Front Row

Dama Asia are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, with a spectacular showcase of song and dance in Magical 30 - A Malaysian Musical Journey. This vibrant production pays tribute to the theatre supporters and diverse audiences who have shared this journey, featuring a multi-racial Malaysian cast performing international hits in multiple languages, including English, Malay, Chinese, Tamil, and more. With 30 soul-stirring songs, 30 insightful perspectives from theatre practitioners, and 30 witty quips about show business, Magical 30 promises an unforgettable evening of joy, laughter, and cultural celebration. We speak to Artistic Director and Director Pun Kai Loon, and cast members Freida Ooi and Zamil Idris to find out what's planned at this anniversary bash.

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The upcoming choral production Radiant Dawn promises a transcendent musical experience, showcasing sacred works that span five centuries, from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Set to be performed by the KL Madrigal Singers and Players, we find out what's in store from Scott Woo, a tenor and the Director of the group, and together we're going to explore how these sacred traditions, through composers like Tallis, Byrd, Bach, and Poulenc, come alive to illuminate the journey of faith, culture, and artistry.

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Amberjade Arts are presenting a new work, Son of the Forest, which was inspired by Malay Archipelago folk tales. Written and directed by Tarrant Kwok, this thought-provoking production explores the tension between sacrifice, conquest, and the shared stories that define us. The play which is being presented as part of Theatre Takeover: Cosmic '24, also delves into traditional male and female roles in narratives, unravelling old tropes, while reflecting on the cyclical tragedies of modern life. We find out what’s in store from Tarrant, who is also the show’s technical designer.

Image Credit: Amberjade Arts via CloudTheatre

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KL City Opera (KLCO) will be presenting Opera Si! La Bohemia, a stunning reimagining of Puccini's La Bohème, set in 1960s Malaya, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Puccini’s death. Directed by Amelia Tan, this production transports audiences to the golden age of P. Ramlee and the Shaw Brothers’ film industry, blending classic opera with the cinematic flair and vibrant culture of the era. Featuring a talented double cast, the performances promise a visual and auditory feast, and we find out all about it from conductor Dr Bernard Tan, and tenor Tan Chee Shen.

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KL City Opera (KLCO) will be presenting Opera Si! La Bohemia, a stunning reimagining of Puccini's La Bohème, set in 1960s Malaya, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Puccini’s death. Directed by Amelia Tan, this production transports audiences to the golden age of P. Ramlee and the Shaw Brothers’ film industry, blending classic opera with the cinematic flair and vibrant culture of the era. Featuring a talented double cast, the performances promise a visual and auditory feast, and we find out all about it from conductor Dr Bernard Tan, and tenor Tan Chee Shen.

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Dua Space Dance Theatre's upcoming production Purnama explores the moon's symbolism through Malaysia's rich multi-ethnic heritage. Taking inspiration from the moon's phases—new, crescent, quarter, and full—Purnama beautifully intertwines traditional and contemporary dance to reflect the cultural narratives that the moon has inspired throughout human civilisation. We find out more about this performance from Lim Hong Jie, a senior dancer and the Assistant Artistic Director from Dua Space Dance Theatre.

Image Credit: Duo Space Dance Theatre Sdn Bhd

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We're promised a clucking good time at the upcoming dance production, A Hen-Made Tale, the Dance, a collaboration between KL Shakespeare Players, Kenny Shim Dance Collective, ASK Dance Company, and Asia Ballet Academy. Based on the children's book written by Lim Soon Heng, the story is a whimsical tale of scheming hens, which is now being brought to life through stunning choreography and playful storytelling. We speak to choreographers Kenny Shim, from Kenny Shim Dance Collective, and Imran Syafiq, from the Ask Dance Company (ADC), to find out more about the story, the collaborative effort behind the show, and the importance of making the performing arts accessible to children.

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Musical Treasures is an exciting Broadway-inspired fundraiser organised by renowned choreographer Farah Sulaiman, aimed at supporting Persatuan Sindrom Down Malaysia (PSDM). Featuring iconic hits from beloved musicals like Hamilton, Mamma Mia!, and The Sound of Music, the production promises a vibrant song-and-dance spectacle while working to raise RM300,000 for PSDM's essential programs. The show's writer and director, Sabrina Hassan, and guest artist Abdul Muhaimin, join us to share insights into the creative process behind the show, the importance of its charitable mission, and what audiences can expect from this heartwarming performance.

Image credit: Musical Treasures

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When Earth became a living hell, humanity sought refuge on the Moon, hoping it could restore the lost glory of our civilization. But what happens when our greed and thirst for power emerge once more? Following the success of Orang Bulan, Yusof Bakar completes his science fiction trilogy with two new BM plays—Penakluk Bulan and Pemusnah Bulan. Continuing with the same characters and universe, Trilogi Bulan delves into themes of familial love, Resignation Syndrome, climate change, and AI. Directed by Christopher Ling, we find out what's in store as all three of Yusof's plays are performed in one compelling night from Yusof himself, and cast member Nik Waheeda. 

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PESZTA, a vibrant arts festival in Kuala Lumpur's historic Kampung Attap, is set to return for its third year over the Malaysia Day weekend. This unique festival, named after a playful twist on the word "Pesta" to incorporate its three main venues—Pentago, SAM Mansion, and The Zhongshan Building—celebrates Malaysia's independence and diversity through a series of community-focused programs. We find out what's in store at this year's festival from Liza Ho, the Co-founder of the Zhongshan Building and Sarah Amer, a co-organiser of PESZTA.

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