AdminSri KDU Kota Damansara’s annual school production, Arabian Nights: The Aladdin Musical, brought together the school’s community for a night filled with storytelling, musical performances, and a deep sense of purpose. Held at the school’s auditorium, this year’s show not only showcased the talents of 383 students but also served as a charity event that raised over RM38,000 for local homes in need.
Set against the enchanting backdrop of Agrabah, the musical followed the classic tale of Aladdin, whose courage, wit, and kindness ultimately win the heart of Princess Jasmine. The story was brought to life with vibrant performances and an ensemble cast, including a 37-member orchestra. Beyond the spectacle, the musical’s message of friendship, courage, and self-discovery resonated with the audience, demonstrating the power of community and creativity.
An Outstanding Showcase of Student Talent
The show featured a variety of student talents, from actors and dancers to behind-the-scenes roles such as stage crew, props managers, and food and beverage team members. The 383 students involved, aged 7 to 12, demonstrated their hard work and commitment in preparing for the production. Their collaboration was made even more remarkable by the inclusion of the award-winning Sri KDU String Orchestra, which recently received honors at an international competition in Hong Kong.
Puan Shamsiah Anverdeen, Principal of Sri KDU National Primary School, shared her thoughts on the uniqueness of the production. “What makes this production special is how it brings together different aspects of learning: Creativity, responsibility, and compassion – raising the bar in an all-local musical production of international standards,” she said. “Each student has fully embraced their role, whether on stage or behind the scenes, and it is their dedication that truly brings the story to life.”
A Charitable Cause Close to the Heart
In line with the school’s commitment to social responsibility, the musical served as a fundraiser, with proceeds going to local charitable organizations. Through ticket sales alone, Arabian Nights raised RM38,505. This added to the approximately RM77,000 raised earlier in the year during the school’s Merdeka Carnival, which was donated to Pusat Jagaan Titian Kaseh and Rumah HOPE. These funds will provide essential resources to the homes, reinforcing the school’s mission to teach students the importance of giving back to the community.
Shamsiah expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support from the school’s community, including parents, teachers, and students. “We are incredibly grateful for the support from the community, parents, and staff who have made this event a success. The student’s joy and excitement were visible in every performance, and to channel this energy into a charitable cause truly amplifies the value of this experience for everyone involved,” she said.
Inspiring Personal Growth Through the Arts
The impact of the musical extended beyond fundraising, as it also provided students with valuable life lessons. Rayshen Venkatachalam, who played the Genie, shared how the experience had boosted his self-confidence and helped him discover new skills. “Performing on stage has been such an amazing experience for me. I have gained more self-confidence, while it also helped me overcome my stage fright. I never thought I could sing because I see myself as just merely a dancer, but I am glad I discovered a new skill!” Rayshen reflected.
His mother, Madam Lavania Kumaraendran, expressed her appreciation for the teachers’ dedication. “The teachers have been amazing, always guiding the students to improve and work together as a team. They definitely go the extra mile to create an environment where the kids can grow, explore their creativity, and perform to the best of their abilities.”
This year’s Arabian Nights musical production exemplifies the power of the arts to bring people together and create a lasting impact. The school’s focus on creativity, responsibility, and compassion not only made for an unforgettable performance but also contributed significantly to supporting local charitable causes. As the students of Sri KDU Kota Damansara continue to grow and learn, they will undoubtedly carry with them the lessons of hard work, community, and the joy of giving.
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