Musical Theatre 'Sulalat 'Us Salatin' Staged In Melaka

MELAKA, Dec 26 (Bernama) -- A musical theatre performance titled ‘Sulalat ‘us Salatin: Keagungan Kemaharajaan Maritim’ was staged for three days, beginning Dec 20, at Auditorium Panggung Seri, the Melaka National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN).

Melaka JKKN, in a statement today, said that the musical performance was made possible through its collaboration with Persatuan Gerakan Anak Seni and CTRA Production.

The cast of the production included Norish Karman, Adam Lee, Rosli Rahman Adam, Serra Kamal, Zera Hariz, Fysal Saad, Herman Ghazali, Aqil Wafiq, and Wafi Aqiff.

“Melaka JKKN also received support from the 2024 Budget Initiative by the Federation of National Writers Associations of Malaysia (Gapena) and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP).

“Recognised as a world heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 2012, this masterpiece has been reproduced in 32 copies across the globe,” said the statement.

Melaka JKKN added that the theatre production revolved around the maritime empire, starting with the transition of time between Raja Iskandar Zulkarnain and Puteri Syah Al-Bariyah, followed by Raja Suran’s journey across the seas.

The theatre also depicted the stories of Kuda Semberani, Wan Empuk and Wan Malini, Waadat Demang Lebar Daun and Seri Teri Buana, the tale of Tun Jana Khatib in Temasek, Hang Nadim’s wisdom in the face of the swordfish attack on Singapore, the grievances of Sang Rajuna Tapa, the golden age of Melaka, and the fall of the Melaka Empire.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh attended the performance on the first day, while Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam and his wife, Toh Puan Asmah Ab Rahman, were present on the second day.

According to Melaka JKKN, ‘Sulalat ‘Us Salatin’ embodied the soul and intellect, blending elements of classical Malay literature with historical content, which were believed to be the oldest in the Malay world.

“Although there are various versions, the collection of stories within it is rich in philosophy, blending elements of history, literature, folklore, and the cosmos of the Malay world,” it added.

Melaka JKKN hoped that the performance would elevate the stature of the historical literary manuscript, which was of great value, and serve as a platform for younger generations to appreciate this classical work and gain exposure to the history and grandeur of the maritime empire of the past.

The department also expressed hope that all parties would work together to find initiatives to preserve culture by appreciating monumental works like ‘Sulalat 'us Salatin: Keagungan Kemaharajaan Maritim’, in order to enhance knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of Malaysia's heritage among the diverse communities.

-- BERNAMA