When Mak Yong meets the Bard: Shakespeare gets a Malaysian makeover at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas in July

KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 — Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) will present a unique theatrical production that blends Malaysia’s traditional heritage with a Western literary classic, titled Mak Yong Shakespeare: The Comedy of Errors – An Adaptation, on July 25.

The performance, scheduled to begin at 8 pm, is part of DFP’s initiative in collaboration with the Faculty of Film, Theatre and Animation at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) to promote greater appreciation of local arts and culture in support of efforts to preserve the nation’s cultural heritage.

Directed by Norzizi Zulkifli, the production combines the traditional Mak Yong theatre, recognised by Unesco as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, with William Shakespeare’s comedy The Comedy of Errors.

“We hope that audiences who may not have read Shakespeare’s play will leave the theatre feeling as though they have experienced the work itself,” she told reporters here today.

Norzizi said she chose the play because it shares similarities with traditional Mak Yong stories, making it easier to merge the two theatrical forms without compromising the original identity of the Malaysian performing art.

She said the approach also allows audiences to experience the uniqueness of both cultures in a single performance.

“I want audiences to still feel the identity of Mak Yong while at the same time experiencing Shakespearean elements. Let both traditions coexist in one performance because that is the essence of the cross-cultural theatre concept we want to showcase,” she said.

At the same time, the adaptation of Shakespeare’s work, translated by Fasyali Fadzly, retains the fundamental structure of Mak Yong, incorporating its signature elements of dance, music, singing and improvised dialogue.

The production also employs both Malay and English to broaden its appeal to audiences from all walks of life, including younger generations and international viewers.

Written between 1592 and 1594 and inspired by the works of ancient Roman playwright Plautus, The Comedy of Errors tells the story of a family separated by a storm at sea, with a series of humorous events unfolding as a result of mistaken identities involving two sets of identical twins.

The cast features Mhia Farhana Firdaus, Rosdeen Suboh, Asrulfaizal Kamaruzaman, Salsabila Sofian, Issey, Shahkimin, Ismadian, JZ Jasli and Ain Sufia, with special appearances by Vanidah Imran and Norzizi herself.

Norzizi has previously produced several works that combine traditional performing arts with Shakespearean plays, including Mak Yong Titis Sakti, adapted from A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Throne of Thorns, inspired by The Tempest; and Randai Macbeth in 2024.

In conjunction with the production, DFP will also organise a Mak Yong workshop at 10 am on July 25 at the same venue for RM50 per participant. Tickets for the performance are priced between RM69 and RM249. — Bernama