‘English language stage play boosts Sarawak’s art devt’

KUCHING (Jan 20): A fully English-language theatre production has been hailed as a major step forward in strengthening Sarawak’s performing arts scene and nurturing young local talent.

Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Ukas), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, said the staging of ‘Rise of the True King Jr’ demonstrated a bold and progressive approach that could pave the way for more high-quality theatre productions in the state.

He noted that the use of English as the sole medium added diversity to Sarawak’s stage offerings and could encourage future productions to explore similar approaches.

“This is a very brave effort.

“While there have been previous performances, this production opens up greater opportunities for it to be staged again in the future, and for the use of English to be further encouraged,” he said, according to the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).

Speaking after attending the performance at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka here on Sunday, Abdullah welcomed the involvement of children and youths, including primary school students, saying it serves as a positive and important way to cultivate interest and talent in performing arts from a young age.

He added that the initiative aligns with Sarawak’s broader vision to strengthen its cultural development and stage arts activities.

“Sarawak is moving towards strengthening its cultural and stage activities, especially with plans to complete a new arts centre at the Old State Legislative Assembly Building within the next two years.

“This centre is expected to become one of the largest arts centres in Malaysia,” he said.

Abdullah also expressed confidence that the younger generation involved in the production has strong potential to perform at the arts centre in the future.

He commended the theatre director and the entire production team, including the young backstage crew, for their dedication and professionalism, while stressing the importance of sustained funding from the government and relevant agencies to ensure the continuity of quality stage productions.

“Stage performances like this require comprehensive support, including funding.

“I hope efforts to support such productions can be continued,” he said.

‘Rise of the True King Jr’ is among initiatives highlighting young local talent and reflects Sarawak’s commitment to developing a new generation of performers capable of competing at higher levels in the performing arts industry.