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
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