Orang Orang Drum Theatre, featuring a cast of new performers, makes a return to the big stage with its 'Laguku 3.0' series at KLPac next month. Photo: Bernama
Orang Orang Drum Theatre is set to showcase a new generation of talent in its Laguku drum concert series, now in its third edition.
Taking place at the Pentas 1 main stage, Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac) from April 4-6, the Lagu 3.0 concert celebrates the shigu (lion dance drum), which will reimagined by seven young groups blending percussion with hip hop, vocals, folk rituals, and storytelling.
Leow Hui Min, producer of Orang Orang Drum, sees the concert as a platform for young musicians (ages 25–35) to compose original pieces using traditional instruments and perform them on a big stage.
“Most of our musicians use a primary instrument, which is the shigu (a Chinese drum), before incorporating other instruments such as the gamelan, demung, bonang, djembe (African drum), bongo, xylophone and others,” said Leow.
‘Each musician has found a way to craft unique compositions that express their artistic identity,’ says Leow.Photo: Bernama
Laguku 3.0 will feature seven original compositions by eight musicians: Dream-Like Drum Song by Lim Jian Ru, Quartet by Eng Cheah Her, Little By Little by Low Wai Kei, Rebecoming by Tai Chun Wai, Lean Into The Wind by Tee Vlin, 1^N by Hanson Lee Chun Bin and Vibe Check, Vibe Check by Nick Ng and Syamil.
“Each musician has found a way to craft unique compositions that express their artistic identity,” said Leow.
These emerging performers dedicated nearly two years to shaping this concert series.
Leow added that as part of Orang Orang Drum Theatre’s development process, a “work-in-progress” session for Laguku 3.0 was also held last year, allowing this new crop to showcase their creations and exchange ideas with mentors and other artistes.
Laguku 3.0 explores the performer’s bond with the shigu (drum) and the challenges of preserving traditional drumming. Photo: Bernama
“They received guidance from mentors and instructors to expand their ideas through the special workshops that were held during the session.”
Besides the main performance, a special session is scheduled for April 4, featuring an arts outreach programme and a discussion session with school students to enhance their understanding of drumming arts and inspire the younger generation.
Tai, who composed Rebecoming, said the piece features the djembe, which he has been learning to play for over 10 years.
“Before this, I used to play Chinese drums but I was drawn to the unique sound of the djembe. I had the chance to learn from musicians from Africa and Singapore, and I also explored its techniques via YouTube (videos),” he said.
Tee's 'Lean Into The Wind' composition incorporates elements of theatre, dance and music. Photo: Bernama
Tee’s Lean Into The Wind incorporates elements of theatre, dance and music, and is inspired by the films Howl’s Moving Castle and Dune, as well as the novels The Little Prince and The Alchemist.
“I use instruments like the Chinese zither, drums, demung and plastic pipes to produce captivating sounds while blending various rhythms, including physical and musical elements that lean more towards theatre,” she said.
Since its founding in 2013, Orang Orang Drum Theatre has carved out a distinct artistic path, combining performance, knowledge-sharing, experimental productions, and education. – Bernama
