Dance show pragina : EMOSI will feature traditional Balinese dance performances known for its intricate finger movements, complicated footwork and expressive facial expressions, which is recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Heritage. – Pic courtesy of KLPAC
Dance show pragina : EMOSI will feature traditional Balinese dance performances known for its intricate finger movements, complicated footwork and expressive facial expressions, which is recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Heritage. – Pic courtesy of KLPAC

KUALA LUMPUR: While many are still weary of international travel, the Actors Studio Seni Teater Rakyat intends to provide a slice of Balinese culture via a dance show staging of pragina : EMOSI at Pentas 2 of the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC) from Nov 4 to 7.

Dancers Zhafir Muzani and Emi have choreographed a series of performances featuring both Balinese and contemporary dance for the show.

They will also be performing the five works together with a contemporary dancer, Ealbie and musician, MK Ridzuan.

Malaysia-based dancer Emi grew up in Indonesia where she spent her life mastering Balinese dance from the age of four. Besides studying under various renowned teachers in Jakarta and Bali, she also trained at the Indonesian Arts Institute (ISI).

Emi has opened for Kenzo's fashion show in Japan, performed at Bali Art Festival, Singapore International Festival of Arts as well as at the closing of Jakarta Fashion Week.

Zhafir travelled to Indonesia to learn Balinese dance as well as other Javanese dance forms. Currently The Actors Studio's choreographer and dancer in-residence, he hopes to spread the beauty of Indonesian dance in Malaysia.

Zhafir has won five awards for his spellbinding Balinese dance performance during Short+Sweet Dance Malaysia.

The upcoming show will feature the traditional prelude Puspa Mekar, followed by Legong Kraton, a refined dance known for its intricate finger movements, complicated footwork and expressive facial expressions which is recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Heritage.

This classical duet enacts the tale of King Lasam who was on his way to war when he was attacked by a raven.

Audiences will be treated to another Balinese dance piece, I Mario's Kebyar Duduk, which was first performed in 1925. Zhafir showcases this interpretative dance with its unique seated and half-seated positions.

The contemporary piece by Ealbie will be EMOSI : 2020, which is a reflection of the year the pandemic hit us and with it the various challenges that have put us on an emotional rollercoaster.

pragina : EMOSI will also feature a special music performance entitled ROH by flautist MK Ridzuan who is part of the band SOG.

While some pieces are entirely authentic to the traditional art form, one crosses over to the contemporary realm in the hope of building greater appreciation towards the Nusantara art form so that the tradition can continue over time.

The production is supported by KLPAC and MyCreative Ventures.

There is a Deepavali promotion for the Nov 4 show where tickets are going at a reduced price of RM30. Tickets for the remaining shows are priced at RM38. Purchase tickets online via https://cloudtix.co/ or call 03 4047 9000 for more info.

Conditions of entry include fully-vaccinated individuals, aged 18 and above and with permitted health status.

For the latest Covid-19 and SOP guide, go to http://bit.ly/klpac_covid19_updates. Each ticket sold goes towards keeping KLPACc and The Actors Studio afloat. The public can also make a donation via https://www.klpac.org/donations/.