Istana Budaya is targeting a reopening as early as July after completing safety compliance requirements set by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) for the use of stage facilities at its Panggung Sari auditorium.
The national theatre institution in Kuala Lumpur has been closed for repairs and upgrading work since Jan 15, 2024.
Its deputy director-general (Operations), who is now assuming the duties of director-general, Johan Cruyff @ Mohd Johari Md Nordin, said several outstanding technical requirements are currently being addressed before the national theatre can resume operations.
Although roof upgrading and maintenance works were fully completed in January, he said the use of stage facilities remains subject to safety certification under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994.
"Under our original plan, we had targeted reopening through the Istana Budaya 2026 Gala Night: Estetika Magika on May 17, which was to be attended by the Prime Minister.
"However, discussions with DOSH a few weeks before the event revealed several technical requirements that needed to be resolved first, particularly involving the use of the Panggung Sari stage,” he said recently.
Johan added the amendments to occupational safety and health legislation now require all government agencies to comply with safety regulations governing mechanical equipment, machinery and lifting systems.
"This includes systems used to raise, lower or move stage platforms, performance sets and various technical equipment during productions,” he said.
He explained that compliance requirements involve two key components at Panggung Sari, namely the understage system, which operates the stage platforms, and the overstage system, which supports lighting rigs, curtains, stage sets and other technical equipment.
Istana Budaya received feedback from DOSH more than a month ago, granting conditional approval for the understage system, provided there is no mechanical movement and strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) are observed.
"That means we cannot operate the stage's lifting and lowering mechanisms as we normally would. One of Istana Budaya’s attractions has always been its advanced movable stage technology, but for now, the system cannot be used until DOSH approval is obtained,” he said.
According to Johan, another issue still being addressed involves the overstage system used to suspend lighting equipment, stage legs, borders and other technical installations.
He said the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) has submitted a second application to DOSH seeking permission for limited use of the overstage system to facilitate essential staging requirements.
While awaiting approval, he said, the Istana Budaya management has adopted a proactive approach by exploring productions that can still be staged despite restrictions on the theatre’s mechanical systems.
"These include mid-sized concerts, musical performances, stand-up comedy shows, corporate events and community programmes to enable industry players to return to the stage.
"We will also optimise the use of existing spaces such as Lambang Sari and Laman Santai to ensure the local arts ecosystem remains active,” he said.
Despite the constraints, Johan said, interest from the arts community remains encouraging, with 17 programmes already identified for staging at Istana Budaya this year, including Laman Santai Seni Budaya: 2 Dekad, Teater Muzikal Kanak-Kanak Pengembaraan Sang Kancil, NSO With Aubrey Suwito: Pop Meets Symphony and Lambang Sari Showcase With Your Star.
He said Istana Budaya will also continue strengthening outreach initiatives such as the Gerak campaign, which brings performing arts closer to communities and university students outside the venue.
Amid current challenges and growing competition from new commercial venues, he said Istana Budaya remains committed to its national role in elevating arts and culture at the highest level.
"We want to ensure Istana Budaya continues to fulfil its role as the national theatre in a safe environment, without compromise.
"We are determined to restore Istana Budaya’s position as a world-class arts institution that not only serves as a performance venue but also contributes to the development of the nation’s arts, cultural and tourism ecosystem,” he added. - Bernama
