Mahsuri was the daughter of a couple who moved from their native Phuket to the island of Langkawi

in search of a better life. She was the most beautiful in all of Langkawi and married the warrior Wan
Darus. As was required of him, her husband had to go to war, leaving Mahsuri behind to fend for
herself. It was during this time that Mahsuri befriended a young man named Deraman. The village
chief's wife was jealous of Mahsuri's beauty. She spread a rumour that Mahsuri was unfaithful and
was having an affair with Deraman in the absence of Wan Darus. Eventually the rumours grew strong
enough that the villagers openly accused her of adultery. Mahsuri pleaded her innocence, but no one
believed her.
Mahsuri was to be tied to a tree (or pole) and stabbed to death but it didn't work. After every
execution attempt failed, Mahsuri told them to kill her with her family's kris. When she was stabbed,
white blood flowed from the wound, signifying her innocence. Some birds flew above her to cover
her body. With her dying breath, Mahsuri cursed Langkawi to have seven generations of bad luck. The
kingdom was soon taken over by Siam. The villagers at Padang Mat Sirat burned their own paddy
fields rather than let them fall into the hands of the Siamese.

Actors:
1) Mahsuri A young, soft spoken lady who was killed because of the village chief wifes
jealousy, favourite color is black.
2) Pandak Maya Mahsuris father
3) Mak Andam/ Cik Alang Mahsuris mother
4) Wan Darus A warrior and Mahsuris husband
5) Deramang A young and friendly village guy who is fluent in poems
6) Wan Mahura Mother-in-law
7) Friend 1
8) Friend 2

Props:
1) Costumes If possible, traditional malay costumes / Batik
2)

Narr:

Pulau Langkawi. An island that is crowned the Jewel of Kedah. Its name derived from the
Malay word Helang which means eagle. For most people, its renowned for its white sandy
beaches. For some, its a duty-free shopping heaven. However, for residents and tourist who
are aware of the history of Langkawi, theyll tell you that the island is shrouded with legends
and folklore. From a mystical waterfall to a bizarre field of burning rice, Langkawi boasts a
host of mysteries awaiting to be discovered. Today, we will showcase the tale of Mahsuri.

Scene 1
A house in Kampung Ulu Melaka, Langkawi, 18th century
Show the growing up Mahsuri
*Mahsuri plays around the garden. Picks the beautiful flowers* *Speaks to the flower*
*Runs into the house*
Mahsuri: *Excited* Oh mother, look at these beautiful flowers that have bloomed in our garden. How
I wish the whole town would be covered in these flowers.
*Mum is busy sewing something* * Dad is busy reading the paper* can change
Mother: Those are very beautiful flowers you have there darling. Come here and give Mummy a big
hug. So which on is for Mummy? *Mahsuri answers* What about for Daddy?
Mahsuri : But Mummy flowers are only girls. Daddy is a boy. *Chuckles with Mum* * Mum ties the
flower to Mahsuris hair*
Father: *With a nervous worrying look, he wakes up and walks towards the keris*
Mother : *notices the * Mahsuri, why dont you bring these beautiful flowers to the kitchen and put
them in a vase? Dont forget pour some water into the vase as well.
Mahsuri: Yes Mummy. I love you. *Hugs mum and runs to the kitchen*
Mum: *walks towards the husband* Are you okay? You look as if something is disturbing
Dad : My heart is deeply troubled, darling. I am not at peace.
Mum : What is the matter darling? Talk to me dear. I am here to listen and help you. But you need to
tell me whats troubling you. I am really worried about you. You havent been yourself for the past
few days.
Dad: I had the same horrific dream again last night. I heard screams. Flashes of keris. Something tell
me that something bad is about to happen. And I simply cannot ignore these thoughts that I am
having. Its as if God is trying tell me to do something before a horrendous calamity befalls our
family.
Mum: Oh darling, I can imagine how hard its been for you. We have lived peacefully for so many
years. This keris has been our symbol of protection and faith. Dont you worry.
Dad: Mahsuri is an incredibly special child, protected from evil and harm. Nothing could ever hurt
her. Not even the greatest weapon in this land. Only this keris can take her away from us. This keris
must be kept safely. I will never be able to forgive myself if something horrendous happens to
Mahsuri.
*Mahsuri walks in with the vase n her hands. Mum and Dad look upon their little baby*

Scene 2
*Walking down a road in Melaka*
Mahsuri and Wan Darus
Mahsuri trips and fall. She drops all her groceries as well*
Mahsuri: *blushes* my sincere apologies. I.. I.. I tripped on myself..
*Wan Darus helps Mahsuri up*
Mahsuri: Thank you, fellow Samaritan. Im Mahsuri.
Wan Darus: Beauty isnt just about having a pretty face. Its about having a pretty mind, a pretty
heart and a pretty soul. And something tells me you have it all. Im Wan Darus, a noble warrior of
Langkawi
Mahsuri: *blushes* youre being too nice. Its getting late. I need to go home as Mama and Papa will
be worried.
Wan Darus: *gets slightly excited* I will walk you home. It will be my pleasure.
Mahsuri: Its okay. I will be fine on my own. See you around.
Wan Darus: *drowning in love* I thinkkk Im in trouble.
Show timelapse of Mahsuri and Wan Darus getting close and eventually got married.

Scene 3
Mahsuri and Darus house
Mahsuri: *Sets the table for lunch/dinner
Mahsuri: Dear, I have your favourite petai sambal and fried ikan kembung for lunch.
Wan Darus: There is no spectacle on earth more appealing than that of a beautiful woman in the act
of cooking dinner for her husband.
Guard 1 walks in hurriedly
Guard 1: Wan Darus, our allies are at war. The Sultan requests your immediate presence at the
military base.
Wan Darus: I shall leave in a moment. Gather the rest of the troop. Make sure we have enough
supply of food and weapons. *Turns to Mahsuri*
Mahsuri: *Starts Weeping* God has indeed blessed me greatly to have such a great warrior as a
husband, and I always knew that one day youd have to leave to defend our village. But its time
Darus. I need you more, here. Fathers and sons die at the battlefield, Darus. I cannot continue to live
like this. Everyday I pray hoping God will ensure your safe return home. But for how long Darus?
What if one day you dont walk through that doors and come home?
Wan Darus: Honey, please. Well be sure to end this war soon. We have many good men fighting to
defend our homes. Siam will never take Langkawi!

Mahsuri: Do you even see me right now? Because this isnt just about us. Have you thought about
that?
Wan Darus: Honey, I know. I get you. But our country needs me and I have to go.
Mahsuri: bu..bu..but?.. I thought with this beautiful gift of ours, you will realize how much more
important you are to us, and how much we need you here, always. I need you more than anything
right now. This child needs a father, Darus. Your life is constantly at the brink of death. What will tell
our baby when he ask for his dad? We cannot afford to lose you, Darus. We cannot bear to part from
you. Please, just come home.
Wan Darus: I I am sorry Mahsuri. I will be home soon. I promise. Take good care of our baby.
*Walk away, Mahsuri continues sobbing*

Scene 4
Garden
Deramang: *Plays the flute* Hello there. I see that you grow such beautiful flowers in your garden I
couldnt resist to stop by.
Mahsuri: Thank you, kind sir. That is very beautiful music you play. A man who is fond of flowers.
Hmm. Thats rare.
Deramang: Oh where are my manners. Im Deramang. I am just a traveller a poet. Your baby, shes
beautiful [Said in an offhand-ish manner. ]
Mahsuri: Aww, yes he it. Hes our greasiest blessing. My name is Mahsuri. My husband is Wan Darus.
He is away at war-- defending Langkawi against the Siamese.
Deramang: War, well some people find it honourable to be part of it. To me, it is a terrible thing. It is
not glorious, even in victory. It demands the sacrifice of the people, but gives only suffering in return.
Mahsuri: How I wished Wan Darus would understand that. So what brings you to Langkawi,
Deramang?
Deramang: Well, the poems and songs I write are mostly inspired by things I see and experience
during my travels. It is often said Langkawi is a unique place filled with distinct cultures and
traditions. I had hoped that by coming here, I would find some inspiration.
Mahsuri: Have you found what you have been looking for?
Deramang: *Stares at Mahsuri for a while* Yes I did. Would you like to hear a poem?
Mahsuri: That will be lovely.
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all thats best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes;
Thus mellowed to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impaired the nameless grace

Which waves in every raven tress,

Or softly lightens oer her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express,
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And on that cheek, and oer that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
Mahsuri: Wow. Flowers AND poems. Arent you full of surprises?
Deramang: Well(smiles). Let me show how to play the flute.

Wan Mahura walks past

Wan Mahura: Hmph. Well, well, well... We have some[scornfully] company. Peculiar, foreign
people are all you get in Langkawi these days. I cannot stand seeing our respectable family name be
dragged through the mud -- being associated with the dregs of society. How shameful!
*St. George Market*

Friend 1
[in a gossipy voice]
You know, Ive seen that travelling poet.. whats his name..
Friend 2: Deramang?
Friend 1: Yes, Deramang.. spending a lot of time at Mahsuris house these days!
Mahura: [angrily] Oh, Mahsuri this, Mahsuri that! It makes my ears bleed when I hear her name!
They do not see that she is nothing more than a cunning little witch. You see how she captivates
everyones attention! Even that poet.. that Deramang [with contempt].. is bewitched by her!
Friend 1: Ahh, that is only because the men are captivated by her beautiful, innocent looks.
Otherwise, she is nothing compared to you, Mahura.
Friend 2: But thats not what the whole village thinks. Everyone finds Mahsuri as a beautiful young
lady with a pure heart. Everyone feels shes a blessing sent from the heavens.
Mahura: [almost screaming] SO YOURE TELLING MAHSURI IS BETTER THAN ME?
Friend 2: [timidly] No, that is not what I said
Mahura: But that is what the whole village thinks! How embarrassing! Oh, that horrible Mahsuri!
And oh, my son! Oh, Wan Darus! How can my son be married to her? He deserve someone better
than her!

Friend 1: Wait..please dont tell youre going to

Mahura: [cunning] oh, yes! Id need to find a way to rid Mahsuri from my life! But how how
Wait! AH! Deramang!he and Mahsuri have been very close to each other. Spending too much time
with each other. I shall accuse her of having an affair with Deramang.
Friend 2: But this is a serious accusation! Our village law states that adultery is punishable by death!
Mahura: Exactly! It will be the perfect plan. I will be able to get rid of Mahsuri once and for all!

Scene 5
[Background Voice]
Dishonour!
Unfaithful!
Shes an adulteress!

[sorrowfully, painfully, heartbreakingly, with her dying breath]

Every day, I wake up wanting to live a gracious life filled with love
Hate was always forbidden, but hate is all I got in return
What wrong have I done to you?
My heart bleeds with grief and agony from all your demonic jeers and jealousy
As my parents who bore me to this earth cry with no more tears
My child left alone in this cold, unforgiving world, desperate for mothers love
And immense sorrow shall overshadow as my husband mourns in desolation for me

Till then, I curse thee for the pain that you have left my family
Till the next 7 generations, the land Langkawi cannot be toiled,
There will be no happiness, no prosperity