By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 9: St Joseph’s Private Schools (SJPS) Kuching will stage its third original musical production, “Anak Sarawak”, on July 31, Aug 1 and Aug 2 at the SJPS St Ignatius Hall on the school premises at Jalan Datuk Polycarp Sim (formerly Jalan Nagor).
According to a media release today, the production marks another milestone in the school’s long tradition of nurturing performing arts and creative expression among its students.
It follows the success of SJPS’s previous original musicals, including the acclaimed “The White Rajah of Sarawak”, which was first staged in 2017 based on the life of James Brooke, the first White Rajah of Sarawak.
The 2017 production was a sold-out success and was later revised and restaged in 2019 as part of the World Rainforest Fringe Festival, a prelude event to the internationally recognised Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF).
Unlike its predecessors, “Anak Sarawak” brings together two narratives — a historical account and a contemporary story — into a single cohesive production featuring an original musical score and choreography.
The musical follows the legendary Iban warrior Rentap, who, while fighting at Bukit Sadok, embarks on a mysterious journey through time. Along the way, he encounters Thomas, a modern teenager facing his own personal struggles. Through their journey together, Rentap helps Thomas rediscover his inner strength and understand that his identity as an Anak Sarawak is a source of resilience and pride.
Playwright Fr. Stanley Goh, SJ, said the production should not be viewed as a sequel to “The White Rajah of Sarawak”, but rather as a response to the themes explored in the earlier musical.
“Historical figures can sometimes feel distant and removed from our own experience. By bringing the local hero, Rentap, into conversation with the modern world, we can grow to appreciate the rich history of our land, allowing our identity as Sarawakians to become our strength,” he said.
Blending history, imagination and contemporary realities, “Anak Sarawak” will showcase the talents of SJPS students, with performances supported by the schools’ award-winning performing arts groups. The production also involves the collective efforts of school faculty, alumni and community partners.
The staging is particularly significant as it will be the first new musical production by the schools since their inaugural production in 2015 to be held on their own campus, with performances taking place at the newly built St Ignatius Hall.
All proceeds from the production will go directly towards the schools’ Development Fund.
Members of the public can purchase tickets through CloudJoi at:
https://www.cloudjoi.com/shows/6546-anak-sarawak-an-original-musical-production
For further enquiries, the public may contact SJPS at 082-414575 or 082-420575, or visit the school’s official website and social media channels for the latest updates. — DayakDaily
