But did you know how these mountains came to be? According to legend, there were once two giants, Mat Raya and Mat Chinchang, who were best friends. Their children were in love and set to get married.
Unfortunately, during the wedding banquet, an argument broke out, leading to an epic fight. When things calmed down, magic somehow got involved, and the giants were transformed into the mountains that now bear their names.
It’s easy to see why this story has survived through the generations – it has everything audiences adore. Love! Conflict! Magic! And a grand wedding setting with food and flashy outfits!
And now, KL audiences are invited to experience this time-honoured tale at “Walimatulurus: The Wedding Banquet”, an immersive dinner-theatre production playing at the Kompleks Kraf here this month.
The show is presented by Suatukala, a Langkawi-based community initiative focused on storytelling, which was founded in 2015 by Karina Bahrin, Shareen Rahmat, and Lina Tan.
“Langkawi is the island of legends. And since we’re from there, why not retell them? But we don’t have to tell them the same way,” Karina told FMT Lifestyle. “We can change them, refresh them, modernise them, so they become more relevant to people today.”
“Walimatulurus”, which debuted at Langkawi’s Laman Padi last year, received positive reviews and feedback. This encouraged Suatukala to restage it in KL, in what would be their first show away from the island.
The production is co-directed by Tarrant Kwok and Razif Hashim of performing arts group Wayang Kitchen; while the cast consists of Razif, who plays the narrator, as well as popular local comedians Papi Zak and Kuah Jenhan as the giants Mat Raya and Mat Chinchang, respectively. Shureeza Faris and Shareen Rahmat play their wives.
They are joined by singer-songwriter Leaism, who will provide catchy tunes and pop parodies, and a 24-member team from Langkawi that includes local residents, schoolteachers, and about 18 students.
Guests will be able to enjoy a comedic theatrical performance while enjoying a traditional Kedahan wedding dinner. Plus, the show’s immersive nature means they could end up as participants in the wedding rituals!
“We’re combining performance art with food and tactile elements that require guests to interact with the cast and set. We hope to give those who attend the bona-fide experience of a traditional Malay village wedding with a modern pop twist,” Tan shared.
“Expect processions with kompang, wedding outfits, pelamin, the works!” Karina added. “So put on your best wedding attire and have some fun. Unlike typical weddings at hotels with too many speeches, where nothing exciting happens, here there will be drama!”
According to Tan, being able to stage his production in KL is a big achievement for their team. While not all their students will become full-time performing-arts practitioners, she believes the memory of performing on a big-city stage will be something they could cherish forever.
She also hopes the skills they pick up will benefit them in the future. “Hopefully, this experience can be a catalyst for bigger things, both in Langkawi and KL.”
Proceeds from the show will go towards funding the group’s ongoing initiatives in Langkawi, including its annual “Rekacerita” stagecrafting competition.
‘Walimatulurus – The Wedding Banquet’
When:
Dec 15 & 16 (Friday and Saturday), 6-10pm
Where:
Kompleks Kraf Kuala Lumpur,
Jalan Raja Chulan,
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tickets are RM150 (inclusive of dinner) and can be purchased here. Also follow Suatukala on Facebook and Instagram.
