Dewi Liana's Mandarin challenges in Puteri Hang Li Po
The Bidayuh actress said she employed various methods, such as watching films and listening to old songs.
KUALA LUMPUR - Taking on the lead role in a musical theatre production that is symbolic of the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Malaysia and China is no easy task.
Requiring a high level of commitment, Dewi Liana Seriestha, 34, a native of Kuching, Sarawak, is grateful for the trust placed in her to portray Princess Hang Li Po in the Puteri Hang Li Po Musical Theatre, despite not being widely known after more than 15 years in the arts industry.
However, the Bidayuh actress admits to facing challenges, particularly because the theatre production, inspired by historical events between the Chinese Emperor and the Malay Kingdom of Melaka in the 15th century, requires her to speak Mandarin in a setting based on the Ming Dynasty.
It is certainly no easy feat, especially for the former contestant of the first season of Mentor programme in 2005 and Miss World Malaysia 2014, as she does not speak Mandarin, despite her Chinese heritage through her father, Indonesian musician Yudhi Seriestha.
"This theatre is being restaged after 20 years to celebrate the diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China, and the quality of the production is certainly a key focus. Dewi, along with the other actors, must deliver the best performance, but Dewi doesn’t speak Mandarin at all.
"My father is Chinese, but he doesn’t speak Mandarin as he is originally from Indonesia. There’s a scene in the palace where I need to speak the old imperial Chinese language. It’s quite challenging, but this is an opportunity, and I don’t want to waste it," she told Bernama.
Committed to perfecting the intonation and pronunciation of the old Mandarin language, Dewi, who was interviewed after the press conference for the Puteri Hang Li Po Musical Theatre at Istana Budaya recently, said she employed various methods, such as watching films and listening to old songs.
In addition to being the daughter of Malaysian Bidayuh singer Catherine Noep Sigit, Dewi, who has also acted in dramas such as Kembali and Patung Cinta for RTM, received help from Jeffrey Chew, one of the actors in the theatre production who plays the role of the Chinese Emperor.
"Besides speaking the language, another challenge is memorising more than six songs, both solo and duets. However, I am grateful that since rehearsals began in late June, Jeffrey has been very helpful, sending voice notes and correcting my pronunciation tirelessly, even though it’s not his job," she said.
Considering every aspect, Istana Budaya Director-General Zubaidah Mukhtar noted that the challenge in restaging this masterpiece after two decades is to ensure the quality remains as high as before, if not better, while giving it a fresh touch that aligns with the storyline.
"Istana Budaya, as one of the agencies that upholds world-class excellence in performing arts, has been given a significant role and responsibility to celebrate this diplomatic occasion through performing arts and culture.
"This also supports the efforts of the Malaysian MADANI Government, particularly through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC)," she said during the press conference.
The Puteri Hang Li Po Musical Theatre will be staged at Encore Melaka from Oct 3 to 6. This time, the performance will feature 32 musical compositions, including songs, dances, and storytelling melodies, all revived with a fresh, modern touch to complement the storyline.
According to Zubaidah, these songs will be performed live by an ensemble of 49 musicians from the Malaysian Traditional Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra, and guest musicians, under the direction of Mohd Yazid Zakaria as the music director.
"The two-hour theatre will also feature two musicians from China collaborating alongside Istana Budaya musicians, symbolising the harmony between the two nations.
"The audience will be treated to an enchanting performance that celebrates the heritage and culture of both countries, showcasing a unique blend of beauty and diversity through dance, costumes, martial arts, and linguistic elements,” she added.
Tickets can be booked through all Istana Budaya social media platforms and are available at affordable prices, starting at RM48 for children under 12, people with disabilities (OKU), and seniors aged 60 and above. Tickets for Malaysian adults are priced at RM78.
The musical theatre will also feature Luqman Hafidz as the Sultan of Melaka, Brian Chan (Admiral Ming You), Hairi Safwan (Tun Perpatih Putih), Datin Louisa Chong (Kembang Cina), Amyza Aznan (Mak Inang), and Saifullah Ghaz (Minister Di Po). - BERNAMA
