98 performers for Sabah Fest musical theatre May 4-6

KOTA KINABALU: A total of 98 performers are ready to take the stage for Sabah Fest 2018 ‘Solungkoi: Jambatan Tamparuli’ musical theatre, from May 4 to 6 at the auditorium of National Department For Culture and Arts, Sabah.

“Every year the Sabah Fest musical showcases the diversity of Sabah’s cultural dances from selected districts. This year, we will feature the traditional dance of ‘Tarian Botumban’ from Kiulu which will be performed live by students of SK Pekan Kiulu. This rarely seen cultural dance tells the story of local villagers and their camaraderie during paddy harvesting season,” said Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, chairman of Sabah Tourism Board cum advisor for Sabah Fest 2018.

Ten students of the Kelab Kebudayaan Koubasanan Tokou from SK Pekan Kiulu, Tuaran will be performing the ‘Tarian Botumban’.

“I am new in performing for a musical theatre. I have been actively representing my school to perform in schools and public events. Therefore, I am not really nervous. My parents will be coming to Sabah Fest to support me and I will do my best,” said Chrissylvia Anak Titos, 12, from SK Pekan Kiulu, Tuaran, who has had two years of dancing experience.

“We have been practising the dance for the past three weeks and we are working really hard to showcase the ‘Tarian Botumban’ on stage,” said Ahmad Danial Aiman, 11, also from SK Pekan Kiulu, Tuaran.

Apart from the ‘Tarian Botumban’, there will also be nine students from the ‘Feng Yun Dance Troupe’ of Kian Kok Middle School (KKMS) to perform a Chinese folklore dance.

The ‘Feng Yun Dance Troupe’ will be performing the ‘Kai Men Hong’, a Chinese song that translates to “Open the Red Door”. It is an auspicious song, meant to serve as a greeting of good fortune and good luck.

The three-day Sabah Fest also offers a line-up of cultural activities as well as food trucks from 6.30pm onwards, at the auditorium of National Department For Culture and Arts, Sabah.

Admission is free and tickets are sold at RM50.

For more information, please contact Francesca Lydia Chipli, Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd at +6088-232121 or email to francesca@sabahtourism.com. Updates on Sabah Fest 2018 at www.hellosabah.my.