Contemporary dance-theatre production brings together Bob Yusof and a multigenerational Malaysian cast for two performances on 19 and 20 December 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, 22 September 2026 – A legend that has lived in Sarawak’s cultural memory for generations is finding new life on Malaysia’s national stage.
Lagenda Puteri Santubong will reimagine the enduring tale of Puteri Santubong and Puteri Sejinjang as a contemporary dance-theatre production, taking the stage at Panggung Sari, Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur on 19 and 20 December 2026.
Presented by Lang Budaya and directed by Dayang Mariana Abang Bolhassan, the contemporary dance-theatre production brings the enduring folklore to life through movement, music and visual storytelling. It offers audiences a fresh way to experience a story that has been passed down through generations.
The production brings together approximately 100 performers, including talents from different cultural backgrounds, Malaysian singer and performer Bob Yusof, and young performers aged 6 to 16, who were selected through auditions. Together, they bring different experiences and creative energies to this contemporary interpretation of the Sarawakian legend.
Lagenda Puteri Santubong was officially introduced today at a press conference at Istana Budaya, where guests and media were given a first look at the production through a special performance excerpt.
Reimagining an Enduring Legend for Today
At the heart of Lagenda Puteri Santubong is the story of Puteri Santubong and Puteri Sejinjang, two sisters whose relationship is shaped by love, rivalry, choices, conflict and reconciliation.
Rather than presenting the folklore as a conventional retelling, the production brings the legend to life through dance, music and theatrical storytelling, offering audiences a contemporary way to experience a story passed down through generations.
Adding a distinct creative dimension to the production is original music composed specifically for Lagenda Puteri Santubong, with musical direction led by Shamsul Zain alongside a team of collaborating composers. Together with the movement-led performance, the original score helps shape the emotional journey of the story while creating a fresh point of connection for audiences today.
Staged during Visit Malaysia 2026, the production also reflects the richness of Malaysia’s diverse cultural stories and creative traditions, while demonstrating how traditional narratives can continue to evolve and connect with new generations.
Bringing a Sarawakian Story to the National Stage
While the legend is deeply rooted in Sarawak, presenting Lagenda Puteri Santubong at Istana Budaya gives audiences across the country a chance to experience and appreciate the story as part of Malaysia’s wider cultural landscape.
The production brings together performers of different ages and backgrounds to tell one shared story, demonstrating how a cultural tradition can retain its roots while building meaningful connections across communities.
“As a proud Sarawakian, bringing the legend of Puteri Santubong to Malaysia’s national stage is deeply meaningful to me. While the story is rooted in Sarawak, its themes of family, love, rivalry and reconciliation are experiences that audiences everywhere can understand. Through this production, I hope to honour its cultural roots while presenting it in a way that feels fresh, engaging and meaningful to a new generation,” said Dayang Mariana Abang Bolhassan, Director of Lagenda Puteri Santubong.
The production also features Bob Yusof as a storyteller and singer, guiding audiences through the legend while connecting the production’s music, narrative and movement-led storytelling. For the Sarawakian performer, the production also offers an opportunity to tell a story rooted in his home state through a theatrical dance format.
“Puteri Santubong is a story that is very close to Sarawak, so being part of bringing it to the national stage is meaningful to me. As the storyteller and singer, my role is to help guide audiences through the journey while working together with the dancers and the music to bring the story to life in a different way,” said Bob Yusof, cast member of Lagenda Puteri Santubong.
A key part of Lagenda Puteri Santubong is the involvement of young performers, who will share the stage with more experienced talents. Beyond performance exposure, the experience creates opportunities for knowledge, discipline and appreciation for the arts to be passed between generations.
Their participation reflects a wider ambition for children not only to experience culture as audience members, but to have meaningful opportunities to help create and carry it forward.
These themes were also explored during the press conference’s fireside chat, featuring Dayang Mariana Abang Bolhassan; Hanida Binti Mohamed Yusof, Production Director, Istana Budaya; Bob Yusof; Shamsul Zain, Music Director; and Tan Eng Heng, Technical Director, who shared perspectives on reimagining traditional stories for today, bringing together Malaysians from different backgrounds, nurturing the next generation of performing arts talent, and the creative and technical processes behind bringing the production to life.
Lagenda Puteri Santubong will be staged on 19 and 20 December 2026 at Panggung Sari, Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur.
Performance Details
Dates: 19 and 20 December 2026
Venue: Panggung Sari, Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur
Ticketing Link: Cloudjoi
Performance Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
Language: Bahasa Melayu
Stay tuned for more information.
