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Special Reportage
Behold The Earthy Vibrations of ‘Rentak Bumi 2.0’
An explicit testament that a display of Malaysia's rich cultural diversity and heritage will never be out of style
Malaysia
December 2022

In an attempt to close the year in style, three of Malaysia’s prominent dance companies, Dua Space Dance Theatre, Sutra Foundation and DiDance have collectively and in their own unique ways proven that arts and culture will always have a place in the hearts of Malaysians.

With a three-night full house show that witnessed a mixed audience of various backgrounds and demographics, Rentak Bumi 2.0 left it all on stage as it highlighted the talent of some of the country’s best dancers under the creative direction of Artistic Directors, Anthony Meh & Aman Yap (Dua Space), Datuk Ramli Ibrahim (Sutra Foundation) and Zaridah Abdul Mallik (DiDance).

Three nights full house show at RENTAK BUMI 2.0

Photo by ArtsFAS

 

Supported by ArtsFAS under Yayasan Hasanah, Rentak Bumi 2.0 is an explicit testament that a display of Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity and heritage is still relevant in this day and age. Rentak Bumi 2.0 is birthed from a triumphant online effort by the three dance companies during the height of the global pandemic. The series of videos has currently garnered close to 1 million views on YouTube. This has inspired the founders of Sutra, Dua Space and DiDance to once again synergise their efforts in transforming these dance videos into a compelling live performance, named Rentak Bumi 2.0. 

According to Aman Yap of Dua Space, “We are truly honoured to be able to collaborate with these respected dance companies. Thank you to everyone who came to watch the show and on behalf of all the dancers, stage crew and those working behind the scene, we hope to see the same kind of support towards our future shows and keep on embracing Malaysian arts as it is the heart and soul of the country”.

Performance by Dua Space Dance Theatre

Photo by ArtsFAS

The third day of Rentak Bumi 2.0 also featured a special lecture demonstration entitled – Behind the Making of Rentak Bumi’an effort specially designed to connect with the country’s performing arts students. Conducted by the three artistic directors, it offered crystal clear insight into the narrative behind the online staging of Rentak Bumi that led to Rentak Bumi 2.0.

Performance by Sutra Foundation

Photo by ArtsFAS

Datuk Ramli Ibrahim, Founder and Artistic Director of Sutra Foundation, fresh from his return from Konark Dance Festival in India where Sutra Foundation’s performance received rave reviews from the global dance community, said “We hope to do more of this sharing session as it provides a first-hand understanding and acuity to the production of any creative work. More than a dance production, Rentak Bumi is the story of our country, and beyond politics and contrary to what you may have read in the media, we are proud of our multiculturalism. That aspect of ‘perpaduan’ is one of Rentak Bumi’s most prominent messages. Again, we must extend our utmost appreciation to ArtsFAS and Yayasan Hasanah that has played a pivotal part in the execution of this event and allowed us to inspire a new generation of artists in visual and performing arts”.

Performance by DiDance  

Photo by ArtsFAS

Tryambakam by Sutra Foundation

Photo by ArtsFAS

This invocatory dance pays homage to Lord Siva, the nourisher of spiritual essence, and liberator of souls from the bondage of opposites. This is followed by 2 sabdas – the first sabda depicts the cosmic tandav (vigorous) dance of Lord Siva, swaying to the thunderous beats of his damaru (drums), while the second describes his destruction of the Triple Worlds of the demons. The two powerful sabdas awaken the dancer and audience to the presence of Siva.

Crossroad by DiDance

Photo by ArtsFAS

There are moments in our lives when we find ourselves at a CrossRoad, afraid, confused without a guide. The choices we made in those moments can define our lives.” ~ Lucas Scott 

Ornaments of Grace by Dua Space Dance Theatre

Photo by ArtsFAS

Deliver the unique aesthetic of Chinese dance infuses among the diverse cultures of Malaysia. Just like the intricate structure of a flower, an ornamental, blooming beautifully and gracefully, nourished by the soil it grows.

Palu Sa-Iring by DiDance

Photo by ArtsFAS

As my dearest Mommy puts it “Dance helps to keep a culture of people alive by sharing and teaching younger generations the dances” To celebrate her beliefs and her wonderful life I created “Palu Sa-Iring.” A celebration of dance among friends beating a small drum called Kompang. A traditional hand drum played in groups using interlocking movements to produce various composite rhythms with glorious dance movements.

Jinjoti Pallavi by Sutra Foundation

Photo by ArtsFAS

A pallavi implies elaboration in the exposition of both dance and music. The graceful and lyrical movements exquisitely complement the melody and intricate rhythm of the pallavi. Both dance and music are framed in complex patterns creating a matching marriage of dance and music.

The Pulse of Rainforest by Dua Space Dance Theatre

Photo by ArtsFAS

A fusion of various Malaysian dances. The use of rattan and fans to reproduce the significant images that resemble different ethnicities, such as the peacock and hornbill, to present dance figures moving under the shades of green canopies, rising from this land of diverse quintessence. 

Perpaduan Act Finale

Photo by ArtsFAS

This collaborative effort by three of the country’s most prominent dance companies, Dua Space Dance Theatre, Sutra Foundation and DiDance, the three-night full house show at Panggung Bandaraya KL last weekend captured the hearts of art enthusiasts and the public in general.

Curtain call for RENTK BUMI 2.0

Photo by ArtsFAS

If you are a fan and wish to experience this one-of-a-kind extravagant dance event, do follow Sutra Foundation, DiDance and Dua Space Dance Theatre’s official page for more updates on their upcoming shows.

Stay tuned for more culture-related content curated just for you exclusively only at Common Affairs.

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