More than just a closing celebration for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Esplanade’s annual Pesta Raya offers a deep dive into the Malay Archipelago’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. This year, theatre takes the spotlight, kicking off the four-day festival with two blockbuster productions.
Randai MacBeth, directed by Malaysian playwright and director, Dr. Norzizi Zulkifli, reimagines the Shakespearean classic with a Minangkabau twist. La Luna, an adaptation of the 2023 romantic comedy-drama of the same name, centres on a modern lingerie shop that opens in a small, conservative village. Then look forward to PUNO: Sewing Memories, a mesmerising play that combines puppetry, visual design and music.
Aside from theatre, there is also a lineup of concerts from legendary musician Dato‘ Zainalabidin, Malaysian psy-rock outfit Margasatwa, Indonesian post-rockers The Trees & The Wild, and homegrown band Space Walk. Indonesian R&B sensation Adrian Khalif is also set to make his Esplanade debut with a one-night-only performance featuring fan-favourite hits and deep cuts.
Rounding out the event are free shows and masterclasses taking place across Esplanade each day. There are kid-friendly storytelling sessions, dikir barat showcases and loads more.