Brunei’s young talents are leading the charge in the creative industry, where tradition meets modernity on stage. These emerging artistes are not only reviving cultural stories but also adding a fresh twist that speaks to today’s audience.
By seamlessly blending culture with creativity, they breathe new life into Brunei’s heritage, making it timeless and relevant for the next generation.
Relentless Entertainment is a shining example of this evolution. With their 12th production, Musical Mania 5, they’ve solidified their place as a key force in Brunei’s performing arts, nurturing local talent and pushing boundaries.
REDEFINING BRUNEI’S STAGE
“When we first embarked on our Musical Mania journey in 2017, we never imagined reaching five instalments,” mused Mardi Hedus and Amy Cheong, the visionary founders of Relentless Entertainment & Academy of Performing Arts.
This dynamic duo has been the driving force behind a remarkable transformation in Brunei’s theatre scene, their passion ignited by the steadfast support of local audiences.
This ongoing encouragement fuels their commitment to continue producing captivating jukebox-style performances, each more ambitious than the last.
At the heart of Relentless Entertainment’s mission is an unwavering belief in Brunei’s untapped talent. “We are committed to providing a platform for those who dream of performing on stage,” they shared.
For Mardi and Amy, it’s about more than just entertainment; it’s about equipping their cast and crew with valuable skills and life-changing experiences that resonate long after the final curtain falls.
RAISING THE CURTAIN
Their journey began in 2013 with their first original production, laying the foundation for increasingly bold and innovative projects.
Over the years, Relentless Entertainment has consistently pushed creative boundaries, elevating the quality of their shows with every new venture.
Their latest production, The InfluencHER, staged in 2023 in collaboration with Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB), took a unique approach by promoting financial literacy and raising awareness about online scams – further proof of their commitment to using theatre as a tool for education as well as entertainment.
“Our talents continue to raise the bar each year,” the passionate founders proudly noted.
Relentless Entertainment has become a powerful platform to spotlight Brunei’s immense local talent, proving that their performers can compete on an international level.
Through the Academy and their ground-breaking productions, they are dedicated to elevating the standard of the local performing arts scene while nurturing its growth and sustainability.
At its core, their broader vision is to use musical theatre as a catalyst for personal development.
“We believe that everyone has an artist within them, and the arts have the power to bring out the best in people,” the founders explained. For them, the performing arts challenge individuals to stretch beyond their limits, encouraging creative thinking and self-expression.
“There is great undiscovered talent in Brunei Darussalam, and we see it as our duty to provide a safe space for these individuals to train, flourish, and showcase their abilities.”
With each production, Relentless Entertainment continues to weave together tradition, creativity and community, setting the stage for a vibrant artistic future in Brunei.
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
From the moment the lights dimmed and the opening notes filled the theatre, Musical Mania 5 was destined to be a showstopper. With a vibrant mix of Broadway, Disney favourites and contemporary pop hits, the production had the audience captivated from start to finish.
For me, it was impossible not to be swept away by the energy and enthusiasm that each performer brought to the stage. The first act was a nostalgic journey through Broadway and Disney classics, delivered by a diverse cast of over 50 performers, ranging from eager 10-year-olds to seasoned professionals in their 30s.
Watching these young talents passionately bring iconic characters to life was an absolute joy.
One of the most spine-tingling moments was the powerful rendition of a song from Hercules, which echoed through the hall with raw emotion. And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, the younger cast members left us all in awe with their soaring performance of Defying Gravity. You could feel the magic in the air.
But it wasn’t just the performances that impressed me – the stage itself was a masterpiece. The crew expertly transformed it with each number, seamlessly setting the scene and enhancing the overall experience.
When act two opened with a dynamic performance of Jung Kook’s Standing Next to You, the atmosphere shifted into high gear. The tribute to the South Korean King of Pop was a standout moment, with three perfectly synchronised dance routines that had the audience buzzing.
And as a millennial myself, the flawless tribute to NSYNC was like stepping back into my teenage years, making it all the more enjoyable.
What struck me most, though, was the versatility of these young performers.
Many of them took on multiple roles throughout the night – leads, supporting characters, backup dancers – you name it, they did it, and they did it with flair.
By the time the cast took their final bow, the thunderous applause said it all. The audience was left eagerly anticipating the next production, and I was right there with them, counting down the days.
As the curtains closed on Musical Mania 5, one thing was crystal clear: Relentless Entertainment is far more than just a producer of shows – they are a vital force in the evolution of Brunei’s performing arts scene.
And with each production, they are raising the bar, nurturing local talent and shaping the future of the arts in ways that are as exciting as they are inspiring. – Adib Noor
