‘Biru’ Theatre Enlivens National Month Celebrations In Auckland

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Distance did not stop the Malaysian community in Auckland, New Zealand, from coming together to celebrate National Month.

The staging of Hikayat – Malam Teater Malaysia 2026, featuring the play BIRU themed around the spirit of struggle and patriotism, enlivened the atmosphere at the Glen Eden Playhouse Theatre in Auckland last Sunday (Aug 15).

Malaysian High Commissioner to New Zealand Abu Bakar Mamat said the theatre production, organised by the Auckland Malaysian Liaison Bureau (AMB), a student organisation in Auckland, in collaboration with the High Commission of Malaysia in New Zealand, carried a message closely connected to the identity and spirit of Malaysians.

“As one of the colours of the Jalur Gemilang, blue symbolises the unity of the Malaysian people.

“In the context of the National Day celebrations, the production also highlights the meaning of independence and liberation, safeguarding dignity and national identity, as well as the aspiration to build a better future for Malaysia,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Programme Director Ikram Abdul Rahim said the play tells the story of the struggle to defend the homeland from colonial rule in order to preserve harmony and unity, while also facing the challenge of betrayal.

The performance was also enlivened by shouts of “Merdeka”, as well as kompang and dikir barat performances.

Representatives from the University of Auckland, the Malaysian diaspora and the local community also attended the event.

-- BERNAMA