KUCHING: Sarawak is set to premiere a musical theatrical masterpiece that weaves together heritage, artistry, and the stories of its weavers – a first of its kind.
‘Dreamweaver: The Musical’ will premiere at the Old Courthouse’s auditorium this December, offering audiences an enchanting journey into the world of weaving, where threads become music and handcrafted textiles narrate the lives of their creators.
Featuring original music, handwoven costumes, and live performances, the musical is a celebration of weavers’ artisanship and the cultural stories embedded within their craft.
For executive producer Datuk Jacqueline Fong, the musical serves as both a tribute to and an advocacy for Sarawak’s craftspeople.
She pointed out that weaving is more than an art, it is a language of identity and resilience.
“When you purchase a craft, it’s common to say, ‘Oh, this came from such-and-such a place,’ without ever naming or recognising the artisans behind it. Through Dreamweaver, we aim to spotlight these talented individuals and celebrate their extraordinary skills,” she shared with the Sarawak Tribune.
Fong who is Tanoti House’s director said the idea for the musical stems from the company’s long-standing efforts to uplift the handicraft community.
She said the project aligns with the social enterprise’s mission to ensure that artisans not only survive but thrive in a rapidly changing world.
“Our weavers appreciate the fact that a musical is made for them. During the first rehearsal, our weavers came to watch and some of them cried because the story was about them.
“The musical allows the audience to see and hear their story,” she said.
The musical features five main characters and six weavers, supported by two separate groups of casts to manage five shows per week over four weeks.
At the heart of Dreamweaver is the story of Aaliya, a young weaver who confronts the challenges of preserving her craft as well as her weavers amid pressures to commercialise.
The narrative draws parallels to the realities faced by artisans worldwide, weaving a tale of authenticity, passion, and perseverance.
“Weaving is universal, yet surviving as a business in this field is incredibly challenging. The central theme of this musical resonates globally—whether you’re a weaver in South America, China, or India, the struggles are the same.
“Through our efforts, we hope to give our weavers a platform to share their stories with the world. At the same time, we aim to inspire audiences to appreciate the value of authenticity and purpose over profit through Aaliya’s journey,” she said.
Fong revealed that Dreamweaver features 20 original show tunes with eight sung performances.
“Our composer, Leon Paris, not only created the show tunes but also mixed the music for this musical. For example, we recorded the sounds of weaving equipment and incorporated them into the musical score,” she said.
Adding to its allure, the production uses handwoven costumes crafted by Tanoti House’s weavers including a magic cloth central to the story.
Regarding the musical’s location, Fong described the Old Courthouse as a unique and ideal venue.
“I think the Old Courthouse is a special location, steeped in history and culture. Its central location makes it accessible not only to people in Kuching but also to tourists. It’s also convenient for us to conduct rehearsals since we’re close by and can easily go back and forth.
“The environment is quaint and distinctive. The hall itself isn’t too large, which makes it less intimidating, especially for many of our cast members who are performing for the first time,” she said.
For those looking to experience a unique cultural showcase, Dreamweaver: The Musical promises to be a production like no other.
Dreamweaver: The Musical will run from Dec 11 to Jan 5 next year with 20 shows over four weeks at the Old Courthouse.
Tickets priced between RM50 and RM100 are available for purchase on Cloudjoi.com.
