MELBOURNE, 13 July 2024: A drama from the 15th century, laced with live performing arts, singing, dancing and amazing costumes, Princess of Champa, a legendary story from South-East Asia, is geared up for staging at the RMIT Capitol Theatre, on 20 July, 2024. Multiculturalism, diversity with a potpourri of actors from different communities, countries and regions will be on the stage for two shows. The theatre production by Perwira Inc. has been rehearsed by its 17 performers for months and are excited for great performances.
This live drama with cinematic experience has a family story with many characters from the Champa kingdom. The organisers say the tale connects with everyone and has an undercurrent of contemporary happenings. Vibuthi Virya, who acts as ‘Anaravati’ is from Indonesia, told about her role:
The ‘Princess of Champa’ team, in full vigour, confidence and determination, met the media at 11th Space, city, the place they have been rehearsing the play. It was a revealing session and questions asked and answered. They described the story and its relevance to multicultural Australia.
The play is a fictionalised love story taking characters from the real historical Princess of Champa (currently Vietnam and Cambodia) who marries the Crown Prince of Majapahit Kingdom (currently Indonesia). Among several other from the community who are part of the play’s cast, is Ruchi Sharma, the Secretary of the Australia India Society of Victoria and Knox Multicultural Advisory Committee Member who breeds and breathes for humanity, is from India.
Apart from Vietnam, Cambodia, the show also presents the culture of Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Indonesia. Princess of Champa, has aspects of performing arts including audio & video visualisation to bring the audience’s imagination and the feel of South East Asian Kingdoms during the 15th Century.
South East Asia in the 15 Century was in the golden time of peace and harmony driven by trade and cultural exchanges among the kingdoms, including had Majapahit, Khmer, Champa, Da Viet, Ayuthaya, and Ava kingdoms.
Princes of Champa represents the connection within South East Asia during those times. Anarawati, the main character, is the daughter of the Champa King, a beautiful multitalented girl who marries Bhre Kertabhumi, the last King of Majapahit (Indonesia). Historical records showed the influence of Queen Anarawati on her husband, King Kertabhumi, the last King of the Majapahit Empire, especially spreading education and the upbringing of children, and their descendants who later became prominent in Indonesia.
The Director Dora Melati is enthusiastic and talked of the contemporary relevance of the play, especially as the actors come from different cultures, but have more in common. The play will also see big masks of a lion and peacock imported from Indonesia and will have superb live multimedia running live in the background. The traditional costumes will resonate to create a cultural space never before seen here.
Not to be missed.
