Kota Kinabalu: A musical theatre production highlighting the cultural history and beliefs of Sabah’s Suang Lotud ethnic community drew an audience of over 500 at the Sabah National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKNS) auditorium here on Saturday.
The Last Tantagas: Keeper of the Sacred Texts brought together 120 artists and crew members aged 12 to 67 in a collaborative effort involving local universities to document and preserve a fading cultural legacy.
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Production Director Judeth John said the initiative stemmed from research conducted during her time working at a museum, where she recognised the need to document knowledge increasingly forgotten by younger generations.
“I realised the necessity to document this community’s heritage, which is gradually being forgotten by the younger generation,” said Judeth.
The production incorporates songs inspired by original Suang Lotud chants, reimagined to appeal to contemporary audiences while maintaining cultural authenticity.
“The songs in this theatre are inspired by traditional mantras and given new life to attract younger generations so they can better understand and respect this cultural heritage,” she said.
Judeth expressed her plans for community dialogue sessions expected to involve several customary chiefs to discuss strategies for preserving the heritage and potentially developing it into a cultural tourism product.
Saturday’s performance was attended by a delegation from Pertubuhan Muafakat Titipan Amal Isteri Wakil Rakyat Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (Mutiara GRS), led by its president Datin Seri Juliah Salag.
The production ran from Jan 23 in a three-day performance aimed at raising awareness of the Suang Lotud community’s contributions to Sabah’s heritage history.
