BY Azlan Othman

A whole-of-nation approach was employed to organise the Arts Aspiration Gala, combining the efforts of the Language and Literature Bureau’s (DBP) strategic partners and 22 participants. Of this, 10 are taking part in arts exhibition and 17 will put on stage performances.

Acting Director of DBP Suip bin Haji Abdul Wahab highlighted this during the opening of the three-day gala at the DBP, adding that the event showcases literature activities in six categories including knowledge sharing, competition workshop, performance and exhibition.

Activities include mini fiction writing workshops, multimedia poetry reading and stage shows on contributions by writers’ association and arts enthusiasts.

The gala – a core activity under the Literature and Malay Cultural Arts Festival to mark Language Month 2022 – operates from 8.30am to 12.15pm and from 1.30pm to 4.30pm at Sarmayuda Hall of the DBP in Airport Lama, Berakas.

Deputy Permanent Secretary (Culture) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) cum chief guest Dr Siti Norkhalbi binti Haji Wahsalfelah toured the arts exhibition before visiting food trucks outside the premises.

Themed ‘Tradition, Innovation, Creativity’, the event aims to elevate Malay as the national language through literary works and performances.

It also looks to promote DBP’s published material through stage performances; open avenues to corral literary and artistic activists under one roof; strengthen the relationship of cooperation, business relations and consensus to plan strategies to develop the creative industry at the regional and international level; and empower local literature and arts at all levels of society.

The 10 exhibitors are the Arts and Culture Division at the MCYS, Brunei History Centre, Brunei Darussalam Association of Writers (Asterawani), Putra Seni Group (KPS), Tutong Culture and Arts Body, Rampun Kesenian Insan Sastera (RAKIS), Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Sutera Memento, Kris Karmila Kreations, local painters and Photography Association of Brunei Darussalam.

Meanwhile, stage performances will include Folklore: Dulce et Utile by Dr Maslin bin Jukim, Introducing Dundang by Haji Yassin bin Hassan (Sooryassin), To Make Poetry Culture Sustainable through Bermukun by Irwan Rino bin Nordin – a recipient of Language Ambassador in 2015, and video presentation and local storytelling from Radio Television Brunei.

Fourteen participants will showcase modern and traditional literature including historical theatre, local stories and current issues, poetry, martial arts and traditional dance.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin