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An astrophysicist and dance icon unite for a stellar journey through space

Dancers in a segment dedicated to the sun, the maker of the day. (Sutra Foundation pics) KUALA LUMPUR : Though often seen as separate realms, the arts and sciences are in fact two sides of the same creative coin. Both, after all, seek to explore, understand, and interpret the magic of the world. Often, magic happens when the two come together. This is clearly illustrated by upcoming theatre production 'Meniti Cakerawala 2.0', where Malaysia's first astrophysicist Mazlan Othman joins forces with dance legend Ramli Ibrahim and his Sutra Foundation, for an awe-inspiring production combining music, dance, film and art. Prepare for a stellar experience as Mazlan and her team explore the science and romance of the cosmos, and the interconnectedness of art and science. 'In the eyes of the heavens, we are all nothing. We are nothing but a speck of dust, a blink in the lifespan of the universe. So why do we keep on fighting each other?' Mazlan told FMT Lifestyle. 'I think this show has a very timely message, as it calls towards a universal humanity, for coming together in this difficult age the world is facing now.' A segment illustrating the conjoining of male and female principles in the myth of creation. (Sutra Foundation pic) According to Ramli, the show's artistic director, the idea for the show was sparked after the launch of Mazlan's book 'Cosmic Connections' in 2023. Reading it, he was convinced it would make a fine multimedia theatrical adaptation. 'We hope to have as many young people come to watch it, to hopefully inspire them to take a deeper interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM),' he told FMT Lifestyle. 'Meniti Cakerawala 2.0' will focus on Mazlan's journey and contributions to Malaysia's scientific landscape, including her work with the Malaysian Space Agency and the founding of the Langkawi National Observatory. Mazlan herself will serve as storyteller, aided by 12 Sutra Foundation dancers and musicians Kamarul Baisah and Jayalakshmi Sekhar. 'When Ramli first suggested this, I was frightened! I expected to just be in the background, not upfront on stage! 'But I've more or less overcome that fear now. And I see now why it's important for me to be up there, telling my story and the story of the cosmos,' Mazlan said. Both Mazlan Othman and Ramli Ibrahim hope the audience will feel a deep connection with the universe through the 'Meniti Cakerawala 2.0' performance. (Sutra Foundation pics) The first version of the show premiered in Kuala Lumpur in December 2024, receiving rave reviews. Now, 'Meniti Cakerawala 2.0' will embark on an eight-city Malaysian tour from next month until September, making stops in Melaka, Seremban, Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Klang, Bayan Lepas, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. For a show centred on stars, it's only fitting that it has a star-studded roster of collaborators on board. 'Meniti Cakerawala 2.0' will feature music by avant-garde composer Valerie Ross, fashion design by Leslie Variyan, lighting and set by Sivarajah Natarajan, and photography by S Magendran. Other artistic collaborators are poet laureate Haji Salleh, artist Jalaini Abu Hassan, dramatist Johan Jaaffar, and actors Chacko Vadaketh and the late Mano Maniam, whose performance was recorded before his passing. Transforming astronomical principles into dance choreography sounds like it would be a complicated task, but Ramli gamely decided to take up the challenge. In this segment, Mazlan expresses her dream to be wrapped in the cosmic cloths of the heavens. (Sutra Foundation pic) 'Dance is metaphor. And in the great book of Natya Shastra, it says there is no concept or axiom that cannot be depicted as dance. 'Even the concepts such as creation, polar opposites, or equilibrium can be expressed through movement, sometimes far more effectively than through words,' Ramli said. One highlight of the show will be an exploration of how celestial bodies have influenced the cultural traditions of various ethnic groups. 'We live by the sun, and love by the moon, so to speak. The sun is the maker of the day, the witness of deeds. At the same time, we found there was so much Malay music, especially love songs, that was inspired by the moon,' Ramli said. Mazlan and Ramli said they were hoping to take the show to India, as well as other destinations such as Singapore and Thailand. 'It's a show that will definitely appeal to the thinking public. I hope audiences take the message that they feel materially and physically connected to the heavens. Ultimately, we are all made of 'star stuff',' Mazlan concluded. Stay tuned for more information on the theatre production of 'Meniti Cakerawala 2.0'. (Sutra Foundation pic) For more information on 'Meniti Cakerawala 2.0', visit the Sutra Foundation's website.