KUCHING: The theatrical performance, ‘Rentap – The Battle of Bukit Sadok’, mesmerised the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, and his consort, Tengku Ampuan Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, during their royal visit to the Sarawak Cultural Village here.
The performance today depicted the heroic struggle of the legendary Iban warrior, Rentap, who fought against the Brooke administration in the 19th century, symbolising the courage and fighting spirit of Sarawakians in resisting colonialism.
The dramatic presentation highlighted the bravery and identity of the Iban people in defending their homeland, with Rentap’s legacy continuing to live on today as a symbol of resistance and the unyielding spirit of the people of Sarawak.
The visiting royals appeared enthralled by the performance with Tunku Azizah even recording moments of the show on her mobile phone as a keepsake.
The theatrical performance was one of the main highlights of the royal couple’s visit to the Sarawak Cultural Village.
Earlier, they were greeted on arrival with a Tarian Selamat Datang at the main entrance, showcasing the unique movements of Sarawak’s diverse ethnic communities.
They then proceeded on a guided tour of four main ethnic houses – the Bidayuh Baruk, Iban Longhouse, Penan Hut, and Orang Ulu Longhouse – where each location featured demonstrations of traditional cultural activities.
A moment that drew much attention was when the Sultan tried the local sumpit at the Penan Hut and successfully popped several balloons, eliciting cheers from the crowd.
The royal entourage later continued the guided tour via buggy, passing through the Melanau Tall House, Malay House, and Chinese House, while being briefed on the architecture and traditional practices of each community.
After the theatre performance, they proceeded to the Budaya Restaurant for a luncheon themed ‘Highlander Ethnic Sarawak’, featuring signature dishes such as nasi Bario, sayur paku masak belacan, abbeg arur layun (minced meat), manok pansuh (chicken cooked in bamboo), and a variety of other traditional delicacies from Sarawak’s highland communities.
Accompanying the Pahanag royals were the daughter of the Premier, Dayang Norjihan Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and Deputy Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Well-being Development, Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam.
