Bangsawan Gemala Malam

2 – 4 Jun 2022

Presented by Teater Ekamatra

Adapted by Fasyali Fadzly

Directed by Aidli Alin Mosbit

In its heyday in Singapore in the 1930s and 40s, Bangsawan, a form of Malay operatic theatre, would regale audiences with its fantastical characters, and its mix of drama, music, and dance.

Now, Singapore ethnic minority theatre company Teater Ekamatra presents a lush, contemporary take on Bangsawan, in its highly-original adaptation of one of Shakespeare's beloved plays, A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Promising to be the most whimsical of love stories, this comic tale follows four lovers as they escape to the forest, only to be bewitched by fairies in a deceptive game of love and fantasy.

Now set against the exuberance of Nusantara, Bangsawan Gemala Malam revisits Shakespeare's magic-infused world with music, set and costumes celebrating the region's cultural vibrancy.

“The effortless scene-stealer of the evening...is canny veteran Rizman Putra...Irsyad gives him a run for his money in which Irsyad gives his all playing an inanimate wall”

- Ong Sor Fern, The Straits Times