Pages

Catch the Command Performance of BBP


After the coronation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim as Sultan of Johor on March 23 in 2015, this was adopted as the official date to celebrate the Johor Sultan’s birthday.

Event Poster for musical theatre production,
Bumi Berlantai Permata, March 20 to 23, 2019
In each of the annual celebrations, an exciting programme of activities was planned in the state, both private and for the public to enjoy.

As part of His Majesty’s birthday celebrations this year, His Majesty the Sultan of Johor, had graciously requested for the restaging of Bumi Berlantai Permata (BBP), a musical drama production first performed in 2009.

This widely acclaimed musical theatre production that was first staged at the Johor Baru Arts Festival in 2009, was so successful that it was restaged in 2011 and 2012.

I have fond memories of watching this show when it made its debut under a tent set up on Bukit Timbalan for the JB Arts Fest and its subsequent revised versions.

Notice the uniform worn by Johor Chief Minister;
its design was inspired by what Sultan Abu Bakar saw
in his travels to Turkey
Having watched it several times, I can still recall how each staging was a better performance than the previous one.

Its 2019 return to the big stage by royal command, is indeed a BIG deal for everyone!

Directed by veteran local theatre director Sahruddin Manas, better known as Dean Manas, the restaging of Bumi Berlantai Permata [The Bejeweled Land] is co-produced by the Johor Society for the Performing Arts (JSPA) and supported by Alpha Industrial Consult.

Dean Manas said that the original script by Rahimah Muda has since been revised with more accurate historical details and adapted into its Third Edition with a Broadway musical concept.

Another scene featuring the Johor Chief Minister
Original music by composer, popularly known as Appai, will be performed by a live orchestra led by Music Director, Rasyid Rustam.

When the written request was received from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the JSPA team worked in collaboration with Yayasan Warisan Johor or the Johor Heritage Foundation to verify the historical accuracy and authenticity of the revised and updated content of the script and details of traditional costumes in that era.

It was simply exciting for the original cast, made up of about 100 local artistes, when they started rehearsals to refresh and ready themselves for a performance of a lifetime – for no less than His Majesty, the Johor Sultan himself, on the occasion of his official birthday celebration.

A scene that features Teochew leader, Tan Hiok Nee
As in the original production, the cast will include some 20 martial artistes from Lee Wushu Arts Theatre and actors from Chow Drama Studio. For this show, the script was revised to include a cast of children.

Co-Director, Fairuz Ahmad, who also plays the role of Johor Chief Minister, Dato’ Ja’afar Muhammad in this production, explained that the spirit, pride and passion of the 100% Johorean cast, are positive features that uniquely enhances their performances.

The public is encouraged to join in the Johor Sultan’s birthday celebrations by enjoying this dramatization of the story of how Sultan Abu Bakar, with his trusted Chief Minister, Dato’ Ja’afar Muhammad, used diplomacy and clever strategies to ensure that Johor remained independent as a sovereign state.

Another scene featuring Tan Hiok Nee
with some Chinese martial artistes
They realized that the best form of resistance to the greedy designs of the British and their attempts to encroach into Johor, was through the support and unity of its people – the local Malays and the Chinese pioneers.

This strategy brought success to the Sultan, the Chief Minister and ultimately, to the people of Johor.

The inter-racial cooperation between the Malay and Chinese in the Kangchu system to transform Johor from a small fishing village into a thriving economy, is proudly presented in this musical theatre production.

In 1914, the British finally came into Johor by way of a General Advisor to the Sultan.

An archive photograph of Sultan Abu Bakar is
featured in the backdrop for this scene
The Bejeweled Land is the story of the beginning of modern Johor, how this state became the pride of its people and the birth of a united community we fondly call, Bangsa Johor.

JSPA’s Suzie Yap, described this 90-minute production as a non-stop show full of action in music, drama and dance

While the script is in Malay, this time the show will be presented with both English and Chinese subtitles, for the benefit of a wider audience.

There will be a total of six (6) shows presented at the Persada Johor International Convention Center with two (2) matinee shows at 3.30pm on March 20 and 21.

Evening shows are at 8.30pm on all nights from March 20 to 23.

Tickets are priced at RM10 (Students), RM30 (Adults) and RM100 (VIP/Charity) for shows from March 20 to 22.

On March 23, tickets are priced at RM100 (VIP/Charity) and RM250 (VVIP/Charity).

His Majesty, the Sultan of Johor has graciously consented to attend the performance on March 23.

Thanks for the memories: That's me with my mum and
eldest sister seated next to Tunku Kamariah, the Johor
Sultan's sister, and her family at a previous showing of BBP!
With Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri just around the corner, 50% of all proceeds from the sale of VVIP/Charity and VIP/Charity tickets, will be channeled to the Malaysian Red Crescent Society National Committee for Community Services, for distribution to needy communities.

Join in the Johor Sultan’s birthday celebrations and get your tickets now.

Looking at old photographs from the previous productions, is bringing back good memories of my experiences at these highly entertaining shows. [I even spotted myself in the audience in some of the candid shots captured at the shows!]

This BBP experience is indeed for the whole family, whether young or old, local or visitors, certainly a show not to be missed. I know, I will be there again - for sure!

Tickets are available from an outlet near you:

1. The Johor Society for the Performing Arts
86, Jalan Wijaya, Taman Abad,
80250 Johor Bahru, Johor
Contact: Chloe Yap 6014 – 966 0228

2. SZ Bridal & Wedding Services
No. 106-01, Jalan Sierra Perdana 4/1, Taman Sierra Perdana,
81750 Masai, Pasir Gudang, Johor
Contact: Puan Duta Lara 6017 – 360 1712

3. Russet Arts Academy
L-UP 10, Medan Niaga Kampung Melayu Majidee,
Kampung Melayu Majidee, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
Contact: Rasyid Rustam 6013 – 755 5308

4. Homerley Sdn Bhd
No. 71A, Jalan Impian Emas 22,Taman Impian Emas
81300 Johor Bahru, Johor
Contact: Fazra Amira 6011 – 5687 7978

5. For Bookings via Bank Transfer
Contact: Chloe Yap 6014 – 966 0228

For more info and other enquiries, Tel: 6019 – 713 9900 or email: hello@jspa.org.my

No comments:

Post a Comment