(MENAFN- The Peninsula) joelyn baluyut |
The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: A captivating musical performance titled“Hayati: Panji searching for the essence of love” made its international debut in Qatar, encompassing a profound message about love and life. Presented as part of the Qatar-Indonesia Year of Culture, this musical play narrates the tale of Panji and Sekartaji, two revered Indonesian epics considered part of UNESCO's intangible heritage and included in the Memory of the World Program in 2017.
During an interview, Rama Soeprapto, the director of Hayati, explained the significance behind the production's title. He shared that when he initially showcased the play to the Ministry of Culture, they were impressed by the meaning of“Hayati.” In Arabic, it translates to“life,” while in Indonesian, it signifies the“tree of life.”
Soeprapto delved into the underlying themes of the production, stating,“Hayati: Panji searching for the essence of love” explores the journey of Panji as he seeks Sekartaji's love. However, in the process, he discovers himself, ultimately symbolising the essence of life. The director emphasised that the play, with its harmonious blend of singing, dancing, movement, and design, captivates viewers, providing insight into the true meaning of life.
“While Panji is looking for Sekartaji's love, he finally found out about himself – which is what life is about. It's recognising who you are and what you want to be in your life.”
Furthermore, Soeprapto expressed his aspirations for Hayati to serve as an ambassador of diplomacy for people worldwide. He believes that language barriers are overcome through the poetic translation incorporated into the stage performance, enabling universal appreciation and understanding.
Originating in the 12th century within the East Javanese courts of the Kediri and Janggala Kingdoms, the Panji and Sekartaji stories have been adapted and transformed across different regions of Indonesia. The adventures of Prince Raden Panji, who embarks on a quest to find his beloved princess, Dewi Sekartaji, serve as a vehicle for conveying moral lessons and cultural values, including loyalty, bravery, and perseverance. The Sekartaji narrative, on the other hand, delves into themes of love, betrayal, power struggles, and control.
Traditionally performed as wayang (shadow puppet) plays accompanied by Javanese gamelan music, the central character of Panji assumes different masks throughout the performance, adding depth and intrigue to the storytelling.
The musical play“Hayati: Panji searching for the essence of love” ran for three days at the Katara Opera House from May 22 to 24.
With its profound exploration of love and life,“Hayati” offers a mesmerising experience that transcends language barriers, inviting audiences to reflect on the essence of their own existence.