Istana Budaya to be closed next year for upgrading works

Istana Budaya which is the main venue for performing arts and musical theatre in Jalan Tun Razak here, will be upgraded with a RM62 million allocation starting next January.

Following this, Istana Budaya, which opened 17 years ago, will be closed for nine months for renovation of Panggung Sari, which is the main stage for theatre performances.

Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said the upgrading of Istana Budaya was being carried out in line with current requirements, adding value and quality to it.

"This renovation is very important ... after completion, it is expected to increase participation and attract the attention of domestic and foreign productions to stage their performances here," he told reporters after the launch of the Istana Budaya 2016 Programme Calendar, Thursday.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Nazri targetted 70 percent participation by local productions and the remaining 30 per cent by international productions throughout the year.

Istana Budaya director-general Datuk Mohamed Juhari Shaarani said eight international performances will be held this year, among them 'That Pot of Tea in Chao San' (March 19-20), Richard Clayderman concert (March 31-April 1), 'Shrek' (June 2-5) and 'High 5' (Dec 8-11).

Among local performances which will be staged are Concert Malam Nada Biru (March 5-6), Theatre Randai-Cindua Mato (March 25-27), Theatre Ombak Rindu (April 22- May 1), Concert Jamal Abdillah (Sept 22-25) and Musical Theatre Mak Cun 2 (Nov 5-19).