If you’re drawn to theatre that lingers somewhere between poetry and philosophy, Teater Normcore: Odisi Romansa might be one of the more intriguing productions to catch this season.

Staged at the Black Box, Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC) this May, the latest work by Malaysian playwright-director Ridhwan Saidi arrives with all the hallmarks of his signature style: quiet lyricism, a touch of deadpan humour, and a willingness to sit with ambiguity. But this time, he pushes even further—into the speculative vastness of a post-human universe.

Odisi Romansa is a story that’s all about memory, love, and absence. The play unfolds in a future where humanity has long disappeared, leaving behind fragments of emotion and data. From within a silent server facility, two androids—Y-002 and Z-001—attempt to reconstruct what it once meant to be human. Their journey is not just intellectual, but deeply emotional, shaped by kerinduan, a longing inherited from creators they never knew.

As the narrative expands, so too does its scale. The two androids drift apart across the cosmos, one drawn toward the ancient gravitational core of the Milky Way, the other departing Earth in search of a new refuge. What emerges is less a conventional storyline and more a meditation on distance, connection, and the fragile imprint of humanity.

Ridhwan, a post-disciplinary artist known for blurring the lines between theatre, film, and literature, builds this world through his ongoing Teater Normcore series, a body of work that has, since 2018, carved out a reputation for experimental and non-linear storytelling. His approach here is no different, using science fiction as a lens to question what remains of us in an age shaped by rapid technological change.

The production is brought to life by a compact but compelling cast. Lee Qi, Aliya Marissa, and Roshafiq Roslee each bring distinct energies to the stage, ranging from physical dynamism to quiet emotional intensity. Notably, this marks Aliya Marissa’s stage debut, adding a fresh presence to the trio.

Beyond performance, Odisi Romansa leans heavily into its visual and technical language. Collaborating with digital technologist collective FabU and set sculptor William Koong, the production integrates live visual technology with physical scenography. A team of puppeteers, operating what’s described as “Semangat Graviti”, manipulates giant puppets that serve as a striking extension of the narrative’s emotional and cosmic scale. The result is a layered stage experience where digital projections, sound design, and tactile elements coexist in a carefully constructed atmosphere.

Behind the scenes, the production reflects a deeply collaborative effort, with contributions spanning sound design by Joni Atari, wearable design by Nurul Aizam, and cinematography by Izmer Hamdan for the opening film. It’s a reminder that Teater Normcore: Odisi Romansa is as much about process and collective creation as it is about performance.

Running from 8–10 and 14–17 May 2026, with evening and matinée shows available, the production continues Moka Mocha Ink’s commitment to interdisciplinary work across theatre, film, and publication. Presented alongside Ensembel Teater Kaos Nol, and supported by ArtsFAS under Yayasan Hasanah, the staging also highlights the broader ecosystem sustaining experimental performance in Malaysia today.

Teater Normcore: Odisi Romansa invites audiences into a contemplative, visually rich world—one that doesn’t offer easy answers, but instead lingers in the questions: What does it mean to feel? To remember? And ultimately, to be human? Whether you’re a longtime follower of Ridhwan Saidi’s work or simply curious about the edges of contemporary theatre, this is one odyssey that promises to be both intimate and expansive in equal measure.

Teater Normcore: Odisi Romansa runs from 8th to 17th May 2026 at Black Box, Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC). Tickets are available via CloudJoi