What to expect in the new state-of-the-art theatre overlooking the Straits of Malacca

Fronting the Straits of Malacca, the new Encore Melaka theatre cuts an impressive figure with its eye-catching, modern silhouette. Designed by the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design (BIAD), the theatre houses Southeast Asia’s first 360-degree rotating auditorium, and is now home to a new state-of-the-art performance: Encore Melaka. Impression Series.

This marks the first Impression project outside of China, and the tenth in the renowned series. Established by directors Zhang Yimou, Wang Chaoge and Fan Yue back in 1998, the Impression production team is also well-known for staging the opening and closing galas for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, amongst other high profile projects.

The 70-minute long show will take the audience through the long-forgotten tales of Melaka’s rich history, from the stories of the early voyagers to the settlement and cross-cultural encounters of the Baba Nyonya. Told through a spectacular showcase of song and dance, Encore Melaka will be presented in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, Tamil, Portuguese and other local dialects to reflect the harmony that exists within the city.

“I was so intrigued and inspired by Melaka’s perseverance  and  resonance  for  history  and  culture,  it  is  a  paradise  of  racial  harmony,” says Wang Chaoge, director of Encore Melaka. “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.”

Expect to marvel at a stunning world-class production, brought to life with detail-rich costumes, innovative video projection mapping and use of hydraulics, advanced lighting and acoustic technology, a rotating audience platform, and 200 local performers—sounds like it’s time to plan a quick getaway to Melaka.

For more information on ticketing and showtimes, visit www.encore-melaka.com.