Little did I realize a trip to Rumah Gadang at Padang is going to contribute to the rich experience I had yesterday while watching Cindua Mato. It is a Minangkabau tale spun around a few characters; Cindua Mato, Dang Tuanku, Bundi Kanduang, the court dignitaries; Basa Ampek Balai, Raja Mudo, Puti Bungsu, Raja Imbang Jayo and his father, Rajo Tiang Bungkuk.
I am not sure whether the story is a historical account or mythical tale but I want to share the experience I had after the show. Coincidentally we got down from the third floor at Istana Budaya and saw the performers were ushered into a room. Later we found that Dr Rais Yatim and his wife were inside.
So, we waited and managed to get glimpses of the performers. Some were very down to earth and took photos with us who were waiting.
Dato' Jalaluddin Hassan was amazing in his character as Rajo Tiang Bungkuk.
Azhan Rani who played Dang Tuanku.
Dato' Ahmad Tamimi Siregar who was one of the Basa Ampek Balai.
Ashraf Muslim as Raja Mudo.
The beautiful Vanida Imran as Bundo Kanduang.
The performers were obviously exhausted yet they were kind enough to entertain the crowd and gave an experience that many could not have gotten. At some moment I thought we were being selfish because the audience wanted the experience with their favourite celebrity but I am sure the performers just wanted to retire for the day (it ended really late).
Well, this musical and other cultural performance are great moves to preserve the tradition and culture of Malaysia. Thank you for all the effort.
