LONG-running local dance company Dua Space Dance Theatre premiered its latest work, Hijauan, at the Greater Bay Dance Festival in Shenzhen, China last month.
The new show will be staged at the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC) in Bandar Utama, Selangor from today until Oct 22.
"It's an ongoing exploration of unity, diversity and shared history that is representative of Malaysia," says Dua Space co-founder and Hijauan choreographer Anthony Meh.
"The Tree which was staged at Istana Budaya in 2015 was a full-length production which incorporated traditional and ethnic dance elements.
"Since then, I have always wanted to bring to the forefront the rich cultural heritage of the country in a show.
"I feel that this is the right time to create another performance in a similar vein as everyone strives to return to normalcy after many years of the pandemic," says Meh.
He adds that Hijauan is a contemporary exploration of traditional elements found in the cultures and heritage of the Malays, Chinese and Indians, as well as the Orang Asli and ethnic groups of Sabah and Sarawak.
"The show is divided into six segments that share a theme throughout. It has an experimental angle to the choreography representing the traditions commonly found in Malaysia.
"This contemporary take is also worked into the music, as well as the imagery and symbolism in the costumes, headgears and props used by the dancers.
"It's a modern take on cultural elements in the hopes of presenting something fresh and accessible to the audience," says Meh.
He adds that the show, supported by Yayasan Hasanah's 2023 Arts For All Seasons initiative under the Finance Ministry, is a tribute of sorts to this nurturing country that many call home.
"For me, it's not just about dancing but a way to bring about good energy for the people.
"We want to reach out to the community and empower those with disabilities as well," he says.
Dua Space celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and the team will be travelling to Kuching, Sarawak for their Hand In Hand workshop performance organised by the disabled association there next month.
They will also be heading to Japan again in November to attend an event organised by the Big-I International Communication Centre for persons with disabilities.
Meh, who established the self-funded full-time professional contemporary dance company with Aman Yap in 1998, says Dua Space intends to find a proper venue in five years to continue to foster a thriving arts community.
"It's our dream for our 30th anniversary to have a proper establishment that can serve as a platform to unite people, communities and the public through an appreciation of the arts.
"Hopefully, we'll have our own place to create programmes and which functions as an arts hub," says Meh, who is mentoring their prime dancers, Lim Hong Jie and Kenny Leow, to eventually take over and continue the legacy.
"We want to help to grow the arts scene and make it people-related."
Tickets to Hijauan, happening at PJPAC's Stage 1 Theatre, are priced from RM45 to RM120 and can be purchased from www.onetix.com.my.