Wednesday May 13, 2009, The Star, by YIP YOKE TENG
PRINCE Siddhartha – The Musical, premiered in Kuala Lumpur in 1999 but 10 years later, the intricate scenes depicting how the young Buddha gave up luxuries in search of the truth in life are still dearly remembered by many.
The production is making a comeback and not only that, it will be staged at Istana Budaya.
Written, produced and directed by Ho Lin Huay of Musical On Stage Productions, the show aims to raise funds for the construction of the interior and other amenities for the Great Compassion Building, an extension to the Shan Dao Jing She Temple in Petaling Jaya Old Town.
“It means a lot to us to bring the production back to its homeland again on our 10th anniversary. Making it into Istana Budaya is a significant milestone and we are doubly delighted that it can be shown during the Wesak month,” she told a press conference held at the temple on May 6.
“More than 18,000 individuals watched the production in Malaysia with many saying that they were touched by the story. Overseas audience gave rave reviews, too,” she said.
Apart from Prince Siddhartha, her other productions, Above Full Moon and Jewel of Tibet, are also appreciated as delicate works disseminating the teachings of Buddhism.
Abbot Shi Kai Shan said the extended building was necessary to cater to the growing number of disciples participating in the temple’s activities.
A 4.6m-tall Avalokitesvara-Sahasrabhuja-Locana Bodhisattva status will soon grace the new three-storey building, to make it “a place of solemn worshipping and a place where those who feel depressed can find peace.”
He said the Shan Dao Welfare, Arts and Cultural Fund was founded upon four main pillars, to purify the human heart through studying together, to cultivate talents through the Buddha’s teachings, to propagate Buddha’s teachings through cultural activities and to create a caring society through compassion. The temple is also involved in the provision of health care and community welfare activities.
Shi added that the temple targeted to raise another RM500,000 to complete the project.
The Prince Siddharta - The Musical charity show proceeds would go to the Shan Dao Welfare, Arts and Cultural Fund and would be held on May 31 at 1.45pm at Istana Budaya. Those interested in buying tickets for the charity show can call 03-7783 9536.
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