KUALA LUMPUR: The legend of Mat Chinchang and Mat Raya, or how two of Langkawi's highest peaks got their names, gets a fresh re-telling in an immersive dinner theatre production, titled Walimaturus – The Wedding Banquet.
Produced by Suatukala, the show is set to take place at Kompleks Kraf, here on Dec 15 and 16.
Headlining the production are three of stars in the local theatre and comedy scene, namely Razif Hashim, Papi Zak and Kuah Jen Han, who will be joined by singer-songwriter Leaism.
They will be supported by an ensemble cast and crew of Langkawi talent that includes local residents, students and schoolteachers.
The Kuala Lumpur performance is a reprise of the show's 2022 sold-out debut staged in Langkawi.
Supported by Arts for All Seasons (ArtsFAS) by Yayasan Hasanah and the Ministry of Finance, the live performance also serves as a fundraiser for Suatukala's ongoing initiatives to promote storytelling in any form among Langkawi youth and children.
Suatukala's co-founder and Walimatulurus' co-producer, Lina Tan, said the show was not only intended to highlight the well-known legend of Langkawi's two mountains, but also showcase various elements of a traditional Malay wedding banquet.
"With Walimatulurus, we are not only trying to revive the creation myth of Langkawi's most significant geographical features, but also to create a truly unforgettable, immersive theatre experience.
"Combining performance art with food and tactile elements that require guests to interact with the cast and set, we hope to give those who attend the bona fide experience of a traditional Malay village wedding with a modern pop twist to make it more accessible for urban audiences," she said in a recent statement.
She added: "Staging Walimatulurus in KL is a big step up for our Langkawi team, both in terms of the exposure it will provide them and also as proof of our island community's ability to hold their own on a big city stage."
The musical production, co-directed by Wayang Kitchen's Razif Hashim and Tarrant Kwok, will enable the audience to enjoy a traditional Kedahan wedding dinner, as well as to participate in the wedding rituals themselves.
"Walimatulurus is more than your standard theatre fare. It's a lot of fun, just the way weddings
should be.
"There'll be drama of course, but also dancing, lots of laughs and even a chance for audience members to be part of the wedding proceedings.
"So come in your best wedding attire and join in the festivities," said Tan.
Tickets are priced at RM150 inclusive of dinner and can be purchased at www.ticket2u.com.my.
Admission is for ages seven and up. Proceeds from the show will go towards funding Suatuakala's on-going initiatives in Langkawi including its annual Rekacerita competition, which sees students across the island competing to stage their original plays in front of a live audience and judged by Malaysian theatre and film professionals.