Indonesian melodies take centre stage
Cultural fiesta at Shilpakala Academy
Mahmuda Afroz
The weeklong programme by the 'Indonesian Culture and Tourism Promotion Week 2007' came to an end with a splendid performance that took place at the National Theatre Stage, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on April 28. The evening titled 'Indonesian Cultural Night' was organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia and the Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka.The evening was divided into three segments. The first part included short speeches by the Director General of the Shilpakala Academy Quamrul Hassan, ndc and Warmas Hasan Saputra, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Bangladesh. In his speech the Ambassador mentioned that the main focus of the episode was outlined by the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh and the government of the Republic of Indonesia, signed in 2004. A cultural delegation consisting of thirty members from the city Pemantangsiantar in North Sumatra arrived in the Dhaka several days back, aiming to promote and develop cultural relations and understanding between the two countries. At the programme they performed the traditional Tortor Sombha, a dance that used to be performed to welcome kings and their courtiers in earlier times. Continuing with their soothing numbers and delicate steps the dance troupe performed the Martonun dance or the weaving dance, which depicts the life of a weaver girl. Next on stage was Indonesian singer Arlin Tobit who rendered two popular numbers Lee cho (on friendship) and Ching ching cho (a father crossing the river to meet his daughter). Following the songs was a fashion show highlighting the different religions and traditional garb of Indonesians. The Piring dance or the plate dance was performed with two plates balanced on the performers' hands. This dance form is common among the ethnic groups in Male and Sumatra islands. The last dance of the evening was the Malenggang dance. The third part of the programme featured performances by artistes of the Shilpakala Academy and their Indonesian counterparts. Zakir Hossain from the Shilpakala Academy sang a popular Indonesian song Aloo Siya and Arlin rendered Habib's current hit Bhalobashbo bashbo re bondhu along with dance performances by Deepa Khandokar, Irene Parvin, Mahatri and Julie. The programme came to an end with dancers from both sides performing the Anondo Nrityo or the 'Happy Dance'. Distinguished guests from home and abroad, government and non-government organisations, diplomatic missions, executives from renowned companies and other high officials were present at the occasion.
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