Published on: Saturday, August 29, 2009 |
That wow factor impact stormed home at the debut of "The Slave Princess" matinee at Yayasan Sabah Tun Raffae's Auditorium Friday afternoon.
"It was such a touching and moving experience especially when the music and facial expressions go along with it," said an inspired Maria Othman Lee.
The reason is the human mind has a natural talent for what it sees.
For KK folks who think they know nothing about ballet, they shouldn't miss the main show Saturday night at 7pm at the same venue. Perhaps they may then start asking for more fine performing arts to come to town.
After all, one of the objectives is to turn KK into cultural hub, according to Datuk Adeline Leong.
The Slave Princess is actually a Malaysian production by the Dance Society of Malaysia and it's good for our self perception that Malaysian ballet dancers can be really that good.
It is outstanding finesse from even local Sabah ballet dancers and especially the principal dancers who are mainly Malaysians but doing lots of high stuff overseas such as Lu Wit Chin, Chew Zi Xin, Choo Tee Kuang, Joseph Victor Gonzales and amazing solists Ms Teo May Jean, Ms Tan Sheh Mei, Ellya Sam Mun-Yee and Isabelle Brouwers. This coupled with the captiving costumes of designer Michell Yong Soo Fon.
Lee Yupin, the concert's director of choreography, gives some tips on what to look out for: "See the elegance, discipline, beauty, grace and strength at the same time.
"All these are subtle qualities which you cannot describe. It's the inner-most passion that the dancers have in order to actually fulfill this kind of dancing dream."
A full length ballet normally has three acts to it that usually lasts more than one-and-a-half hours. Mindful not to bore a local public who are new to the experience, Yupin purposely cut the KK show to just one hour and two acts, with an interval.
Since the action revolves around a fairy tale, probably the best bet to appreciate the stage actions is before the show, read the synopsis which goes like this:
"In the kingdom of Urak, somewhere in Morphosis, King Rubai rules with his beloved Queen. They have two sons, Prince Yubri, who is the heir apparent and Prince Raven, the conquering son whose mission is to expand the kingdom. As the heir apparent, Prince Yubri is charged by his parents to marry but he is unable to find the suitable damsel.
Act 1 depicts a Market Scene.
Among the slaves brought home by Prince Raven after one of his conquests is the princess of the Earth. She, it is who has caught the eye of Prince Yubri although he sees her as one of the slaves.
Act 2 sets the stage at the King's Party in the Palace Garden.
A the banquet celebrating Prince Raven's conquests, the King introduces four suitable princesses of the kingdom, hoping that one would find favour with Prince Yubri.
Prince Raven calls in the slaves to entertain the guests. Prince Yubri is captivated by the Princess of the Earth and signals his interest in her to the King who objects as she is but a slave.
However, among the guests are Potentates. One Potentate recognized his daughter, the Princess of the Earth, among the slaves as he enters the Palace Garden and is overjoyed to find her daughter safe.
One finding out that the slave is really a princess, King Rubai agrees to the match of Prince Yubri with the Princess of the Earth.
There is joyful celebration as the happy pair start their life together.
Tickets for Saturday night's main show are priced at RM60 and RM120.
According to Adeline of SPArKS, there are still ample tickets which will be on sale at the entrance.
Contact 088-222939 and 088-313133 for tickets or contact any outlet of either Patrick Saloon or The Body Shop for further details.
The proceeds from ticket sales will go to Chung Hwa Primary School KK building funds, Jireh Home for neglected and abused children and Pacos Trust which provides schooling facilities for rural children.
The Rotary Club of Tanjung Aru, SPArKS, Chung Hwa School and Living Hope are the co-organisers with Daily Express as co-sponsor. The KL-based Dance Society of Malaysia under Sunny Chan brought the concert here.
