The Damansara Performing Arts Centre has been sildent since Covid-19 brought everything to a grinding halt, but it’s about to break that silence when it launches a new initiative dubbed DPAC Live. Like so many in the last few months, the arts hub is turning to the Internet to help get things rolling again with a new format that will see performances broadcast live to screens.
DPAC’s philosophy is built on the foundation to bring people together through the arts, and it’s hoped that the reduced ticket prices and higher accessibility of these live performances will greatly help with that.
Kicking of the series is Malaysia’s famed drum troupe Hands Percussion which has been championing percussive arts since 1997 when Artistic Director Bernard Goh formed a group to promote and progress the arts. Over the years, Hands has amassed a reputation that extends far beyond Malaysian borders, pushing boundaries, cross-cultural engagements and spreading its knowledge in its mission.
Firmly grounded in Malaysian styles and tones, the ensemble has staged multi-disciplinary productions that have incorporated different cultures and often verge on the experimental. The result has netted them countless awards and etched their name forever into the performing arts world.
On 18 July, the cameras of film production team D Moving Pictures will be trained on the group as it presents Reflections, a show consisting of seven pieces each with their own unique flavour, instrumentation and rhythm.
Drumbeat Inferno
This Hands Percussion classic is infused with energy and sees performers leaping over drums as the beat surges to a climax. The name says it all.
Satu
This piece was composed as a reminder that key to a strong community is cooperation. Written by Zamzuriah Zahari, it is sung in Malay, English and Mandarin with music by Phang Jian Hao.
JU4JI2
First performed in 2015 as part of the group’s Chinese New Year concert, it’s all about festive vibes on this one. A solo drummer on a big red drum begins the piece, and is slowly joined by fellow drummers who performing a variety of rhythms and movements as one.
Terang Bulan
Kelantanese percussion master Matt Din Hussin joins Hands for this reimagining of the popular Indonesian folk song Terang Bulan, which was adapted from a French melody.
Bunga Emas
Guest performers including Zamzuriah Zahari, Evelyn Toh, Mat Din Hussin and Lim Wei Siong perform together with the ensemble for this piece that tells of a Kelantan Princess and her great sacrifice.
Armour & Skin
Gamelan became part of the Hands Percussion repertoire years ago and here they showcase the soothing sounds of its gongs, chimes and symbols alongside Chinese drums.
In The Name Of Celebration
Featuring a range of different drums that come together in harmony, In The Name Of Celebration once again features Matt Din Hussin in a thrilling end.
DPAC Live – Reflections
Where Streamed live on cloudtheatres.com
Where 8pm (18 July)
Admission RM23
Tel 03 4065 0001/0002
dpac.com.my