Entertainment

A unique cultural experience

by Mahes Perera

A colourful cultural programme of folk and traditional dance enthralled the audience at the official launch of 'The Festivals of Malaysia' by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Sri Lanka Faizer Mustapha held recently at the Galadari Hotel.

The occasion was to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Malaysia - Sri Lanka Diplomatic Relations.

The dance troupe from Malaysia, the Angkatan Seni Baru comprising thirty five dancers, singers and musicians, performed a package of more than fifteen dances well choreographed by their leader Madzor B. Adu.

With quick costume changes and disciplined dancing the audience were taken through a fascinating display of folk dances representing the many states and tribes of Malaysia. Starting off with Dia Datang the traditional opening dance for any formal occasion, the dance was taken at a leisured pace and gave the dancers the space to welcome the guests.

There was the Dondang Sayang of Chinese decent, the Zapin Ya Saidi that has its roots from Persia. A dance sequence in harmony focused on the races of Malay, Indian, Chinese, Sarawak and Sabah origin which symbolized the different cultures in Malaysia. An interesting Patendu Patende was more modern in choreography.

A happy dance with many an element of teasing between boys and girls hails from Terengganu and is often performed at festivals in that state. Of course one cannot leave out the Joget Lambak, an extremely popular one at cultural festivals and wedding functions.

The music is similar to the Sri Lankan baila and was expressed with all the accompanying enthusiasm. One cannot leave out the colourful Wau or kite dance which portrayed cleverly the closeness of the people who live in the country side.

The folk dances from Sri Lanka were also represented at the cultural presentation with the Kandyan and low country taking pride of place. This was a unique cultural experience depicting styles and customs of Malaysia.

Semi-finals on Wednesday

Observer Fashion Designer of the Year 2007 presented by Chula Nanayakkara:

Time flies and you have only tomorrow to get your fashion entries across before it is too late. Just in case you are a late starter don't worry, work on your ideas today and hand your entry over with the coupon to the address given in on the coupon published in the Sunday Observer or the Daily News.

The contest is sponsored by Sunday Observer and Daily News the print media sponsors. The semi finals will be held on Wednesday September 19 at the Cinema Lounge, BMICH and judging by the number of creative entries received already, the judges for the semi finals will no doubt have a task to select the deserving finalist.

The contest is open to both males and females and there is no age barrier. For those of you who wish to gamble with lady luck, you have the opportunity to hand over your creation on the day of the semi-finals before 9.00 a.m. at the Cinema Lounge, BMICH.

Isn't that encouraging? The culmination of all this excitement will be the fabulous show on November 3 at the BMICH which will also feature film actress Chandi Perera and Suraj Mapa in a dance sequence.

Concert by Signum Quartett

To mark the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Goethe Institute, Sri Lanka-German Cultural Centre the internationally acknowledged German Chamber orchestra The Signum Quartett will give a concert on September 22 at 7 p.m. at the British School Auditorium, Colombo 5.

The Quartett's programme will include works of Joseph Haydn, Robert Schumaum and contemporary works like string quartets by Jorg Widmann or Ernst - Lothar von Knorr.

The Quartett was founded in 1994 and won several young talent prizes like the German competition Jugend Musiziert (Youth Makes Music). With concerts in different countries like Spain and Bulgaria the young musicians are an experienced ensemble now giving live performances for Radio Stations from Germany and other countries.