In case your appetite isn’t satiated by the vast number of theatre shows in the Klang Valley and beyond, here’s a rundown of dance and musical theatre productions hitting the stage this month as well.
DANCE
1. ‘Setampuk Pinang: Narthana’
Join emerging Penang-based artists as they present works-in-progress and research-driven ideas shaped by heritage and ritual. Witness how traditions are remembered, reimagined, and carried forward in contemporary practice.
Presented as part of the Penang Heritage Arts Festival.
- When: May 1
- Where: Bangunan UAB, Penang
- Tickets can be purchased here.
2. ‘Islands’
Taiwan’s Wang Yeu-kwn and Indonesia’s Danang Pamungkas explore the weight of bodies anchored to land and air, resulting in a dance performance that captures the tenderness of the earth and our bond with it.
This production marks the fourth consecutive collaboration between the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Malaysia and klpac.
- When: May 1-3
- Where: The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac), Sentul, Kuala Lumpur
- Get your tickets by clicking here.
3. ‘XZB!T 1.0’
Performed by some 105(!) dancers, this action-packed annual showcase by Flow Academy features 19 highly energetic and spirited acts.
- When: May 3
- Where: Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC), Empire Damansara, Selangor
- Tickets can be purchased here.
4. ‘Jom Tari 2026: Traversing Space’
The Dance Programme of Universiti Malaya’s Faculty of Creative Arts collaborates with the university’s cultural centre to celebrate International Dance Day.
Both site-specific and mainstage works will be performed by lecturers, students, and alumni alongside special invited guests.
- When: May 6
- Where: Faculty of Creative Arts, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur
- Looking for tickets? Click here.
5. Malaya Dance Festival 2026
The Niruthia Nithyalaya Institute of Fine Arts, in collaboration with T-Lax Avenue, presents this dance festival themed “Kurinji – A Tribute in Praise of Lord Murugan”.
- When: May 9
- Where: Shantanand Auditorium, Temple of Fine Arts, Kuala Lumpur
- Book your tickets here.
6. ‘Cultural Rhythms at the River’
Held as part of the KL Festival every Saturday throughout this month, this programme showcases Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity through traditional dance, music, and live demonstrations by local groups and indigenous performers.
- When: May 9, May 16, May 23, May 30
- Where: Makan Buzz, Kuala Lumpur
- Tickets can be purchased here.
7. ‘Dance the Walk: Heritage Trails through Movement’
ASK Dance Company transforms selected heritage sites in Kuala Lumpur into a living performance trail. Participants can walk between sites to encounter and take part in short works inspired by the cultural and historical identity of each location.
Presented as part of the KL Festival.
- When: May 9, May 17, May 30
- Where: Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque, Kuala Lumpur
- Dance, don’t walk, to get your tickets here.
8. ‘Setampuk Pinang: Sasanakala’
Witness works by Penang dance artists that explore knowledge and culture through contemporary choreography rooted in tradition. Presented as part of the Penang Heritage Arts Festival.
- When: May 9-10
- Where: Bangunan UAB, Penang
- Tickets can be purchased here.
9. ‘Pending’
The spotlight focuses on January Low, whose role has evolved from dancer to mother. This solo work examines what it means to be a contemporary female practitioner of Indian classical dance today, and how Odissi adapts in the digital age.
Presented as part of the KL Festival.
- When: May 16-17
- Where: Chan She Shu Yuen Clan Ancestral Hall, Kuala Lumpur
- Get your tickets here.
10. ‘Never Stand Still by Zulkarnain Zuber’
An evening of contemporary dance conceived and choreographed by Zulkarnain Zuber, featuring four distinct yet interconnected choreographic works.
11. ‘Ronggeng Kuala Lumpur Performance’
Curated by Nusantara Performing Arts Research Center (NusPARC), this performance revives the traditional cycles of Senandung/Asli-Inang-Joget through live musicians, singers and dancers. Presented as part of the KL Festival.
- When: May 23, May 30
- Where: Semua House / Plaza B Pasar Seni, Kuala Lumpur
- Tickets can be purchased here.
12. ‘Chapter 2’
Thai choreographer Pichet Klunchun reflects on his evolving practice, revisiting “khon” dance through the lens of injury and time.
In this Malaysian premiere, he dialogues with AI to question embodiment, emotion, and co-authorship between human and machine.
13. ‘Miss Belly Dance Asia 2026’
This annual competition celebrates the vibrant and evolving art of belly dance across Asia. Participants hail from various countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Korea, Thailand, Japan and China.
- When: May 31
- Where: Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC), 1 Utama, Selangor
- Prepare for a ‘belly’ good time by booking your tickets here.
MUSICAL THEATRE
1. ‘The Addams Family’
The award-winning team at Cempaka Performing Arts Company presents this colourful (and delightfully dark) musical comedy based on the iconic characters created by Charles Addams, with Kimberly Chan playing Wednesday.
- When: May 2, May 3, May 9, May 10
- Where: CPAC Damansara Hall, Cempaka International School, Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur
- ‘Lurch’ your way to tickets by clicking here!
2. Broadway Academy Theater Festival
A vibrant two-night celebration of young talent and storytelling, featuring “Dot-Dot-Dot: A Musical Theater Showcase” on May 9, followed by “How to Vanquish A Witch and Avoid Getting Married”, a witty and fast-paced play.
3. ‘The Lion: Rise of a New Dawn’ – Charity Musical Production
Inspiros International School presents “The Lion: Rise of a New Dawn”, a large-scale student-led charity musical production featuring over 70 young performers in a stellar showcase of theatre, song, dance and drama.
- When: May 20
- Where: KuAsh Theatre, TTDI, Kuala Lumpur
- Looking forward to the ‘mane’ event? Get your tickets here!
Putting on a show? Send us the details at [email protected].