The legend of Huminodun to be played in musical show

KOTA KINABALU: The legend of Huminodun will be performed in a musical theatre to promote the cultural heritage of Sabah.

The show themed "Huminodun: Princess of Nabalu the Musical" will be held on May 28-29 at the state National Department for Culture and Arts, here.

Persatuan Sukaseni Kuala Lumpur (Sukaseni), Persatuan Bantuan Masyarakat Sabah (Bantu) and Stage Production are collaborating to put up the musical show.

"We hope the programme can raise awareness on the importance of conservation and preservation of our cultural heritage," Sukaseni chairman Rafie Syazwan Arpandi told the media on the "Borneo Call-Ture Programme" at a café here yesterday.

He also hoped through the programme, the cultural heritage of Sabah can be promoted across the states in Malaysia and also to neighbouring countries.

"We want the youth to know the history and legend of Sabah as well as to generate the interest of musical theatre in the state because we know there are many talents waiting to be unearthed," said Rafie.

Theatre director Faizan Deraman said they want to instill the legendary story among the younger generation so it will not be forgotten in the future.

"There are many versions of the Huminodun story being presented, so we want to do something different which carries a message and lesson to the younger generation," he said.

The main cast of Huminodun will be played by Queennera Francine Francis Kitingan who is a local singer, emcee and radio announcer.

"Before this, I've acted in a Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) drama in 2021, titled 'Antara Laut Cina Selatan'. So theatre is something new to me.

"I didn't expect to be selected as I just went to the audition to challenge myself. I told myself, so long as there is an opportunity; besides singing I must broaden my horizon.

"I am delighted to play Huminodun as I have the confident to bring out her character in the musical show," said Queennera.

In the legend, the maiden Huminodun sacrificed her body for her people due to famine and her sacrifices are honoured during the state-level Kaamatan Festival on May 31, through the crowning of the unduk ngadau (beauty queen).

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