Sembang Tari Symposium
@ Muara Festival 2024
Presented by Kamelia Co. Ltd. in collaboration with Muara Festival 2024 and co-curated by Dr. Noramin Farid, Sembang Tari Symposium @ Muara Festival 2024 offered thought-provoking panel discussions and presentations that explore the rich tapestry of Malay dance in Singapore and throughout the Nusantara region.
Themed Bridging Cultural Diversity: Celebrating Malay Dance Traditions and Practices Across the Nusantara, this inaugural gathering sought to strengthen connections and foster knowledge exchange among Malay dance practitioners and scholars from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.
View the Symposium Publication here.
Sembang Tari Symposium Programme
Date: 23 - 24 November 2024
Venue: Wisma Geylang Serai Project Studio
Sembang Tari Symposium @ Muara Festival 2024 was organised in partnership with Era Dance Theatre and Wisma Geylang Serai, and supported by the National Arts Council and the Tote Board Arts Fund.
Day 1 Programmes
Keynote by Mr. Osman Abdul Hamid: Malay Dance in the Nusantara and Singapore’s Positioning within the Region
Sembang Tari Symposium 2024 opened with a keynote presentation by 2023 Cultural Medallion recipient Mr. Osman Abdul Hamid. He shared about the rich and diverse landscape of Malay dance across the Nusantara, delving into the unique role that Singapore plays and can play within this vibrant cultural landscape.
Watch his keynote speech here.
Panel: Malay Dance Traditions and Practices Across the Nusantara - A Sociocultural Perspective
Sama tapi tak Serupa - How has the social, economical and political histories of Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia shaped and influenced the way Malay dance is practised and performed in each of these countries within the Nusantara?
Esteemed speakers Dr. Noramin Farid (Singapore), Dr. Madia Patra Ismar (Indonesia) and Mr. Abdul Hamid Chan (Malaysia) each shared the transformation and evolution of Malay dance practices within their respective countries, and discussed the similarities and differences across the various regions.
Panel discussion moderated by Ms. Azizah Zakaria.
Watch the panel discussion here.
Panel: Turning Research into Artistic Output
Scholars and practitioners Norisham Osman (Singapore), Mohd. Hafzal Bin Aziz (Malaysia) and Muhammad Nurazhariansyah (Indonesia) delved into a discussion on how Malay dance can be enriched through in-depth research, bridging the gap between academic study and creative practice. How can dancers and choreographers use research to inform, innovate and enhance their creative work, while maintaining the integrity and essence of Malay dance traditions?
Panel discussion moderated by Dr. Noramin Farid.
Watch the panel discussion here.
Day 1 Reflection by Hariz Emran
Hariz Emran, a final year undergraduate majoring in Malay Studies and Communications & New Media at the National University of Singapore (NUS), delivered his succinct takeaways of the different sharings and discussions throughout the first symposium day.
Watch Hariz’s reflections here.
Day 2 Programmes
Keynote by Dr. Eko Supriyanto: Embracing the Contemporary in Cultural Heritage - Diving Cultures
A central figure of Indonesian contemporary dance and well-known for his works Cry Jailolo (2013) and IBUIBU BELU: Bodies of Borders (2020), Dr. Eko Supriyanto discussed the importance of integrating modern perspectives into traditional practices to ensure their relevance in today’s world.
Watch his keynote speech here.
Panel: Reviving Traditions and Forgotten Practices
Dr. Eko Supriyanto (Indonesia), Dr. Hafzan Zannie Hamza (Malaysia) and Dr. Norsafini Jafar (Malaysia) each explored the art of reviving traditions and practices long forgotten, sharing their insights into the challenges and triumphs of preserving and revitalising traditions in a rapidly changing world.
Panel Discussion moderated by Dr. Noramin Farid.
Panel: Contemporising Traditions
Young artists Andrew Igai Jamu (Malaysia), Zhafir Muzani (Malaysia) and Lyn Hanis (Singapore) explored the challenges and opportunities inherent in making tradition contemporary. How can we navigate the delicate balance between preserving heritage and embracing innovation, and are there strategies for revitalising tradition while honouring its timeless significance?
Panel Discussion moderated by Dr. Roszalina Rawi.
Watch the panel discussion here.
Day 2 Reflections by Suraya Suhairi
Closing the Symposium is Suraya Suhairi, who shared her takeaways and reflections from both symposium days, highlighting key discussions, insightful moments, and future directions inspired by the sessions.
Watch Suraya’s reflections here.