Tempest of the Tribe

UTAR Wushu Club of Kampar Campus made another breakthrough by organising a mega Wushu concert titled “Tempest of the Tribe” which successfully attracted a crowd of more than 2,200 visitors, including staff, students and members of the public. The concert was held at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, Kampar Campus on 31 March 2018.

The family of “Tempest of the Tribe”

Filled with extravagant and fascinating Chinese traditional performances, namely 24 Festive Drums performance, Dragon Dance, Lion Dance, Hong Quan and Tai Chi, the night “Tempest of the Tribe” was held for the second time after organising an inaugural thrilling 24 Festive Drums Concert titled “Sensation in March 2016” in 2016.

A great show of creativity

An outstanding Lion Dance performance 

A colourful symbol of Chinese culture – the Dragon Dance

The event was graced by UTAR Chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik and accompanied by UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik, UTAR Council Members Hew Fen Yee and Datuk Lim Si Cheng, UTAR Planning and Development Committee Advisor Tan Sri Hew See Tong, Co-Advisor of UTAR Wushu Club of Kampar Campus Lee Yu Juen, Organising Chairperson of the “Tempest of the Tribe” Fan Sui Hang and Chairperson of UTAR Wushu Club Kampar Campus Chua Chung Li. The “Tempest of the Tribe” was an innovative assimilation of Chinese cultural elements and tribal characteristics.

Tun Ling and other VIPs during the opening ceremony

Also present to cherish the ceremony were UTAR Registrar Yim Lin Heng, Kampar Campus Head of Students Affairs Department (DSA) Chiang Jeng Fong, Head of Chancellery Department Lim Swea Jen, DSA Senior Assistant Manager-cum-Officer-in-charge of Wushu Club Adrin Yeap Wai Kuan, sponsors, and committee members.

Fan explaining the objective of the concert 

Elated at the encouraging turnout, Fan expressed his gratitude to everyone for their kind presence and support. He emphasised, “The idea of “Tempest of the Tribe” was conceptualised based on the “Sensation In March”, one of the successful 24 Festive Drums concerts organised in 2016. With that in mind, this year our Club tried something unique by merging several cultural performances into one single performance, with the aim to enrich the meaning and also give a new spark for the combination of culture.” He added, “This concert not only promotes the Chinese culture but also brings attention to the issue of environmental awareness. Individually, our culture and traditions are important to us and our family. Collectively, we are also responsible for Mother Nature, and it is important that we keep our environment sustainable for the future generations. I hope this concert will motivate people to think about environmental conservation and the preservation of our culture for posterity.”

Prof Chuah congratulating the organising committee

During the opening ceremony, Prof Chuah lauded the organising committee’s efforts in making the “Tempest of the Tribe” a resounding success. He enthused, “Tonight’s concert titled, “Tempest of the Tribe”, is the effort of the UTAR Wushu Club. This title is quite unique as it brings us back to telling stories of the tribes and their homeland and how their land is endangered; therefore, reminding us to love our land and ensure its sustainability for the future generation. This concert is also a celebration of the vibrant and colourful Chinese culture and all the things that remind us of the Chinese heritage, such as the lion dance, season drums, martial arts, harmonious dances, colourful costumes, music and so much more. They all remind us of cultural arts and performances that should never be forgotten but be upheld and treasured as part and parcel of life and societal living. Therefore, it is with great pride that I congratulate the Wushu Club and its organising committee for putting up this memorable concert.” 

Before concluding his speech, Prof Chuah announced the gracious donations of RM10,000 each by UTAR Chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik and UTAR Council Member Hew Fen Yee to UTAR Wushu Club. He also thanked Tun Ling and Hew for their generosity towards the club.

Fan further added, “It involved more than 200 students and participants who took months of planning, preparation and implementation before today’s event. There are about 90 performers, 90 student helpers and 28 organising committee members who put their heads and hands together for such a momentous event. I am also proud to say that, in addition to this concert, the Wushu Club members held three flea markets and conducted several performances to raise funds to organise this event. The proceeds from this concert will go towards the UTAR Hospital building fund and Wushu Club to fund its annual club activities for the students.”

Soul-searching 24 Festive Drums 

A dynamic performance – Yin Yang

The “Tempest of the Tribe” saw an innovative integration of Chinese cultural elements into the fabric of the event. Marking the start of the event was a captivating Lion Dance alongside with the energetic 24 Festive Drums performance by the members of UTAR Wushu Club. Apart from the intriguing performance, the members also put up a total of six meaningful performances by incorporating the stories of the tribes and their homeland being endangered. The six inspiring performances, namely “Joy”, “Divergent”, “Ominous”, “Return”, “Companionship” and “War”, were all composed and choreographed by UTAR Wushu Club members. The performances illustrated the journey of the main character, called Voyyowa who had left homeland to work in the city in the 21st century. The performances revolved around all kinds of unfair treatments and setbacks that he had endured in the city. 

Students in the first performance, Joy 

Spirits of creativity – Divergent

This performance describes unresolved worries - Ominous 

The soul-searching moment - Return

Running towards Companionship

Defending the motherland to the last breath – War  

Photos courtesy of Siow Kuai Qing, Yeu Kai Yik, Chai Yao Hui, Lim Teik Wei, Teh Chia Wei, Nicsmen Chen.