The traditional arts scene continues to empower cultural art through youthful talent.

AYER KEROH, 4 Oct: The Department of Culture and National Arts (JKKN) continues to strengthen the continuity of traditional arts through staging of Traditional Art Theatre (PST).

JKKN Deputy Director-General, Rosnan Abdul Rahman said that PST is not only a platform to highlight heritage based performances but also plays a role in gathering and developing the talent of young generation in dance, music and acting.

"It's a great platform for art school kids to showcase their talents in dance, music and acting.

"We see art school children who are very familiar with traditional arts, including folk songs and original songs that are difficult to sing, but can be performed well under the guidance of art school teachers", he said.

He said this to TVS after the PST production of Muzikal Sri Gemalai: Fragments of the People of Johor, on Saturday.

Following in attendance, the late Chief Minister of Melaka, Tun Dr Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam.

Rosnan said the effort was part of JKKN's initiative to ensure that traditional cultural arts continue to grow and be passed down to younger generations.

He said that earlier PST was implemented through two stages in Kuala Lumpur, besides being brought to Negeri Sembilan, Sabah and Sarawak last year.

He said that the exhibition outside Kuala Lumpur aims to expand PST's reach to more states, as well as allowing local talent to be directly involved in traditional art staging.

"Maybe next year we'll go north or east coast", he said.

Sri Gemalai: Fragment of the People of Johor is a dance musical that emphasizes the rhythm of Ghazal Johor as the show's main tune, along with accompanied by traditional Johor music bands, especially zapin, as well as string orchestra arrangements.

The combination of traditional elements with fresh musical arrangements produces performances with a new touch, without severing the roots of Johor's traditions and cultural identity. - TVS