As the vibrant city of Klang Valley enters the month of August.
Theatre enthusiasts can look forward to a diverse range of captivating shows that promise to entertain, inspire, and challenge. From thought-provoking dramas to immersive experiences, the theatrical offerings in the region are sure to delight audiences of all ages and preferences. Here are eight must-watch theatre shows taking the stage in Klang Valley this August:
1. Mixtape For Maz by Perempuan Productions (July 27th–30th) [RM55]
“Mixtape For Maz”, a play written in English and Northern Malay, tells the story of Maz and Edi, teenage siblings who have returned to rural North Malaysia in the late nineties after years of growing up abroad. Not only do they face the stresses of secondary school life, they must also navigate the contradictions between their western influences (early Internet culture, nineties music and video games) and the conservative society engulfing them. As their identities are challenged and redefined, will they learn to reconcile the shattered fragments of themselves or will they succumb to the temptations of conformity?
2. The Producers by PAN Productions (July 21st–August 6th) [from RM100]
A scheming producer and his mousy accountant aim to produce the biggest flop on Broadway in Mel Brooks’ laugh-out-loud spectacle. Bialystock and Bloom! Those names should strike terror and hysteria in anyone familiar with Mel Brooks’ classic comedy film. Now as a big Broadway musical, “The Producers” once again sets the standard for modern, outrageous, in-your-face humour. It is a truly “boffo” hit, winning a record twelve Tony Awards and wowing capacity crowds night after night.
3. Opium by any other name by amberjade arts (July 27th–August 6th) [from RM55]
In the shadows of British Malaya, the Ghee Hin and Hai San wage their decades old grudge. Two families face off in 1890s Taiping, pit against each other amongst economic uncertainty and existential threats. In this chaos, two lovers find that their passions could make for the foundation of peace in Perak – but at what cost?
4. Alu & Lesung by Theatresauce (August 2th–6th) [from RM55]
The unearthed serenity in a mother’s sarong. The smell of burnt photos. And what if forgetting is not erasure, but mere misplacement? An experimental and multisensorial theatre experience, “Alu & Lesung” tracks the journey of an ensemble as they revisit the calmer moments in their lives, the events that happen after where they deal with the loss of security, followed by a newfound journey of healing.
5. Malam Takdir by Five Arts Centre (August 5th–6th) [from RM70]
“Malam Takdir” is a new opera by Johan Othman that is inspired by the Mahabharata. The story revolves around an imagined conversation between a king who was born blind, and his advisor, on the eve of a predestined war that would see all his 100 sons killed in battle. In this conversation, the advisor tries to convince the king to stop the war. Fully aware of the tragic fate that awaits his sons, the blind king nonetheless allows the war to proceed, choosing instead to take a gamble with destiny, with the hope that his 100 sons will triumph and inherit the throne. What unfolds is an argument that brings to the fore, a story of hope and betrayal, fate and human volition.
6. so happy i could die by Theatresauce (August 9th–13th) [from RM35]
“so happy i could die” is an immersive and participative theatrical event where audiences collectively decide on the actions of the Protagonist as they encounter Death. Will they come to terms with the end of their life or will they avoid it like a plague? Can happiness, fulfilment, and acceptance go hand-in-hand with an impending expiry date?
7. Amma Chellam by Anomalist Production (August 16th–20th) [from RM55]
Set in a traditional Malaysian Indian household, “Amma Chellam” tells the coming-of-age story of 16-year-old Ajay, who has a special relationship with his mother, Amma. She is his best friend, and he is hers. However, their worlds come crashing down when Ajay is unceremoniously outed to his family. Ajay is now tasked with the huge challenge of learning to explore and accept his own identity without losing the one person who matters most to him; his mother.
8. Yayasan Sime Darby Arts Festival 2023 (August 19th–20th) [FREE ENTRY]
Concluding the month with a grand celebration of the arts, the “Yayasan Sime Darby Arts Festival” (YSDAF), Malaysia’s largest free-for-all arts festival, is set to make a triumphant return after a five-year hiatus. With almost 350 showcases and activities planned in 19 pocket locations around klpac, YSDAF 2023 promises a wonderful celebration for everyone in the Malaysian family, featuring a wide variety of what the local arts scene can offer, from traditional to contemporary, dance to theatre, mainstream to experimental. The festival also includes hands-on workshops, demonstrations, installations, screenings, and more, spread over 48 hours.
August in Klang Valley is set to be an exciting month for theatre enthusiasts, with an array of shows that cater to diverse tastes and interests. Whether you’re a fan of thought-provoking dramas, side-splitting comedies, or immersive experiences, these eight theatre productions promise to deliver unforgettable moments on stage.
