Gamelan Theatre ©
A musical journey where gamelan meets theatre celebrating the melodic Malay gamelan with a contemporary twist!
2023
Seruan Setu - The Secret Gardens of the Sea
Premiered in August 2023, Seruan Setu was a bold eco-performance that brought together the resonant sounds of the Malay gamelan with the hidden soundscape of Malaysia’s seagrass meadows.
Performed at KLPAC, it marked a turning point in Rhythm in Bronze’s artistic journey — blending music, narrative, and environmental themes. Drawing from field recordings, theatre, and gamelan composition, the work invited audiences to see, hear, and feel the fragility of our marine ecosystems in a new light.
The production won Best Choreographer (Aida Redza) at the 19th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards (2024). It was also nominated for Best Original Music & Lyrics (Jyotsna for Samudra Vasane), Best Ensemble/Group Performance (Rhythm in Bronze), and Best Music & Sound Design (Terence Chong).
Artistic Director: Datuk Zahim Albakri
Music Director: Jillian Ooi
Producer: Sharmini Ratnasingam
2014
Arus Gangsa
Arus Gangsa was a musical journey where gamelan meets theatre celebrating the melodic Malay gamelan with a contemporary twist!
Using water as a starting theme, this production featured exciting new compositions telling stories of love, surrender and retribution.
Our composers delved into the connections between the acoustic qualities of the gamelan with the realm of Water and showcased the capacity of these ancient instruments for telling contemporary musical stories that are as nuanced, multifaceted and dynamic as the Water element.
The production won Best Production Value at the 2015 BOH Cameronian Arts Awards
Artistic Directors : Loh Kok Man & Jillian Ooi
Music Director: Jillian Ooi
Executive Producer: Sharmini Ratnasingam
2011
MaYa: Gong Illusions
MaYa: Gong Illusions marked Rhythm in Bronze’s massive collaborative efforts with some of Malaysia’s most talented artists. With choreographer Joseph Gonzales as its artistic director, this production featured singer-songwriter Reza Salleh, bassist Zailan Razak, gambus player Khazrin Yani and the award-winning Batteryheadz Percussion.
The production won Best Production Value at the 2012 BOH Cameronian Arts Awards
Artistic Director: Joseph Gonzales
Music Director: Ann Salina Peter & Seow Lai Fong
Producer: Sharmini Ratnasingam
2009
Hari Jadi
2009 saw Rhythm in Bronze reaching a new milestone. It celebrated its 12th ‘birthday bash’ by mounting a Gamelan Theatre concert titled “Hari Jadi” (“birthday” in Malay). The concept of the performance was based on the group’s musical journey, drawing from songs and pieces that hold a special significance in its history and development.
Artistic Director: Edwin Sumun
Music Director: Susan Sarah John & Seow Lai Fong
Producer: Sharmini Ratnasingam
2007
Alih Punggong
The group’s 2007 concert, Alih Punggong, continued the exploration of the gamelan theatre genre, using the element of “extra turns” in bangsawan (Malay opera) theatre for inspiration. The music was woven together with short theatrical pieces and movement.
The highly successful production earned the group four awards from the music category at the 6th Annual BOH Cameronian Arts Award; Best Group performance – Instrumental, Best Musical Direction (Jillian Ooi and Susan Sarah John), Best Original Composition – Runtuh (Jillian Ooi) and Best Production Value.
Music Director: Jillian Ooi and Susan Sarah John
Director: Namron and Loh Kok Man
Producer: Marion D’Cruz
2005
Monkey Business
“Gamelan theatre” was born
Monkey Business was the first step towards music theatre showcasing the musicians as central and creative performers, involved in acting, movement and solo performance.
Director: Krishen Jit
Artistic & Music Directors: Sunetra Fernando & Jillian Ooi
Choreography : Judimar Hernandez
Executive Producers: Marion D’Cruz & Faridah Merican