KUCHING: Sarawak is keen to develop performing arts talent over the next few years, ahead of the completion of a new performance venue, says Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said the Sarawak Performing Arts Centre was currently under construction and should be ready in two years' time.
"We do not want it to be a white elephant. My dream is to see performances there every week if possible.
"For the next two years, we are prepared to come up with financial assistance for anyone who wants to come up with performances to develop themselves," he told reporters after the premiere of "Dreamweaver - The Musical" here on Wednesday (Dec 11) night.
The Performing Arts Centre is being developed at the old Sarawak Legislative Assembly building in Petra Jaya here, providing a dedicated venue with state-of-the-art equipment for performances.
Abdul Karim also congratulated the cast and producers of "Dreamweaver" for putting on an engaging show.
"I could see that the audience was very much affected by the performance," he said.
An original musical by Tanoti Productions and Balkon Media, "Dreamweaver" follows the journey of a young weaver from a small Sarawak village who revives her struggling business and preserves her cultural heritage through the mystical power of her craft.
Executive producer Datuk Jacqueline Fong said the musical would be performed over a 20-show run at the Old Courthouse Auditorium here until Jan 5.
"Dreamweaver is actually an experiment. We hope that the run will be successful and maybe we will tour Dreamweaver after that," she said.
