Fragments of Tuah
A New Theatre Experience That Reimagines a Malaysian Legend
Who is Hang Tuah, really? What do we really know about him? And why does he still matter today?
These are the questions at the heart of Fragments of Tuah, a brand-new documentary theatre performance by Five Arts Centre. Running from 28 August to 7 September 2025 at klpac, this powerful and thought-provoking production invites audiences to reflect on one of Malaysia’s most iconic figures—not through a polished, heroic story, but through the fragments that remain.
A Legend, Re-examined
Fragments of Tuah is not your typical retelling of Hang Tuah. Instead of focusing on a single storyline, this production brings together songs, historical documents, personal memories, and scenes from the Hikayat Hang Tuah to explore the many ways the legendary warrior has been remembered—and misremembered—over time.
The result? A layered performance that doesn’t try to fill in the blanks, but asks us to sit with them. What does loyalty mean? Who gets to write history? And why are some stories passed on, while others are forgotten?
“We’re not trying to restore a full picture of Tuah,” says director Mark Teh. “We’re looking at the gaps, contradictions, and questions that surround him—and us.”
A Team of Artists and Storytellers
Led by director Mark Teh, the production is the result of three years of research by a passionate team of artists. Joining him on stage are:
- Faiq Syazwan Kuhiri, performer and musician
- OJ Law, award-winning singer-songwriter
- Shariman Shuhaime (Man), sound engineer and member of the band Terrer
They are supported by an equally impressive behind-the-scenes team including:
- Wong Tay Sy, production designer
- Syamsul Azhar and Bryan Chang, multimedia designers
- Armanzaki Amirolzakri, stage manager
Together, they combine theatre, live music, lighting, and multimedia visuals to create a truly immersive experience.
Why It Matters
Hang Tuah has been portrayed on the Malaysian stage many times—but Fragments of Tuah is different. It looks at how his story has shaped our ideas of identity, loyalty, power, and nationhood, and invites us to question the version we think we know.
The team also traveled across Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, the UK, and the Netherlands, uncovering how Tuah has appeared in different contexts over time. This global perspective helps frame local history in new and surprising ways.
Catch It Before It Goes Global
After its Kuala Lumpur run, Fragments of Tuah will head to Kyoto Experiment, a major contemporary arts festival in Japan. This international showcase highlights the growing interest in Malaysian stories and voices.
If you’re curious about how the past shapes the present or if you just love innovative, thought-provoking theatre—don’t miss this one.
Show Details
Dates & Times: 28 – 30 Aug & 4 – 6 Sept | 8:30 PM 30 & 31 Aug, 6 & 7 Sept | 3:00 PM
Venue: Pentas 2, The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac)
Ticket Prices:
- RM80 (Standard)
- RM60 (Students, Seniors, PwD)
- RM60 (Early Bird – before 18 Aug 2025)
- RM360 (Group of 5 – 10% off)
Book your tickets on CloudJoi For student group bookings (10+), contact: +6018-202 8827
More Than Just History
Fragments of Tuah isn’t just a performance, it’s a space for reflection. It invites us to question the stories we inherit, the myths we hold on to, and the silences that shape our past.
Whether you're an art lover, student, educator, or simply someone curious about Malaysian identity, this show offers a fresh, critical, and moving experience you won’t want to miss.
Can’t make it to the show? You can still support Five Arts Centre and their ongoing work in contemporary performance and arts education by donating through Sokong.org. Every contribution helps keep independent, thought-provoking Malaysian theatre alive.
