On September 30, 2009, in Padang, West Sumatra, a 7.6 scale earthquake rocked the city, killing over 1000 people and injuring another 3000. The members of Nan Jombang Dance Company had a lucky escape as they were rehearsing outdoors when the earthquake hit and their studios collapsed.
What do artists do when they go through such an experience? They make art about it, of course. Nan Jombang Dance Company has created Tarian Malam (Night Dances), choreographed by Ery Mefri, which combines the company’s compelling fusion of Minangkabau martial arts, drumming and traditional dance with contemporary dance.
After tours to New York, Berlin and Singapore, the company is performing the work in Brisbane from August 9 to 11 before heading to Darwin Festival.
Andrew Ross, the director of the Brisbane Powerhouse, says the in-development showing of Tarian Malam in Singapore was “breathtaking”. “The traditional drumming is explosive, and the intensity of emotion coming from the dancers is palpable. The audience was spellbound.”
Venue:
Turbine Studio, Brisbane
Powerhouse
Date: August 9-11
Venue: Brown's Mart Theatre, Darwin
Date: August 24-26
For examples of Nan Jombang’s work see: