A musical on Puteri Darah Putih, a reimagining of Hang Tuah, a kampung-style immersive concert and a Malay dance–martial arts fusion – the bulk of the nominees for the 21st Boh Cameronian Arts Awards (BCAA) signal a confident return to Malay tradition, reviving myth with contemporary edge
The recent nomination announcement in Subang Jaya offered a glimpse of what to expect at the upcoming BCAA ceremony at Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC), 1 Utama Shopping Centre in Petaling Jaya on May 3.
This year’s theme, “COLLABeyond: Co-Create The Future,” marks a shift from celebrating outcomes to shaping the future of creative practice, foregrounding collaboration, responsibility and artistic integrity across disciplines and technologies.
The awards received 81 submissions across 39 categories in theatre, dance, music and musical theatre. A total of 44 productions were nominated, including Best of 2025 nominees.
Teater Muzikal Mek Mulung Puteri Darah Putih, a Bilberkarya production, leads the Musical Theatre category with 12 nominations, including Best Costume Design, Best Original Book, Best Original Music and Lyrics, Best Musical Direction and Best Direction.
Producer-director Nabil Zahan – who also wrote the script and appears as Inang Tua – worked closely with Mek Mulung custodian Ishak bin Debak @ Pak Dan to retain its roots.
“We innovated from traditional theatre, adapting elements of the original Lagenda Mahsuri into a musical shaped closer to Broadway. Malaysia is blessed with so many myths and legends, and I wanted to uplift them for the younger generation. If we don’t, they might disappear,” said Nabil at the nomination ceremony.
Other contenders include School Of Rock, The Musical (10 nominations) and Teater Muzikal Landasan Maut (seven).
The Theatre category remains highly competitive, with Fragments Of Tuah, Tewas: No Light At The End Of The Tunnel and Animal Farm (a Mandarin production) each earning six nominations. The late Jit Murad’s Visits earned five nominations. All four shows are also in the Best of 2025 category.
Tewas, Animal Farm and Visits are restagings while Five Arts Centre’s new documentary theatre Fragments Of Tuah reframes the 15th-century figure of Hang Tuah.
Tuah’s research by Mark Teh, Wong Tay Sy and Syamsul Azhar earned a Best Original Script, while Faiq Syazwan Kuhiri is nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role as “Narrator/Storyteller/Himself”.
“It was meaningful to take a figure so deeply embedded in our history and culture and deconstruct him in relation to the landscape of Malaya.
“Breaking down what defines Hang Tuah – as a Malay, a Muslim, a man – and reassembling it for the stage was a rewarding experience, and we’re grateful that audiences responded to it,” said Faiq.
In the Dance category, Ephemeral: An Evening Of Contemporary Dance Performance garnered 11 nominations, while Main Zapin 2025 received five.
The ASK Dance Company’s Setanggi Tari Melayu 2025 – Quintessential Malay Dance earned five nominations, plus a highlight spot in the Best of 2025 category.
Dancer Fatin Nadhirah Rahmat, a first-time nominee, is also recognised in the Best Featured/Lead Performer category for her role as Melati.
“We showcased a range of Malay dance movements and costumes, guiding audiences through their evolution over the years.
“It was an honour to embody strong Malay women such as Tun Teja, Mahsuri, Cik Siti Wan Kembang and Puteri Saadong. It is also heartening to witness the audience’s enthusiasm and anticipation for a production that uplifts Malaysian legends,” said Fatin.
In Music, Tutan Entertainment’s A Salute To Cinema stands out with six nominations, including Best of 2025.
“The concept draws on the magic of film music from the 1940s golden age of cinema to the present, spanning European, American and regional works,” said conductor Kevin Field.
The BCAA, established in 2002, is organised by Kakiseni and sponsored by Boh Plantations Sdn Bhd.
