KUALA LUMPUR: Istana Budaya is marking 2022 with 12 productions, among them, a special tribute to legendary composer and musician Datuk Seri Ahmad Nawab.
The national theatre's deputy director-general (operations) Mohamad Azlan Abdul Majid said that there would also be a reunion concert for rock band UK's and a concert by the National Symphony Orchestra.
"The 12 showcases will begin with Konsert Lagu Rakyat, a star-studded celebration of Malaysian folk tunes on Friday and Saturday (March 25 and 26)," said Mohamad Azlan at the recent launch of Istana Budaya's programme for 2022 at the national theatre in Jalan Tun Razak here.
The programme was unveiled by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
Five shows are produced by Istana Budaya namely Konsert Lagu Rakyat, the National Symphony Orchestra Presents Peter And The Wolf And The Carnival Of The Animals in June, the dance dramas Tari Sulur & Nakasari (July) and Ratu Kuning Langkasuka (September), and the musical Jula Juli Bintang Tujuh (November).
Konsert UK's Reunion 25 Tahun, Konsert Seniman Negara Datuk Seri Ahmad Nawab, the 5th Malaysian Golden Globe Awards (MGGA), Thunder — Kaleidoscope VI Drum Festival, and the plays Muzika Moyang Salleh, Tanjong and Antara Tiga will be produced by other companies.
"As in previous years, we strive to bring forth diversity in our shows, that appeal to Malaysians from all walks of life and balance traditional and modern arts," said Mohamad Azlan.
"What is most important is that the productions reflect the best of local arts practitioners."
Mohamad Azlan said that the national theatre planned most of the productions in the second half of 2021, and even though the number of guests had been restricted in compliance with the standard operating procedures (SOP), about 6,000 visitors arrived in the last five months and more were expected to turn up this year.
"We organised 11 programmes during the five months, and collected RM130,000 in ticket sales," he said.
Nancy announced that the ministry was providing a 50 per cent income tax rebate for companies involved in artistic and cultural activities from 2022 to 2025.
Aimed at giving the creative industry a much-needed boost in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, it covers the performing arts, literature and interactive media.