Aswara Alumni To Stage Paduka Cik Siti Musical Theatre

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 1 (Bernama) -- The legendary tale of the powerful female ruler, Cik Siti Wan Kembang, will be brought to the stage through the musical theatre Paduka Cik Siti at the Tun Azizan Zainul Abidin Auditorium in Putrajaya for three days beginning Dec 19.

Organised by the Alumni Association of the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (Aswara), the production is directed by Kamarulzaman Taib, or Che Kem, and brings together creative talents from Aswara alumni — from the earliest batches to the most recent — in the fields of theatre, music, dance, design and performing arts.

Che Kem said the musical theatre explores the epic story of Cik Siti Wan Kembang, the legendary 17th-century queen associated with the Golden Kijang and a former ruler of the Malay Peninsula (Kelantan).

“Cik Siti Wan Kembang’s leadership not only elevated her state, making Tanah Serendah Sekebun Bunga renowned for its systematic administration, but she also faced challenges such as prejudice from male nobles and the defence of her land’s sovereignty against Siamese threats,” he said in a statement.

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He said singer Asmidar Ahmad has been selected for the lead role of Cik Siti Wan Kembang, while Dr Norzizi Zulkifli will portray Seri Banun, the queen’s mother.

Also starring in the production are Taqim Zaki as Panglima Merah, and Syukor Ibrahim Bachik and Sharul Mizad as the Kings of Siam.

“The role of Cik Siti Wan Kembang requires an actress who is elegant, mature and wise, and Asmidar embodies these qualities. She is also trained in classical vocals with versatility across various genres, and has experience in traditional theatre such as Mek Mulong, as well as stage productions including P. Ramlee, Puteri Gunung Ledang and Dendam Laksamana,” Che Kem said.

He added that the musical blends contemporary spirit with the richness of tradition through a combination of performance elements such as mak yong, wayang kulit, music, dance and modern visual technology.

“The fusion of traditional elements with creative technology and strong production design promises a spectacular performance featuring elements of  love, sorrow, comedy and exciting battle scenes. The songs are accessible, pleasing to the ear and leave audiences satisfied,” he said.

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He noted that the production is driven by an experienced artistic team, including Suflan Faidzal Arshad as music director — known for works such as Badarsila performed by Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza — as well as choreographers Azura Abal Abbas and Failul Adam, who bring soulful Malay-inspired movement to the choreography.

Paduka Cik Siti tells the story of Cik Siti Wan Kembang, who was crowned ruler after the death of Raja Husein to fulfil the trust left by her late father, Raja Ahmad.

She rejects marriage proposals from foreign rulers to safeguard the honour of her state, confronting the challenges posed by nobles, threats from Siam, and the inner turmoil of a woman who suppresses her feelings of love for the sake of her people and the throne.

The musical theatre opens with a Gala Night at 8.30pm (Dec 19), followed by shows at 3pm and 8.30pm (Dec 20) and 3pm (Dec 21).

Tickets can be purchased via cloudjoi.com, priced between RM40 and RM150.

-- BERNAMA