'Sahmura Empayar Melaka' Among Three Classical Plays To Be Staged At Panggung Bangsawan

MELAKA, May 6 (Bernama) -- ‘Sahmura Empayar Melaka’ is one of three classical historical performances that will be staged at Panggung Bangsawan here in May and June.

Melaka Theatre Association (Pertem) president Lokman Ghani said ‘Sahmura Empayar Melaka’ will be staged for three days starting May 23. The play is a collaboration between Malaysian and Singaporean performers through the republic’s Malay dance arts group Sriwana Singapore.

"This (collaboration) is the result of a cultural memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Pertem and Sriwana Singapore last year. The MoU was established to strengthen bilateral cooperation through cultural programmes, particularly theatrical performances," he said at a press conference here last night.

He said ‘Sahmura Empayar Melaka’ tells the stories of joy, sorrows and struggles of three Malay heroines – Tun Kudu, Tun Teja and Tun Fatimah – thus honouring the legacy of these warrior women.

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Lokman said the production’s cast includes Neera Azizi, Ashraf Muslim, Datuk Jalaluddin Hassan, Zack Kool and Julia Larica. It also includes a performance by former national silat athlete Mohd Al Jufferi Jamari.

Lokman said two more classical historical works will be brought to the stage by Pertem in collaboration with production company Boolan Trending, namely ‘Tinta Runtuhan Bila Keris Berdenting Berbisik’ on May 31 and ‘Tun Fatimah Srikandi Empayar Melaka’ from June 13 to 15.

‘Tinta Runtuhan Bila Keris Berdenting Berbisik’ offers something different for theatre buffs, especially fans of silat as it combines elements of martial arts, poetry and dance.

"Former world silat champion Mohd Al Jufferi serves as the main pillar for the production and is helped by three silat organisations Pertubuhan Seni Silat Gayong Malaysia, Persatuan Seni Silat Lingkaran Karet and Kumpulan Silat Seni Pertem," he said.

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He added that these three classical historical works were chosen by Pertem because the genre is closely associated with Melaka, which is rich in tales of ancient heroism, and helps elevate history through theatrical arts.

Meanwhile, Neera, who plays the lead role of Tun Fatimah in both ‘Sahmura Empayar Melaka’ and ‘Tun Fatimah Srikandi Empayar Melaka’, said the silat scenes were a challenge for her as she had no prior knowledge or training in martial arts.

However, she said this did not prevent her from taking on the role as she received guidance and training from Mohd Al Jufferi.

"I had limited time to master the proper silat techniques but I am grateful to have many experts to guide me to portray the character successfully," she said.

-- BERNAMA