Randai Macbeth Returns To The Stage At ASWARA

By Bernama Lifestyle Reporter

KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 (Bernama) —After achieving notable success, including being named Best of 2024 at the 20th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards, Randai Macbeth is set to return to the stage at the Experimental Theatre of the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (ASWARA) from May 8 to 10.

Randai Macbeth is an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s classic Macbeth, reimagined by director and playwright Norzizi Zulkifli through a cross-cultural performance that blends Minangkabau and Malay traditions with a Western classical text.

The production is organised by ASWARA’s Centre for Traditional Performing Arts (PuTRA) and the ASWARA Alumni Association, in collaboration with the Faculty of Film, Theatre and Animation (FiTA), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), in conjunction with the ASWARA Buka Panggung Festival, held from May 4 to 22.

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PuTRA dean Mohd Kamarulzaman Taib, affectionately known as Che Kem, said the revival was realised following strong public demand after its first staging at Blackbox ASWARA in 2024, which drew attention from the media, arts practitioners and enthusiasts.

Che Kem, who is also the producer of Randai Macbeth, said the restaging aims to celebrate the achievements of students and alumni while strengthening the institution’s role in championing traditional arts.

“This production seeks to honour the excellence of ASWARA’s students and alumni, while promoting PuTRA’s credibility as an institution dedicated to elevating traditional performing arts,” he said in a statement today.

According to Che Kem, the staging also helps enhance public appreciation of traditional theatre while serving as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration between ASWARA and UiTM in advancing cultural heritage.

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“This effort also opens opportunities to promote Malaysian arts on the international stage,” he added.

At the same time, he noted that efforts to bring traditional arts into contemporary settings face challenges, including shifting audience preferences and the influence of technology, which is changing how artistic works are produced and understood.

“Cultural arts are often seen merely as entertainment and no longer as a reflection of intellectual thought and the civilisation of a nation. This perception has led some to believe that cultural arts no longer play a meaningful role in life, but are instead limited to tourism and entertainment purposes,” said Che Kem.

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In this regard, he said the efforts by PuTRA ASWARA, the ASWARA Alumni Association and FiTA UiTM are focused on nurturing a generation that not only recognises the arts but is also literate in cultural heritage values.

“Randai Macbeth serves as a platform to manifest a vision of cultural arts that resonates with new audiences and today’s world,” he said.

The production features Che Kem as Macbeth, Juhara Ayub as Lady Macbeth and Amir Ameezan as Banquo. The cast also includes Rosman Ishak, Eliza Mustafa and Ijat Ashari as the witches, as well as Adika Zainal as King Duncan.

 Beyond Kuala Lumpur, Randai Macbeth has reached international audiences, including a staging at The Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay in Singapore from April 16 to 19, held in conjunction with Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts. The production is also scheduled to be staged at Kamal Theatre and Academic in Kazan, Russia, on June 15 and 16 as part of the Nauruz Theatre and Education Festival-Forum 2026.

— BERNAMA