Unveiling the Inner Turmoil: KAKUREGA Takes Audiences on an Immersive Journey into the Minds of Artists

Following the success of Mia Sabrina Mahadir's Saturn Return at Sunway College's Rooftop Theatre, Theatresauce is proud to present its next groundbreaking production, KAKUREGA, at their headquarters in USJ 21, Subang Jaya. Directed by Murasaki Haru, KAKUREGA, meaning "hideout" in Japanese, delves into the internal struggles faced by artists amidst the pressures of creation. This thought-provoking and participative theatrical experience marks the fourth production in Theatresauce's 2023 season.

KAKUREGA invites audiences to step into the world of four artists, each harboring their own objectives, as they grapple with their work, question their purpose, confront inner conflicts, and seek a way out. Unlike conventional theater, this production breaks the fourth wall, encouraging audience members to engage actively and participate in these hideouts alongside the characters. Murasaki's intention is for audiences to gain a deeper understanding of the psychological landscapes inhabited by struggling artists.

Inspired by his personal struggles as a theater-maker, Murasaki often found himself torn between moments of intense creative expression and complete isolation, where he would retreat from the world. However, he discovered that this self-imposed hiding rarely offered the respite he craved, and instead, it became a destructive pattern. This led him to ponder: if non-artists seek escape by immersing themselves in the works of artists, where can artists find solace? Through KAKUREGA, Murasaki aims to shed light on this perplexing conundrum.

Director Murasaki Haru: Unleashing Artistic Depths in KAKUREGA

Furthermore, KAKUREGA serves as a platform for Murasaki to experiment with new theatrical forms and explore the boundaries of the art form. The production offers a multi-sensory experience where audiences not only witness the performance but also indulge in food served during the show. Additionally, they are provided with materials to unleash their own creative sides, effectively blurring the lines between performer and spectator. KAKUREGA incorporates spoken word, movement, lights, projections, sound, and costumes to transform Theatresauce's headquarters into different spatial dimensions, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience.

The performance ensemble of KAKUREGA brings together a mix of seasoned and emerging talents. Phraveen Arikiah, Shufitri Shukardi, Samuel Tin, and John Wee embody the diverse and complex characters, while scenography is masterfully handled by Bryan Chang from Sans Collective. The production is expertly managed by Abner Goh and Jazzie Lee Jin Jye, with Chisa Tan overseeing the overall production. KAKUREGA is presented by Theatresauce, and in collaboration with Howls Theatre Co., a supplementary project featuring visual artists expressing their own hideouts, helmed by Murasaki as Artistic Director.

KAKUREGA will run from July 19th to July 23rd at Theatresauce HQ in USJ 21. There will be two performances each day, at 8:30 pm and 10:15 pm. Standard tickets are priced at RM55, while a bulk purchase of four tickets is available at RM45 each. Students booking 15 seats or more can avail tickets at a discounted rate of RM35 each. Each performance will last for 60 minutes without an intermission.

Tickets for KAKUREGA are now on sale, offering a captivating and immersive theatrical experience. Standard tickets are priced at RM55, with a discounted rate of RM45 per ticket for a bulk purchase of four. Students can enjoy a special rate of RM35 per ticket, and college/university student bookings of 15 or more seats are entitled to this discounted price. Additionally, students can arrange for a free 75-minute theatre workshop by emailing the Production-Stage Manager at tanchisa00@gmail.com. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to explore the inner world of artists. Purchase your tickets now at https://www.cloudjoi.com/shows/kakurega.