Inspired by grandfather

HANDS Percussion is presenting Opium, its first production that takes the audience on an open and interactive journey, where they will get to experience simultaneous performances in three different sites.
They just need to to walk from one site to another, no order necessary, to immerse themselves in art, music and dance at the Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC).
Opium was conceptualised by Bernard Goh, artistic director of Hands Percussion, based on his memories of his grandfather, and his love for the rich culture of France.
The artistes featured in the show are singer Mathilde Limal, cellist Florian Antier, and visual artist Anne Deguerry, French citizens who are currently living in Malaysia.
The Malaysians in the show include dancer Wong Jyh Shyong, calligrapher Ong Chia Koon, fashion designer Joe Chia, arranger Yuan Leow Yunn, guitarist Gideon Alu8khan Chen, musicians Howz, accordionist Azli Taslim, installation artist Muji Lee, and music director Ng Siu Yee.
“This idea came to me as I wanted to work with these French artistes who are all good friends of mine,” said Goh during an interview with theSun.
He said it is not a collaboration because that would mean that these artistess were merely working around his vision. Instead, he prefers calling it an “artistic impression”.
“I have a strong belief that if I work with you, I don’t want you to just do what I want. We will brainstorm, discuss and come up with a concept. The theme is about how we feel about our country. It is fun and challenging.”
Goh grew up with the romantic ideas about foreign countries like France. “For us, France is a country that we want to visit. For these French artists who have been living here for sometime, they really love our country.”
When Goh finally got a chance to travel to France, he discovered that while there are many wonderful things about the country, it has its own share of shortcomings.
It was during his second visit that he began to appreciate how vibrant the arts and culture scene is over there.
“I realised that it is how we look at things,”said Goh. It was paper artist Deguerry who told him the situation is the same everywhere and there are problems everywhere.
“She told me [that] as artistes we need to use our talents and strength to give society more hope and love,” said Goh.
Why the name Opium? Goh explained that his grandfather was an opium smoker.
“My grandfather loved me very much. When I grew older, my friends would tease me about my grandfather being an opium addict, and I started hating him. But he influenced [my interest] in the arts.
“He was a good craftsman, gardener and calligraphy artist. It was love and hate coming together.
“Also, I do not relate my work with politics.”
Goh says he just wants to share with the audience his love and longing for a place or a person. He said the concept will be experimental.
“We already have enough chaos, it is time to gather some positive energy.”
Opium will be held from July 26 to 31. Details are available on the Damansara Performing Arts Centre website (www.dpac.com.my/).