About 200 students from Malaysia’s B40 community, accompanied by their teachers, attended the international theatre production Roald Dahl’s The BFG in Singapore on May 23, 2026 [1]. The visit was organised following an exclusive invitation from Singapore Repertory Theatre artistic director Gaurav Kripalani to the Raja Zarith Sofiah of Johor Foundation [2, 1].
The production featured a cast from the Royal Shakespeare Company of the United Kingdom, with Singapore being the sole venue outside the UK chosen by the troupe [2, 1]. Facebook post by Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar noted, "This high-impact programme was coordinated by Datuk Paduka Maharaja Lela and Ilham Seni Diraja coordinator Datuk Azuan Effendy Zairakithnaini" [2].
Program Ilham Seni Diraja is inspired by Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, and focuses on the B40 community in Kuala Lumpur. The program brings students closer to renowned arts practitioners and performers [2, 1]. It aims to strengthen arts and culture appreciation while exposing young people to international performances, helping shape creative thinking [2, 1].
The students’ attendance at this Royal Shakespeare Company production marks a significant cultural exchange for the community. The May 23 visit was the first and only outside-UK staging of the play by the company, highlighting its exclusive nature [2, 1].
