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There are more theatre spaces in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor such as Auditorium DBKL, Stor Teater
Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, and PJ Live Arts. In the research, we have found that each performing arts
space has production types that love to perform in their space. This is owing to the characteristics of each
space. Government performing arts spaces include Istana Budaya, a building under The Ministry of
Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia and Panggung Bandaraya under Kuala Lumpur City Hall or DBKL for
mostly mainstream audience members. Thus, the types of shows and guidelines to perform in the spaces
must suit most people. Provocative performances will be challenging in these buildings because the public
will question them. Shows in the said buildings are more mainstream and promote traditional arts. In
contrast, private performing arts houses such as KLPAC and DPAC are more suitable for alternative shows
that may not be acceptable for some viewers in Istana Budaya.
Location and Public Transportation Accessibility
Location and public transportation accessibility need more improvements in some city centre
areas. Performing arts is one of the attractions for local and international people. A better public transport
that is closer and works well with the performing arts building will be beneficial in promoting local
performers and also assisting groups to sustain their productions.
Istana Budaya is located at Jalan Tun Razak, Titiwangsa. The Jalan Tun Razak Road is one of the
busiest roads in the city centre. The closest public transport to the building is by bus and mass rapid transit
(MRT). There is a bus stop in front of the Istana Budaya and an MRT station beside Istana Budaya. Both
stops are within walking distance of up to two minutes. Additionally, there is a tourist bus stop at Istana
Budaya. It is considerate for more people to know the space. In the past, there was no MRT railway station
near Istana Budaya. The closest railway station is an LRT Titiwangsa, a walking distance of about 20
minutes. Istana Budaya has a lobby and a restaurant in the building. There is iconic national cuisine, the
Nasi Lemak of Istana Budaya, which has been an attraction for food lovers in the restaurant. Istana Budaya
is close to the National Arts Gallery, Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Tasik Titiwangsa, and schools.
In contrast to the National Theatre in London, Istana Budaya brings a different walking experience.
National Theatre in London has more attractions nearby compared to Istana Budaya. Hayward Gallery, BFI,
and Southbank Skate Space are close to the National Theatre. Southeast Asia's National Theatre of
Thailand has a great location with many nearby walkable attractions. Regarding public transportation
accessibility, Istana Budaya is within close walking distance of a bus stop and MRT.
Panggung Bandaraya is in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Part of Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Panggung
Bandaraya has one of the best locations with more attractions nearby than Istana Budaya. There is terrific
architecture around Panggung Bandaraya, such as Sultan Abdul Samad Mosque, Sultan Abdul Samad
Building, and KL City Gallery. Bus stops near Panggung Bandaraya are at Dataran Merdeka, Coliseum,
Masjid Jamek, and Bangunan Abdul Samad. Masjid Jamek LRT is the nearest train station to Panggung
Bandaraya, with only five minutes of walking distance. As a heritage building, Panggung Bandaraya offers
an attractive classic building design. The strategic location is because of the status of the building, which
is one of the crucial buildings for Kuala Lumpur City Hall. As part of the city hall, the theatre's location is
close to many things in Kuala Lumpur.
International Conference on Local Wisdom of the Malay Archipelago (COLLEGA 2023) Page - 185 -

