Jakarta, 1 March 2011

Art enthusiasts from all corners of Jakarta are gathering today to enjoy drama performances from Brunei Darussalam at the seventh instalment of the Best of ASEAN’s Performing Arts. To take place at Gedung Kesenian Jakarta, the evening will entertain over 400 audiences with tales of love for one’s partner and parents. Both tales are drawn from Brunei’s legend and customs.

The Best of ASEAN’s Performing Arts showcase the richness and diversity of performing arts in the region. They also reflect ASEAN’s shared history that contributes towards building an ASEAN awareness and identity. All the instalments have been hosted in Jakarta and are open to the public.

“We unite to celebrate the power of words, movements and sounds that allow us to appreciate ASEAN’s treasure-trove of living traditions and art forms,” says the Secretary-General of ASEAN. “Our lands and people may be diverse, but we are all inspired by our cultural heritage – and it is that heritage that becomes the foundation for a sense of belonging to the region,” Dr Surin Pitsuwan adds.

“Brunei’s Legacy” will also be graced by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of Brunei Darussalam, H.E. Dato Paduka Haji Jemat bin Haji Ampal; and H.E. Jero Wacik, Minister of Culture and Tourism of Indonesia. 

The six previous Member States that have contributed to the success of the series were: Indonesia with “The Mosaic Archipelago” in May 2008; Thailand with “Tapestry of Thai Beauty and Grace” in August 2008; Singapore with “Singapore Showcase: Cultural Crossings” in April 2009; Myanmar with “The Royal Beauty of Golden Myanmar” in December 2009; Malaysia with “1Malaysia: Harmony in Cultural Diversity” in March 2010; and Viet Nam with “Charming Viet Nam” in December 2010.

“Brunei’s Legacy” was jointly organised by the ASEAN Secretariat and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of Brunei Darussalam, with the support of the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam to Indonesia and the Permanent Mission of Brunei Darussalam to ASEAN.