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 Sept — Sarawak’s enduring Puteri Santubong legend will take on a contemporary form when Lagenda Puteri Santubong is staged at Panggung Sari, Istana Budaya here on Dec 19 and 20.
Presented by Lang Budaya and directed by Dayang Mariana Abang Bolhassan, the contemporary dance-theatre production brings the story of Puteri Santubong and Puteri Sejinjang to the national stage through dance, music and visual storytelling.
The production features about 100 performers from different cultural backgrounds, including Malaysian singer and performer Bob Yusof and young talents aged between six and 16 who were selected through auditions.
The production was officially introduced at a press conference at Istana Budaya today, featuring a special performance excerpt for guests and members of the media.
At its core, Lagenda Puteri Santubong explores the relationship between the two sisters, whose story unfolds through themes of love, rivalry, conflict, choices and reconciliation.
Rather than presenting the folklore as a conventional retelling, the production uses contemporary movement, original music and theatrical storytelling to offer audiences a fresh interpretation of the Sarawakian legend.
Original music composed specifically for the production is led by music director Shamsul Zain, together with a team of collaborating composers.
The production is being staged during Visit Malaysia 2026 and aims to showcase Malaysia’s diverse cultural heritage while demonstrating how traditional stories can evolve and remain relevant to younger audiences.
Dayang Mariana said bringing the Sarawakian legend to Istana Budaya was an opportunity to introduce the story to a wider national audience while preserving its cultural roots.
“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,” she said.
Bob Yusof, who serves as storyteller and singer in the production, said his role was to guide audiences through the story while connecting the narrative with the dance and music.
“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,” he said.
Young performers will also share the stage with more experienced talents, providing opportunities for them to gain performance experience while learning about discipline, creativity and the performing arts.
The intergenerational approach also reflects the production’s wider aim of encouraging younger Malaysians to experience culture not only as audiences but also as active participants in preserving and developing traditional stories.
The production’s creative and technical aspects were also discussed during a fireside chat featuring Dayang Mariana, Istana Budaya Production Director Hanida Mohamed Yusof, Bob Yusof, Shamsul Zain and Technical Director Tan Eng Heng.
Lagenda Puteri Santubong will be staged at Panggung Sari, Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur on Dec 19 and 20.
About The Author
