8DiscoverNEWSAn audience of about 400 local and international people were treated to the world premiere of ASEANA, a transnational, multicultural dance drama performed by a cast of 60 UBD students as well as delegates from the ASEAN University Network (AUN) participants of the 10th ASEAN Youth Cultural Forum (10th AYCF) hosted by UBD this year from the 6th to 11thOctober 2012. The piece was commissioned by the Vice-Chancellor, Dato Paduka Dr Hj Zulkarnain Hj Hanafi, and directed by Mr Low Kok Wai, lecturer in Theatre & Drama Studies/FASS, a member of the 10th AYCF Working Committee.ASEANA’sartistic vision integrated the rich diversity of ASEAN’s cultural fabrics, weaving them into a bold tapestry of sounds, rhythms, colours and images. It featuredstudent performers from each country showcasing their performing arts heritage mediated ASEANA - A World Premiereby the technology of today. The 90-minute extravaganza was underscored by original and traditional music performed by the UBD World Music Fusion Orchestra led by Mohd Ehsanuddin and Muhd Hafiy, students in the Drama Minor programme. The dance drama consisted of five acts: Act 1: Sea, Act 2: Sun, Act 3: Padian, Act 4: Arrivals, Act 5: Jong Batu.Acts 1 and 2 displayed how the ASEAN countries are connected by the same sea whichbridges the many diverse shores nourished by the same sun that rises and sets over our fertile lands. Act 3, Padian, depicted an idyllic lifestyle that is sustained and navigated by the major rivers in the region.Act 4, Arrivals, transported the audience into a fictional utopian land called ASEANA where the young citizens of the world make up a progressive, vibrant and dynamic, multicultural community. The highlight of the performance was Act 5, Jong Batu, the age-old traditional Bruneian tale of the “Anak Derhaka” who was turned into stone by his heartbroken mother.The performance ended with thunderous applause and a standing ovation from members of the crowd.“I cannot believe sucha standard of performance can be seen on a Bruneian stage” – Datin Paduka Hjh Adina Othman, Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports as the Guest of Honour.“A spectacular piece of theatre!” –Professor David Young, Deputy Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, UBD.The night certainly belonged to the awesome cast of dancers, singers, musicians, designers and crew from all participating universities of the 10th AYCF.
< Page 7 | Page 9 >