ID :
669434
Sat, 10/14/2023 - 12:23
Auther :
BERNAMA
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/669434
The shortlink copeid

Malaysia’s rich tapestry of arts to take centrestage in Washington

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- The UNESCO-recognised cultural and arts heritage of the Malaysian state of Kelantan is set to be showcased in Washington D.C., United States (US) for the first time this month through the "Sounds and Soul of the East Coast" Cultural Diplomacy programme.

The Malaysian Embassy in Washington D.C. in a statement made available to Bernama on Saturday said this exclusive event will introduce Kelantan's rich tapestry of arts to an esteemed audience comprising diplomats, US Federal Government officials, and travel industry experts.

The attendees will be captivated by a vivid panorama of music, shadow puppetry, dance, and traditional healing rituals from Kelantan, it said.

“Culture plays a pivotal role in diplomacy, serving as a bridge that fosters understanding and connection between nations.

“Customs and traditions are powerful tools that enable us to delve deeper into the essence of different cultures, ultimately leading to a better grasp of their people,” Malaysian Ambassador to US Nazri Aziz was quoted as saying in the statement.

Spanning from Oct 19 to 30, attendees will experience performances and demonstrations, including Kelantan shadow puppetry (Wayang Kulit Kelantan), Main Teri spiritual healing, Tari Inai dance, Silat Jawi martial art, and the musical performance, Dikir Barat.

The Mak Yong Theatre, recognised by UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, will be a highlight of this cultural programme.

The "Sounds and Soul of the East Coast" (pertaining to the east coast of the Malaysian peninsula) marks the inaugural event in a series of thematic cultural diplomacy programmes to be hosted by Nazri, according to the statement.

These programmes aim to promote Malaysia's arts and culture as integral to its national identity, highlight Malaysia as a tourism destination, and create momentum leading up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

“Furthermore, these initiatives play a vital role in fostering Malaysian cultural literacy among the diaspora in the US and the global community,” it added.

-- BERNAMA

X