‘Alang Rentak Seribu’ To Hit The Ipoh Stage Friday, Saturday

IPOH, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- The acclaimed work of national laureate Datuk Syed Alwi Syed Hasan, titled ‘Alang Rentak Seribu,’ will be staged on Nov 8 and 9 at the Auditorium of the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) Perak, beginning at 8.30 pm.

Its director Ard Omar noted that 40 per cent of the script was adapted, while 60 per cent was modified in terms of staging style.

This is because the original script required a performance duration of over three hours, which has been reduced to one hour and 45 minutes following these modifications.

“For your information, we have made adaptations, but there have been no additions to the dialogue or other actions. Our focus is on enhancing the dramatic elements.

"Compared to previous versions of Alang Rentak Seribu, from 1973 until now, in various renditions and performances, this time we emphasise dramatic elements, emotion, expression, and the underlying themes. That's one of the unique aspects we've introduced in this version of Alang," he told a press conference here last night.

Earlier, media representatives were given the opportunity to watch a 45-minute preview of the theatre, organised by the Perak State Cultural Council in collaboration with JKKN Perak.

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Ard said the staging of this work is quite challenging as it requires talented actors to portray the characters in Alang Rentak Seribu. This version features a cast including Azizah Mahzan, Nesa Idrus, Faha Azhar, Pak Chu (Raja Lawak), Rosli Rahman Adam, and Faris Jamhari.

He said the storyline in this work resonates with the community, especially in Perak, as it involves a cultural clash between urban and rural residents.

“The work ethic, cultural practices, and presentation styles are set around the 1970s, and many in the current generation may have forgotten what life was like during that time.

"In a relevant way, this (theatre performance) can educate and serve as an example for today’s society about these cultures," he said.

Ard added that in Malaysia, the differences between urban and rural residents are not very pronounced, but due to ego and obsession with certain issues, a gap has formed.

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Meanwhile, the Director of JKKN Perak, Abd Rashid Abdullah, said the play is being re-staged to introduce the younger generation to the ideologies of the 1970s, which continue to resonate today. It also offers a platform for youth to showcase their talents.

“This production features 80 to 90 per cent local actors from Perak, creating opportunities for artistes, especially young people actively involved in the theatre scene here.

“Our goal is to promote domestic tourism within the theatre sector. Each year, we see a rich variety of theatre performances in Perak, with many more planned for the future,” he added, noting that tickets for this Friday's performance are already sold out.

He said ticket prices are set at RM20 per person, and entry is limited to those aged 15 and above.

The play tells the story of Alang, a talented village youth who skilfully navigates various challenges, starting with the arrival of a group from Filem Negara to shoot a film depicting village life during that era.

Various incidents unfold due to the clash of values and opinions between the villagers and the film crew from Kuala Lumpur.

For more information about the theatre, the public can visit the JKKN Perak social media pages or through the link www.facebook.com/mysenibudaya and the JKKN website.

  -- BERNAMA