17-07-2025
Classical Indian dance showcase in KLCC
(From third left) TFA choreographer Kishore Krishnan, Effendy, Prakash and TFA music director Jyotsna Nithyanandan Prakash with the dancers. — Photos: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
AN Indian cultural showcase is set to take place at one of Malaysia's most prestigious performing arts venues in Kuala Lumpur.
Artistes from the Temple of Fine Arts (TFA) will present a special performance themed 'Ragas and Mudras' (melodic framework and symbolic ritual gestures) at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (DFP), Kuala Lumpur City Centre on Sept 6.
DFP business and strategic relations management head Effendy Khalid said that although the venue was renowned for orchestras and concerts, it also focused on cultural and heritage performances.
'Over the years, we have been actively promoting cross-cultural performances and this year, we felt it was the right time to invite TFA.
'It has always been our aspiration to support cross-cultural performers and to provide a platform where people from all walks of life can enjoy these types of performances,' he said.
Founded in 1981, TFA is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the development of performing arts, especially Indian classical dance and music.
TFA spokesperson Prakash Kandasamy said guests would be treated to 90 minutes of Indian classical music and dance.
Barathanatyam and Odissi are two of the four main Indian classical dance styles that will be performed by Temple of Fine Arts at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, Kuala Lumpur.
The performance will be split into two, he said, with the first 45 minutes featuring Hindustani and Carnatic music.
'In this segment, there will be vocals, sitar, veena, violin, mridangam and tabla, among others.
'A percussion battle has also been planned as the highlight of the segment.
'The second half will showcase four main Indian classical dance styles, namely Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kathak and Kuchipudi.'
About 40 artistes aged between 18 and 50 will be involved in the performance.
The TFA presentation is part of the 'DFP Seni Festival' extravaganza, an annual event that celebrates Malaysia's rich cultural heritage through traditional arts and music performances.
This year's programme also includes Mistik Pura Masyrik, a performance of east coast legendary folktales on Aug 9; and Sanggar Seni, a collection of music, dance and songs at the DFP foyer that will be presented free of charge from Sept 5 to 7.
