Five Art Centre's 'Mortal Man: Two Monologues' made its mark in the Theatre category, earning a Best of 2024 nomination, with veteran playwright-actor Leow Puay Tin nominated for Best Original Script. Photo: The Star/Low Lay Phon
Last year’s standout theatre productions brought the highs of ambition and the grind of working life to the stage. Life Is... The Musical (Kuala Lumpur Men’s Chorus, KLMC) and The Working Dead (KuLT Productions) captivated audiences and now lead the Boh Cameronian Arts Awards 2025 with 12 nominations each.
The nominations were announced recently at an event in Subang Jaya, Selangor. Now in its 20th edition, the Boh Cameronian Arts Awards, presented by Boh Plantations and Kakiseni, saw 77 submissions across 38 categories in music, dance, theatre, and musical theatre.
The awards ceremony will take place at PJPAC, 1 Utama Shopping Centre in Petaling Jaya on May 4.
For KLMC’s community choir, many with little stage experience, the nominations affirmed their bold leap into a musical tackling sensitive themes on sexual education.
“We're grateful that people see that a work about HIV can be entertaining, naughty, humane, painful, and beautiful, rather than just a tragedy weighed down by stigma. Win or not, we genuinely believe that everyone nominated is already a winner, simply for being acknowledged by industry professionals and the public for their hard work and achievements in the arts,” said Vale Wong, producer, composer, and actor for Life Is... The Musical, who earned nominations for Best Original Music & Lyrics and Best Director.
The Working Dead, first staged in 2019, which delves into the extremes of hustle culture and employee burnout earned 12 nominations for Best Costume Design, Styling & Make-Up, Best Ensemble/Group Performance, and Best Performance in a Leading Role for corporate zombie Ronnie Quiamco as Edwin along with his co-star Lee Sher Maine as Joanne.
Kevin Yii’s portrayal of 'The Guy' in 'Life Is... The Musical' by Kuala Lumpur Men’s Chorus earned him a Best Performance in a Leading Role nomination. Photo: KLMC
First-time nominee Elaine Lee, who made her debut performance in Dreams The Musical , a Teana Music production, earned seven nominations, including Best Performance in a Leading Role, Best Musical Direction, and Best Original Book.
In the Theatre category, Randai Macbeth by Pusat Seni Pentas Tradisional (PuTRA), Aswara, and The Bee by Pentas Project Theatre Production & W Productions secured eight nominations each, including Best of 2024.
Randai Macbeth fused Shakespeare with Minang and Malay traditions, blending silat-infused movement and circular staging. Live traditional music accompanied 16 Randai performers (Aswara, UiTM) and seven principal actors.
“We are very excited about the nominations. Being among the ‘Best of 2024’ was unexpected - especially for a traditional theatre production competing with contemporary works. For me, that alone is already a success. In the long run, these works can become a recognised artistic expression, showcasing our local arts and culture to the world,” said Dr Norzizi Zulkifli, Randai Macbeth director.
Che Kem (Macbeth) and Juhara Ayob (Puan Macbeth) in 'Randai Macbeth', a fusion theatre by Pusat Seni Pentas Tradisional and Aswara. Photo: Pusat Seni Pentas Tradisional
Five Art Centre's Mortal Man: Two Monologues also made its mark in the Theatre category, earning a Best of 2024 nomination, with Leow Puay Tin nominated for Best Original Script and Syamsul Azhar in the running for Best Music & Sound Design.
Indie production houses also made inroads, with Love Is A Motion Picture by MainTheatre and Teater Persiapan Seorang Aktor by Studio Sedar Ruang receiving recognition. Nawfal Zamri picked up a Best Director nomination for Love Is A Motion Picture, while Teater Persiapan Seorang Aktor picked up Best Director and Best Actor in a Leading Role nominations, along with a Best of 2024 category nod.
“I was surprised when the nominations were announced because we are the most 'indie' production - small-scale and low-budget. We made this in a tiny space with minimal facilities. At the same time, I’m extremely proud because it shows that even small theatre groups can create work with an impact,” said Syahrul Musa, Persiapan Seorang Aktor director, who was also nominated for Best Director.
In the Dance category, five nominations went to Kaka-Lala by Orang Orang Drum Theatre.
Led by husband-and-wife duo Boyz Chew and Zyee Leow, the production earned eye-catching nominations for Best Multimedia Design, Best Music & Sound Design, and Best Costume Design, Styling & Make-Up.
A scene from 'Opera Si La Bohemia', a KL City Opera production, which reimagined Puccini’s classic with kebaya-clad performances, bridging Western opera with local cultural aesthetics. Photo: Goh Bong Hiang
Meanwhile, Double Punctum, presented by Pentas Project Theatre Production, demonstrated the ongoing evolution of dance as a hybrid form, blending photography, theatre, and movement. Originally staged a decade ago, the work’s restaging was accompanied by a documentary film, reflecting on its legacy and growth.
"Opportunities to restage a work are rare after its completion, and a powerful piece requires continuous performances to uncover and address issues. We also hope that the younger generation can experience our work, engaging in a dialogue with audiences from different eras," said Lok Kok Man, the show's director and producer.
The Music category saw a shift towards fusion productions, blending tradition with innovation. Opera Si La Bohemia reimagined Puccini’s classic with kebaya-clad performances, bridging Western opera with local cultural aesthetics. Its bold reinterpretation earned seven nominations, including Best Production Values, Best Visual Presentation, Best Musical Direction and Best Vocal Performance.
Meanwhile, Spice, Magic And Mystique by TAS Seni Teater Rakyat and KLPac received four nominations, including Best Production Values, Best Visual Presentation, Best Musical Direction and Best of 2024, with directors Mak Chi Hoe and Ian Chow incorporating Indonesian, Thai, and Tagalog influences into the performance.
The theme of this year's Boh Cameronian Arts Awards "20 Years of Legacy: Igniting Inspiration for Tomorrow" pays tribute to past award recipients and their contributions to Malaysia’s performing arts industry. A special Best of 2024 award will be presented, alongside live performances from selected categories.
