| 07 Jan 2023 |
08:00pm - 09:30pm |
 |
| 08 Jan 2023 |
03:00pm - 04:30pm |
|
As part of Malaysia Digital Districts' efforts to enhance the 5 key cities in Malaysia, I've been looking at ways to reposition Johor Bahru (JB) as a destination in its own right, and not just a stopover between Singapore and KL.
So Sheah Liang and I were brainstorming earlier this year, and we felt that a unique cultural attraction in JB would be a good start. Hence, after months of planning and preparation, we're thrilled to present to you - Drum Up JB, performed by JB Drums 新山鼓队 and Orang Orang Drum Theatre!
Drum Up JB is a mixed percussion ensemble, combining drumming, physical movements, and other theatre elements to create an artistic visual and auditory sensory experience like no other. An explosion of creative energy and cultural diversity of Johor Bahru, this 90-minute performance encapsulates 2 themes - ‘24 Festive Drums’ and ‘LaguKu’.
‘24 Festive Drums’ is a heritage performance that originated in JB. It represents the cycle of 24 festivals in the lunar calendar of the Chinese agriculture community, with each drum representing one festival. In 2009, 24 Festive Drums was recognised as a Malaysian National Intangible Cultural Heritage, and has since been embraced across 5 continents, with over 400 troupes around the world.
The theme of “LaguKu”, performed by Orang Orang Drum Theatre, explores the multi-faceted Malaysian identity through music. This performance blends vocal expression and physical movement with diverse music instruments from different cultures, such as the aboriginal people of Malaysia (kuling tangan), Malay (Gendang, Kompang), Chinese (Shigu), Indian (dhol) and world music instruments (shaker, wood xylophone, etc).
Drum Up JB will be housed as a permanent show in the state-of-the-art Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House built by R&F Princess Cove 富力公主湾. There will be 2 shows every month on an ongoing basis. This program is supported by R&F Princess Cove 富力公主湾, Think City, Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru (MBJB), and Malaysia Digital Districts.
Get your tickets for the opening shows in Jan 2023!
Opening shows: 7 January 2023, 8pm; 8 January 2023, 3pm
Tickets: https://www.cloudjoi.com/shows/drum-up-jb
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnviY0_2ChY
