KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- The outstanding work of National Laureate Datuk Noordin Hassan, Sirih Bertepuk Pinang Menari, will be staged at the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) auditorium here for three days from Nov 29 to Dec 1.
National Development for Culture and Arts (JKKN) director-general Mohd Amran Mohd Haris said that the performance of this masterpiece will begin at 8.30 pm on all three days, aiming to uphold the national arts, culture, language, and literature.
“This provides an opportunity for JKKN and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the arts and culture sector to showcase the nation’s artistic works, promote theatre performances, and cultivate an interest in reading literary masterpieces among the younger generation,” he said in a statement today.
He expressed hope that the programme would attract tourists and serve as a platform for cultural artists to stage works based on the traditions of the various states encompassing dance, music, and theatre.
Mohd Amran said that Noordin Hassan, the seventh National Laureate, is a unique, creative, and prolific figure whose contributions to modern Malay drama and local theatre have breathed new life into the realm of Malay literature.
“His bravery in introducing new concepts of drama, particularly anti-realism, such as absurd and experimental theatre, has opened up new dimensions in the world of drama in Malaysia.
“He introduced innovations such as the concept of teater fitrah (theatre of nature) and consistently experimented with new dramatic forms rooted in Malay cultural traditions,” he said.
Among his famous works are Bukan Lalang Ditiup Angin, Peran, Anak Tanjung, Jangan Bunuh Rama-rama, Cindai, Sirih Bertepuk Pinang Menari, Tiang Seri Tegak Berlima, and Mana Setangginya.
The theatre production, directed by Dr Marlenny Deenerwan, involves 47 production members, with 25 of them in the management and creative teams, while the rest are actors including Datuk Ahmad Tarmimi Siregar, Jay Iswazir, Akmal Ahmad, Farhana Fahizam, Eliza Mustafa,
“It's not every day that we have the opportunity to watch a work filled with profound meaning in its storytelling. It is also not easy to interpret, as it is a story deeply rooted in the concept of fitrah and the unique thoughts of a revered figure,” he said.
“Sirih Bertepuk Pinang Menari is a theatre production that teaches us all to think more critically and learn to appreciate a work that requires us to think outside the box,” he added.
To further stimulate public thought on the mindset of Noordin Hassan, a forum titled Noordin Hassan: Eksperimentalis Yang Merentas Masa will be held at the Seminar Hall, Level 6, Wisma DBP, at 2 pm.
The forum, which is free and open to the public, will feature National Laureate Datuk Anwar Rethwan, Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, and Dr Norzizi Zulkifli as panellists, with Kamarulzaman Taib (Chekem) acting as the moderator.
This performance of Noordin Hassan’s masterpiece is organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) through JKKN Kuala Lumpur and Pertubuhan Rumpun Seni Mekar Budaya in collaboration with DBP.
The programme is part of efforts to develop and preserve theatre arts, safeguard and empower Malay cultural heritage, provide a platform for artists to showcase their talents, and encourage high-quality theatre productions.
Members of the public can obtain entry passes for the performance at RM20 (general) and RM15 (students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities) by scanning the QR code on the Instagram poster of rumpunsenimekarbudaya. Alternatively, contact Ms. Aroha at 010-8226091 or Ms. Arissa at 018-2494933 via WhatsApp, or visit the JKKN website at www.jkkn.gov.my and JKKN’s social media at www.facebook.com/mysenibudaya.