Indonesian Wellah Hatta Shares Secrets to Stage Managing the FIFA World Cup 2026

An Indonesian woman, Wellah Hatta, is capturing attention for her significant role as Senior Stage Manager at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States. Her presence has been noted on social media, particularly after photos of her with Hollywood actor Tom Cruise circulated online.

Hatta, the youngest of three siblings, is entrusted with overseeing three major ceremonies during the tournament. Her responsibilities include assisting world-class performers such as Lisa Blackpink, Katy Perry, and Idina Menzel. This high-profile role underscores her expertise in managing large-scale international events.

In an interview, Hatta revealed her passion for stage management began after graduating from LSPR in 2009. Although she initially aspired to perform, she found her calling behind the scenes, managing the technical and logistical aspects of shows. Her early experiences, including a significant role in the Bali Agung theater show in 2010, provided her with a strong foundation in stage production.

Her international career saw her move from Bali to Thailand to work as a stage manager for Cartoon Network Amazone. A subsequent opportunity arose when she applied for the stage manager position for the Asian Games 2018 in Indonesia. This role, which she initially viewed as a temporary commitment before pursuing further studies in France, proved to be a pivotal step in her career.