Latest news with #MenitiCakerawala
The Star
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
'Meniti Cakerawala' dance theatre odyssey sets off on a nationwide orbit
It was truly a match made in the heavens when an astrophysicist floated the idea to her friend, an Indian classical dance icon, to collaborate on a dance-theatre production. Titled Meniti Cakerawala: The Science & Romance Of The Cosmos , the show explored the cosmic experience and its connection to humanity. Staged at Auditorium Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur last December, it featured some of Malaysia's most celebrated cross-disciplinary talents. The show – in English – was created by Prof Emerita Tan Sri Mazlan Othman, Malaysia's first astrophysicist, and Datuk Ramli Ibrahim, founder of Sutra Dance Theatre and a leading figure in Indian classical dance. Both were all smiles when they took a bow last year – and those smiles returned as they recently announced that Meniti Cakerawala 2.0 will go on a nationwide tour starting this week. As a multimedia dance-theatre production, 'Meniti Cakerawala' fuses music, dance, poetry, and art into a single, immersive experience – now set to tour the nation. Photo: S. Magendran At the launch event, Ramli and Mazlan were in high spirits and playful moods – yet just as ready to roll up their sleeves, hosting fundraising events to keep the project moving forward and to fill up halls across the country. 'Few companies get the opportunity to perform beyond major cultural hubs, which are often centred around KL. After last year's successful show – one that both educated and inspired – we felt it was important to bring it to communities across Malaysia,' says Ramli, 72, in an interview, thumbing through a list of 10 performances in KL, Klang (Selangor), Penang, Melaka, Seremban, Johor Baru, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu. 'In terms of its cultural roots, Meniti Cakerawala also represents a meaningful contribution from the Asean region. Drawing from classical Indian dance, regional literature, and contemporary South-East Asian art, it presents a narrative that transcends language and borders,' he adds. The 75-minute production (with intermission) blends classical dance, film, visual art, music, and poetry into a rich, multi-sensory experience. It drew on the talents – from narration to music – of National Laureate Dr Muhammad Haji Salleh, Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Dr Valerie Ross, Sivarajah Natarajan, Leslie Variyan, S. Magendran, the late Mano Maniam, Chacko Vadaketh, Jayalakshmi Sekhar, Kamarul Baisah Hussein, and Jalaini Abu Hassan – a constellation of creatives united by their shared awe of the cosmos. Mazlan (left) and Ramli gear up to ignite eight Malaysian states with 'Meniti Cakerawala 2.0'. Photo: S Magendran "Mazlan is a kindred spirit and without doubt she is a star that holds the show together. I guess, being the main feature in the production was a novel experience for Mazlan as she had to explore a different facet of her personality - as a storyteller!" says Ramli. The show's second season tour, running from July 18 to Sept 7, will also feature 11 dancers from Sutra Dance Theatre. Some of the narrators and musicians will join selected upcoming shows, giving the production an extra boost with original cast involvement. On July 18, Meniti Cakerawala 2.0 begins its tour at Auditorium Panggung Sari, Melaka, before heading to Ikeda Peace Auditorium, Soka International School Malaysia in Sendayan (Negri Sembilan) on July 19, and then returning to Auditorium Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur from July 25-27. The tour continues at Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House, Johor Baru on Aug 2, and moves to Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) Selangor Culture Centre in Klang on Aug 9. The stage production first sparked from Mazlan's 2023 coffee table book 'Cosmic Connections: Langkawi', featuring astrophotography from the Langkawi National Observatory. Photo: The Star/Izzrafiq Alias The next stop is at Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) Penang Culture Centre in Bayan Lepas on Aug 15. On Aug 17, the production will be staged at MBKS Theatre, Kuching; the tour concludes at Auditorium Kompleks JKKN in Kota Kinabalu on Sept 7. The big bang The idea for the stage production first twinkled into being thanks to Mazlan's 2023 coffee table book Cosmic Connections: Langkawi, which showcases astrophotography from the Langkawi National Observatory. These starry snapshots were paired with poems by Dr Muhammad Haji Salleh and paintings by Jalaini Abu Hassan – together laying the poetic and visual groundwork for what would eventually dance its way onto the stage. For Mazlan, this marks her first time on a performing arts tour. Instead of standing behind a lectern delivering scientific lectures, she now finds herself centre stage – narrating, storytelling, and even bantering with dancers as she brings her cosmic insights to life. It's a delightful shift from PowerPoint slides to dance and poetry. 'Fortunately, we refined much of the choreography and spatial design, making the production more effective and engaging this season,' says Ramli, adding the upcoming shows will feature many new Sutra dancers. Photo: The Star/Izzrafiq Alias 'Going on a nationwide tour is something I never imagined doing in my lifetime, especially not past the age of 70. It's a completely new experience for me in the performing arts but incredibly exciting,' says Mazlan, 73, with a laugh. 'Strangely enough, it also feels like something I've been building towards all my life. I was encouraged to pursue science from a young age, even though I had a love for poetry. 'So to have performed last year, and now to take this production across the country, truly feels like a culmination of cosmic proportions,' she adds. A great tapestry As the production evolves (on the road), it also welcomes fresh talent: seven new dancers will step into roles of their predecessors – a hallmark of Sutra's commitment to nurturing emerging artists. Alongside the tour, a new visual art exhibition titled Cosmic Connextions will also travel with the show where possible. Organised by the newly formed collective Spektra and the Museum of Asian Art, Universiti Malaya, it features works by nine contemporary artists who reflect on the cosmos as concept and metaphor, offering visual meditations on humanity's place in the universe. Several segments of 'Meniti Cakerawala' feature narration by the late Mano, a poignant reminder of his enduring presence. Photo: S. Magendran Yet perhaps one of the most poignant aspects of Meniti Cakerawala lies in the voice that helps bind its many elements together – that of Mano Maniam, who died on May 31 aged 79. A beloved figure in theatre, television and film, Mano's voice appears in three reflective segments of the performance. In what became his final creative work, he describes the heavens as a great tapestry – a metaphor that helped shape the show's emotional and visual tone for Mazlan. 'He was more than a collaborator, he was a dear friend. To hear his voice woven into the production gives it a layer of meaning that feels both personal and universal. It's a tribute that continues to live on,' says Ramli. 'Across Malaysia, audiences can still experience the grace and wisdom Mano brought to everything he touched,' says Mazlan, echoing the same sentiment. For the renowned astrophysicist, the blending of poetry, performance, and science reflects a lifelong belief in how these disciplines deepen and enrich one another. As Mazlan puts it, this family- friendly production is 'an exploration of how stars must die for us to exist, and how we are, quite literally, made of star-stuff.' More info here.
New Straits Times
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 'Space and dance' go on nationwide tour
LAST year, Odissi dance maestro Datuk Ramli Ibrahim and Sutra Foundation teamed up for the first time with acclaimed astrophysicist Tan Sri Dr Mazlan Othman for 'Meniti Cakerawala'. This out-of-the-ordinary dance showcase combined science and art, and was well received by Malaysians from all walks of life. STAR-STUDDED Staged at City Hall Auditorium in Jalan Raja Laut, Kuala Lumpur from Dec 4 to 8, 'Meniti Cakerawala was a multimedia dance theatre production incorporating dance, film, art, music and poetry. This star-studded, 90-minute "edutainment" showcase also featured poets Muhammad Haji Salleh and Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, actors the late Mano Maniam and Chacko Vadaketh and artist Jalaini Abu Hassan, with original music by composer and arranger Dr Valerie Ross and a live performance by multi-instrumentalists Kamarul Baisah and Jayalakshmi Sekhar. HIT In a recent interview with NST, Mazlan who served as the main narrator said: "The show received the thumbs-up from many guests, they all loved it. "We did not expect it to be such a hit with arts lovers, and it was memorable for me as I danced and sang in space age costumes designed by Leslie Variyan." Mazlan added that the guests felt that she should "learn to dance better", but her narration was perfect. "My daughter said that I was stiff on stage when I danced, so a second time will make things better. "Our guests also suggested that the show visit other major cities around the country," said Mazlan. VOYAGE Fans of Mazlan and Ramli can once again catch 'Meniti Cakerawala' this year, beginning from July 18 as it is set to embark on its second season and "maiden voyage" around the country. The 8.30pm showcase will be staged at Taman Budaya Melaka on July 18, Ikeda Peace Auditorium of Soka International School Malaysia in Seremban on July 19, Kuala Lumpur City Hall from July 25 to 27, Permaisuri Zarith Sofia Opera House in Johor Bahru on Aug 2, Soka Gakkai Malaysia in Klang on Aug 9, Soka Gakkai Malaysia in Bayan Lepas, Penang on Aug 15, Kuching Lake Park Theatre on Aug 17, and the Culture Arts and Heritage Department in Kota Kinabalu on Sept 7. TIGHTER Ramli said: "It's going to be the same, only tighter, and we're retaining the great New Age music from the first season. "There won't be any new segments, and all the musicians will be back. "The only change is that there will be 7 new dancers, and the number of dancers will now be 12 instead of 15." EXHIBITION Ramli also said that there will be a new exhibition outside each venue, titled Cosmic Connections. This painting exhibition is presented by the Spektra Group. Ramli said: "Many of the guests were very impressed with Mazlan. They thought she was only going to be a narrator, and had glowing praise for her singing and dancing. "It was also her first time singing on big stage, and that duet we had, Tan Sri P. Ramlee's Malam Bulan was splendid." IMPRESSED Mazlan, who described the show as a "cosmic journey that is wholly Malaysian and surreal", learnt that dancing is never easy but "good to try". "I finally did it after five nights, and Ramli was so impressed," she said. "Rehearsals are now going on almost daily, and while I was a bit nervous before the first show, I've learnt to accept my limitations and will strive to do better, for it is always good to learn something new." BOUNDARIES Ramli said that while he and Mazlan (who is also a trustee of Ramli's Sutra Foundation) are "poles apart in work", they are like-minded in that they do not believe in "boundaries". "This show tells us that it is perfectly feasible to combine science and dance or the arts. "It is great to make science part of showbiz as it entertains and need not be fearsome or dry," he said. MESSAGE Mazlan said that fans of the show loved its catchy message "we are all made of star stuff", and praised Sutra's Dance Of Creation as metaphorically beautiful. "The message conveyed by 'Meniti Cakerawala' is deep, and brings lots of questions for us to ponder. It tells us that we have a lot to learn, that we are a speck in the universe and should learn to accept each other," she said. Ramli is optimistic that more Malaysians will attend 'Meniti Cakerawala' this time. "We had about 1,500 guests in the first season, and this time I'm sure there'll be more. "If all goes well, we might take 'Meniti Cakerawala' to Thailand and India at year's end." BRAINCHILD 'Meniti Cakerawala' is the brainchild of Mazlan, and encourages Malaysians to deepen their knowledge of astronomy and learn how the universe came into being. Ramli said: "In her work, Mazlan has always emphasised her strong belief in the notion that art and science are intimately and complementarily related. "Indeed, it will blast off audiences on a cosmic journey of the senses and may even answer their questions on the meaning of life." He added: "There are 10 dance pieces which are inspired by the movements of planets and astral bodies, as well as the creation of the universe.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘We're all star stuff': Dance legend Ramli Ibrahim and Malaysia's first astrophysicist unfold the cosmos in ‘Meniti Cakerawala'
KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 — Stars may be light years away from us, yet people across the board share the same adoration for them. Stars feature everywhere in human life — right from nursery rhymes, to lovelorn songs and even corny rom-coms. Dance legend Datuk Ramli Ibrahim says the fascination isn't surprising at all since humans and stars are made up of the same thing. This is the story behind Meniti Cakerawala — a multi-media dance-music-theatre production by Ramli's Sutra Foundation and led by Malaysia's first astrophysicist Tan Sri Mazlan Othman. 'There's great romance about the creation of the universe, including the fact that you and I are made of the star-stuff, as Carl Sagan would say,' Ramli told Malay Mail when met recently. Sagan, an American astronomer, wrote in 1973 that humans are 'made of star-stuff' because the elements in our bodies trace their origins to ancient stars. Dance maestro Datuk Ramli Ibrahim said unfolding the story of cosmos through dance was apt since the central theme of creation revolves around 'marriage of the opposites'. — Picture courtesy of Sutra Foundation Mazlan echoes Sagan's theory in her book, Cosmic Connections (2023), which compiles images of celestial objects taken from the Langkawi National Observatory (LNO). In the book, Mazlan describes the birth of stars and how their death gives birth to the cosmos and Malaysia's encounters with celestial objects, including a meteorite strike that had shaped the legendary Mahsuri Rings in Langkawi. 'We are materially connected to space, as Sagan pointed out. 'Imagine this: We are made from the same atoms that make the stars. The atoms are inanimate. So, isn't it a miracle that humans, made from the same inanimate atoms as stars, can consciously think and wonder?' she said. The book also incorporated poems from National Laureate Dr Muhammad Haji Salleh and artworks from award-winning artist Jalaini Abu Hassan. Why dance? Since Mazlan regarded the book as a 'labour of love' of both science and the arts, she wanted to perform the content as part of the book launch. After consulting her friend Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Mazlan roped in Ramli to dramatise the content with dance and music. 'I knew I couldn't fail because Ramli was dancing. There was no room for failure,' Mazlan said. 'Meniti Cakerawala' premiered for a week at the Auditorium Bandaraya in Kuala Lumpur in December 2024. — Picture courtesy of Sutra Foundation The first show took place beneath the star-studded sky at Ambong-Ambong Resort in Langkawi, close to the Tepor Island where the Mahsuri Rings formed after a meteorite strike. Seeing that the performance had a greater potential, Ramli and Johan convinced Mazlan to turn it into a full-fledged stage production, leading to Meniti Cakerawala. This time, however, Ramli wanted to 'look at the cosmos from Mazlan's window' by intertwining her journey into astrophysics with the creation of the cosmos. 'Marrying the opposites' Ramli said unfolding the story of cosmos through dance was apt since the central theme of creation revolves around 'marriage of the opposites'. 'I really feel that the mystics have always realised that something manifests from the un-manifested only when there is a pull of opposites, like positive and negative, purusha and prakriti (in Vedic philosophy) as well as yin and yang (in Chinese philosophy). 'So, I used a lot of metaphors to illustrate this,' he said. The 90-minute production consists of four phases and 12 dancers. Mazlan, as the storyteller, weaves the story of cosmos together with her discovery of astrophysics. The second season will kick off on July 18 in Melaka and will premiere in a total of eight states, including Sabah and Sarawak. — Picture courtesy of Sutra Foundation In the first phase, Mazlan narrates her childhood favourite poem — He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven by William Butler Yeats — as dancers re-enact the early days of her fascination for astronomy. The second phase is focused on narrating the origin of the universe while the third phase explores civilisational and cultural beliefs related to astronomy. The show concludes with Mazlan leading the audience to ponder on the larger meaning of life in the universe. Meniti Cakerawala premiered for a week at the Auditorium Bandaraya in Kuala Lumpur in December 2024. The second season will kick off on July 18 in Melaka and will premiere in a total of eight states, including Sabah and Sarawak. Ramli said discussions for a world tour are also underway, with plans to stage the production in India this November. Other countries that could be part of the world tour include Thailand and Singapore. The dance maestro hopes that Meniti Cakerawala will inspire students to pursue STEM-related careers, and dispel the notion that science and arts operate in silos. 'STEM does not necessarily have to be cut-and-dry. As an engineering graduate, I think there is a creative process in the discoveries and innovations that occur in science,' he said.
