6 days ago
Colours of China, rhythm of Japan at MBKS' International Friendship Cities Night this July 25–27
(From third left) Wee, Zaiedi, Chai, and Kuching Festival main sponsor Pepsi representatives, show sneak peek photos of the upcoming cultural performances. – Photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING (July 24): The International Friendship Cities Night, part of this year's Kuching Festival, will take place from July 25 to 27 at the MBKS Theatre, offering three nights of vibrant cultural performances from Kuching's sister cities abroad.
Running nightly from 7.30pm to 10pm, the event is a celebration of friendship, cultural exchange, and unity, said Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng at a press conference yesterday.
'I'm very deeply honoured to share with everyone that this year we will be welcoming delegations from Tai'an (Shandong Province), Zhenjiang (Jiangsu Province), Zhengzhou (Henan Province), and Quanzhou (Fujian Province) in China, as well as Asuke from Toyota City, Japan,' he said.
Wee said the visiting delegations had travelled great distances to showcase traditional performances that reflect their heritage and artistic spirit.
Among the highlights from China's Tai'an delegation are students from Taishan University, who will perform Ode to the Coral (a female solo), a gu zheng solo of Lofty Mountains and Flowing Streams, a spirited Competitive Fitness Qigong and Single Knife Dance, and a graceful blend of traditional music and Tai Chi in Silver Clouds Pursuing the Moon.
The evening would also feature a dynamic martial arts display titled Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
From Zhenjiang, students from Zhenjiang Experimental School will present five elegant Chinese dances: Beijing Melodies, The Unity of Land, The Little Point, A Very Beautiful Place and Fernleaf Hedge Bamboo Under the Moonlight, and Lotus Drum Melody.
Quanzhou will bring the charm of traditional Chinese puppetry to life with a Marionette Show that promises to enchant both young and old.
Zhengzhou's delegation, meanwhile, will present an electrifying display of authentic Shaolin Kung Fu, performed by martial artists from the famed Shaolin Temple — promising a breathtaking fusion of discipline, tradition, and power.
From Japan, the Asuke delegation will deliver a stirring Japanese Taiko Drum performance — bold, rhythmic, and deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
'This is a rare opportunity for the people of Kuching and our visitors to witness international cultural performances live, right here in our own backyard.
'I sincerely invite everyone, families, students, cultural lovers, and members of the public to come and experience this extraordinary event.
'Bring your friends and children and let them witness the colours of China and the rhythm of Japan.
'Let us fill this theatre with applause, appreciation, and unity,' Wee said.
Admission is free, and each night promises a world-class cultural experience at the MBKS Theatre.
Also at the press conference were Kuching South Deputy Mayor and Kuching Festival Main Organising Committee Chairman, Dato Dr Zaiedi Suhaili, and Deputy Chairman Cr Chai Ju Loon.
