Tarian Malam has potential to be more powerful

Nan Jombang Dance Company is from West Sumatra, consisting of a cast of dedicated, determined dancers. Tarian Malam is a dance birthed from their collective experience of the 2009 earthquake.

However, had choreographer Ery Mefri paid more attention to the narrative established by the soundscape he created with his dancers chanting, crying, shouting and beating away at drums, flapping their garments, and tapping out rhythms on their bodies, Tarian Malam would have resonated and lingered more powerfully than what was seen onstage, on Friday night.