GAYA2015: MALABERO

15.03.15 | SOTA Drama Theatre

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In alignment with the current U+Arts season theme – "Making it Singapore" - and commemoration of both Singapore’s 50th birthday and Singapore Management University’s 15th birthday, GAYA 2015: Malabero presents a unique perspective on Singapore-Indonesia relationship through Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles. 

 

After Thomas Parr's death, Sir Stamford Raffles was asked to replace his colleague's position as governor of Bengkulu, Indonesia.  There, he witnessed the segregation of the indigenous Bengkulu and Bugis tribesman due to the Mount Felix Tragedy. James', the representative of The East India Company, methods in disciplining the locals did not also help in mending the tension that resides in the community. Taking his prior experience in administrating Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles implemented identical regulations to those when he used to reform Singapore to improve the condition in Bengkulu.

 

One uneventful day, a fight broke in the market, between Tenri Sangkala and Hasan Din, which led to the death of the latter. Feeling guilty, Raffles took in Hasan Din's daughter to his household. After a certain period, Tenri Sangkala approached Raffles with the intention to help the governor in uniting the people of Bengkulu. Raffles was then forced to attend an important meeting in Palembang, which led him to leave his sick daughter behind. Charlotte's health did not seem to improve, and she eventually dies from Malaria. Remorse of this event, Raffles' wife, Sophia, reasoned him to return back to United Kingdom. But his perseverence and believe in improving the province made him stay in Bengkulu instead. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAYA 2015 Malabero tells a poignant story of sacrifice, unity, and hope through artistic performances, authentic musical compositions and enchanting dance items from both traditional and contemporary arts. 

 

Find out more in GAYA:2015 Facebook.