A world-class, immersive performance in a never-seen-before production directed by Wang Chaoge, inspired by Melaka’s richness in history, culture and traditions
MELAKA: Residents and visitors of Melaka can look forward to catching a world-class performance, ENCORE MELAKA, in IMPRESSION CITY, to bring their stay in the historic state to an exciting new level. Its doors are now open for private shows; shows will open to public 1 July onwards with tickets now available for purchase.
Directed by Wang Chaoge (Opening Ceremony 2008 Olympic Games Beijing) — after studying Melaka’s history, culture, traditions and people for two years — ENCORE MELAKA is a state-of-the-art production of Wang’s retelling of Melaka’s beginnings and growth through a timeline of six centuries. Depicted through a myriad of compelling songs and dances, it is a compilation of cultural stories that reflect a society embracing diversity and inclusiveness.
ENCORE MELAKA came to fruition from the vision of Datuk Wira Boo Kuang Loon, CEO of Yong Tai Berhad, whose passion for the show lies within his love for his hometown, Melaka.
“This is an exciting chapter for Melaka. I believe ENCORE MELAKA will elevate Melaka’s status as the ultimate tourist destination in Malaysia, as well as propel the country’s economic growth and create job opportunities for the locals. Get ready to hear the true voice of the local community,” said Datuk Wira Boo.
The 70-minute long mega show recounts the long-forgotten tales: stories of the early voyagers, legacy of Zheng He’s diplomatic mission, indigenous settlement and cross-cultural encounters such as the Baba Nyonya. The audience will be transported through different eras, presented in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, Tamil, local dialects and Portuguese to reflect the harmony that exists within Melaka.
“I was so intrigued and inspired by Melaka’s perseverance and resonance for history and culture, it is a paradise of racial harmony. I’m taken by the locals who show respect and tolerance for cultural differences. There is no clear boundary separating the past and the future from the present; Melaka remains a cradle of social harmony. ENCORE MELAKA has been an amazing journey for me, and I want to leave the same kind of experience for anyone who comes through this theatre’s doors,” said Wang.
The ENCORE MELAKA Theatre boasts innovative and stunning video projection mapping and multi-stage hydraulic sets, advanced lighting and acoustic techniques. It is Asia’s largest theatre that seats more than 2,000 people on a one-of-a-kind 360-degree rotating audience platform.
“We are pushing the envelope for performance art — the integration of storytelling with innovative stage technologies is never-seen-before in South East Asia. Performed by a dedicated local cast of 200 who have trained and rehearsed for over four months, we are giving the audience an immersive experience. ENCORE MELAKA is set to exhilarate audiences and put Melaka in the international spotlight,” adds Datuk Wira Boo.
The theatre building was designed by Mr.Wang Ge from the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design which occupies 15 acres and overlooks the scenic water view of the Straits of Melaka. The building’s modern structure of white porcelain exterior and blue shades welcomes guests with an organic canopy entrance leading to a blue foyer, the main facade. The rich atmospheric ambience is complete with the interior facade as a preamble of the fullness of the ENCORE MELAKA performance.
ENCORE MELAKA is the newest offering from China’s iconic IMPRESSION SERIES — established in 1998 by renowned directors, Zhang Yimou, Fan Yue and Wang herself and has since staged ten widely acclaimed productions. Out of 150 contesting countries, Melaka was handpicked by Wang as the coveted home of the first Impression Series performance staged outside of China.
The theatre is located in Melaka’s most prominent site, along the city’s waterfront, 3.5km from Jonker Street in No. 1 Jalan KSB, Impression 8, Impression City @ Kota Syahbandar, 75200, Melaka, Malaysia, a new tourism-cultural integrated development from Yong Tai Berhad.
