http://thestar.com.my/inperfectharmony/story.asp?file=/2011/10/21/inperfectharmony/9738955&sec=inperfectharmony

Friday October 21, 2011

Sign-singing two songs

By S. INDRAMALAR
indra@thestar.com.my

PETALING JAYA: Getting an ensemble of 20 singers to learn a sign language routine for two songs has not been easy, confesses Dama Orchestra’s artistic director Pun Kai Loon.

“It took many sessions of training before the cast learned the sign routines for both songs. It isn’t easy because when you sign, you have to make sure that the angle of your finger, hand and even elbow has to be just right.

“The cast had to be very conscious of their movements. Any movement from waist up has to be very precise in order for the signing to be accurate,” said Pun.

Refreshing idea: The ensemble performing ‘No Matter What’ and ‘I Swear’ using sign language. Inset: Pun.

He was referring to the two songs – No Matter What by Boyzone and I Swear by All 4 One – in the Dama Musical Production of In Perfect Harmony – A Malaysian Musical Journey that uses sign language orchestration by the ensemble.

“The idea came from David Lee (the choreographer). He was working out the dance routines and then thought about doing something different for the two songs. He came to me with the idea of sign-singing and we discussed it and thought it would be very interesting.

“We got someone from the YMCA to teach us how to sign. Her name was Lucy Lim and she had some experience performing using sign language and we got to work,” he said.

In Perfect Harmony is currently being staged at the KL Performing Arts Centre (KLPac) in conjunction with The Star’s 40th anniversary.

Though it took a lot of work, Pun said the end result was quite gratifying.

“When we looked at it, once everything was down pat, it was really very touching. I can’t describe it exactly. David and I both had a warm feeling sweep through us. It is a very moving performance,” said Pun.

Indeed, the sign-singing does inspire the audience, and the cast alike.

In Perfect Harmony – A Malaysian Musical Journey is presented by The Star in collaboration with Dama Orchestra, with SP Setia Bhd Group as the gold sponsor and UOB the official bank.

The show runs until Oct 23 at Pentas 1, KLPac.

For more stories and pictures, visit thestar.com.my/inperfectharmony.