Friends,
Sutra Foundation has completed its 6-city tour of Radhe! Radhe! presented in association with Yayasan Sultanah Rogayah, Johor Bahru. The Odissi production was held last night, 27 June, 2026 at Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House. The event was a fundraising initiative by YSR, as well as the latter’s effort to acknowledge the high academic achievers from within the rank of Indian student-youths of Johor.
When Sutra Dancers arrived in JB, in their chartered bus at 3.30pm, the stage has already been readied by their technical team (KRSS) and lighting designer, Sivarajah Natarajan. The performance was to start at 7.30pm. Therefore, they had less than 4 hrs to block their spaces, rehearse, do their make-up and get ready…
This was the second time Sutra had the opportunity to perform in this splendid venue which should really host many more performances in Johor Bahru.
The Opera House awaits for the right Art Patron, political will and artistic curatorship to realise and fulfill its ultimate potential. Johor Bahru will not be the business hub it aims to be if it is still under the shadow of its lacklustre cultural image.
The Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House could be the much needed catalyst in transforming this image that would help spearhead the burgeoning business image of Johor Bahru by simultaneously being the cultural and cuisine destination of the region. All it needs is the right visionary, with the passion, personality and tenacious will to make it happen.
The standing ovation received by Radhe! Radhe! proved again the winning streak of this Odissi production. Radhe! Radhe! had consistently impressed the 12 cities it was staged, in India as well as in Malaysia.
It now awaits to be staged in the major dance festivals of the world!
Sutra