An Interview with the cast and creatives of Teater Ekamatra’s ‘National Memory Project’

This June, Teater Ekamatra returns with National Memory Project, a quietly devastating, politically astute, and culturally layered play by Jonny Jon Jon. Originally staged in 2012 and again in 2016, this third incarnation marks the play’s first under Ekamatra’s banner, and will be helmed by Mohd Fared Jainal, who directs the two-hander starring Ellison Tan and Fir Rahman. At the helm is Ekamatra’s long-time artistic … Continue reading An Interview with the cast and creatives of Teater Ekamatra’s ‘National Memory Project’

★★★★★ Review: SALINA by Teater Kami

Faithful adaptation of Malay literary classic is a nostalgic triumph and pertinent reminder of the struggles of our forebears. A. Samad Said’s SALINA has never been an easy novel to adapt for the stage. Teater Kami artistic director Atin Amat knows this, having previously adapted it twice back in the ’90s, when resources were far more limited. Now, commissioned by the Esplanade for the 2025 … Continue reading ★★★★★ Review: SALINA by Teater Kami

★★★★☆ Review: My Name Is (Not) Khan by Hafidz Rahman

Whether a Khan or a Rahman, this is a show that calls for the unabashed celebration and embrace of one’s own multicultural identity. Over the last few years, theatremaker Hafidz Rahman has shot to fame for his viral videos he’s posted on social media, whether as a lovable tudung makcik, or for sharing creepy ghost stories. But how many people out there know the real … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: My Name Is (Not) Khan by Hafidz Rahman

Pesta Raya 2025: An Interview with Hafidz Rahman on ‘My Name is (NOT) Khan’

In spite of his years of working in theatre and the arts, with plenty of comedy sketches both onstage and online, artist Hafidz Rahman is doing something he’s never done before – a full-length one-man show. Best known for his viral comedy videos on social media (@asonofapeach), Hafidz is set to premiere My Name Is (NOT) Khan this May, as part of the Esplanade – … Continue reading Pesta Raya 2025: An Interview with Hafidz Rahman on ‘My Name is (NOT) Khan’

Pesta Raya 2025: An Interview with director Atin Amat and actor Fir Rahman on staging ‘SALINA’

It’s been almost three decades since the last time local Malay theatre company Teater Kami staged a theatrical adaptation of Malaysia’s National Laureate A. Samad Said’s seminal novel SALINA. But that’s about to change, as it receives a brand new staging as part of the Esplanade’s 2025 Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts. Adapted and directed by Teater Kami artistic director Atin Amat, SALINA … Continue reading Pesta Raya 2025: An Interview with director Atin Amat and actor Fir Rahman on staging ‘SALINA’

Preview: Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts 2025 by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

In the thick of Hari Raya 2025, Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts is back for its 24th edition this May, as Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay celebrates the art of the Nusantra, with music, dance, theatre and more that encapsulates the rich history, heritage and creativity of the region. This year’s festivities are headlined by local theatre company Teater Kami, with a … Continue reading Preview: Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts 2025 by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

★★★★★ Review: Geng Rebut Cabinet (GRC) by Teater Ekamatra

Timely, charged play that skilfully skewers the pitfalls of politics, and how change is almost impossible from within. Politicians have never had it easy. On one hand, they have to ensure that they gain the adoration of the citizens such that they can secure the popular vote and remain in power. On the other hand, how much change can they actually achieve, as they compromise … Continue reading ★★★★★ Review: Geng Rebut Cabinet (GRC) by Teater Ekamatra

Help Teater Ekamatra raise $10k with their AMBOI! fundraising challenge and unlock a Zoom mini theatre festival!

Initially set for a fantastic season, with stagings of plays such as a Malay version of Chong Tze Chien’s Poop!, like much of the industry, Teater Ekamatra was hit hard by the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions on entertainment venues, seeing a near complete cancellation of all their shows for 2020. Now, more than ever, they need your help to get through these tough times, as they … Continue reading Help Teater Ekamatra raise $10k with their AMBOI! fundraising challenge and unlock a Zoom mini theatre festival!

Preview: Berak by Teater Ekamatra + An Interview with the Creatives [CANCELLED]

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, Berak has been cancelled.  Originally written by Chong Tze Chien and presented as Poop by The Finger Players, this March, Teater Ekamatra adapts the play into Malay, presenting it as a brand new production at the Ngee Ann Kongsi Theatre at W!ld Rice. Berak chronicles the aftermath of a suicide: A grandmother bargains with divine powers to release her … Continue reading Preview: Berak by Teater Ekamatra + An Interview with the Creatives [CANCELLED]

Review: Rumah Dayak by Rupa co.lab

★★★★☆ (Performance attended 23/11/19, Matinee) Nessa Anwar’s sophomore full length play proves her mastery over capturing natural conversation and social realism. Presented by new theatre collective Rupa co.lab in their theatrical debut, Rumah Dayak follows a night-hour safehouse for troubled youths in the Malay community. Ironically however, the safehouse itself is facing imminent danger, as they face mounting pressures from the authorities, rising costs of operations, and … Continue reading Review: Rumah Dayak by Rupa co.lab