The Jeffrey Cheah Performing Arts Centre is bringing Sarah Ruhl’s Pulitzer Prize-finalist play, Eurydice, to the Malaysian stage this September. Directed by award-winning theatre-maker Ghafir Akbar, the production reframes the classic myth of Orpheus from the perspective of its female protagonist.
Running from 18 to 27 September 2026 at The Studio, JCPAC, the play blends contemporary characters, playful staging, and surreal visuals to explore themes of grief, memory, and love. Despite its emotional core, the production balances heartbreak with humor and fantastical elements.
Cast and Creative Team
The production features a prominent lineup of local theatre talent:
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Vinna Law takes on the title role of Eurydice, marking her return to the Malaysian stage following her work in London.
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Jo Kukathas, Anne James, and Sukania Venugopal portray the Underworld’s mischievous chorus.
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Gavin Yap and Terence Swampillai join the ensemble alongside rising actor Tinesh Janaki Raman as Orpheus.
Director Ghafir Akbar brings extensive regional experience to the production. A two-time Straits Times Life Theatre Award winner for Best Actor, Akbar also won Best Director at the 2023 Cameronian Arts Awards for Fault Lines. His recent credits include performance roles in A Mirror with Pangdemonium and Tiger of Malaya at the World Theatre Festival Shizuoka 2026.
Eurydice reimagines the ancient myth by focusing on the heroine’s journey. After dying tragically on her wedding day, Eurydice arrives in a watery underworld where she reunites with her father and gradually loses her memories of the world above. The play examines the complexities of loss and memory through a modern lens.
Performance Details
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Dates: 18 – 27 September 2026
- Times: 8:30 PM (Evening) / 3:00 PM (Matinee)
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Venue: The Studio, Jeffrey Cheah Performing Arts Centre, Sunway, Selangor
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Duration: 90 minutes (no intermission)
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Ticketing: RM90 / RM120 / RM150 via Cloudjoi
