Orang Orang Drum Theatre Showcases Malaysian Traditions In Hong Kong

HONG KONG, Dec 14 (Bernama) --The rhythmic beats of drums, combined with emotionally charged pantomime, recently captivated over 31,000 spectators on the international stage, as talented Malaysian artistes showcased their skills.

The six young performers not only dazzled with their energetic mastery of percussion instruments but also enthralled the audience with the unique presentation by Orang Orang Drum Theatre, which showcased Malaysia's cultural heritage and the harmony of its multi-ethnic society through music.

During the ‘One Beat, One World: Connecting Through the Drum Carnival and 5G Live Concert’, held on Dec 8 at Art Park, West Kowloon Cultural District, the group – established over a decade ago – delivered a performance that seamlessly blended traditional and modern elements.

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These included traditional Malaysian instruments such as the sape, a musical instrument of the Orang Ulu community in Sarawak; Shi Gu (Chinese drum); Kulintangan (a traditional idiophone instrument from Sabah); and Jidor (a Malay drum), said assistant artistic director of Orang Orang Drum Theatre Zhee Leow.

 “Through this fusion of traditional instruments, we performed three songs: Tuyang Sit In The Corner, Ayo Mama, and Blossom Bunga Raya. We deliberately chose instruments that represent not only the Chinese community but also various ethnic groups, aiming to showcase the beauty of Malaysian musical art to the world,” said Leow.

 “To add a unique element, our performance also incorporated pantomime that synchronized with the rhythm of the drum beats and multi-ethnic musical instruments, telling the story behind each song and fostering unity through music,” Leow told Bernama.

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In addition to Leow, the group, established in 2013, consists of artistic director Boyz Chew Soon Heng, Leow Hui Min, Lim Jian Ru, Low Wai Kei, and Nick Ng Ze Hang, along with guest musician Rosemary Colony Anak Joel Dunstan.

Expounding further, Leow explained that Tuyang Sit In The Corner, adapted from three traditional Bornean folk songs—Tum Ketumba, Leleng, and Pemong Jae, which feature lyrics in Iban and Kenyah—was chosen for its message of friendship, symbolising the harmony of Malaysian society.

 “Tuyang means 'friend,' as the song was written for  friends often forgotten by society. We learned from these folk songs and then created a new composition tailored to contemporary styles and music,” Leow shared.

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Meanwhile, the Indonesian song Ayo Mama was given a fresh take with a special arrangement in collaboration with the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, performed in both Malay and Chinese.

“We are incredibly proud to represent Malaysia, and this marks our debut performance in Hong Kong,” she added.

Performing for the first time in Hong Kong and representing Malaysia, Leow expressed hope that their performance would inspire others, particularly in diversifying and preserving the nation's musical heritage.

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"We are immensely proud and fortunate to represent Malaysia, selected from among thousands of participants. To us, drums are the best way to bring people together, and we hope to share and exchange cultures through music," she said.

The event, now in its second year, was organized by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra and presented by Chinachem Group. It featured a diverse range of interactive cultural experiences offered by consulates from countries such as Japan, India, Hungary, Poland, Egypt, Vietnam, the Philippines, and South Korea.

Highlights included dynamic performances by local and Japanese tap dancers, Korean drummers, Xinjiang hand drummers and dancers, as well as tabla players and Indian dancers, all accompanied by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra under the baton of Assistant Artistic Director and Resident  Conductor Chew Hee-chiat.

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 The programme also featured performances by renowned Chinese intangible cultural heritage drum groups, including the Shaanxi Longgang Xinggu Drum Troupe, the Yonhong Peace Drum Troupe from Lanzhou, and the Ha Kwok Cheung Dragon, alongside a local lion dance troupe.

 Earlier this year, the ‘One Beat, One World:  Connecting Through the Drum’ series toured all 18 districts of Hong Kong, hosting drum workshops for children, teenagers, seniors, ethnic minorities, and incarcerated youth. The initiative aimed to foster inclusivity and build a more united society.

Executive Director of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, Dr Celina Chin said since its inception in 2003, the Hong Kong Drum Festival has been dedicated to uniting the community through the powerful rhythms of drums while promoting cultural harmony.

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 “Participants include children from primary and secondary schools, seniors as old as 98, rehabilitated youth, and members of ethnic minority groups. This year’s drum carnival not only continues this mission but also incorporates innovative dance elements, showcasing Hong Kong’s distinctive role as a hub for cultural exchange,” she added.

Chief Business Impact Officer of Chinachem Group, Sylvia Chung, said the company remains committed to promoting arts and culture, believing in the transformative power of the arts to enhance the quality of life within communities.

“We are proud to once again collaborate with the world-class Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra to present the One Beat, One World, Connecting Through the Drum series, which has brought together people from all walks of life over the past six months," she said.

Supported by the Scheme for Local Character Tourism Events under the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the event inspired both local and online audiences with its unifying energy. It also premiered a video filmed at iconic locations across Hong Kong, highlighting the city’s unique heritage and promoting cultural tourism.

-- BERNAMA