Vivid play on history

Vivid play on history

A vivid mixture of history, music, dance, martial arts and costumes was a sight to behold to those who attended the musical play entitled Bumi Berlantai Permata held in conjunction with the launching ceremony of the JB Arts Festival here.

The play, which was the main highlight of the ceremony, centred around attempts by the British to encroach into state affairs by creating the post of General Advisor to the Sultan which would be held by them.

It portrayed the Chinese and Malay pioneers in the state during the British colonial era.

Jasmine Chan, 20, said this was her first time watching a musical and was thrilled at the whole experience.

“I especially liked how the musical portrayed Wong Ah Fook, who spoke Malay with a Chinese accent. I also love the choreography and the music score which was fast paced and entertaining,” she said.

Another visitor, Desmond Dinesh, 25, said the wushu martial arts movements during the musical was his favourite part.

“I think the collaboration of history, Malay traditional dances and martial arts was spectacular. I was pleasantly surprised at the end of the play as I never expected it to be that good,” he said.

Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman who launched the festival was also among the spectators.

The Johor Society for the Performing Arts president Yap Siong Cheng said the play and other performances lined up during the JB Arts Festival was a way to build bridges within the various local communities.

“The festival allows the people to come together and appreciate performances and cultures within the community,” he said.

The 7th JB Arts Festival which runs until July 24 features dances, musical performances, contemporary and traditional performances and workshops.

For ticket inquiries, call 019-716 9900 or 019-713 9900.

-News courtesy of The Star-