When we talk about "caring" and "being cared for," might we come to a new understanding of human interdependence? The all-new theatrical work Being Carried, led by renowned British playwright and director Kaite O’Reilly, will be staged from July 24 to 26 at Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac) Pentas 2. With only 3 shows, this cross-cultural collaboration offers a deep dialogue about life and connection.
Jointly produced by Malaysia and the UK, Being Carried combines text, movement, sound, and visual elements. It is collaboratively created and performed by artists with physical and/or neurodiverse disabilities. The work explores the multiple meanings of care, dependence, companionship, dignity, and love, ranging from the act of being carried to farewells at life’s end. Shifting between humor and sincerity, the show presents real experiences to share underrepresented life stories from the disabled community.
This production brings together international and local artists, including Ho Lee Ching, founder of Teater Untuk Semua; musician and wheelchair rugby athlete Wheelsmith—who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at age 4 and has long challenged societal stereotypes through music and sports. The cast also features deaf artist Gejaletchumi Murugaya and deaf dancer/choreographer Ammar Karim, who expand the boundaries of stage expression through movement and sign language poetry.
To strengthen equitable access for both performers and audiences, Malaysian sign language interpreter Dai Yi Ling was specially invited to join as Creative Access Artist. Accessible design is thus embedded in the creative process, making "accessibility" a core structure of the work rather than an add-on service.
Being Carried is also supported by the "2025 Unlimited International Partner Award" commission and the British Council. As part of the UK’s Unlimited platform for disabled artists, it represents a milestone in the development of inclusive arts locally. Previous workshops received enthusiastic feedback; some viewers said the work “changed the way they see disability,” while others found it profoundly moving. The team hopes to use theater to showcase the creativity and vitality of the OKU (persons with disabilities) community and to promote more inclusive cultural dialogues.
Being Carried will run from July 24 to 26, 2026 at klpac Pentas 2. Tickets are now available on CloudJoi. #