Kayan verbal art performance on Feb 26

KUCHING: Join Kayan singer Adrian Jo Milang on a journey down the river Keliman to the land of cats through songs at Telang Usan Hotel on Feb 26 starting 2.30pm.

This rare event titled ‘ Tiger’s Son Comes to the Land of Cats: A New Kayan Journey in Old Song’ is organised by Friends of Sarawak Museum (FOSM).

According to a publicity release yesterday, this unique verbal art performance known as ‘ tekna’k’ was created by the 19-year- old Adrian, from tales sung by the Kayans of Tubau, Balui, Baram and Mendalam in Kalimantan.

“When Adrian was 13, he dreamt that he was listening to his grandmother and grandfather on the veranda, and his grandmother told him that this meant he was called to sing,” FOSM said through the statement.

“Other dreams came to him, and he practised until he became widely known and was often invited to celebrate special occasions at many longhouses where he gave spontaneous performances.”

The ‘tekna’k’ tells of his journey down the river Keliman, a great river in the world of the spirits, to the land of cats.

Members of the public are invited to join Adrian as he takes the audience on a strange journey into distant lands through songs with deep meanings.

“Adrian’s journey shows that ancient arts can be preserved not only in fixed forms, recordings, books and museum pieces, but as living recreations in the form and spirit of tradition, as they were born,” FOSM said.

Entrance is free. For more information, contact 012- 8550588 or email fosmuseum.ed@ gmail. com.