IT is just about a week before the big unveiling of Puteri Gunung Ledang The Musical. To date, it is arguably one of Malaysia’s most successful and celebrated musical theatre productions.
And a lucky handful of media representatives were selected and given the chance to witness a sneak peek of what the amazing crew have in store.
Goosebumps. That was what this writer honestly felt when he witnessed the special rehearsal session arranged by Enfiniti Productions a few weeks ago.
The cast performed several specially selected scenes to give us an idea of what to expect when the musical takes the stage on Oct 31.
It was not even the actual show, yet the performers gave it their all, as though it were opening night.
Everything ran like clockwork, from every sung note to every twirl of a toe. Melodious sounds flowed throughout the rehearsal space, and every performer was truly in his or her element.
It was quite surreal to think that such a small rehearsal space could give rise to a grand, legendary tale told through song and dance in less than three hours.
But, of course, one could also sense the artistic pressure lingering within the studio as the performers worked through their scenes under the watchful eye of their mentor and mastermind, one of the nation’s most talented performers, Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina.
The founder and chief dream-maker of Enfiniti, Tiara was the woman who brought the lead character, Gusti Putri, to life two decades ago. Now, as producer and director, she is once again at the heart of a production that has captured the imagination of Malaysian audiences.
Tiara described the current cast as one of the most dedicated and hardworking groups she has worked with, a testament to the commitment required to bring such an ambitious production to life.
And judging from the rehearsal, that dedication was evident in every scene.
Aisha Retno takes on a new challenge
For singer Aisha Retno, the production marks her first foray into musical theatre, and it is a responsibility she does not take lightly.
Having admired Tiara for years, Aisha said joining the production was particularly meaningful, especially as Tiara had been one of the figures she looked up to when she entered the entertainment industry eight years ago.
“The scale of the production initially left me feeling small, particularly when I considered the size of the cast and the expectations surrounding a musical that has earned such a special place in the hearts of audiences,” said Aisha after the rehearsal performance.
She was not alone in feeling that way. Fellow Gusti Putri performer Mila Mohsin also found herself navigating the pressures of stepping into the production for the first time.
Nevertheless, Aisha said the opportunity represented exactly the kind of challenge she wanted to take on.
“For me, one of the biggest challenges is transitioning from singing to acting, allowing myself to reveal more vulnerable sides of a character rather than simply presenting a polished performance.
Gusti Putri is not a character who is happy all the time. She experiences emotional conflict, and I had to learn how to communicate those feelings convincingly through both my acting and singing,” Aisha added.
There is also a personal connection to the role. Aisha's mother is Javanese, and although she did not have the opportunity to learn the etiquette of a Javanese princess from the keraton, or royal palace, growing up, the production has given her the chance to appreciate that cultural knowledge.
With guidance from the team, including lessons on traditional Javanese customs and etiquette, Aisha has been able to explore another dimension of her heritage while preparing for the role.
Tiara has also praised Aisha's discipline and determination.
“Despite a demanding schedule that includes travelling for other commitments and returning for rehearsals, the singer has remained committed to the production,” said Tiara.
For Tiara, talent alone is not enough. A performer must also be willing to put in the work, remain enthusiastic and be committed to the process.
Aisha's willingness to take notes, seek feedback after scenes and learn from the assistant director has been part of that journey.
Mila Mohsin embraces the pressure
For Mila, taking on Gusti Putri comes with a unique set of expectations.
The daughter of Tiara Jacquelina, who famously originated the role, Mila is acutely aware that audiences will inevitably compare her performance with that of her mother.
“I recognise that this can be a double-edged sword. While having a mother who created such an iconic portrayal offers a wealth of insight and experience to draw upon, it also means living with the pressure of comparisons,” chimed Mila about her role.
But Mila is no stranger to that reality, and she sees the role as an opportunity to challenge herself.
Of the three disciplines involved in musical theatre, she finds dancing the most difficult, particularly the traditional Javanese movements required to portray a princess convincingly.
“Nevertheless, I considers myself fortunate to be surrounded by talented and experienced performers from whom I can learn. I take notes, asks questions and seek feedback, recognising that every rehearsal offers an opportunity to improve,” Mila added.
For Mila, however, the ultimate goal is not to achieve perfection.
Instead, she believes performers must learn to let go of the need to be perfect and focus on bringing the story to life.
She and Aisha, she explained, are not competing against each other. Although both portray Gusti Putri, they bring different interpretations to the character, allowing audiences to discover different sides of the princess.
Mila also sees Gusti Putri as a woman ahead of her time, someone who fights for her freedom rather than simply accepting the circumstances imposed upon her.
That interpretation gives the character a relevance that extends beyond the historical setting, allowing modern audiences to connect with her struggle for independence and the right to make her own choices.
Aqasha finally fulfils a 20-year dream
For Aqasha, returning to the world of Puteri Gunung Ledang is a particularly emotional experience.
More than 20 years ago, he was already part of the production, playing the Bendahara of Melaka while understudying the role of Hang Tuah. This time, however, he will officially take on the legendary warrior when the musical returns to the stage.
It is a role he has dreamed of playing for two decades, and one he never expected he would get the opportunity to revisit when he first became involved with the production.
“I am very happy and proud,” he said, describing the opportunity as a dream come true.
Hang Tuah is a character familiar to Malaysians, deeply embedded in the country's history, folklore and literary tradition. Aqasha knows that comparisons with previous portrayals are inevitable, but he welcomes audiences' opinions and encourages them to judge his interpretation for themselves.
For him, the challenge lies in presenting a Hang Tuah who feels right for this particular musical.
Rather than portraying the legendary warrior as simply a symbol of loyalty and strength, Aqasha sees him as a tormented soul caught between loyalty and love.
It is this emotional conflict that makes the character compelling, giving the actor an opportunity to explore the man behind the legend.
Aqasha is also a longtime admirer of the production itself. He has always appreciated its beautiful music and poetic treatment of Malay literature, and has wanted to be part of the musical again.
His return, however, comes with its own challenges. With two actresses portraying Gusti Putri, he must adapt to their different personalities, colours and dynamics while ensuring that his Hang Tuah remains believable alongside both interpretations.
Aqasha was full of praise for Aisha and Mila, saying both had convincingly embodied the Javanese princess in their own ways. Their professionalism, he said, made the experience all the more rewarding.
Being part of a production that has featured celebrated performers also carries special meaning for him. Aqasha is proud to join the ranks of those who have brought Hang Tuah to life, including legendary names such as Jamal Abdillah, P. Ramlee and M. Nasir.
A long-awaited collaboration for Nadia Aqilah and Mimifly
Another pairing to look forward to is Nadia Aqilah and Mimifly, who are involved in bringing the character of Bayan to life.
For the two performers, the production also represents a long-awaited opportunity to work together again. They had previously crossed paths on a reality programme, where they were part of different vocal groups.
Now, they are reunited in a very different setting, combining their talents in a demanding theatrical production.