phenominal princess

This is another post posted on Sept 2007 after i watch the amazing PGL Musical. I can still remember that day...

Last month (17 August) I went to watch the second staging of Puteri Gunung Ledang Musical in Istana Budaya. At first I don't expect much From it. I like the movie ( stars Tiara & M Nasir). So I went solely to see Tiara perform and to study about the design of the whole production. I was very excited and rushed to watch the show after work (alone)-thanks to Gary who was not free that day.

I got there just in time and quickly put on my jacket n sweats still pours from my forehead - had to walk about a Km to reach Istana. I was very lucky that day that someone wanted to change seats with me so that she can sits with her friend. At first my ticket was on the 5th roll but more towards the right. Now I'm sitting right in the center. WOW! What a great seat. Then, after the singing of Negaraku. The show started. A strange scent just filled my nostril, a combination of woods and dried flora aroma. At first I thought which lady's using such a strange perfume- then I realised that it is one of the production intensions to transport audience into the story. Then the first scene started with mystical song that reflects the historical Majapahit. I said to myself -- WOW, I'm going to love this show. Then, Tiara appears and sang her first line; all the audience being very supportive and was cheering for her. The whole show is stunningly amazing. The stars, acting, songs, costume, choreograph, ensembles, lightings & sets are all very well coordinated and have a West End quality. I was so amaze for the whole production. All were well designed and a lot of thought had been put into it. My favourite is the 6 'rock' stairs that changes into mountains, castle, temples and rocks. Actually, every scene is perfect for PGL. The only draw backs is the loud music.

Coming back, for those who don't know the story of PGL, it's about a Majapahit Princess, Gustri Putri Raden Adjeng who fell in love with a Malay warrior, who is also Sultan Mahmund's loyal kinsman, Hang Tuah. Then Malaka had help Majapahit to stop the attack of Demak. In return, Majapahit King, Gustri Putri brother had agree to marrying his sis to Sultan. Being in love and apart, Putri waited for the lover on Gunung Ledang in Malaka after running away from Majapahit. Sultan then appointed Hang Tuah to sent the marriage proposal to Putri on Ledang. Torn between loyalty and love, Hang Tuah had chosen to serve his king and fulfill his duty. Putri finally able to see her lover and later to find out about Tuah decision, she got furious and had set 7 rules for the Sultan to get her hand in marriage . One of the last rule is to kill his son for one cup of his blood. Sultan wanted to marry her so badly and willing to kill his son for her. Then at the crucial moment, Putri appears to stop the killing and broke the marriage promise. Sultan were very angry and curse her to stay at Ledang for the rest of her life alone. Whoever who see her will die vomitting blood and the curse starts at dawn the next day. Hang Tuah was very sad and cannot accept his choice are running away from the King. When he found out about the curse, he ran to his lover on Gunung Ledang, hopefully to reach her before dawn. But, when he reach the top, it was too late and the sun has risen. The two lovers had to be apart forever. What a touching story...

Back to the show, the musics and songs are great and it forms the roller coaster ride of the characters emotions. Tiara's great acting from the movie and musical was the anchor of the show were so perfect. To me, she is d' Putri Gunung Ledang. The story was more compact than the movie, but at the end of the story were very rush (due to lot of things to explain and reaching the climax) I never thought but so hopeful that Malasia can one day able to put on a good international quality musical. PGL has prove that we can do it. What a show! all andience were cheering and clapping standing up for such a wonderful performance during the curtain calls.

My night was ended with a high note, when I notice that there will be a autograph session outside the theatre. So i ruch to buy a programme book and line up for the main characters to sign. I got to chat with Tiara for a while and thanking her for such a great show, but I didn't see any signs of Stephen. Just whenI walked away, Stepehn came out and all the girls were sreaming with excitement. I got to go into the line again to get his autograph- I want to have the autograph from all main characters. At last I got his and that just completed my day. If there is a third season, i sure will give my support to such a wonderful show. Too bad i didn't bring my camera with me.

I had always love musical. Maybe b'coz its a combination of music, dance, acting, set design and other arts Live that I really love. I really cherish every single moment in a theatre. Now my wish is to go to watch The Lion King (which I wish to watch since 7 years ago) , Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast and other great broadway shows. Cheers for all performers who give us such great entertainment.

Arts, is the connection between peoples that trancended all religion, colours and culture. Art and culture are born from Humanity. The aim of Soka Gakkai International is to promote PEACE through CULTURE and EDUCATION.

" Peace is not simply the absence of war. A truly peaceful society is one in which all people can maximize their potential and build fulfilling lives free from treats to their dignity. When ordinary citizens around the globe join hands to call for peace, a solidarity of awakened and empowered indiniduals can propel humankind toward the twin goal of genuine disarmament and a flourish culture of peace. This is what drives the SGI movement of Buddhist humanism as we look with hope to the future."

--- by Daisaku Ikeda ( 2006 Peace Proposal - A New Era of the People, Forging a Global Network of Robust Individual, January 26, 2006)

pictures from www.pglmusical.com