Duzung, The Origin of Hampo Rungus

The Charity Welfare Association of Kota Belud (PERKASIH), in collaboration with Produksi Seni Kreatif, Stage Production, and the Department of Culture and Arts of Malaysia, Sabah (JKKNS), will present a musical theatre performance titled Duzung: The Origin of Hampo Rungus, featuring artists from Sabah.

"Hampo Rungus" refers to the traditional accessories worn by Rungus women. These accessories are made of brass and include items such as ganggalung, orot, saring and lungkaki. These adornments are important elements of traditional Rungus dress and serve as decorative and culturally significant pieces.

Performance Schedule

• Friday 20 September 2024, 8pm
• Saturday 21 September 2024, 8pm
• Sunday 22 September 2024, 8pm

Book your seats

Join us for an unforgettable theatrical experience! Tickets are priced based on seating position:

• Platinum seats are RM100 each,
• Gold seats are RM50 each,
• and Silver seats are RM35 each.

Please note that prices do not include booking fees.

Book your seats

Synopsis

Duzung is a myth of the Rungus people that tells the story of a sea princess named Puteri Yanang, who belongs to a race of mystical beings who are half-human and half-fish. These creatures, known as Duzung, live in an enchanted underwater kingdom ruled by the descendants of Raja Galangin.

The story begins when a group of Duzung maidens, including seven princesses, come ashore on Teluk Pitas beach to enjoy themselves. When they remove their fish tails, they transform into human form and celebrate by singing and dancing.

Little do they know, a Rungus man called Rinutad is hiding nearby, watching them. He falls in love with one of the Duzung and steals her tail, preventing her from returning to the sea.

As night falls, the other Duzung maidens must leave, but without her tail, the princess is left behind. Sad and alone, she is approached by Rinutad, who pretends to be surprised by her presence. He offers her shelter, and with no choice, she reluctantly follows him home.

The Rungus People

The Rungus are an indigenous ethnic group found primarily in the northern part of Borneo, particularly in the Malaysian state of Sabah. They are part of the larger Kadazan-Dusun ethnic group and are known for their rich cultural traditions and distinctive social practices.

Traditionally subsistence farmers, the Rungus also have a strong cultural heritage that includes unique rituals, festivals, traditional music and dance. Their traditional longhouses, known as tanggong, are a prominent feature of their community life.

In addition to their cultural practices, the Rungus are renowned for their traditional arts and crafts, including beadwork and weaving, which play an important role in their cultural expression and ceremonial dress.
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