Encore Melaka, renowned for its breathtaking performances, has made a grand return, delighting audiences with its reopening on July 7, 2024.
Announced on June 20 at a press conference held at its magnificent theatre, the new season showcased an enthralling array of performances that seamlessly blend history and modernity, technology and art into a magnificent showcase of lights and sound.
This season’s Encore Melaka performance was a celebration of Melaka’s rich cultural heritage, meticulously crafted through a combination of music, dance, drama, and cutting-edge multimedia technology.
Known for its immersive experience, the performance featured iconic scenes from previous seasons, enhanced with innovative elements that vividly illustrate the poignant stories of Melaka’s 700-year history. This 70-minute spectacle took the audience on a journey through time, showcasing the city’s ethnic diversity and its profound impact on its people.
The theatre itself was a marvel of modern technology, equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems. Its unique 360° rotating auditorium, with a seating capacity of 1,800, provides an unparalleled viewing experience. The 240-meter-long stage, adorned with over 1,000 water sprinklers and six lifting platforms, allows for dynamic and seamless scene transitions, adding to the overall grandeur of the performance.
One of the highlights of this new season was the enriched personas of the characters, designed to resonate more deeply with today’s audience. The cast featured new talents alongside returning stars, bringing fresh energy and variety to the stage. During the press conference, teaser performances were showcased, further heightening the anticipation and excitement for the official opening.
Encore Melaka had also incorporated elements that reflect the historical and cultural heritage of Melaka, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the city’s rich past while enjoying the artistic spectacle. This initiative aligned with the theatre’s mission to promote local culture and foster a greater appreciation for Melaka’s historical significance.
Datuk Wira Boo Kuang Loon, Founder of Encore Melaka, expressed his enthusiasm for the new season. “The idea of building this grand theatre started with a letter and the Belt & Road initiative.
It was a national project that received its blessings from Malaysia’s Prime Minister and China’s President during his excellency’s visit to Malaysia in 2013. It was recognized by the Ministry of Tourism as a key project under the national Key Economic Areas (NKEA) and serves as an important cultural exchange platform between Malaysia, China, and the rest of the world.”
In conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, Yong Tai Bhd has collaborated with Sichuan Tourism Investment Group (STIG) to promote cultural tourism and manage the theatre. Datuk Wira Boo added, “We are excited about the official opening of the new season, and we hope to collaborate with more people to promote the art and cultural development of Encore Melaka.”
The show’s lineup included captivating segments such as “Parameswara,” which tells the legendary tale of Melaka’s inception in 1400, and “Cheng Ho,” highlighting the arrival of the esteemed Cheng Ho and the birth of the Baba Nyonya heritage. Other segments include the vibrant “Nyonya & Wedding,” the touching “Six Mothers,” the resilient “Pregnant Women,” the traditional “Wau,” and a grand finale featuring 200 local performing artists, encapsulating the authenticity and grandeur of Melaka’s heritage.
Encore Melaka is an iconic landmark nestled just 3.5km from Melaka’s esteemed UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its contemporary architecture and elegant design make it a beacon of artistic excellence in Southeast Asia.
The flagship theatre is the largest in Southeast Asia, further solidifying its status as a premier destination for world-class performances.
