The Years of Culture Initiative and the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture, Research, and Technology today 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.
Created for Qatar-Indonesia 2023 by Rama Soeprapto and his production company, “Hayati: Panji Searching for the Essence of Love” follows the hero’s search for the meaning of life through various trials in the hopes of understanding the nature of human goodness. The stories of Panji and Sekartaji, some of the oldest and most treasured Indonesian epics, are considered part of the world’s intangible heritage by UNESCO and was included in the UNESCO Memory of the World Program in 2017. Acclaimed Indonesian performers Achmad Dipoyono and Kadek Dewi Aryani star as main characters Panji and Sekartaji respectively.
HE Indonesian Ambassador to Qatar Ridwan Hassan said, “Qatar and Indonesia share a lot when it comes to cultural heritage and its influence on our societies today, not least of which is the pride we have in our ancestors’ wisdom and teachings. “Hayati: Panji Searching for the Essence of Love” goes in search of life’s meaning to find it in service to others, a beautiful thread that weaves us all together in today’s interconnected global community. I am proud to share this specially commissioned performance with the people of Qatar as part of the Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture.” Director of Cultural Diplomacy for Qatar Museums, Aisha Ghanem Al Attiya said, “Hayati: Panji Searching for the Essence of Love” is one of this Year of Culture’s principal events. We are grateful to the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture, Research, and Technology and the cast and crew for the passion that went into creating this masterpiece.” The play’s musical concept seeks to transport the audience to the Majapahit era (13th16th 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.
Source: Qatar News Agency