EVENTS

Penangites celebrate a vibrant calendar of festivals all year round, spanning religious, cultural and contemporary arts events nearly every month. Visitors can witness acrobatic lion dances during Chinese New Year, the intricate weaving of ketupat (rice dumplings) during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the awe-inspiring body piercings borne by devotees during the Hindu festival of Thaipusam and the remarkable feats of balance showcased during the Penang Chingay Parade. Beyond these deep-rooted traditions, home-grown arts festivals continue to draw global audiences, led by the highly anticipated George Town Festival and the internationally acclaimed George Town Literary Festival. Other landmark annual happenings not to be missed include the George Town Heritage Celebrations, the historic Feast of St. Anne in Bukit Mertajam, as well as major events like the Penang International Food Festival, the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival and the world-class Penang Bridge International Marathon.

Dream Space

★★★★★ Sold-out performances at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
★★★★★ Edinburgh Fringe Festival Theatre Awards
★★★★★ Asian Art Awards Outstanding Young

“Dream Space” by Creative Group SSAK is a mesmerising, non-verbal omnibus puppet show and physical theater performance designed to transport audiences into a realm of boundless imagination. Seamlessly combining exquisitely crafted objects, live music, and profound visual metaphors, this highly immersive 40-minute production offers a poetic escape and a healing experience for spectators of all ages.

The journey begins with a magical “Opening” that instantly transforms an ordinary, everyday environment into an extraordinary theatrical space filled with dynamic physical movement and live music. Following this introduction, the performance transitions into “The Legend”, a captivating segment based on a traditional Korean folktale about “Muneomi Village”—a name historically meaning “a village overflowing with water.” This episode uses Korean puppets and gentle storytelling to bring an old Korean legend to life, sharing a moving story that anyone can easily connect.

The emotional centerpiece of the production is “Whale & Girl”, a breathtaking and dreamlike underwater encounter between a young girl and a giant, gentle whale. Through eye-catching visual objects—including a massive whale puppet and soaring butterflies—and poetic soundscapes, it delivers a deeply moving message of comfort, healing, and coexistence to everyone navigating the trials of modern reality. 

Finally, the festive energy reaches its peak with the interactive “Ending Parade”. The giant puppet objects and lively characters step off the stage to mingle, make eye-contact, and dance directly with the crowd. By completely breaking the boundary between performers and audiences, it leaves an unforgettable, celebratory impression that resonates across generations.

Photo and Description credit: George Town Festival website

Operating Hours
8 August 2026 | 12pm & 5pm
9 August 2026 | 5pm & 8pm

Website
https://georgetownfestival.com/programme/dream-space/

Address
Loft 29, Penang