By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 30: K-pop group XENEX from South Korea, a thrilling Shaolin Kung Fu showcase from China and powerful Japanese Taiko drumming will be among the international performances set to enliven this year’s Kuching Festival International Friendship Cities Night this weekend.
Organised by the Kuching South City Council (MBKS), the three-night cultural showcase will be held at the MBKS Theatre, Kuching Park, from July 31 to Aug 2, featuring performances by cultural groups from Kuching South’s friendship cities in South Korea, China and Japan.
The performances will begin at 7.30pm on Friday (July 31), followed by shows at 7pm on Saturday (Aug 1) and Sunday (Aug 2). Admission is free, with members of the public encouraged to arrive early to secure seats.
MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the International Friendship Cities Night is one of the highlights of the annual Kuching Festival, celebrating the bonds between Kuching South and its international friendship cities through music, culture and performing arts.
“This year’s programme will feature cultural delegations from Guro, South Korea; Zhenjiang, Zhengzhou and Quanzhou, China; as well as Asuke, Japan,” he said in a press release today.
Representing Asuke, Japan, Sanshu Asuke Taiko will bring the spirit and energy of traditional Japanese drumming to the stage with a powerful Taiko performance showcasing the country’s cultural heritage.
Audiences will also get the chance to watch popular K-pop group XENEX from Guro, South Korea. The group made its debut with the single album It’s Gonna Hurt, followed by the mini album Next Step. XENEX has also appeared on several prominent Korean music programmes, including SBS, MTV, THE SHOW, MBC Show Champion and Arirang TV.
Adding a touch of Chinese martial arts to the event, the Zhengzhou delegation will present the world-renowned Shaolin Kung Fu, featuring dynamic demonstrations of traditional martial arts techniques.
Meanwhile, the Quanzhou delegation will showcase traditional Chinese dances reflecting the city’s rich cultural history, while the Zhenjiang delegation will present a variety of cultural performances featuring traditional arts and music, including string instruments, a string quartet, vocal performances, dance and choral singing.
Wee highlighted that the International Friendship Cities Night had grown into one of the most popular programmes of the Kuching Festival, giving residents an opportunity to experience the cultures of international friendship cities without travelling overseas.
“The programme also strengthens the friendship and cooperation between our cities,” he said.
He invited members of the public to attend the event with their families and friends to enjoy the diverse cultural performances from South Korea, China and Japan.
“Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the cultures of South Korea, China and Japan right here in Kuching,” he said. — DayakDaily
