Supported by Temasek Foundation, Bhaskar’s Arts Academy, Singapore’s premier institution for Indian performing arts is pleased to unveil its latest production – Radin Mas. This one-night-only performance presented in collaboration with Sri Warisan Som Said Performing Arts, promises to touch the heart and stir the soul.

Radin Mas is lovingly portrayed through captivating Bharatanatyam and Javanese dance, and features traditional folk arts of wayang kulit, along with the unique horse dance from both Javanese and Tamil cultures – kuda kepang and poikal kuthirai, all performed to live music. This unforgettable staging of a Singapore legend features passionate artistes from both companies and showcases classical art forms amid breathtaking contemporary set design befitting the iconic Victoria Theatre.

Choreographed by Meenakshy Bhaskar, Artistic Director and daughter of the late Mrs. Santha Bhaskar, along with Cultural Medallion recipient and dear friend of Mrs. Bhaskar, Madam Som Said as Advisor, Radin Mas speaks volumes of a slice of history that is rarely mentioned, as little is known of the Radin Mas area besides its location in Telok Blangah.

“With this collaboration, we have taken inspiration from two distinct cultures, drawing from Bharatanatyam, Javanese dance and folk arts. Radin Mas exemplifies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional Indian dance, as we evolve into a style that uniquely reflects both Bhaskar’s legacy and the multicultural identity of Singapore,” says Meenakshy.

This performance is the latest in a long history of cross-cultural masterpieces by Bhaskar’s Arts Academy that began with Butterfly Lovers in 1958 – a groundbreaking performance that depicted Chinese folklore through Indian dance and continued with other outstanding collaborations such as the most recent Butterfly Lovers, reimagined and co-presented with the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre in 2021 and choreographed by Meenakshy Bhaskar.

In the performance, discover the tumultuous life of Princess Radin Mas Ayu who was born of a secret marriage between Prince Pengeran and a commoner. Furious at the union, the Sultan ordered the murder of the family. Radin Mas and her father survived the attempt and escaped to Singapore (then called Temasek) to start life anew. Alas, her life was to be filled with even more turmoil as she was threatened with the death of her father unless she married Tengku Bagus, the nephew of her stepmother.

A rescue by her stepbrother Tengku Chik was short-lived as a further attempt was made by Tengku Bagus to kill Pengeran. While trying to shield her father from being stabbed by a keris, Radin Mas tragically perished instead. All this comes to life onstage with a spellbinding set that comprises an ingenious bamboo structure that seamlessly transforms the performance space into a canvas of dynamic scenes, always adapting to the evolving choreography as we move from village huts, to fervent flames that depict an intense encounter.

Playing Radin Mas Ayu will be Biju Gowripriya, while opposite her is Mohamed Fareed Bin Mohamed Sallim as Pengeran. Other members of the cast include Davinya Ramathas as Radin Mas’ Mother, Nur Izzayanti Binte Ali as Tengku Khadija and Bala Saravanan Loganathan as Tengku Bagus. Come experience this classic folktale in a brand new light, and be mesmerised by this performance taking you through forbidden love, jealousy, bravery and sacrifice.

Radin Mas plays for one night only on 14th October 2023 at Victoria Theatre. Tickets available here