The Years of Culture Initiative and the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture, Research, and Technology announced the upcoming debut of a new theatrical production, “Hayati: Panji Searching for the Essence of Love.” The play will be performed at the Katara Opera House during a special two-day event as part of the Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture on May 23 and 24. Tickets will be available on the Qatar Creates website in a range of price options.

The “Hayati: Panji Searching for the Essence of Love” narrative is inspired by a Javanese transcript about the meaning and purpose of life, the Wedhatama Script (Serat Wedhatama). Created by the fourth ruler of the Mangkunegaran Palace, Mangkunegara IV (1809), the Wedhatama Script combines teachings from scholars and poets about the nature of human goodness, ethics, and morality. The story, told through five acts, tells of the hero Panji’s journey in search of the taste of love and perfection, which he ultimately finds in the service of his land and people.

The play’s musical concept transports the audience to the Majapahit era (13^th–16^th centuries AD), the height of artistic expression in ancient Indonesia, by combining traditional Javanese and Balinese ensemble music. Majapahit society developed a high degree of sophistication in both commercial and artistic activities and its cities thrived with a cosmopolitan population among whom literature and art flourished. Director Rama Soeprapto said, “There have been so many versions of Panji and Sekartaji and their story over the centuries. I wanted to create a simpler version with “Hayati: Panji Searching for the Essence of Love” that audiences can understand and connect with. It has been a welcome challenge.”

Timings and prices are to be confirmed.

Source and cover image credit: Press release

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Cassandra Pallagud

Content Writer

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