KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 — Theatre production ‘Huminodun: Muzikal Puteri Nabalu’, which highlights the tale of a legendary princess from Sabah, will be staged at the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) auditorium here from May 30 to June 1 in conjunction with the Kaamatan festival.
It tells the story of the sacrifice of Princess Huminodun, a virtuous maiden who willingly sacrifices her life to save her land and people from famine.
Based on an original script by Satra Nurizman and adapted by Amsalib Pisali, the play is directed by Nawfal Zamri who had to contend with the challenges of directing it in the Kadazandusun language which required him to have a deep understanding of its tone and pronunciation.
Director Nawfal Zamri speaks during the press conference for ‘Huminodun: The Princess of Nabalu Musical’ in Kuala Lumpur May 26, 2025. — Bernama pic
“I’m from Perak and not familiar with this language but I’m grateful to have help from friends in Sabah to review the actors’ pronunciation because language and intonation are very important.
“We also didn’t want to lose the authentic feel. So, several important parts are retained in the original language, especially the emotional dialogues. However, the overall structure of the performance has been arranged to be easily understood by the audience,” Nawfal said at a recent press conference to announce the play.
He said he was also involved in field research in Sabah to explore locations believed to be linked to the origins of the Huminodun legend.
‘Huminodun: Muzikal Puteri Nabalu’ is presented by KGE Studio and the Sabah Community Aid Association, in collaboration with Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, DBP and Pertubuhan Anak Karya Malaysia, and supported via grants from Yayasan Hasanah and ArtFast.
Marlenny Deen Erwan speaks during the press conference for ‘Huminodun: The Princess of Nabalu Musical’ in Kuala Lumpur May 26, 2025. — Bernama pic
The play’s cast includes Queenenra Francine as Princess Huminodun, and Virtoues Romana, Ijat Ashari, Faizan Deraman, Verd and Marlenny Deen Erwan.
Marlenny, who plays Suminundu, the mother of Princess Huminodun, said the production is not just for entertainment purposes but a medium for cross-cultural education.
“This Sabah folktale gives the audience an opportunity to understand the values of sacrifice and love from a different cultural perspective. The story portrays a mother’s emotion as she allows her child to be sacrificed for the well-being of the people,” she said.
Producer and KGE Studio founder Anas Amdan speaks during the press conference for ‘Huminodun: The Princess of Nabalu Musical’ in Kuala Lumpur May 26, 2025. — Bernama pic
Producer and founder of KGE Studio Anas Amdan said the original staging of ‘Huminodun’ in 2022 in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, won four awards at the Malaysia Theatre Awards, serving as a stepping stone to bring the play to Peninsular Malaysia.
“My hope is for this play to serve as a gateway for more stories from Sabah and Sarawak to be staged and appreciated. We want to promote this work not merely for commercial gain but for its significant cultural value and audience response,” he said.
Those interested in watching the play can book tickets through ticket2u.com.my. — Bernama
