Teater Sanggar Kreatif Kuching wins Festival Teater Malaysia Sarawak zone

KUCHING: Teater Sanggar Kreatif Kuching was crowned champion of the Festival Teater Malaysia (FTM) 2026, Sarawak Zone with its production ‘Sumpah Darah Meranti’, here on Sunday (Oct 4).

The group took home RM10,000 in prize money, along with a trophy and certificate, after seven theatre groups presented their interpretations of this year’s theme, ‘Naratif Sungai, Hutan dan Manusia’.

Its winning production also earned several individual accolades, with Wayne Lee SC named Best Director, Mustaghfirin Fathullah Basri winning Best Actor and Shahrul Al-Aziza taking Best Supporting Actor.

A scene from ‘Sumpah Darah Meranti’, performed by Sanggar Kreatif Kuching.

In addition, Tini Tyrani Adurahman of Teater Sanggar Kreatif Kuching was named Best Supporting Actress.

The achievement marked a strong showing for Teater Sanggar Kreatif Kuching, which will now carry Sarawak’s name to the national-level Festival Teater Malaysia, expected to be held next year.

The group will compete against winners from the other zones, bringing a production rooted in Sarawak’s stories and identity to a wider national audience.

Persatuan Seni Kreatif SIFAR Kuching was named runner-up and received RM7,000, while Seniwara Arka from Institut Latihan Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia placed third with RM5,000.

Four other participating groups, namely Anak Seni Warisan Kenyalang, i-CATS Thespian Arts, Mahkota Borneo and Sanggar Silara all received consolation prizes of RM3,000 each.

The festival also recognised excellence across various aspects of theatre through multiple special awards, including Best Female Actor, Best Promising Actor and Actress, Best Scenography, Special Jury Award and Best Script.

Organised by the Department of Culture and Arts (JKKN) Sarawak and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), the festival was held in collaboration with Majlis Seni Sarawak and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Sarawak Branch.

The festival was held from Sept 28 to Oct 4 at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Sarawak Branch and brought together seven theatre groups across seven nights.

Local theatre practitioners were able to showcase their creativity while providing a platform for networking, experience-sharing and talent development through the festival.

Members of the production crew and cast of Teater Sanggar Kreatif Kuching pose with their prizes after winning the Festival Teater Malaysia 2026, Sarawak Zone.