adminKUALA LUMPUR: Singer Aisha Retno took the initiative to fly to Solo, Indonesia to delve into Javanese art and culture in preparation for portraying the role of Gusti Puteri in Puteri Gunung Ledang The Musical (PGL The Musical).
Aisha said that the visit at the end of June gave her the opportunity to learn from individuals who were more knowledgeable about the customs, arts and movements of the Javanese community.
The training includes dance moves, how to walk, breathe, sit and respect people, as well as the subtlety of each movement that portrays a Javanese princess.
“We took a few days and each of us found the time to fly there and study with those who were more knowledgeable.”
“One of the initiatives is to go to the place where a character comes from to learn more in depth,” he said on the AWANI Pagi program on Thursday.
According to Aisha, every movement was studied in detail to enable her to understand the Gusti Puteri persona, not just memorize and deliver dialogue.
The trip also had personal value for Aisha because her mother was from Solo.
Aisha, who first ventured into the world of musical theatre, also underwent intensive training for three months, covering aspects of acting, singing and dancing.
For him, the opportunity to portray this iconic character comes with great responsibility, especially after the character was portrayed so powerfully by Puan Seri Tiara Jacquelina.
However, Aisha sees comparisons with previous actors as a catalyst to give the best performance, as well as wanting to inject her own identity without disregarding the original basis of the work.
“Comparisons in the industry are common. I think it can be a catalyst and encouragement for us to give our best,” he said.
Aisha also described Gusti Puteri as a character that reflects women’s struggles in pursuing love and freedom, as well as teaching them to be tougher, braver and more disciplined.
PGL The Musical directed by Tiara is scheduled to be staged from October 31 to November 15 at the Jeffrey Cheah Performing Arts Centre, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
-Agency
