Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Drama
Local playwrights have to tread carefully when dealing with controversial topics such as
race and religion but you'd be surprised by how much they can get away with compared
with what's acceptable in the cinema, on TV and for popular music performances.
Musicals, particularly those about national heroes - from the sultanate-era warrior Hang
Tuah to former PM Mahathir - are very popular; you'll likely find them staged at the Istana
Budaya and KLPAC. There is also a strong interest in English-language theatre, as well as
in Malay, Indian and Chinese languages.
The most interesting productions are generally staged at KLPAC, the Actors Studio
(
www.theactorsstudio.com.my
)
and the Five Arts Centre (
www.fiveartscentre.org
)
, the lat-
ter two both based in Taman Tun Dr Ismail on the outskirts of KL. The Black Box at Pub-
lika is another venue that's popular for alternative and cutting-edge performances.
Although traditional dramatic forms, such as
wayang kulit
(shadow-puppet theatre) remain popular in Malay-
sia, it's rare for such shows to be performed in KL.
