Synopsis

A dance theatre piece that delves into the life of the last shaman of the Lotud tribe in Sabah Malaysia. Based on stories through oral tradition and dance from remaining population of the tribe, the piece is told by the very last priestess who is witnessing her own funeral rites on her deathbed. Her spirit is torn between leaving the mortal plane by ascending into the mystic peaks of Kota Kinabalu mountains, or by staying alive just to preserve the existence of their culture. We see her reflect through dance, re-enactments of her life and song, fighting to stay close to her family of converts while also clinging to her own faith. How can she keep the traditions alive? Or is extinction by ascension inevitable?

这是一部单人舞蹈剧场作品，深入探讨马来西亚沙巴Lotud族最后一位萨满的生活。作品基于该部落剩余人口通过口述和舞蹈传承下来的故事，讲述了最后一位女祭司在临终时亲眼见证自己的葬礼仪式。她的灵魂在生死之间挣扎，徘徊于是否升入神秘的Kinabalu山巅，或是选择留在人世，只为守护族群文化的延续。作品通过舞蹈与叙述重现她一生的片段和她在仪式中的颂唱，展现她与转信的家人之间深厚的联结，同时坚守她的信仰。她如何才能让传统得以延续？还是说，她的离世注定带来Lotud文化的灭绝？

The Last Shaman (Teaser Trailer & Excerpt)

Photo credits: Kuang Jingkai @dancelittleeveryday

28th December 2024, G-Six Studio, Johor Bahru, Malaysia                                                                                         A Dance Theatre Double Bill

Collaborators & Performers Xue Li & Sook Kuan (Bonding)                                                                                                       Creator & Performer Sook Kuan (The Last Shaman)                                                                                                             Writer, Director & Production Design Khairul Kamsani (The Last Shaman)                                                                                                                    

Producer & Artistic Director Tang Sook Kuan                                                                                                                   Dramaturg & Production Design Khairul Kamsani                                                                                                                 House Manager & Promotion Xue Li                                                                                                                                   Technical Support Lim Yun Xian                                                                                                                                             Graphic Designer EK Chan                                                                                                                                             Photographer Kuang Jingkai