By: Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
The Wan Lebo musical theatre, recently staged at Dewan Ngah Sagor in Parit, Perak, successfully highlighted the heritage and culture of the local community, particularly the Perak Tengah dialect.
More than just entertainment, the performance invited the audience to delve into the beauty of the language and customs that are rarely featured in modern artistic works.
The use of the Parit dialect as the medium of communication in this performance provided an opportunity for the younger generation to recognize and appreciate the uniqueness of this cultural heritage.
Directed by Amran Nasrudin, the theatre revolves around Wan Lebo, a woman renowned as a storyteller in the village of Ekor, Bota, during the 1970s. Her bittersweet journey, raising her granddaughter Senah after losing both her child and son-in-law, evoked deep emotions and stirred old memories.
The poignant narrative about family conflict and the struggle between ancient traditions and modern changes made the theatre more than just a performance—it became a tribute to traditional heritage.
The cast comprised talents from Perak itself. Anne Zahurin, in her portrayal of Wan Lebo, gracefully embodied the lead role. Veteran actor Mubarak Majid, as Wan Lebo’s husband Pak Maun, further demonstrated his undeniable acting prowess. Additionally, Reza Hasbi, Dewa Sapri, Yeop Nadzri Khalid, and Amran Nasrudin performed commendably, not disappointing the audience.
The special appearance of Raisuddin Hamzah and Zarina Zainuddin, both Perak natives, made the production even more special.
Beyond the central story of Wan Lebo, the performance also explored her role as the village midwife and her hope for her granddaughter to carry on her legacy. However, conflict arose when Senah chose to become a nurse.
Tensions reached their peak when Senah was about to give birth, with Wan Lebo insisting on a traditional home birth, while Senah’s husband preferred a hospital delivery.
In the final act, Wan Lebo’s legacy as a midwife is continued by her great-grandchild, who has become an Obstetrician and Gynecologist.
Overall, Teater Muzikal Wan Lebo successfully brought nostalgia for Perak’s arts and culture to the theatre stage in a touching manner. With its authentic local dialect and powerful performances, this production gives new hope to the theatre scene in Perak, encouraging local artists to elevate traditional art forms to greater heights.
