SEA Games: Malaysia shows off its colours
PUBLISHED ONJune 18, 2015 10:34 PMByAlexandria Schoon
There was a multitude of colour, song and a brilliant display of fireworks to end last night's closing ceremony of the 28th SEA Games with a bang.
Among the highlights of the evening's celebrations at the National Stadium was a performance by a 62-strong Malaysian troupe. Titled "Diversity in Motion", as the hosts of the next SEA Games in 2017 were given their moment, as tradition dictates, to give the region a little taste of what to expect in two years' time.
Describing the performance, choreographer and creative director Arifwaran Shaharuddin, said last night: "It is separated into three parts - birth, rootedness and unity.
"In the opening, we use low-tech props such as shadow play. The second part is literally looking at the rootedness of things and how we are connected as one.
"Finally, unity is where we look at our tradition while including elements of modernity."
The performance incorporated various martial arts styles of wushu and silat, and even break-dancing.
It also featured the sultry voice of Najwa Mahiaddin and Malaysian band Monoloque on instruments.
"It is a celebration of diversity and unity," said dance captain and full-time actor, Jerrica Lai.
Shaharuddin, an established artist and playwright in Malaysia, is known for producing eccentric pieces, and at last night's closing ceremony, he surprised and delighted audiences once more.
Malaysia received the SEA Games Federation flag from Singapore to mark their position as the next hosts of the Games, and it was no coincidence that the theatrical performance sought to highlight the country's uniqueness in the region.
"Our show is very colourful, vibrant, and warm. It gives a very welcoming feeling, drawing people into our country and seeing how diversified we are.
"And what a great reason it is to celebrate that. We hope the audience can take that away," Lai said, beaming excitedly.
It was a new experience for breakdancer Amirul Moshie, who had to master the contemporary dances.
"It was the first time combining 'b-boying' with modern dance, and because I'm a 'b-boyer', it was hard," said the 28-year-old.
This article was first published on June 17 2015.
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