Wednesday 29 May 2013

Cultural feast awaits Penangites

Cultural feast awaits Penangites

CELEBRATED Flemish-Moroccan choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui is set to present a brand new dance called Sutra during the upcoming George Town Festival 2013.

Festival director Joe Sidek promised it would be one interesting performance that should not be missed.

He said Sutra, inspired by the skills, strength and spirituality of Buddhist Shaolin monks, would feature 17 monks from the original Shaolin Temple in China.

“Cherkaoui has collaborated closely with Turner Prize-winning artist Antony Gormley who has created a design comprising 21 wooden boxes.

“The boxes are repositioned to create a striking and ever-changing stage environment,” he said.

Joe also said the dance piece would include a beautiful new score for piano, percussion and strings by Polish composer Szymon Brzoska.

Sutra is among some 80 exciting programmes to be featured during the month-long festival from June 7 to July 7.

The dance will be presented on June 29 and 30 at Dewan Sri Pinang at 8.30pm on both days.

Other programmes recommen-ded by Joe include the ‘Secret Gardens of Earthly Designs’ held throughout the month and a performance by Italian chamber music group I Musici on the festival’s first day at Dewan Sri Pinang at 8.30pm.

‘Bridges and Kaki Lima’, a contemporary dance to be performed along Victoria Street on June 29 at 6.15pm, is also one that should be watched as its choreography is devised to celebrate cultural commonality.

“One of the choreographers is Aida Redza who is a Penangite herself,” said Joe.

“We also have the three-day heritage celebrations from July 5 to 7 to commemorate the inscription of George Town as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2008.

“The living heritage of George Town will be demonstrated through traditional and multicultural arts and practices, food and events that highlight historical and cultural pride,” said Joe during a talk to some 100 people in Bayan Lepas.

He said the festival, in its fourth year, would be ‘Taking Off’ on June 8 at the Esplanade this year.

“‘Taking Off’ is our festival’s opening ceremony where we take to the skies with kites made by master kite makers around the region.

“Free kites will be distributed and kite enthusiasts and representatives from the Asean Kite Council will be taking part in the ceremony,” he said.

He said the festival’s secretariat was looking for volunteers to help in the event.

For more information or to volunteer and to purchase tickets, visit www.georgetownfestival.com.

~News courtesy of The Star~

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