AT night, Batu Ferringhi in Penang is a smoking hot place to be – and it has nothing to do with the weather!
Adding to the sizzle of the nights are the flamboyant performances put on by fire-juggling groups who artistically manipulate and breathe flames in well-choreographed routines.
One of them is homegrown Fire Phantom that performs at Ferringhi Heart Beach Club in Ferringhi Bay, a seaside food, beverage and entertainment boulevard.
Its sets typically begin after sunset when the place is teeming with diners.
The performers spin fire poi and juggle flaming torches, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
“Oohs” and “aahs” often greet members who unleash giant fireballs from their mouths. But the crowd-favourite tends to be the “sparkle cage” segment.
This involves long-handled torches containing smouldering charcoal at either end.
As the performer gracefully dances around, a shower of flaming embers envelops him, creating quite the spectacle.
Accompanying the act are two songs titled Golden Hour and Janam-Janam, according to the group’s social media handler Najieha Abdullah, 29.
“Audiences always enjoy this. It caps off our shows which run between 30 and 45 minutes each,” she said.
Fire Phantom was formed last September by Mohamad Azrul Mohd Rashid, 26, and Mohamad Shafiq Abdullah, 33, who both shared a passion for the performance art.
Ironically, the friends first visited Ferringhi Bay as prospective tenants looking to set up a food-and-beverage business.
However, they learnt that one of the eateries was looking for performers and they became its headline act instead.
The group now has 12 members aged 16 to 35.
While some have other jobs or are juggling studies, the rest are full-time fire performers.
“Each one of them brings different skills and stunts.
“Together, we try to create a spectacle that gets the audience’s pulses racing,” said Najieha.
While she conceded that fire juggling was not for the faint-hearted as there was an element of danger involved, she said the skills were not hard to master if one was dedicated and willing to put up with a few burns and bruises along the way.
“It takes anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to master a particular act.
“Members will first practise manipulating the equipment without any fire.
“Only when they’re good at it, will they add the flames,” she said, adding that confidence was essential because hesitation could lead to mistakes.
“We take safety seriously, so we only perform in a marked area, a pre-set distance away from spectators,” said Najieha, who also serves as emcee to work the crowd.
According to her, the performers always try to up the ante with more spectacular stunts, adding new elements to their routines every few months.
Currently, Fire Phantom performs at Ferringhi Heart Beach Club every night except Tuesdays.
Its sets start at roughly 7.30pm and 9.30pm.
