Revolution Stage and Liveinmypoetry present this classic story told from a new perspective and in a unique ‘indie bangsawan’ style.

Tun Mamat (played by SaifulWazien) addressing the court of the sultan of Melaka. (Muhaimin Marwan @ FMT Lifestyle)

PETALING JAYA: Mention the legend of Puteri Gunung Ledang and most Malaysians’ eyes will light up. Many are familiar with elements of the story: the sultan of Melaka who falls head-over-heels for the princess; the journey to the mountain’s peak; the seven seemingly impossible conditions she sets for her betrothal.

It’s a timeless tale of a love not meant to be – but is there more to the story than appears? Writer and co-director Khairunazwan Rodzy certainly believes so.

“Most people think the princess set the seven conditions to turn the sultan down tactfully. But wouldn’t the sultan have realised this? I’m sure he must have been quite intelligent – yet he still accepted them. Why?” Khairunazwan, 38, mused during a recent interview with FMT.

He went on: “Why did the princess make such unusual requests? Some think it was just because they were impossible. But what if there was a lot more significance to them?”

Indeed, his latest work, “Teater Bangsawan Indie: Puteri Gunung Ledang – Sakti Siti Djamilah” (“Indie Bangsawan Theatre: The Princess of Ledang Mountain – The Magic of Siti Djamilah”) explores alternative sides of this story.

The production is presented by theatre companies Revolution Stage and Liveinmypoetry, and made possible through Kakiseni’s BOH Cameronian grant for new productions 2022, as well as a financial incentive from the national culture and arts department.

Director and writer Khairunazwan says this version of the play is based on a recent study of the legend. (Muhaimin Marwan @ FMT Lifestyle)

Khairunazwan said he was inspired to write this play after discovering a recent study that reframed the classic plot and characters from an Islamic perspective.

“It’s a version not many have heard before. I hope it encourages people to think about our old stories and not just dismiss them as myths or fantasy. Many of them have important lessons for us to learn,” he said.

Tackling a production about the princess, one of the most popular figures in Malaysian folklore, is no easy feat. The character, after all, has captured the public imagination for decades, with various books, stage shows, and films made of her life.

“When our friends heard of our project, many thought we were adapting the 2004 film (and subsequent stage musical) starring Tiara Jacquelina. But our show will be quite different,” co-director Rahim Jo told FMT.

“That film was more of a love story. Our play does have elements of love, but it focuses more on themes such as faith and repentance.”

Palace dancers Natasha Rafizi (left) and Olivia Evy preparing for their scene. (Muhaimin Marwan @ FMT Lifestyle)

Khairunazwan and Rahim Jo’s version will feature 22 actors and is staged in a style they call “indie bangsawan”, an adaptation of the traditional Malay “bangsawan” – a high-spirited, crowd-pleasing combination of music, dance and drama popular in the Nusantara region from the 19th to mid-20th century.

But while bangsawan is known for its lavish sets and extravagant backdrops, this production takes a simple, more stripped-down approach. It is staged at the aptly named Projek Bilik Sempit (Narrow Room Project) at Revolution Stage, which seats about 50. Audience members can watch in the physical space, or catch it online.

“We’re a small space, but we’ve got a big heart,” Rahim Jo added. “This is an opportunity to watch bangsawan from a more intimate perspective. All of its other elements, such as the singing, the pantun, the classic language, the style of acting, is retained.”

This is the second instalment of Revolution Stage and Liveinmypoetry’s “Theatre Bangsawan Indie” series. Their first, last year’s “Raja Bersiong” (“The Fanged King”), was a big success, picking up accolades at both the Malaysian Theatre Awards and the 18th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards.

Tun Teja (Erry James) and Sultan Mahmud (Hafizi Zulkifeli) observing the courtly intrigue around them. (Muhaimin Marwan @ FMT Lifestyle)

For actress Kyra Sabri, who plays the titular princess, the role presents a challenge, especially since much of the script is in Javanese, reflecting the princess’s origins in this version of the story.

To train her tongue, Kyra watched movies and spoke to family members who have Javanese origins.

“I had to learn how a princess would carry herself, her disposition, how she would speak. This transformation isn’t easy. But then again, nothing is ever easy,” Kyra, 25, told FMT with a laugh.

The actress, whose previous productions include “Kuala Lumpur Bersinar Kembali” and “Ratib 3 Persona”, added that her character is a true force to be reckoned with.

“Many people think she has a good life because she’s a princess. But she actually has a lot of hidden struggles she doesn’t show the world. She’s calm under pressure, and strong enough to face her challenges.

“There’s a lot to learn about the princess,” Kyra concluded, “and I hope audiences will enjoy getting to know her as much as I have playing her.”

(Revolution Stage / Liveinmypoetry pic)

‘Theater Bangsawan Indie: Puteri Gunung Ledang – Sakti Siti Djamilah’

Where: Projek Bilik Sempit, Revolution Stage Studio, 5-11, Dataran Pelangi Utama, One Avenue, Jalan Masjid, PJU 6a/3, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

When: May 19-21 & May 24-28, 9pm May 21 & 28, 3pm

Tickets: RM50 (in person) RM25 (online)

For more information or to buy tickets, visit Revolution Stage’s website here. Also follow them on Facebook and Instagram.