THE two-year closure of Istana Budaya (IB) to conduct repairs on the aged building in Kuala Lumpur will not slow down its commitment to developing the performing arts scene.
Known for its grand and prestigious stage among performing arts enthusiasts, IB has organised several interesting programmes this year, including the launch of creative and innovative costume design books for the cultural sector.
IB director-general Zubaidah Mukhtar also announced that its three main products — Malaysian Traditional Orchestra (OTM), National Symphony Orchestra (OSK) and Istana Budaya Dance Artists (Artistana) — will continue their tour series to develop the performing arts and provide exposure to the masses.
"As IB's function as a venue provider for creative and cultural arts events is temporarily suspended, we have three main programmes this year to present to the community.
"These are the OTM Outreach Programme: Sounds of Malaysia, the Lambang Sari Series and a musical theatre production of 'Puteri Hang Li Po'.
"This is the best opportunity for IB to bring this world-class show to the community and one of the locations will be Melaka in conjunction with the Visit Melaka 2024 campaign," she said at the launch of the Istana Budaya 2024 Programme and its Costume Design Book at the National Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur.
According to Zubaidah, IB is set to boost the country's tourism this year.
The programme was officiated by Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry deputy secretary-general (Culture) Mohd Yusri Mohd Yusoff, and also present was National Art Gallery director-general Ameruddin Ahmad.
The OTM Outreach Programme: Sounds of Malaysia is a collaboration with both public and private higher education institutions.
"It involves students and alumni as a platform for the performing arts and sharing of Malaysian traditional music knowledge via workshops.
"The success of the Lambang Sari Series programme is carried forward to this year as evidenced by ticket sales that were beyond expectations last year.
"Also listed is the musical theatre, 'Puteri Hang Li Po', which has been revived with a new production that revisits the glorious era of the Malay Sultanate of Melaka. It was previously staged at IB's Panggung Sari grand theatre hall in 2004," Zubaidah said.
She added that production at Encore Melaka is also significant as it will be staged in conjunction with the 50th-anniversary celebration of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations.
"IB is also pleased to announce the publication of two costume design books, namely the 'Musical Theatre of Hang Li Po & Cheng Lock' and the 'Children's Musical Theatre of Ali Baba & Sinbad'.
"These books are scholarly publications that provide insight into the process of designing and preparing costumes used in IB productions," she said.