Following its triumphant debut at this year's prestigious George Town Festival,
"The Enchanted Forest" returned with an extended, full-length production at the Penang PAC (Performing Arts Centre) located at Straits Quay on September 30th and October 1st. Both performances were packed eager audiences of all ages, from the young to young-at-heart. This enchanting performance originally captivated audiences as part of the Little Macam Macam event at the George Town Festival, drawing hundreds of eager spectators to Air Itam. It received rave reviews, commending its world-class artistry and profound impact. Now, the audience immersed even deeper in this magical experience as this extended production seamlessly combined the mesmerizing melodies of jazz with classical music, promising an unforgettable experience for Penangites.

"The Enchanted Forest" transcended traditional concert experiences, offering a multi-sensory, one-of-a-kind journey through classical and jazz music, masterfully crafted by the critically acclaimed, award-winning international pianist, Dr. Esther Shin Chuang. This family-friendly concert transformed into a captivating dance theatre, presenting an innovative approach to a piano concert that left the audience spellbound.

Dr. Esther Shin Chuang, the creative force behind the event, shared her inspiration, saying, "I wanted to share the beauty of classical music with the children of Penang. As a mother of two young children, I struggled to find classical concerts suitable for them. Many concerts have age restrictions, but I firmly believe that live music is an invaluable educational experience crucial for children's cognitive development. There's something profoundly special about experiencing music live, an experience that cannot be replicated on a screen. Hence, I decided to create a family-friendly concert where children are not only welcome but where the entire performance is designed with them in mind. This is why I introduced a dramatic element to the concert to engage audiences of all ages. The ballet and contemporary dance integrated into the concert help the audience connect with the music on a deeper level, as the dancers interpret the meaning of the musical pieces through their graceful movements. Our goal is to make classical and jazz music accessible and unforgettable for all generations."

"The Enchanted Forest" weaved a thought-provoking narrative, prompting the audience to contemplate the significance of preserving nature and fostering a world free from litter. In this enchanting drama, acclaimed dancers Pextstret Liu Yong Sean and Abigail Ng transformed into animals embarking on a magical forest adventure. Here, they encountered a Queen fairy who is a pianist, portrayed by the virtuoso Dr. Esther Shin Chuang herself. They discovered that the forest is suffering due to litter thrown by a menacing monster. Enlisting the help of young audience members, they sought to find a solution and to heal the forest. As the animals and little fairies, portrayed by Lee Shin Ying, Leong Zhi Ling, Tan Yan Rou, and Hope Ong Yi Shan, danced to the Queen Fairy's piano melodies, the audience was treated to a visually and auditorily stunning spectacle.

Dr. Esther Shin Chuang adds, "My mission extends beyond entertaining the audience through music and dance; it is about inspiring change. The sight of litter on Penang's streets deeply saddens me. If each attendee leaves the performance with a commitment to make a difference, whether by refraining from littering or participating in beach cleanups, together we can transform Penang into a greener and cleaner place."

"The Enchanted Forest" is proudly supported by Penang Art District, who are organizing free art workshops before each show. These workshops, which include drawing, batik painting, and animal mask making, allow the audience to become an integral part of the magical world they are about to experience.

The "Enchanted Forest" was full of breathtaking dances, captivating the audience with an educational storyline, and they were mesmerized by Dr. Esther's "brilliant piano playing," as praised by Kwong Wah Daily News. Both adults and children were transported by the beautiful classical piano pieces by Chopin, Saint-Saëns, Prokofiev, and Rachmaninov. Additionally, the trio of musicians featuring Dr. Esther on piano, Kevin Theseira on bass guitar, and Alexius Henry on drums, infused th evening with the vibrant rhythms of jazz. As children interacted with the actors on stage, th audience felt like they were an integral part of "The Enchanted Forest" experience.

In addition to Penang Art District, the main partner, "The Enchanted Forest" owes its success to the support of partners such as Penang Green Council, Piano Atelier and Gallery, Hightec Plating, Elamp Precision Industry, Mr. Hsu Shang Chi, as well as Straits Quay, the venue partner.