Istana Budaya 2009 Program Launch

Third from left: Siti Rohayah Attan (Producer of Gamat the Musical) along with other producers & Unity, Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.

Istana Budaya launched its 2009 events calendar in Lambang Sari, Istana Budaya on 22nd December 2008. During this launch, CTRA Production has been given the letter of appointment to produce the Children Musical of the year, Gamat the Musical.

SYNOPSIS OF GAMAT THE MUSICAL

Gamat entails the vibrant lives under the sea which is full of joy and sorrow. It is populated by plenty of marine lives; both good and bad. Including gamat, the sea-cucumbers. The tale began when Ketam Bunga (Flower Crab), Ketam Batu (Stone Crab) and Bintang (Starfish) came out from their homes to play in Taman Laut (The Sea Garden). They lost their ways while overly engrossed, enjoying their little games. It was then they met Mat, the junior sea cucumber who was heading towards the Plankton Garden without the knowledge of his mother. He was instructed by Ibu Gamat, his mother to stay at home.

In the Karang Puaka (Phantom Reefs), Kurita (Octopus) was suffering in pain due to the pollution by mankind. He commanded his followers, the Obor-obor (jellyfish) to catch Ibu Gamat to get her slime which will be able to cure him from his diseases. Obor-obor mistook Mat for his mother and caught him along with his friends instead during their journey to the Plankton Garden. Kurita was furious as his pain became more severe.
Ibu Gamat who realized the lost of his son went to
Buntal (the puffer-fish) who was also the marine police. After some discussion, they seek the advice of Mahatahu (he who knows it all), an eel who gave them some clues as to where to find her son.
Many things happened during her search for Mat. Ibu Gamat
witnessed how sick the marine lives have became due to pollution and she tried to heal them along the way. She also bumped into a bottle containing health drinks, a phone which enabled them to connect to the outside world and etc.
They managed to find Mat finally. Kurita and Obor-obor was captured and brought to the face of judiciary. The admitted to their crimes and were sentenced to clean-up the Sea Garden. They also promised not to disturb the other occupants of the marine lives.