By: Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
The staging of Teater Siung Maharaja, held on October 5 and 6, 2024, at the CETAL Multipurpose Hall, Universiti Petronas (UTP), Seri Iskandar, successfully revived an epic legend rich in cynical satire and underlying messages.
Directed by Prof. Dr. Shamsul Rahman Mohamed Kutty, widely known as ProfShark, this production showcases a clever approach to contemporary issues through satire and symbolism.
His boldness in addressing the current political reality, infused with humour, elevates this theatre beyond mere entertainment, offering profound reflections on real-life situations.
“Besides tackling themes of tyranny, oppression, and power struggles, this theatre also conveys messages related to the environment. Such elements naturally arise in the work to reinforce the main message and resonate with the audience,” ProfShark said after the performance, which was presented by Tronoh Theatre Shop UTP with support from MOTAC and UTP.
Siung Maharaja focuses on the tyranny of a Maharaja (played by Reza Hasbi) who oppresses his subjects. At the same time, Ratu Puspa Sari (played by Dayang Areeda), a being of jinn ancestry residing in the Gerik forest, aspires to expand her realm. However, her plans are thwarted when her lover, Raja Oberon, is murdered by the jealous Pacu.
Deceived by Pacu’s slander, Ratu Puspa Sari harbours a grudge against the Maharaja. The situation worsens when the Maharaja is cursed after consuming a vegetable soup mixed with the blood of Ratu Puspa Sari and human blood, turning him into a bloodthirsty creature.
In his desperate state, haunted by nightmares, the Maharaja begins to violently oppress his people, leading to a rebellion. Ultimately, the Maharaja succumbs to Ratu Puspa Sari’s power, bringing about a tragic yet meaningful conclusion.
The final act reveals the discovery of a baby wearing the Maharaja’s emblem, raising questions among the audience. Is this baby the ‘child of the jinn king,’ the result of a marriage between Ratu Puspa Sari and the Maharaja? This question opens the door to the potential continuation of the story in the future.
The appearance of the famous actor and comedian, Sabri Yunus, in the monologue sketch “Pok Ya Chong Chodei” was equally entertaining for the audience.
With a runtime of two and a half hours, involving 54 production crew members and 10 musicians, Siung Maharaja successfully transports the audience to a magical and emotional mythological world. It is more than just a theatrical performance—it is a narrative that provokes deep thought and emotion.
Congratulations, ProfShark!
