State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (seated fourth left) with the cast of the Rentap musical drama.
KUCHING: The legendary Iban warrior Rentap will be brought to life in a musical drama to be staged at the Sarawak Cultural Village here next month.
State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said "Rentap: The Battle of Bukit Sadok" is one of the highlights of the Sarawak Harvest and Folklore Festival on Aug 18-20.
"Rentap was a 19th-century Iban war chief who fought gallantly against James Brooke and his men.
"He was known for his bravery in defending his country and people from intruders, despite being branded a rebel leader by the Brooke regime," he told a press conference here on Tuesday (July 11).
Abdul Karim said the staging of the drama would make Rentap's story better known to the younger generation and visitors from outside Sarawak.
"It is an epic drama interlaced with romance between Rentap and his wife Sawai.
"He continues to inspire us with his war cry ‘Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban’ (As long as I live, I will fight), which is accepted whether in sports or by the Royal Ranger Regiment," he said.
Abdul Karim said the drama would also help to develop performing arts in Sarawak.
"I would like to see it performed elsewhere, even outside Sarawak and Malaysia.
"We have to think big because we are building our own centre of performing arts as a venue for homegrown artists to perform and develop their talents," he said.
The Rentap drama will be staged on Aug 18-19 and livestreamed on the festival website www.sarawakharvestfestival.com.my.
Another festival highlight is the Tribal Ironman Challenge on Aug 19-20 at the Sarawak Cultural Village.
Fifteen finalists will exhibit their prowess in traditional-based activities such as carrying 50kg gunny sacks, mountain climbing and blowpipe shooting.
The festival will continue on Nov 3-4 with the Santubong International Folk Dance Competition in collaboration with the Federation of International Dance Festivals.
It is open to international groups and local juniors aged 12 and below.
