In Johor Baru, theatre gives voice to communities living under the haze

Buildings in Johor are shrouded in haze, as seen from Singapore on Oct 16. Toxic haze has blanketed parts of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore for weeks as fires continue to burn across Borneo and Sumatra, sending smoke across the region. Photo: AFP

As haze continues to affect Johor Baru, local arts practitioners are turning to theatre and film to confront its impact.

The highlight of Kelab Bandar Kita Johor Bahru’s (Bando Kita) community arts programme on Oct 17 is Jerebu Di Johor Bahru, a theatre production by Sisi Seni that uses satire, comedy and audience interaction to explore life under the haze.

Staged at Auditorium Menara JOTIC at 8pm, the show stars Putera Haritz, Aulyf Joe and Aqil Ridwan. It is part of "Dive Into Bando JB" (DIBJB), the collective’s monthly arts programme, which this month responds to the worsening haze affecting Malaysia and South-East Asia. The day’s activities span three indoor venues within walking distance of one another.

Previously known as Baroka Inisiatif, Bando Kita is a non-governmental organisation established in 2024.

This Saturday, its programme begins with From Storyboard To Worldbuilding, an illustration workshop led by Adrian Hashimi at Sekola Baroka at 10am, followed by Sorok-Sorok Perform, an interactive session led by acclaimed actor Nam Ron at Bandaraya Johor Baru at 2.30pm.

Amir, programme director of Dive Into Bando JB, sees the arts as a way to reflect everyday realities, including the haze affecting his hometown. Photo: Bando Kita

Programme director Amir Nurrahim says DIBJB aims to turn downtown Johor Baru’s historic streets into a living studio, where film-making and theatre respond to the texture of everyday city life.

“That is the ultimate vision behind DIBJB and what drives us at Kelab Bando Kita: building a sustainable, community-owned creative ecosystem in southern Malaysia,” he says.

Through workshops and performances, the programme also connects the arts with local businesses, encouraging participants to support neighbourhood cafes and traditional shopkeepers.

Theatre as an act of solidarity 

For Cech Adrea, director and playwright of Jerebu Di Johor Bahru, making theatre amid the haze is a way to reflect local sentiment and offer a sense of solidarity to those affected.

He says the conditions have prompted changes to the production process, including limiting outdoor activities and adjusting rehearsal hours to account for health concerns.

Audiences can expect satire and comedy, alongside moments that invite them to interact with the actors and become part of the story.

A past performance by Johor Baru theatre collective Sisi Seni at its community space. Photo: Bando Kita

“I want the audience to be more intrigued and thoughtful about this kind of entertainment,” says Cech.

“There is an element that allows the audience to be part of the story, interacting with the actors.”

Pasir Gudang, Johor, recorded the country’s highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 205 at 8am on Oct 16, up from 186 at 7pm on Oct 15, according to the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS).

It was the only area in the very unhealthy range. Klang, Selangor, which recorded 194 on Oct 15, improved to 181.

A total of 33 areas recorded unhealthy or worse readings, unchanged from 7pm on Oct 15. Of the 31 areas that remained at these levels, 19 recorded lower readings, 10 higher readings and two unchanged readings.

Johor had the most affected areas with eight, followed by Selangor (six), Perak (five), and Negri Sembilan, Melaka and Pahang (three each).

In Johor, readings were Pasir Gudang (205), Larkin (193), Pengerang (175), Batu Pahat (173), Kluang (170), Tangkak (165), Kota Tinggi (163) and Segamat (159). Five recorded higher readings than on Oct 15 evening.