KUCHING (Dec 1): The musical theatre production ‘Melanau Legend: Tugau’ was staged from Nov 29-30 at the Balai Budaya, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) here.

The production is a creative work by Zaini Ozea and Glen Walford, directed by Mohd Zohren Sahari Che and featuring talented Sarawakian performers Anding Indrawani, Michelle Lungan, Azam Pitt, Elya Mustaghfirin, Fathullah Basri, and Khaiqal.

Rooted in Melanau culture, ‘Tugau’ tells the story of a mysterious man possessing a magical spear, who arrives in the Kingdom of Kuala Pasai and is later named Tugau by the locals.

The adaptation of this legendary Melanau tale on the modern stage is a testament that local artistry and cultural heritage remains relevant and must be preserved for future generations.

By blending music, dance, ritual and drama, Tugau serves as a vital medium for preserving, introducing, and elevating Melanau heritage for contemporary audiences.

Abdullah Saidol (standing, 13th left) accompanied by Noor Seela on his right take a group photo with the cast and production crew. — Photo by Chimon Upon

It not only revitalised traditional art forms that are increasingly marginalised, but also provided a platform for education, community cohesion, and strengthening cultural identity in Sarawak.

The production aimed to enrich the local performing arts scene and bring ethnic work to the mainstream stage, made possible through a collaboration between the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) Sarawak and Persatuan Teater Sanggar Kreatif Kuching.

“This initiative by the federal government aims to showcase various cultural works across Malaysia to preserve, maintain, and conserve our cultural and artistic heritage at the state level.

“It is also part of our efforts to elevate more work from Sarawak’s diverse ethnic groups, in addition to our staging of ‘Kumang Keling’ last month,” said JKKN Sarawak director Noor Seela Noor Sulaiman when met by reporters last night.

Noor Seela — Photo by Chimon Upon

She noted that Tugau was once staged last year at the national level of Panggung Seni Traditional, and is being restaged this year specifically for Sarawakians.

“We hope to further develop cultural arts theatre in Sarawak through collaborations with DBP and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs).”

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Ukas) Datuk Abdullah Saidol emphasised the importance of bringing Sarawak’s heritage to mainstream platforms through the creative arts.

“Today we witnessed a performance of a Melanau legend, but I believe there are many more legends from other ethnic groups that could be adapted. However, the efforts of JKKN, together with DBP, will further enrich and cultivate local theatre,” he said.

Abdullah Saidol — Photo by Chimon Upon

He believed the upcoming Performing Arts Centre would further strengthen artistic activities in Sarawak.

“I hope that with the cooperation of all these agencies and the involvement of even more theatre groups — not only Malay theatre groups but also those from other ethnic communities who have their own theatre ensembles that use their own languages we can showcase them as well. It will be great to highlight Sarawak’s rich culture.

“Our main agenda is to include the development of the arts to promote Sarawak,” he added.

One of the dance performances during the production. — Photo by Chimon Upon