical crew, costume designers, set design – every single person is stranded without a place to work.

“Sure, there’s great potential in going online but it’s a huge struggle that will take time, and a lot of freelancers don’t have a safety net to fall back on,” said the 28-year-old.

Pang also criticised Nancy’s lackadaisical attitude and her suggestion of a singing competition to tide over this crisis.

“What does that say about how the government views art and artists? How is a lighting designer supposed to take part? And are we all supposed to sing for our dinner, knowing only one person will walk away the winner?

“It’s ridiculous.”

With almost no financial assistance from the government and entirely reliant on sponsors, major theatre venues, such as KLPac, PenangPac and the Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC) are now reeling from the losses after the MCO was enforced on March 18.

Malaysia registered 5,851 Covid-19 infections as of yesterday and 100 deaths. – April 30, 2020.