Jeffrey Cheah Performing Arts Centre in Sunway City KL set to open this August

The Jeffrey Cheah Performing Arts Centre (JCPAC), a new arts and culture hub in Sunway Square, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, is set to open its doors in August, positioning itself as a regional centre for artistic exchange and performance.

Its two state-of-the-art venues – a 1,200-seat Proscenium Theatre and a 150-seat Experimental Theatre – are designed to accommodate a range of performances, from large-scale touring productions to non-mainstream "black box" works.

JCPAC, named in honour of Sunway Group founder and chairman Tan Sri Sir Dr Jeffrey Cheah, is located within the integrated Sunway City Kuala Lumpur development.

Its inaugural season, which starts in August and runs through January 2027, teases a diverse line-up, bringing together local and international productions, including returning favourites Puteri Gunung Ledang The Musical (Enfiniti Productions), which opens in October, while Butterfly Lovers The Musical (a Dama Asia production) is set for a 20th anniversary revival in November.

Other early highlights include a production by HANDS Percussion, a comedy show by Kuah Jenhan and a contemporary dance work by Kenny Shim, inspired by the late Yasmin Ahmad's film Sepet (2005).

An international production is also expected to be announced.

In a recent Bernama report, Melissa Teoh, producing artistic director of JCPAC, said the programming balances homegrown storytelling with global perspectives.

"We wanted the opening season to reflect who we are and who we aspire to be – a home for Malaysian artists and a gateway to the best of global performance," said Teoh.

"Our programme reflects this dual commitment, bringing together works rooted in our cultural landscape alongside international productions that broaden perspectives and set new benchmarks for excellence," she added.

As contemporary arts and culture accelerates in Malaysia, JCPAC will also act as a space for inclusivity, actively engaging and reaching out to a wider community.

"We believe a performing arts centre should reflect the richness of the community it serves. Our work spans theatre, music, dance, film, comedy and new forms, creating space for diverse voices and audiences,” she said.