#SHOWBIZ: 'Genggaman' celebrates unity in movement

WHAT happens when Malaysia's diverse dance traditions meet, not to merge into one, but to discover what connects us all?

This is the spirit behind 'Genggaman', a new collaborative production by three of the country's pioneering dance institutions: Sutra Foundation, DiDance and Dua Space Dance Theatre.

Each company brings a formidable legacy to this shared stage.

Established in 1983, Sutra Foundation stands as a true bastion of traditional and contemporary arts.

DiDance, incorporated in 1996, serves to preserve traditional Malay dance and music by offering training across traditional, classical and modern techniques to raise public appreciation for these rich heritage forms.

Meanwhile, Dua Space Dance Theatre has been enriching Malaysia's cultural tapestry since 1998, creating dance productions for audiences at home and abroad.

The international troupe has toured across Asia, Europe and South America — including Peru, Chile, Argentina and Paraguay — and famously collaborated with the Hong Kong City Contemporary Dance Company (CCDC) in 2018 to present 'Amidst the Wind' at Istana Budaya.

EXPLORING CREATIVE CONNECTIONS

Now joining forces, these three powerhouses create a rich artistic dialogue across Indian classical, traditional and contemporary Malay and Chinese-influenced dance.

Jointly choreographed by artistic directors Datuk Ramli Ibrahim, Anthony Meh, Aman Yap and Zaridah Abdul Mallik, 'Genggaman' brings some of Malaysia's most talented dancers together under one spotlight.

Speaking at a recent interview at the Sutra Foundation in Kuala Lumpur, Ramli explained that 'Genggaman' is not about simply placing different styles side by side.

Instead, it explores the deep creative connections between them while respecting the identity of each tradition.

"Our differences are not obstacles to unity," said Ramli, founder of Sutra Foundation.

"Genggaman shows that our differences are what make our cultural landscape so rich. When we bring these traditions together without losing their individual roots, something beautiful happens. We begin to see what connects us as human beings."

Echoing his thoughts, Dua Space co-founder Anthony Meh added: "At its heart, 'Genggaman' is a celebration of dialogue and the joy of living together.

Malaysia's cultural strength lies not in making our traditions uniform, but in letting them stay rooted, distinctive, and free to evolve."

CONNECTING BEYOND THE STAGE

The spirit of togetherness in 'Genggaman' extends well beyond performance art.

As part of the project, the team is supporting the TNVRM Project in Sections 16 and 17, Petaling Jaya, which promotes a humane approach to managing strays through trapping, neutering, vaccinating, releasing and managing (TNVRM).

An auction of animal-themed paintings will also be held to raise funds for the cause.

"This is another way of expressing what it means to live together," Ramli noted.

"A caring society is built not only by what we celebrate on stage, but also by how we treat the lives that share our neighbourhood."

A DIVERSE SHOWCASE

The production features around 30 dancers, aged between 12 and 45, with each company performing 10-minute pieces that showcase their distinct styles.

Sutra Foundation presents traditional Bharatanatyam pieces, including the welcoming Pushpanjali, the rhythmic Alarippu, and the dynamic Thillana — as well as the Odissi piece 'Bageshri Pallavi', known for its sculpture-like poses and complex rhythms.

DiDance offers 'Senja', a piece capturing the golden hues of twilight and celebrating romance and joy through contemporary Malay movement.

They also perform 'Rindu', a moving tribute choreographed by Zaridah in memory of the late musician Farid Ali (famously known as Mr Gambus).

Dua Space Dance Theatre presents 'Blossom', an uplifting work set to a blend of Eastern and Western music that celebrates hope and resilience, alongside 'Passage of Wind', an evocative metaphor for life's journey.

Zaridah of DiDance described the production as a joyous journey: "'Genggaman' reveals how our differences can become a source of shared joy and understanding."

DATES AND VENUES

The production will premiere across Klang, Kuala Lumpur and Seremban, with all shows starting at 8.30pm.

'Genggaman' takes place in Klang on Oct 9 at the Soka Gakkai Malaysia Selangor Culture Centre.

It then runs in Kuala Lumpur from Oct 23 to 25 at Sutra Foundation, before coming to a close in Seremban on Oct 31 at Auditorium D'Sury, Kompleks JKKN.

Audiences will also have the chance to attend a special 'Behind the Making of Genggaman' lecture-demonstration hosted by the choreographers, offering an intimate look into the creative process behind this unique collaboration.

For more details and ticketing information, visit www.cloudjoi.com.