The Zombi Serang Masai production crew enjoyed an enthusiastic response from the town’s youths.
A rundown building in Kampung Sepakat, Masai in Johor, was transformed into an interactive theatre that hosted a play about the aftermath of a zombie attack in Pasir Gudang.
Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG) councillor Madyasir Ahmad Basir said the play, titled “Zombi Serang Masai” (ZSM), was part of a plan to revitalise the historical town of Masai.
“Masai is one of the oldest towns in Johor Baru and this particular building was constructed by the Johor Baru District Office in the 1960s.
“It was once a popular breakfast spot for locals.
“It became known as ‘kedai nasi lemak nyamuk’ (mosquito nasi lemak shop) because people would often get bitten by mosquitoes when they ate here.
“However, it was abandoned during the (Covid-19) pandemic and was only recently reopened to the public,” he said when contacted by StarMetro.
Madyasir said the play aligned with MBPG’s plan to rejuvenate Masai.
It also supported the state government’s Visit Johor Year 2026 campaign.
“MBPG has spent RM750,000 on developing Lorong Seni Masai (Masai art lane) and we have repainted all the old buildings in the town.
“What the town needs now is a place for young people to start projects and organise activities that the whole community can enjoy,” he said.
ZSM director Cech Adrea, 35, explained that the theatre production was a collaboration between two Johor-based production houses, Halusinis House and Sisi Seni.
“We have 11 years of experience in interactive theatre and we aim to give the audience a naturalistic experience by using the actual location as the set.
“Theatre doesn’t have to be limited to a hall where people sit passively and watch a story unfold.
“Our approach is for the audience to be part of the play, experiencing the feeling of being chased by zombies and learning how to react when faced with the flesh-craving undead,” he said.
ZSM’s producer Ahmad Fahmi Fazli, 28, said the zombie attack play was previously staged in Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Johor’s Iskandar Puteri in 2017.
“This is our first time performing in Masai and we are pleasantly surprised by the enthusiastic support from local youths.
“Our performances from Nov 1 to 3 were fully booked,” he said, adding that the play was part of the production house’s initiative to develop Johor’s arts community.
