Jakarta, Indonesia - The art of theater is making its way into the hearts of most Malaysians this week, signaled by the many artists holding two-day performances for the masses.
It's a good thing that you're there. And because most of these performances are based on tradition, its audiences are set to receive knowledge about the country's roots, their source of origin and even the customs that sustain them now.
The first performance not to miss is the Traditional Theatre Mek Mulung Dewa Muda. Running for two nights on the evening of July 30 and 31 from as early as 8.30 p.m., Mek Mulung Dewa Muda is a one-time opportunity to witness the art of the long forgotten Malay theater art form, in grandeur this time, accompanied by a full orchestra.
The story revolves around a snobbish prince who refuses to stay at home. Like most young people of his age, he is curious about the world. And because money, later translated as transportation fee, accommodations and logistics are not part of the issue, he goes against the wishes of his father and meets a beautiful princess on his journey. Typical, but aren't we all suckers for a love story?
The performances will take place at the ballroom of the Malaysian Philharmonic Petronas, on level two of tower two of the once tallest buildings on earth. Tickets are priced at RM15, RM30, RM50 and RM60 for different seat arrangements. Click on www.malaysianphilarmonic.com for detailed information and seat booking information.
As Indian culture also contributes significantly to the nation's traditions, with one-third of the nation's population being of Indian origin, Dancing My Shiva is the next heart-throbbing traditional performance you shouldn't miss. Way prettier than other types of dancing you'll ever witness, the reminiscence of god in Dancing My Shiva is not just aimed at broadening our perspective of Indian culture but also displays the sheer pleasure of an art form at its best. The performance will run from 8.30 on both evenings, July 31 and Aug. 1. Tickets are priced at RM30, RM50 and RM100.
A Barathanatyam performance by the London-based classical Indian dancer Mavin Khoo, accompanied by world renowned O.S Arun on vocals, the two-day event will take place at the Auditorium Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur, in the DBKL Tower 1 on Jl. Raja Laut. Tickets are available at the entrance.
You must be itching for until Aug. 7 to arrive, as the annual Dancing in Place 2010 will be held at that time. But until then, you might want to lay low and conserve your energy. One of the best ways to do so is by visiting less tiring events, such as, well, an art exhibition. But even our next art exhibition still has dances written all over it.
Running until Aug. 8 from as early as July 25, Art for Nature 2010: Survival is a type of full exhibition that involves both two and three dimensional art forms as well as dance performances. It will take place at the green Rimbun Dahan, Km 27 Jl. Kuang Selangor.
With free admission, the annual charity exhibition will have at least two must-attend programs, namely the curator's talk on July 31 at 3 p.m., and Cross-Pollination dance performances on the evening of Aug. 7 and 8.
The overall exhibition is participated in by prominent Malaysian artists as well as rising young talents such as Ahmad Shukri Mohamed, Bayu Utomo Radjikin, Chang Fee Ming, Dominic Johns, Hamir Shoib, Jalaini Abu Hassan, Munkao, Saiful Razman and Yusof Majid. Sponsored by Hijjas Kasturi Association, the proceeds of the exhibition will be used to support artists and WWF-Malaysia's nature conservative efforts.
That's it for a week full of dancing and theatrical performances for you. Have a great fasting month ahead.
Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com
