World's 1st Chinese Shadow Play Piying Dream Is Now At REXKL

Piying Dream art exhibition in KL

When we want to be delighted by a feast of colours, shapes, and movements, we Malaysians seek solace in art exhibitions.

An immersive one that’s currently on till 6th September 2024 is Piying Dream, held at REXKL. Hailed as the world’s first immersive Chinese Shadow Play experience, the show projects over 3,000 digitised shadow puppet artefacts in technicolour.

A vibrant display of over 3,000 digitised shadow puppet artefacts

Tucked in the bustling Petaling Street, REXKL plays host to Piying Dream, a creation brought to life by a trio of creative talents: Temple of Light and Immersive Art Studio, Danny Rose, and The Ma Family Shadow Play Troupe.

Drawing inspiration from the art of Chinese shadow play – akin to our traditional wayang kulit, and recognised under UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage – this immersive art show reimagines a radically new Chinese legend bathed in a feast of colours.

Located on the 2nd floor and utilising the entire walls and floor of the venue, Piying Dream welcomes visitors to immerse themselves in an illusionary display. There are showtimes from 10am-10pm by the hour, except on Monday when the show runs from 10am-4pm.

Tickets are now on sale online through their official website, or you can directly purchase tickets at the door. Prices to experience Piying Dream are as follow:

Adults (aged 19-59): RM60/pax
Children (aged 7-11): RM30/pax
Children aged 12-18 & students: RM42/pax
Senior citizens & persons with disabilities: RM42/pax
Free admission for children aged 6 and below

Three main immersive art shows with an interlude

There are three main immersive art shows at this hour-long immersive experience. Cosy pillow seats and wooden stools can be found at the venue to rest your legs and enjoy the show.

Feel free to choose your preferred seating arrangement or even stand throughout the exhibition – just be mindful not to obstruct the views of others.

The Piying Dream commences with a captivating display of digitised puppets. Accompanied by Oriental music in the background, the opening of the play brings to life reimaginations of Chinese legends such as the tales of the heroic Wu Song and Zhuge Liang.

Audiences will be transported to an otherworldly universe, while watching these puppets adorned in traditional Chinese costumes and accessories float gracefully on the walls.

Taking center stage in the show is the interlude, titled Into the Blue, featuring hypnotic architecture and diffused beams of light. Be spellbound by the movement of geometries and whimsically crafted skeleton figures, which convey a deeper understanding of our perception of the world around us.

The art exhibition concludes with The Matter of Painting, an original creation by Danny Rose Studio that’s inspired by the Action Painting Movement of 1950s New York City. This segment showcases artworks created in live performances, where various forms of painting are explored.

One striking example is the pouring of vibrant colours that blend together and cascade onto the floors. It creates a visually stunning representation of the beauty of colours and their profound significance in shaping life as an ever-evolving experience.

You’re allowed to snap photos and take videos throughout the show. So remember to bring along a fully charged phone because you won’t want to miss out on capturing IG-worthy shots.

Embark on an illusionary trip at Piying Dream at REXKL

While encounters with the charms of our heritage art performances may not be frequent, the creative innovation through digitisation offers us the chance to marvel at the beauty of past.

So if a trippy escape to the past sounds like an ideal weekend plan, head over to REXKL to revel at the digitised puppets and vibrant geometries awash in colours that are sure to delight the senses.

Venue: 80, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000, Kuala Lumpur
Date: Now till 6th September 2024
Time: Tue-Sun 10am-10pm | Mon 10am-4pm
Contact: REXKL’s website | Facebook | Instagram

For other new hotspots to visit in KL, read the first NY Shake Shack in M’sia and revamped Semua House in KL that’s opening in May.

Cover image adapted from: The Smart Local Malaysia

Photography by Yusintha.

Note: As this immersive experience features intense visuals, including flashing lights and sounds, it may unsuitable for individuals with photosensitive epilepsy, motion sickness, or similar conditions.