Some of the performances during the Salina theatre adaptation.

KOTA KINABALU (Dec 3): A theatre adaptation of A. Samad Said’s masterpiece novel, Salina, was held at the Sabah Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) complex here on Friday and Saturday.

Presented by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) JKKN Sabah and Stage Production (STAGE.PRO), it is part of the Karya Agung programme under Budget 2024, an initiative introduced by the government to promote works that have been recognised at the state and national levels, as well as aiming to promote and promote local works of art, literature, theatre and masterpieces.

Some of the performances during the Salina theatre adaptation.

The result of the collaboration between JKKN Sabah and Stage Production is an effort to continue to promote and develop theatre among the younger generation in Sabah.

Salina is a work that raises the theme of humanity, perseverance and sacrifice in post-war Malaysia in the 1940s.

It highlights the lives of ordinary people struggling to survive in a situation full of uncertainty and hardship.

Some of the performances during the Salina theatre adaptation.

As one of A. Samad Said’s best literary works, Salina has carved history in the world of Malaysian writing and literature and will now be brought to the stage with a fully effective production touch.

The theatrical production was prepared and directed by Shah Zainal, lining up 60 talented local actors and production staff with creative artistic direction to ensure that this great text is brought to life on stage.

Shah promised to provide an experience that is not only mesmerizing in terms of performance, but also profound in terms of emotion and intellectuality.

“This production is not only intended to elevate a masterpiece to the theatrical platform, but also as an effort to foster interest in the work of the National Literary Artist.

“This theatre is a tribute to the National Literary Artist A. Samad Said and his contribution to the world of literature.

“We want the audience to not only enjoy this performance, but also appreciate the human values ​​contained in the story of Salina.

“This performance has also attracted the attention of various sections of the community, including students, art lovers and fans of classical literature,” said JKKN Sabah director Jasmi Rasit.

Some of the performances during the Salina theatre adaptation.

Also present was State Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry (KePKAS) Permanent Secretary Mary Isidore Malangking, who represented her minister Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew.

Also gracing the event were Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Assistant Vice Chancellor (Strategic) Prof Dr Mohammad Saffree Jeffree, JKKN deputy director (Culture and Arts) Rosnan Nordin, UMS Academy of Arts & Creative Technology dean Prof Madya Dr Zairul Anuar Md Dawam and JKKN director (Arts and Culture Development Division) Mohd Raizuli Mat Jusoh.

More information can be found here and the JKKN website.

The conclusion of the Salina theatre adaptation at JKKN Sabah.