Indonesian Woman Wellah Hatta Goes Viral After FIFA World Cup 2026 Role, Tom Cruise Photo
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Wellah Hatta, an Indonesian woman, gained viral fame after a photo with Tom Cruise surfaced online.
- She serves as a Senior Stage Manager for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, overseeing major ceremonies.
- Hatta shared her journey from graduating in 2009 to managing international productions, emphasizing her passion for stage management.
Indonesian stage manager Wellah Hatta has captured international attention, recently going viral after a photograph of her with Hollywood actor Tom Cruise circulated online. Hatta holds the significant role of Senior Stage Manager for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking place in the United States. In this capacity, she is responsible for overseeing three major ceremonies during the event.
To be honest, ever since I graduated from LSPR in 2009, I have been working in stage management. I found my passion early on and have been pursuing it ever since.
Her journey into the international spotlight began after graduating from LSPR in 2009, where she discovered her passion for stage management. Despite not being a performer, Hatta found her niche behind the scenes, managing productions. Her early career included a foundational role in the large-scale "Bali Agung" show at Bali Safari in 2010, which provided extensive training in systematic theater production.
My initial dream might have been to perform on stage, but I cannot sing, dance, or play a musical instrument.
Hatta's international career saw her move to Thailand to work as a stage manager for Cartoon Network Amazone. She later returned to Indonesia with plans for a master's degree in France. During her French language studies, a friend encouraged her to apply for a stage manager position for the 2018 Asian Games, an opportunity that led to further significant projects, including the musical theater "Perahu Kertas" and the 2018 Asian Games itself.
When I secured my first job as a stage manager in Bali, it just felt right!
Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.