The Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House in Tanjung Puteri in Johor Baru is about to welcome percussion ensemble Drum Up JB! as a part of its new arts programme season this 12 months.
The group, contemporary from a collection of rehearsals, will take to the stage this weekend (Jan 7 and eight).
This is about to be the primary of many stagings as this Drum Up JB! manufacturing is a everlasting present on the venue (identified for its diamond-edged exterior which its nickname (“Jewel Of South”).
Two exhibits might be slated there for each month, giving locals and guests an opportunity to expertise the humanities and tradition scene in Johor Baru.
Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House, which opened in early 2020, has the capability to seat an viewers of 600.
The opera house is predicted to run a full arts programme this 12 months, with Drum Up JB! kicking off proceedings.
A collaboration between JB Drums and KL-based collective Orang Orang Drum Theatre, Drum Up JB! options over 24 drummers and combines drumming, bodily actions and different theatre components to create a robust, rousing expertise.
’24 Festive Drums’ is a cultural efficiency that originated in Johor Baru. It references the cycle of 24 festivals within the lunar calendar of the Chinese agriculture neighborhood. Photo: Drum Up JB!
“Drum Up JB! is inspired by the energy and vibrancy of Johor Baru and the multiple facets of the Malaysian identity. This show blends the heritage music of the 24 Festive Drums performance which originated from Johor Baru 35 years ago, with diverse musical instruments of Malaysian cultures,” says Lim Yi Kai, the president of JB Drums.
“Emerging from the pandemic last year, we wanted to create a commercially sustainable model that could support the cultural scene in Johor Baru, while creating a platform to showcase the rich heritage of this city to visitors. Our hope is for Drum Up JB! to be internationally recognised as a must-visit tourist attraction in Johor Baru,” he provides.
This 90-minute present (plus a 15-minute intermission), is split into two components.
Celebrating 24 Festive Drums
The first half, introduced by JB Drums, introduces the start and evolution of the 24 Festive Drums, which can enable audiences to be taught extra concerning the historical past of this cultural artwork kind.
Originating in Johor Baru within the late Eighties, this drumming model was created by cultural activist and poet Tan Chai Puan and the late composer-musician Tan Hooi Song (who died in 2008).
In 2009, 24 Festive Drums was recognised as a Malaysian National Intangible Cultural Heritage, and has since been embraced throughout 5 continents, with over 400 troupes all over the world.
A view of the Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House in Johor Baru. Photo: Handout
“In this performance, we are featuring one of our significant pieces, ‘Rhythm of the Drunken Souls’, which was born about 10 years after 24 Festive Drums was created in 1988. It was an important evolution of the art form during that time. The drummers’ movements (and choreography) are inspired by the ‘drunken fist’ martial arts,” says Lim.
The second half, which can see the Orang Orang Drum Theatre collective take to the stage, focuses on the multi-racial percussive devices of Malaysia, in addition to folks songs in numerous mom tongues.
Themed LaguKu, it showcases a variety of musical devices, together with Chinese drums, kulintangan, gendang, kompang, shigu and xylophone.
“The different instruments have unique sounds of their own, but when blended together, they create a beautiful ‘rojak’ of sounds and cultures, like our country Malaysia. This tells a story of the Malaysian identity – one that is neither singular nor reductive. Rather, similar to this performance, it is layered and interwoven with an inexplicable combination of shared values, cultures and experiences,” says Zyee Leow, co-founder of Orang Orang Drum Theatre.
Southern increase
Drum Up JB!’s finale gathers each groups in a composition referred to as The Memories, created by Orang Orang Drum Theatre co-founder Boyz Chew and his college students.
“This song is inspired by the history of Malaysian Chinese ancestors migrating southward in search of a way out, wishing to gain survival on foreign land. This echoes with the Johorean lifestyle today, a constant state of chaotic movement across borders and cities in the pursuit of a collective memory,” provides Leow.
This 12 months, Orang Orang Drum Theatre will tackle a month-to-month stint at Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House in Johor Baru, bringing to the stage a vibrant mix of music, vocal expression and bodily actions. Photo: The Star/Filepic
This presentation is comparable to the model showcased throughout Orang Orang Drum Theatre’s tour in France in 2017.
“The audience can expect a powerful and dynamic drum performance with high-tech lighting and sound equipment to enhance the visual and auditory experience. Everyone is invited to enjoy this multi-cultural experience of energy, percussion and music.
“It will also be a great experience if the whole family could come together to enjoy and discuss the performance after a rich cultural experience,” Lim concludes.
Drum Up JB! is an initiative below the Downtown Johor Baru Grants Programme: Arts, Heritage and Culture, a collaboration between Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) and Think City, supported by Majlis Bandaraya Johor Baru (MBJB). It can be supported by R&F Development and Malaysia Digital Districts.
Drum Up JB! is on at Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House in Johor Baru on Jan 7 (8pm) and Jan 8 (3pm). More data here.
