Free Malaysia Today·Malaysia·Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 12:00 AM UTC

Curtains up: local performing arts highlights in November

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Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle

From heartfelt family dramas and enchanting folklore to bold contemporary performances, there’s no shortage of stories coming to life on Malaysian stages this November.

Whether you’re in the mood for musicals, movement or a little theatrical magic, here are the shows you need to add to your calendar!

THEATRE

‘Four Generations in One House’

Adapted from renowned Chinese author Lao She’s classic novel, this popular Mandarin play condenses the experiences of four generations of the Qi family during the Second Sino-Japanese War.

When: Nov 5-7
Where: Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur
Tickets can be purchased here.

‘3A Stage Play’

Why do we spend our lives chasing different kinds of “A” grades? This Mandarin-language production by DW Creative explores three stages of life: adolescence, adulthood and ageing.

When: Nov 5-8
Where: Yuespace, Plaza Damas 3, Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur
Tickets can be purchased here.

‘Bu Er Theatre Society Graduation Showcase’

This Mandarin-language showcase marks a special milestone for Bu Er Theatre Society’s graduates, celebrating their growth as performers since embarking on their acting journey in June.

When: Nov 8
Where: The Only Space, Wisma Conway, Kuala Lumpur
Tickets can be purchased here.

‘The Failed Romances’

Presented by TerryandTheCuz and Adriano Cortes, this coming-of-age cabaret is inspired by Tamil cinema, blending theatre, live music, movement and design, transforming deeply personal stories into a shared cultural experience where humour, memory and spectacle collide.

It makes its Malaysian premiere before heading off to Singapore and, impressively, the Lincoln Centre in New York in 2027.

When: Nov 12-15
Where: The Studio, Jeffrey Cheah Performing Arts Centre, Selangor
Tickets can be purchased here.

‘The Ghosts Within’

A mother projects her resentment towards her late husband onto her own son, while an adopted son desperately clings to the illusion of a perfect family. Meanwhile, a daughter-in-law finds herself caught between two men. Presented in Mandarin.

When: Nov 12-15
Where: Pentas 2, The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac), Kuala Lumpur
Tickets can be purchased here.

‘While You Were Talking’

When Aaron finds himself in a strange kingdom governed by rules, expectations and the pursuit of being “normal”, he encounters characters who challenge the way he sees the world and, eventually, himself. A show for all the family.

When: Nov 14-29
Where: Hush the Theatre, Kelana Jaya, Selangor
Tickets can be purchased here.

‘Thrown’ by Jodi Gray

A child psychologist turns to old audio recordings from her own childhood and those of her patients in an attempt to understand herself. As she listens, the lines between memory and identity begin to blur. Featuring veteran actress Sofia Jane in her first one-woman show, directed by Gavin Yap.

When: Nov 20-29
Where: The Studio, Jeffrey Cheah Performing Arts Centre, Selangor
Tickets can be purchased here.

thrown — Sofia Jane takes centre stage in ‘Thrown’, her first one-woman show, as a child psychologist confronting memory, identity and her own past. (JCPAC pic)

‘The Snow Queen Pantomime’

When the wicked Snow Queen casts her icy spell, brave Gerda embarks on a magical journey to rescue her friend Kai. Expect colourful costumes, lively musical numbers, and plenty of opportunities to boo the baddie and cheer on the heroes. A pantomime by the KL PLayers.

When: Nov 27-29
Where: Nexus Theatre, Bangsar South City, Kuala Lumpur
Tickets can be purchased here.

‘Blaze Double Bill: The Wardrobe & You 2.0’

Sam Holcroft’s “The Wardrobe” takes audiences on a journey through British history, all from within the confines of a single wardrobe, while Alys Metcalf’s “YOU 2.0” explores friendship, identity and the pressure to become a different version of ourselves. Presented by Ignite Theatre.

When: Nov 27-28
Where: Black Box, Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC), Empire Damansara, Selangor
Tickets can be purchased here.

‘TAS Academy Final Showcase – Bullies, Beware!’

Some 150 students from The Actors Studio Academy @ klpac take a stand against bullying through a series of whimsical tales and thought-provoking original works celebrating diversity, friendship and kindness.

When: Nov 28-29
Where: Pentas 1, The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac), Kuala Lumpur
Tickets can be purchased here.

‘David Glass’s Tempest’

This production by the KL Shakespeare Players retains Shakespeare’s central framework: Prospero and his daughter Miranda live on an island with Caliban and Ariel, until Antonio, Sebastian and Ferdinand arrive. From there, however, the story takes its own unexpected direction.

When: Nov 27-29
Where: Pentas 2, The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac), Kuala Lumpur
Tickets can be purchased here.

tempest — ‘David Glass’s Tempest’ uses movement, music, lighting and smoke to transform Shakespeare’s familiar tale into a highly theatrical, cinematic experience. (KLSP pic)

DANCE

‘The Time it Takes for Time to Tick’

Through movement, this work reflects on how time shapes our relationship with ambition, identity and expectation, asking when our time will come and how we pursue what we desire while living with the uncertainty in between. Whatever that means.

When: Nov 1
Where: Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC), Empire Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tickets can be purchased here.

‘The Magical Night of Puppenfee’

Presented by Enchanted Dance Academy, this ballet and dance concert invites audiences into a dreamy world where little dolls whirl, fairies sparkle and magic comes alive on stage.

When: Nov 7
Where: Shantanand Auditorium, Temple of Fine Arts, Kuala Lumpur
Tickets can be purchased here.

‘Ocean of Dreams’

Dancers from The Aura come together for a magical ballet following two young girls who embark on a journey across the world to restore a magical pearl and return light to the Ocean of Dreams.

When: Nov 7
Where: Stage 1 Theatre, PJPAC, 1 Utama, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tickets can be purchased here.

‘Arts in Motion 2026’

This year’s showcase brings together students from Dance Space’s 2026 Elite Pre-Professional Programme, alongside two contemporary ballet works performed by its Major Grade students and choreographed by Kenny Shim and Raziman.

When: Nov 7
Where: D Theatre Malaysia, Hextar World @ Empire City, Selangor
Tickets can be purchased here.

‘Crossing Borders in Bharatanatyam’

Performed by Imran Syafiq and Nadhirah Rahmat, the programme brings together “nritta” (pure dance), “abhinaya” (expressive interpretation) and narrative works drawn from the Bharatanatyam tradition.

When: Nov 7-8
Where: Recital Hall, Sunway University, Sunway Square Mall, Selangor
Tickets can be purchased here.

‘Sleeping Beauty’

Sri Wilayah Ballet Centre presents its year-end concert, a full-length classical ballet set to Tchaikovsky’s celebrated score. The story follows Princess Aurora through her enchanted sleep to Prince Désiré’s arrival and the breaking of the wicked fairy’s spell.

When: Nov 22
Where: D Theatre Malaysia, Hextar World @ Empire City, Selangor
Tickets can be purchased here.

‘[Beyond 30] Asia City Dance Academy 30th Anniversary Concert’

Marking Asia City Dance Academy’s 30th anniversary, this special concert reflects on the academy’s journey, the growth of its students and its continued commitment to dance education.

When: Nov 28
Where: Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House, Johor Bahru, Johor
Tickets can be purchased here.

‘Serenade: Seasons of Life’

City Academy Ballet celebrates 12 years of dance. The first half, “Seasons”, journeys through the four seasons and the different beauty, emotions and meaning each brings, while the second offers a vibrant exploration of the world of “Don Quixote”.

When: Nov 29
Where: Stage 1 Theatre, PJPAC, 1 Utama, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tickets can be purchased here.

butterfly — ‘Butterfly Lovers The Musical’ returns, reimagining one of China’s most enduring folk legends as a story of education, devotion and forbidden love. (Dama Asia pic)

MUSICAL THEATRE

‘《摩西》音乐剧｜【Moses】The Musical’

Moses answers a divine calling to free his people from slavery in Egypt and lead them towards the Promised Land. Their journey becomes a decades-long struggle of faith, rebellion and sacrifice – but what fate awaits the great prophet in the end?

When: Nov 1
Where: Woodlands International School Hall, Sibu, Sarawak
Tickets can be purchased here.

‘Teater Muzikal Sekuntum Mawar Merah’

Nightclub star Mawar finds love with Rashid, a young musician who writes a song, “Sekuntum Mawar Merah”, especially for her. Spanning the 1980s to 2000s, their story explores love, painful secrets, redemption and the consequences of the past.

When: Nov 1
Where: Dewan Astaka, UMPSA Gambang, Pahang
Tickets can be purchased here.

‘Puteri Gunung Ledang’

One of Malaysia’s best-known musicals returns, reimagined for a new generation. This epic tale of love and sacrifice follows Gusti Puteri Retno Dumilah, a Javanese princess whose destiny becomes entwined with Hang Tuah, the legendary warrior of Melaka.

When: until Nov 15
Where: The Grand Theatre, Jeffrey Cheah Performing Arts Centre, Selangor
Tickets: Alas, sold out. More information here.

‘The Secret of Magic School’

Presented by the Kuchai Lama branch of Kingsbee Preschool, this musical adventure follows three young students as they begin their journey at Magic School, where they must face Zoran, the Dark Wizard, who has erased everyone’s memories.

When: Nov 1
Where: Theatre, Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC), Empire Damansara, Selangor
Tickets can be purchased here.

‘Teater Muzikal Origami Usu’

Four siblings reunite at their family home, confronting old wounds, unspoken feelings and unresolved conflicts. Using origami as a metaphor for life’s experiences and choices, the production explores family relationships, love and the meaning of home.

When: Nov 6-8
Where: Theatre, Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC), Empire Damansara, Selangor
Tickets can be purchased here.

‘Teater Muzikal Kanak-Kanak: Pengembaraan Sang Kancil’

This production celebrates Sang Kancil as part of Malaysia’s cultural heritage through a musical, helping keep the beloved tale relevant, accessible and appreciated by younger generations.

When: Nov 13-15
Where: Panggung Sari, Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur
Tickets can be purchased here.

‘Tears Under the Rising Sun’

In Japanese-occupied Melaka, a young Nyonya’s sheltered world is shaken by a mysterious stranger seeking refuge. This musical by Krate Crerative Space explores love, sacrifice, survival and the choices people make in times of war.

When: Nov 14-15
Where: JKKN Melaka, Melaka
Tickets can be purchased here.

‘Teater Azizah the Musical’

“Azizah” was the first song written and composed by the legendary P Ramlee. But who was the mysterious woman who inspired it? Presented by the Penang P Ramlee Fan Club.

When: Nov 17-18
Where: Dewan Sri Pinang, George Town, Penang
Tickets can be purchased here.

‘Butterfly Lovers The Musical 《梁山伯与祝英台-音乐剧》’

Set in ancient China, the musical tells the story of Zhu Yingtai, a defiant young woman who disguises herself as a man to pursue an education, and Liang Shanbo, the scholarly companion who becomes her soulmate.

When: Nov 27-29
Where: The Grand Theatre, Jeffrey Cheah Performing Arts Centre, Selangor
Tickets can be purchased here.

Putting on a show? Email us the details at [email protected].

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