Nanyang cultural heritage roars to life on stage

Lion dancers spring into action against a digital backdrop depicting historic Nanyang streets. Looking on are Loke (second from left) and Yeoh (second from right).

THE thunder of drums, flashes of colourful lion heads and graceful sweep of dragons brought the history of lion dance in Malaysia to life on stage.

The three-day production featured about 600 performers from different races, generations and backgrounds, combining lion dance, 24 Festive Drums, martial arts, dragon dance, Japanese taiko drums, traditional dances and Chinese orchestra in a thea­trical celebration of Nanyang (South-East Asian) cultural heritage.

It was organised by Universiti Malaya Lion Dance Troupe (UMLD) and Shi Yuan Cultural Association Malaysia, with support from Tourism Malaysia.

Performed at Harris Hotel & Conventions Sunshine Penang, the production’s plot centred on two brothers who trained in martial arts and lion dance under their master in southern China before setting sail for Nanyang in search of a new life.

Performers skilfully manoeuvring a glowing dragon puppet on stage during the cultural showcase.

Child performers opened with wushu and big-headed Buddha routines before traditional lion dancers stormed the stage.

An umbrella dance, a traditional Malay song and kung fu performance added to the cultural mix.

The mood then shifted as the storyline moved to depict war. Pounding drums and Japanese taiko were used to evoke the Japanese occupation of Malaya and the people of different backgrounds unifying to resist the Occupation.

A massive ensemble of performers striking the large 24 Festive Drums in a thunderous finale.

In a time of peace, the two brothers were shown teaching martial arts and lion dance to the younger generations.

A solo drum performance, advanced Xing Yun drumming, Chinese orchestra and cultural dances built towards a powerful finale featuring the full-scale 24 Festive Drums.

Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said the production took nearly a year to prepare, with organisers engaging over 30 local schools to give the show an authentic Penang identity.

Launching the show, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said lion dance had evolved from a traditional Chinese art form into a distinctly Malaysian cultural heritage embraced by all races, including Malays, Indians, Ibans and Kadazans.

Dancers performing a captivating umbrella dance bathed in dramatic stage lighting.

“Today, it is part of Malaysian culture, loved and appreciated by people of all races and walks of life,” he said.

Also present were Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Lim Hui Ying, Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, Chinese Vice-Consul General in Penang Ding Qiao, Thai Consul-General in Penang Psusist Wong­su­­­­rawat, Indonesian Consulate-General information, social and cultural counsellor Prima Januar Sastrawiria and Penang police chief Comm Datuk Dennis Lim Kwang Keng.