Harimau, a classic book on Johor, written by renowned historian and drama theatre author, Shaharom Husain, is being put to life by the local Johor theatre artists and activists.
Gerak Teater Johor with the cooperation of the Johor State Theatre Council, the Johor Bahru City Council, Johor Tourism, and the Southern Region’s Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, the government body responsible for coordinating the use of the Malay language and Malay-language literature in Malaysia are organising the said play.
Staged for the second time by the organisation, Harimau Johor, a Jauhar Tanah Permata production, was first performed in 2022 at the Johor Bahru Malaysian Art School in conjunction with the Johor History Theatre Tour organised by the Johor State Theatre Council.
According to director and co-scriptwriter, Senjakala, this theatre involves almost 80 production staff, including actors, technicians, dancers, and musicians who are presented ‘live’ to the audience on 24th and 25th May 2024.
Entirely made up of locals, the cast for this performance comes from Johor State Theater’s activists, year-round Theatre Work Camp (Khemah Kerja Teater) participants, and affiliated members of the Johor State Theatre Council from various ages and backgrounds who have been involved in theatre staging in Johor, Kuala Lumpur, and several other places, including those with theatre, movies and television dramas under their belt.
Storyline
During the reign of Temenggong Ibrahim in Teluk Belanga around the 1850s, pirates have started rampaging in Johor, especially from Mersing to Ramunia.
In order to eliminate the cruel and tyrannical acts by these pirates, Temenggong Ibrahim has ordered Nong Mutalib, also known as Harimau Johor (The Tiger of Johor), to oppose the commotion of these inhumane pirates.
The presence of Nong Mutalib in Pengerang gave relief to the villagers there, but also faced resistance due to dissatisfaction, especially from Labek, the Pengerang Warrior who policed the area.
How is Nong Mutalib going to eliminate the cruel pirates in Tanah Jauhar?
Find out the tail of the story this May at Jotic Auditorium, Johor Tourist Information Centre, Level 5, Jotic Building.
The premiere happens at 8.30 pm on 24th May and a choice of a 3 pm and 8.30 pm show on 25th May.
Get your tickets from ticket2u – ranging from RM15 to RM35. Use the code ‘Harimaujohor’ to get 10% off.
Seats are limited, and at the time of writing, there are less than 100 seats available for purchase.
Check our Facebook and Instagram for press conference video and the theatre’s trailer.
