Symphony Theatre (SPAC)’s latest production achieves record-breaking ticket demand even before opening night.

The upcoming stage production The Butterfly Lovers by Symphony Theatre (SPAC) has already become the troupe’s hottest-selling production to date, with tickets for its first four performances completely sold out before the official premiere.

As of March, the production is scheduled for five performances:

  • February 25
  • March 2
  • March 5
  • March 12 at GTT Grand Hall
  • March 26 at KLPAC, Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre

With the first four shows already fully booked, organizers are urging audiences to secure tickets early for the remaining performance to avoid disappointment.

A Historically Inspired Reimagining

Set against the backdrop of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, The Butterfly Lovers tells the legendary story of Zhu Yingtai, a young woman from Shangyu County who disguises herself as a man in pursuit of education.

During her journey, she encounters Liang Shanbo, and the two become sworn brothers. They study together for three years before Liang Shanbo finally discovers Zhu Yingtai’s true identity at the time of their separation. Tragically, by then, Yingtai has already been promised to the Ma family, leaving the lovers unable to be together.

Unlike traditional adaptations, this production is based closely on historical research. The writers sought to “restore” the story’s original realism by removing many exaggerated folk legends and reinterpreting the personalities and endings of each character with greater historical authenticity. As a result, audiences may encounter a very different version of the familiar Liang-Zhu tale.

JessC Deeply Connects with Zhu Yingtai

JessC, who takes on the role of Zhu Yingtai, revealed that learning Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai were real historical figures immediately deepened her fascination with the story.

“When I was young, my teacher once joked that I was the perfect person to play Zhu Yingtai,” she shared. “But after reading the script, so many memories and emotions came flooding back. To my surprise, the historical Zhu Yingtai really feels a lot like my own story.”

During rehearsals, JessC was frequently moved to tears on stage, as several scenes closely mirrored experiences from her own life.

The production explores many forms of genuine love—not only romance, but also family bonds, friendship, and the relationship between teacher and student. The team hopes audiences will leave the theatre carrying warmth and emotional reflection with them.

A Grand Production Featuring 35 Performers

The Butterfly Lovers brings together a cast of 35 performers, led by:

  • JessC as Zhu Yingtai
  • American actor Paul Lee as Liang Shanbo
  • Isaac Cheah as Ma Wencai

Renowned martial arts choreographer Ma Sze Kin also designed several elaborate fight scenes to enhance the visual excitement of the production.

To create a deeply emotional theatrical experience, director Brian Choot specially invited American musician John Lee to compose the production’s music, including the theme song Detour and insert songs Encounter and Promise Me. The lyrics were personally written by Paul Lee, who also composed Promise Me to express Liang Shanbo’s emotional journey within the story.

A Five-Hour Epic for Charity

Running approximately five hours, The Butterfly Lovers is presented in collaboration with the Malaysia Naturopathic Association (MNA) to raise funds for cancer patients.

Tickets for the fifth and final performance at KLPAC are currently available online.

For inquiries and ticket details, contact: 03-5569 0139.

Final Note

With sold-out performances, emotional storytelling, cinematic staging, and a deeply human interpretation of one of Asia’s most enduring love stories, The Butterfly Lovers is shaping up to be one of Symphony Theatre’s most ambitious and heartfelt productions yet.

 

Source: Sin Chew Jit Poh