Exploring Fear and Heritage: Crafting Hauntu's Seri Panggung Academy

In the realm of immersive, interactive, theatrical horror experiences, a journey of creation and innovation is seldom unveiled. As a senior producer for Hauntu, I've had the privilege of co-creating, writing, and directing six enigmatic Hauntu immersive & interactive productions. In this article, I invite you to delve into the creative odyssey behind my latest endeavor, the creation of Hauntu Curve's Seri Panggung Academy, a fusion of fear and tradition.

Picture a grand dance academy atop the mystical Mount Cintawangsa in Kelantan, adorned with echoes of Malay traditional performing arts – Mak Yong, Kuda Kepang, and Wayang Kulit. Only the finest dancers from Nusantara earn the privilege of joining this elite institution, where the mystical artistry of dance masters holds dominion. Here, dance masters wield power through their movements, and the academy's leader, the Seri Panggung, holds the mightiest sway. This Academy isn't just about dance; it's a supernatural sanctum where gurus' dance prowess transmutes into power. 

My odyssey in crafting this tale emanated with enthusiasm. Hauntu's maiden branch, a 1950s colonial hotel, was our first step; now, with Seri Panggung Academy, I aimed for a radical departure. Drawing from my love for ancient Malay stories, like Hikayat Hang Tuah, Hikayat Gul Bakawali, and others, I envisioned a setting that bridges the gap between horror and heritage.

Growing up in a theater-centric family infused me with a deep connection to traditional performances like Mek Mulung and Mak Yong. I felt a responsibility to preserve these traditions while engaging modern audiences. Hauntu's platform, embraced by 1 million visitors in three years, proved an ideal platform to showcase Malaysia's rich heritage. Thus, Hauntu Curve's "Seri Panggung Academy '' emerged, introducing Mak Yong, Kuda Kepang, and Wayang Kulit to the immersive horror tapestry, unlocking uncharted potential, it aimed to redefine immersive horror by unveiling the splendor of Malaysia's past.

Yet, innovation dances hand in hand with caution, especially when heritage is the muse. To respect and honor these traditions, I delved into their roots and partnered with experts from PUSAKA and practitioners of these disciplinaries. Our association with PUSAKA came to fruition, validating our endeavor to honor traditions. Inclusion of Mak Yong, Kuda Kepang, and Wayang Kulit demanded delicacy. These heritage forms, sadly demonized by extremist groups, required authenticity, not sensationalism. PUSAKA's oversight aligned us, ensuring that the spirit of heritage endured, intertwined with the pulsating heartbeat of fear that defines Hauntu.

Horror is our essence, capturing the thrill-seeking Malaysian spirit that drew 1 million to us before. Horror's allure is timeless; Malaysians relish the thrill. Yet, Seri Panggung Academy is more than horror;  It extends beyond mere fear, beckoning audiences to step beyond the realm of spectators. Here, they traverse dimensions, escaping reality to embrace new personas. This is storytelling that unearths raw human emotions, ignites conversations, and leaves indelible marks on receptive hearts.

In unveiling Hauntu Curve's "Seri Panggung Academy," we aim to reshape perceptions. Our art transcends the realms, whisking audiences away from the mundane into a world where they become part of a larger tapestry. Emotions unravel, and fear intertwines with heritage, crafting an experience that challenges preconceptions and weaves an unforgettable narrative. The Seri Panggung Academy is more than a branch; it's a revelation of the power of transformation. An embodiment of a fusion of heritage and horror, a testament to reimagining tradition. From the initial spark of an idea to the crescendo of an immersive experience, Hauntu Curve's "Seri Panggung Academy'' resonates as a paragon of innovation. An ode to tradition, an embrace of fear, and an invitation to transcend reality.

Contribute Author: Roshafiq Roslee, Senior Producer of Hauntu

Date: 26th Sept 2023

Role: Script writing, screenwriting, actors training