Bringing back a part of Malaysia's forgotten heritage

By Liyana Binti Ahmed Rasly

 

 

KUALA LUMPUR – Art and dance lovers from all around gathered to witness the authentic traditional cultural show called Pusaka Evenings at Publika: Mak Yong of Kelantan on 24 Aug.

 

Pusaka is a non-governmental organisation committed to preserving and supporting the various traditional Malaysian art forms by working with cultural practitioners to organize performances all around the country as well as youth training projects and documentation of cultural traditions.

 

“It has been a spiritual journey into the depths of our culture and what it means for oneself to learn as well as appreciate the beautiful parts of these traditional art forms,” Karl Rafiq, a youth volunteer said.

 

Karl’s experience with the Pusaka crew on one of their expeditions to a village in Batu Pahat, Johor, to study the authentic art of Kuda Kepang opened his eyes to the beauty that lies within these forgotten Malaysian art forms.

 

“It has taught me that our country is rich in diverse cultural backgrounds.”

 

“Stories are being told through the movements in these art forms and I consider myself lucky to be exposed such art,” Karl added.

 

Pusaka held a show called The Panggung Pusaka as part of the Yayasan Sime Darby Arts Festival at KLPac on 13th and 14th Sept. 2014.

 

They presented a total of 21 cultural traditions from all over Malaysia to be enjoyed by arts and dance lovers.