The Spectacular Reopening of ENCORE MELAKA
The Reopening of ENCORE MELAKA illuminates the history and cultural brilliance of Melaka, honoring the guardians of history and culture.
We were excited when we heard that we had been invited to the reopening of ENCORE MELAKA. It was also great that we had the privilege of being hosted for a stay at The Pines Melaka and everything was handled perfectly by the organisers.
A leisurely drive to Melaka saw us arriving there comfortably and it was easy to spot The Pines Melaka which is situated in a very strategic place. After checking in, we went to our luxurious junior suite which was delightful in many ways. After admiring the place, the view from the window and the amenities, we managed to enjoy a short rest after which it was time to get ready for the anticipated show at ENCORE MELAKA.
As soon as we alighted from the bus booked for guests from The Pines Melaka, we were immediately awed by the sight of the magnificent venue. The ENCORE MELAKA building is clearly an iconic landmark of Melaka. The theatre’s unique and contemporary architecture showcases an elegant and refined design.
Nestled just 3.5km from Melaka’s esteemed UNESCO World Heritage Site, ENCORE MELAKA remains steadfast in its mission to offer immersive cultural and entertainment experiences to visitors from all corners of the globe. The theatre, an architectural marvel, boasts a one-of-a-kind 360° rotating auditorium with a seating capacity of 1,800, making it a beacon of artistic excellence in Southeast Asia.
ENCORE MELAKA’s flagship theatre is the largest in Southeast Asia, further solidifying its status as a premier destination for world-class performances. I must say that we were very impressed! Having attended shows all over the world over the years, it made me proud to see what Melaka and Malaysia could come up with.
The highly anticipated ENCORE MELAKA officially reopened after a four-year hiatus, with a heartwarming ceremony. The opening ceremony saw the emcee inviting up to the stage, three esteemed guests of honour who are the creators behind ENCORE MELAKA: The founder of ENCORE MELAKA and CEO of Yong Tai Berhad, Datuk Wira Boo Kuang Loon; Chief Architect of the ENCORE MELAKA Grand Theatre, Mr. Wang Ge; and Chief Director of ENCORE MELAKA, Ms. Wang Chaoge also a renowned Chinese director for creating an immersive theater experience.
Their heartfelt speeches and insights moved many and touched hearts by reflecting on dreams and perseverance, ensuring the cultural development of Melaka and the preservation and promotion of world cultural heritage. The co-founder of ENCORE MELAKA, Datuk Zoe Tan, presented flowers, expressing deep respect and wishes for the creators and guardians of these cultural endeavors. The world indeed needs such people to help ensure that it remains a wonderful place for everyone and for generations to come.
Additionally, the reopening of ENCORE MELAKA was graced by guests from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia, Sichuan Tourism Investment Group (STIG), Mr. Zhou XiaoHeng, Chairman of Sulanshi Group, Mr. Fang QingHai, Chairman of Yi Sheng Group, Mr. Huang Ping-Chang, as well as entrepreneurs, artists, scholars, and media friends from various fields.
For the reopening, the ENCORE MELAKA team preserved the essence of the original while incorporating new sound effects and innovative performance styles, aiming to provide unprecedented audiovisual enjoyment for both new and returning audiences. Additionally, to allow more spectators to experience this cultural feast up close, ENCORE MELAKA has introduced various promotional policies, including discounted tickets for seniors, children, and Malaysian and Melaka residents. These initiatives aim to attract more tourists and residents to enjoy the show.
The news of the reopening garnered widespread attention and enthusiastic discussion across various sectors and is expected to once again bring a new wave of tourism and economic vitality to Melaka. A fresh lineup takes the stage, rekindling the allure of ENCORE MELAKA. The ENCORE MELAKA THEATRE originated from the “Malaysia’s Letter” initiative and the “Belt and Road Initiative” of China. This significant national project was witnessed and agreed upon during the visit of China’s national leaders to Malaysia in 2013, alongside the Prime Minister. It has been certified by Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism as a key project in the National Key Economic Area (NKEA), representing an important cultural exchange platform between Malaysia, China, and the world.
We waited in anticipation for the show to start and were amazed by everything we saw. The performances were fantastic and everything was spectacular. The scenes and the backgrounds were meticulously detailed and the fine touches everywhere showed how much effort and hard work had gone into making the show absolutely perfect. We fell in love with Melaka and its history and culture when watching the show. There were moments when we just had to gasp in rapture as the different scenes unfolded. The water scene deserves special mention and it took our breath away. When our seats were rotated during the performance, it made for an unforgettable experience that we will remember and cherish.
All this was possible as the reopened ENCORE MELAKA THEATRE introduces new lighting and sound designs, creating more realistic and compelling scenes and atmospheres. The theatre accommodates 1,800 spectators with 360-degree rotating seats, a 240-meter-long stage, a water mist stage equipped with over 1,000 water sprays, and six lifting platforms that can rise up to six meters, showcasing astonishing dynamics and seamless scene transitions.
Among these features, the Yarn-houses stage is a fixed stage device with a 1:1 ratio with a real house, and there are also 3D stereoscopic light sculpture projections. Through on-site sound and lighting design, seamless scene transitions allow virtual reality to blend perfectly with live performances, enabling audiences to traverse different eras and explore and understand the city of Melaka.
The cast did a great job with their dedication and praiseworthy talents. Regarding the cast, in addition to the existing outstanding actors continuing their roles, new faces have joined, bringing fresh vitality and different styles of interpretation to the performance.
For those interested to know, here’s the show synopsis:
- PARAMESWARA: The legendary tale of Melaka’s inception in 1400 when Prince Parameswara, inspired by the valor of a mousedeer, decided to establish his kingdom.
- CHENG HO: The arrival of the esteemed Cheng Ho and his fleet in 1405, heralding the dawn of the Baba Nyonya heritage.
- NYONYA & WEDDING: An opulent depiction of a traditional wedding in 1880, replete with ancestral practices and vibrant cultural dances.
- SIX MOTHERS: The poignant story of an old man nurtured by six mothers, epitomizing
unity, acceptance, and timeless love. - PREGNANT WOMEN: A tribute to the resilience of those who endured wartime
hardships, symbolizing Melaka’s renaissance. - FINALE: A modern storytelling masterpiece, featuring 200 local performing artists on stage, embodying the authenticity and grandeur of Melaka’s heritage.
We were happy to learn about the collaborative efforts to promote the cultural and artistic Development for the ENCORE MELAKA THEATRE. On the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, Yong Tai Group of Malaysia and Sichuan Tourism Investment Group (STIG) initiated a Malaysia-China cultural tourism cooperation plan in early April 2024. They signed an operational management agreement for the Encore Melaka Theatre, committing to jointly safeguard and promote this international cultural and artistic landmark.
Before and after the show, there were interesting activities at the venue as well, making the whole experience really memorable. There were performers who came out to take pictures with the guests too and everyone could be seen to be having a great time. On the day we were there, the heavens were being kind and the sky was a beautiful colour as the sun was setting and it felt magical to be there at that time and place.
Don’t miss the chance to head to ENCORE MELAKA and enjoy the show. Everyone should see it. To experience it best, spend a night or two at Melaka as well, to relish everything you can. Staying at The Pines Melaka which has a charming ambience and welcoming warmth is highly recommended and they can often give special prices for the show. The hotel is a lovely and a superb place to stay at as you can rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit there.
Show Information:
- *Monday to Saturday at 5:30pm and 8:30pm *Sunday at 2:30pm and 5:30pm *No shows on Wednesday
- Ticket Price: Malaysians – *Adult – RM78/pax *Concessions for Seniors (60 & Above), *Children (Below 12), *Disabled RM48/pax. Non-Malaysians – RM158/pax
- Ticketing Information:
Website: https://encore-melaka.com/
Box Office: +606 – 270 7777 / +6012 – 650 7010
Events, Sales & Marketing : +606 – 270 7799 / +6017–902 6010
For more details and event schedules, please visit: https://encore-melaka.com. For more information on The Pines Melaka, please call (606) 2402323 or visit https://www.thepines-melaka.com.
Our heartfelt thanks goes to Charles Liew and his team for the wonderful hospitality shown during our stay at The Pines Melaka during the reopening of ENCORE MELAKA.
