By DANIAL FUAD

At a press conference held at its theatre earlier in late June, ENCORE MELAKA formally announced that the much-awaited performance would return on July 7, 2024. The next season offers a captivating line-up of shows that seamlessly blend art and technology, history and contemporary, into a stunning light and sound extravaganza.

ENCORE MELAKA is well-known for its spectacular performance that combines music, dance, theatre, and multimedia technology which has received high praise since its inception. The immersive performance includes popular scenes from the previous season as well as new inventive components that further depict Melaka’s rich and emotional stories. This 70-minute feast uses imaginative technology to retell the tale of Melaka’s 700-year history and evolution, as well as how it celebrates ethnic variety and the ways it has influenced the lives of its citizens. The new season strives to provide audiences with an emotional experience that strikes their hearts.

State of the arts technology

To match the high-quality show, the theatre is outfitted with cutting-edge stage equipment, including brand-new lighting and audio/sound systems. The theatre has a 360° rotating auditorium with a seating capacity of 1,800, a 240m-long stage, over 1,000 water sprinklers at the water and mist stage, and six lifting platforms that rise to 6 metres, allowing for dramatic and smooth scene changes. Meanwhile, the characters’ personas have been changed and enhanced to better relate with today’s audience.

In terms of the cast, fresh faces join the excellent performers from the previous season, bringing vigour and diversity to their performances. Teaser performances were shown at the press conference, building up anticipation and enthusiasm for the real event. Furthermore, to promote local culture, the ENCORE MELAKA team has specifically included components that represent Melaka’s historical and cultural legacy, allowing the audience to better comprehend the city’s rich historical past while enjoying the artistic performances.

How it began

Datuk Wira Boo Kuang Loon, Founder of ENCORE MELAKA, stated, “The idea for building this massive theatre started with a letter and the Belt and Road Initiative. It is a national effort that was approved by Malaysia’s Prime Minister and China’s President during his visit to Malaysia in 2013.

The Ministry of Tourism has recognised it as a significant initiative under the National Key Economic Areas (NKEA) and serves as an important cultural interaction platform for Malaysia, China, and the rest of the world.

To mark the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, Yong Tai Bhd collaborated with Sichuan Tourism Investment Group (STIG) to promote cultural tourism, manage, and operate the theatre. We are excited to announce the official start of the new season and look forward to working with even more people.”

Seven tales of Melaka

The performances are expected to provide viewers with an in-depth exploration of Melaka’s rich legacy, making it a memorable experience which will be divided into seven tales; the first one entitled Parameswara, where it all began. Motivated by the courage of a mousedeer, he decided to build a nation here, signifying the pivotal moment in the history of Melaka’s establishment and setting the stage for generations of events to come.

The second performance titled Cheng Ho sets the stage to 1405 in time for the arrival of the esteemed admiral and his fleet heralded the dawn of the Baba Nyonya heritage. This cultural fusion brought new dimensions to Melaka’s identity, blending Chinese and Malay traditions into a unique and enduring legacy.

Nyonya & Wedding is a story of where the opulence of Melaka’s cultural practices is vividly depicted in the traditional wedding ceremonies of the Nyonya community in 1880. These weddings, replete with ancestral practices and vibrant cultural dances, offer a window into the past, showcasing the deep-rooted traditions that have been passed down through generations.

A poignant story that epitomizes unity, acceptance, and timeless love is that of an old man nurtured by six mothers. This tale, known as the Six Mothers, highlights the nurturing spirit and the strength of familial bonds within Melaka’s society.

Melaka’s resilience is further symbolized by the tribute to pregnant women who endured wartime hardships with the appropriate title, Pregnant Women. These women represent the renaissance of Melaka, showcasing the enduring spirit of its people in the face of adversity.

The traditional craftsmanship of Melaka is celebrated through the homage to the Wau, a traditional kite that is a symbol of the unique cultural tapestry defining contemporary Melaka. These artisans and their intricate work are a testament to the preservation of cultural heritage in modern times.

And as a finale, the grandeur and authenticity of Melaka’s heritage culminate in a modern storytelling masterpiece. Featuring 200 local performing artists on stage, the final performance is a spectacular celebration of Melaka’s rich cultural history and its vibrant present. This performance embodies the essence of Melaka, bringing to life the stories and traditions that have shaped this remarkable region.

Timing

The performances will begin on July 7, 2024, and follow a well-planned timetable to suit a range of viewership. There will be two performances a day from Monday through Saturday, at 5.30pm and 8.30pm. The performances on Sundays are scheduled during the late afternoon and early evening, at 2.30pm and 5.30pm. Notably, Wednesday performances will not take place, giving the artists a midweek rest.

Tickets for ENCORE MELAKA’s comeback are now available on the company’s official website and through authorised ticketing methods. For those who are in Melaka and are looking for food recommendation can get so by reading the story here.

In conjunction with their reopening, ENCORE MELAKA is giving away 10 pairs of tickets for their reopening show on the 7th of July. Visit this post on our Instagram to get the chance to win them.

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