Global-standard dance production ‘Hijauan’ happening at Batu Lintang Teachers’ Training Institute on July 27-28

KUCHING (July 26): Audience members here will get to witness a dance production of international standard entitled ‘Hijauan’ at Batu Lintang Teachers’ Training Institute’s Auditorium Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce (TAZA) here, which will run on July 27-28 at 8pm.

A statement today said Hijauan promises to be a spectacular showcase of talent and tradition, featuring performances from renowned dancers of Dua Space Dance Theatre (Dua Space) from Kuala Lumpur.

It is a contemporary dance production, choreographed by well-known Malaysian choreographer Anthony Meh and inspired by the cultural fecundity of the country.

The event is organised by the Kuching Unity Dance Association (KUDA), and sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP).

“Hijauan is a new creation of the Dua Space to mark its 25th anniversary.

“The company made its premiere for Hijauan in September last year at the Greater Bay Dance Festival in Shenzhen, and the production had performed at the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre in October.

“Following that, the company participated and performed this production in the 9th Silk Road International Art Festival in Xi’an.

“The forthcoming performance in Kuching will be the fourth stop for Hijauan,” said the statement.

The production is a showcase of different Malaysian ethnic groups with their distinctive and unique cultural attributions through poetic and narrative choreography of Anthony Meh, who is also a Dua Space co-founder, with his deep affection for the flora and fauna in the homeland.

The Dua Space had performed extensively on various domestic and international stages, such as Beijing, Guangzhou, Harbin, Tianjin, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Seoul, Incheon, Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya, Pakistan, Indonesia, Singapore, London, the Philippines, India, Spain, Chile, Argentina, Peru and Paraguay.

They hope to expand local audiences’ horizons with their innovative stage productions in Kuching, and aim to connect with local cultural units in the hopes of establishing another base for cultural exchange and cooperation.

Tickets for Hijauan are priced at RM150, RM100, RM50 and RM30, and can be purchased at https://www.cloudjoi.com/shows/hijauan-on-tour or by calling the event hotline on 018-2071005.

KUDA is a non-profit organisation set up last year by a small group of young dancers and dance lovers, with the aim to unify different groups of various dance genres and work together to uplift the standard of dancing locally.

It has been dedicated to promoting cultural heritage and fostering a deep appreciation for the art of dance within the community in Sarawak.

Its president Layna Chan said the event aims to expand the exposure of local dancers and choreographers from different dance genres as well as to cultivate appreciation for the performing arts among the local communities, through collaboration with Dua Space.

Apart from promoting awareness and appreciation for performing arts through various dance activities, KUDA hopes to provide a platform to support local artistes in their effort of improving creativity and standard of dancing.

The association is also making an effort to work hand-in-hand with the government and private sectors to prepare artistes and local audiences for the new Sarawak Performing Arts Centre.