The Instant Cafe Theatre Company

Instant Café Theatre celebrated its 21st anniversary in 2010; the venerable theatre company, best known for its satirical comedy revues, is finally old enough to vote!

ICT's brand of political humour torpedo-ed taboos, amid general Malaysia's self-censoring cowardice, back in the 1990s and early 2000s. (One anecdote has Dr M, after watching an ICT show and seeing himself being lampooned onstage, quipping: "I'll send the Black Mariasfor you people soon.") Today, however, ICT has moved on, focusing more on developing new theatre (it's FIRSTWoRKS workshop birthed Shanon Shah's hit play Air Con) and creating high-minded discussion on Malaysian art and culture (ICT's CHAI House is a frequent host of forums and readings).