Bandung Review : Welcoming Ramadhan with The Lion’s Tear (BETA VERSION)

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Welcoming Ramadhan with The Lion’s Tear

Even the greatest warrior has his own melancholic side. The thought hit our mind as Bandung Review catched an Sundanese Opera held in Padjadjaran University, Dipati Ukur Street, yesterday (8/9). The opera is called Cisoca Singa Sahara (or in English : Sahara Lion’s Tears) and it was born as a creation from Mr. Gandjar Kurnia, Padjadjaran University Rector. He wrote the play and also directed it as his interpretation and effort to combine the beauty of Sundanese culture (namely music and songs) with Islamic legends. He considered this masterpiece as a part of welcoming the holy month of Ramadhan, which will come in a few days.

The opera told us about one of Muhammad the Holy Prophet’s disciples and also one of his best friends. His name is Umar bin Khatab. Known as the Sahara Lion, Umar is well-known for his great physique, along with superb fighting and negotiating skills. However, Sundanese Opera didn’t show us Umar’s heroic side, but it revealed his soft side instead. The story evolved between how Umar try to cope up with his grief after the death of Muhammad the Holy Prophet. At first, he couldn’t accept the reality that his best buddy has gone forever. His grief was so deep, even he promised to hurt anyone who dares spreading the news about Muhammad’s death. Fortunately, Abu Bakar, one of Muhammad’s oldest disciples, shared some words of wisdom and in the end Umar realized that death is simply a will of God and humans cannot defeat that destiny, even the Holy Prophet himself.

Together with Daya Seni Tradisional (Dasentra), Padjajaran University packed this opera with Sundanese traditional songs. As the opening scene, we watched a series of percussion play, karawitan and a great Sundanese choir. The concept of the opera was focused on vocals. So, songs, dialogs and vocals, all in Sundanese language were the main elements of the show. Their sound collaboration made the story flowed so smoothly and interesting to watch, without leaving the essence and moral of the story behind.

The holy month was well-greeted by this magnificent show. We cannot wait another traditional, yet creative event like this from Padjadjaran University, which has made at least 28 similar shows before. (HM/IF)

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