ACCLAIMED dance company Dua Space returns with a stylish tribute to the moon and the nation with a performance titled Purnama on Oct 4.
Purnama, which means "full moon" in Sanskrit and Malay, will be staged at the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC), One Utama, Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya.
The dancers' graceful movements will take the audience on a journey into the moon's many cultural facets.
BEGINNING
Dua Space's choreographer Anthony Meh said the moon had significance in many civilisations.
"Every ethnic group has its own myths that relate to the moon.
"Putting this at the heart of a multi-ethnic and multi-multicultural background, Dua Space's creation weaves together the rich tapestries of cultural narratives, unveiling how the moon's glow has inspired and influenced humanity across time, geography and culture," he said.
"Through diverse narratives, Purnama not only honours the moon's universal allure but also highlights the unique cultural perspectives that shape our understanding of the celestial body.
"The choreography is a fusion of traditional and contemporary dance forms, creating a visually and emotionally compelling journey that transcends cultural boundaries."
LOVE LETTER
Meh likens Purnama to "a love letter to Malaysia".
"I realised that every culture holds its own longing for the moon.
"In our country's rich cultural diversity, this shared theme transcends differences, and inspired me to create Purnama," he said.
"The choreography, rooted in contemporary dance, creates a vivid journey that transcends cultural boundaries.
"Ultimately, the performance envisions life as round and complete, like the full moon itself — illuminating the idea that all things, like the moon, should reach their fullest and most perfect state."
SKILLED
The one-hour performance features nine dancers
"Some of the dancers have graduated from dance programmes abroad, and others are alumni of the National Arts, Culture and Heritage Academy (Aswara).
"One of the reasons we chose PJPAC for this production is that we will be incorporating LED technology into the performance, enhancing the visual impact."
BOUNDARIES
All of the dancers had worked with Dua Space, particularly during last year's production Hijauan.
"This familiarity allows us to push boundaries and explore new possibilities in contemporary dance," said Meh.
"The dancers have been continuously training to maintain their physical condition and flexibility, while also exploring new methods of using their bodies.
"The intensive rehearsals have not only strengthened the dancers' cohesion but have also sparked new creative inspirations for the director."
SHENZHEN
Meh said they were finalising the score and arrangements with the composer.
"Our most recent showcase was the premiere of Dua Space's 25th anniversary annual production, Hijauan, which debuted in September 2023 at the Greater Bay Dance Festival in Shenzhen, China.
"Following this, we performed in Petaling Jaya and Xi'an at the 9th Silk Road International Dance Festival."
ACTIVE
Dua Space has been established for 26 years.
There are six full-time dancers including trainees, ranging in age from 20 to 56.
Aman Yap is the oldest dancer.
CALLIGRAPHY
Next year, Dua Space plans to restage Ancient Inscriptions, a 2014 production inspired by Chinese script and calligraphy, choreographed by Yap and Meh.
The show traces the evolution of writing styles from ancient times to their modern forms, using evocative dance and movement to explore the beauty of Chinese characters.
REFLECTIVE
Yap said this show differed from previous productions because of its thematic depth and the fusion of both traditional and contemporary elements.
"Each scene brings a new layer of emotion and symbolism, making it a more reflective and visually striking performance.
"The choreography also pushes the boundaries of how we express cultural identity through movement, offering something truly unique to both the dancers and the audience," he said.
SUPERFICIAL
Yap and Meh are hoping for a strong box-office response.
"In today's fast-paced world, where entertainment often caters to quick, superficial consumption, it's rare for people to appreciate genuine artistic expression," Yap said.
"Many would rather spend their money on leisure and indulgence than on attending a dance performance, especially modern and contemporary dance, which requires time to digest, think, and even reflect."
POSITIVE
Yap's last major performance was in early March, when he performed a solo dance showcase titled Late Love.
In it, he highlighted his journey as a dancer — from discovering his love for dance to his formal education and ultimately becoming a professional dancer.
The response was overwhelmingly positive.
"Looking ahead to 2025, I'm excited about the possibility of touring my solo work Late Love, both abroad and across different states in Malaysia," said Yap.
Purnama is supported by MyCreative Ventures.
Time: 8pm (Oct 4 and 5) and 3pm (Oct 6). Tickets: RM68-RM128.
Visit www.onetix.com.my.