'Malam Takdir' opera draws inspiration from Mahabharata's story of sacred duty

Hilyati Ramli plays the blind king in the opera 'Malam Takdir', inspired by the 'Mahabharata'. This production is a new opera in Bahasa Melayu by Johan Othman. It will be presented with English surtitles. Photo: Eric Chow

It starts with a song – the voice of the soprano echoes through with a bright vocal timbre. She sings of poison and the universe as actors gather behind her. They begin to breathe in unison; every inhalation is weighted, deep.

Every move is intentionally choreographed to allude to a struggle, a groaning and the impending birth of war and grief.