Like his uncle the Prophet Mohammad, Amir Hamzah feels great brotherly love for all humans. In Javanese culture, water is a crucial symbol of love, as it nurtures, calms, and animates all living things, and water references abound in this dance drama. His compassionate nature is so strong that it attracts two beautiful princess Kelaswara and Adaninggar. He falls in love with Kelaswara, but Adaninggar tries, unsuccessfully to pull him away from his beloved. In accord with Javanese tradition, Amir Hamzah needs permission from Kelaswara's father before marrying her. Though initially he withheld his blessing for political reasons, in the end he did, as he understood that Amir Hamzah manifested love not only for Kelaswara but for all humanity.
Sponsored by the Residential College, the Center for Southeast Asian Studies, LSA, Center for World Performance Studies, the Islamic Studies Program, African Studies Center, Humanities Institute, Center for Research on Learning and Teaching, Office of Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, Department of Asian Languages and Cultures, Rackham, OVPR, and International Institute.