Sabah Fest 2016 features Medtemu Sumirid, Magarang dances
KOTA KINABALU: The most anticipated cultural extravaganza musical stage performance of Gulu Gulu – A Tribute to the Past musical performance will be held from April 29 to May 1, this year at the Auditorium Complex, National Department For Culture And Arts, Sabah (JKKN Sabah) starting at 8pm on all three nights.
In addition, this three-day event will also highlight the different ethnicities in Sabah through a traditional food and handicraft showcase from 5pm to 10pm at the event grounds.
There will be ethnic groups of Kadazan Penampang, Dusun Liwan of Ranau, Bajau Sama, Suluk Sandakan and Dusun Tambunan among many others to perform and display their culture and musical traditions at this year’s Sabah Fest.
Witness authentic dances such as Medtemu Sumirid by Dusun Liwan from Ranau. When there is a dispute among the Ranau Dusun people, the Medtemu dance is often performed. The word Medtemu means ‘a meeting to settle disputes’.
In the old days, the dance is performed when celebrating the departure of warriors to battlefields or men going on a hunt. Both men and women perform the Medtemu and the basis of this dance is the act of separating rice from its husks by feet, known as Sumirid. This dance is performed to a gong beat called the siri-siri petinduk.
The Magarang is performed by the Dusuns of Tambunan. The Magarang ritual is usually held to commemorate the harvest festival and weddings, although traditionally, the Magarang was also associated with headhunting. Normally, the sopogandangan beat by the gongs were played to accompany the Magarang ritual, but slower in tempo.
Do not miss this annual premier event, showcasing Sabah’s vibrant cultural heritage, history and tradition in the form of thrilling theatrical performances, dance and music. Find out more at www.sabahfest.com.
Tickets for the stage performance are sold at RM50 per ticket. Show starts at 8pm. There is no admission fee for the exhibitions. For more information, please contact Zachary Mobijohn, event manager of Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd at +6088232121 or email info@sabahtourlsm.com. This event is brought to the public by Sabah Tourism Board and organised by its wholly-owned subsidiary Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd. – (PR)
Source: New Sabah Times
