Curtains up: local performing arts highlights in June
PETALING JAYA
THEATRE
1. STEP Theatre Festival 2026
The School of the Arts
When:
Where:
2. ‘Ostrich Muttai’
“Like an ostrich egg; large, heavy, and often buried…” Across four distinct narratives, characters navigate insecurity, physical suffering, heartbreak and the pain of longing, each choosing different ways to survive.
Performed in Tamil, these stories reflect emotions that are rarely spoken but deeply felt. Supported by Hush The Theatre
3. ‘Bleak Expectations’
Written by Mark Evans and presented by the KL PLayers
Follow young Pip Bin as he – with the help of a friendly convict and his loyal friend Harry Biscuit – courageously overcomes the odds, outwits a dastardly villain, saves his family, and wins the girl’s heart!
4. ‘Lé Jeu: La Julia’
A story about love and friendship set in the ’90s, this performance explores the journey of three teenagers searching for love and hope – only to discover that what they seek may have been right in front of them all along.
Presented by Orang Gerhana
5. ‘Secotek Cerita’
An evening of theatre featuring four compelling short plays: “I’m OKay yoU” by Namme Medai; “Monolog Balada Sumarah” by Dee Alhadi; “Aku Bukan Parewa” by Senandika, UMPSA; and “Melar Bersemi” by Mosyuki Borhan. Presented as part of the Kuantan Arts Festival.
6. ‘Hungry’
A family of four is forced to confront the weight of love and loss, while bringing back to life stories of their buried hopes and forgotten dreams. “Hungry”, the first full-length script from award-winning Singaporean playwright Desmon Sim in 11 years, “features ghosts”, according to director and production designer Christopher Ling.
“These characters hunger for love, attention and recognition; to be fully accepted and understood as human beings,” added Ling, a multiple BOH Cameronian Arts Awards winner and nominee.
Accompanying the show is a free exhibition featuring photographs of Hungry Ghost Festival celebrations held around the grounds of the historic Hiang Thian Siang Ti Temple in Kuching, taken by Sarawak-based street photographer Jee Foong.
Presented by The Actors Studio and the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac)
7. ‘The Story Book Academy Plays’
A series performed by the children of the Story Book Academy
8. ‘Rahsia Agung’
A leadership camp is supposed to build character – but here, it uncovers dark secrets.
Stories of a past death, a culture of bullying, and episodes of hysteria begin to haunt its participants, and hidden truths soon start to unravel. Presented by Fakulti Teater Aswara
9. ‘Under One Roof’
Mala has raised her three children on her own ever since she walked away from marriage broken by infidelity. Now, years later, the past returns, forcing everyone to confront the choices that shaped their lives.
An emotionally charged drama about family, loyalty, pride and generational conflict in a modern Malaysian Indian household, this play is presented by Big Nose Productions
DANCE
1. ‘Coppélia’
Set in a lively village, Swanhilda becomes suspicious when her fiancé Franz is captivated by the mysterious Coppélia. A charming ballet about love, curiosity and illusion, presented by Asia Ballet Theatre
2. Penilaian Tahun Akhir (PeTA) Fakulti Tari Aswara
Featuring performances by students from Aswara’s Faculty of Dance
3. ‘Radhe! Radhe! The Sweet Surrender (Odissi)’
Radha, the passionate and cherished beloved of the pastoral god Krishna, is the protagonist of Sutra Foundation’s “Odissi” production, now set for Johor Bahru.
A collaboration between Sutra Dance Theatre
4. Dancebox June 2026
A mixed-bill performance presenting works in progress, experimental pieces by established artistes, and new works by emerging dancers.
This instalment features Alisya Razman, Angel Cheng, Arahmy Rasyid, Cindy Ng, Kishore Kumar Krishnan, Mohd Nazrul and Jay Darvis, and Steve Goh. Presented by MyDance Alliance
MUSICAL THEATRE
‘The Lion: Rise of a New Dawn – Charity Musical Production’
Inspiros International School
Putting on a show? Email us the details at [email protected]