'Meniti Cakerawala' dance theatre odyssey set to fascinate Penangites

CLASSICAL dancer, choreographer and cultural icon Datuk Ramli Ibrahim, as well as astrophysicist Tan Sri Mazlan Othman are set to fuse science and arts for an upcoming dazzling dance-theatre production.

Titled Meniti Cakerawala: The Science & Romance of the Cosmos, the show is set to take Penangites to explore the cosmic experience and its connection to humanity on August 15.

Their motivation stems from the need to inspire the young to venture into science while not neglecting arts, especially since the performing arts showcases the rich heritage and traditions of the Malaysian diverse culture.

In an interview, both Mazlan and Ramli hope that the show can become an eye-opener to the young.

Ramli and Mazlan are driven by the need to bring real meaning to science and arts, not just from an audience standpoint but to study both dimensions and find meaning in how it comes to be part of the cosmic world.

The nationwide show would be in Penang on Friday at the Soko Gakkai Malaysia Culture Centre in Bayan Lepas, just across the Penang International Airport.

The production is the first of its kind, not just for its singular and unique multi-media, multi-discipline content, but for its ArtScience message and for youths to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

The content of Meniti Cakerawala focuses on the journey, work and contribution of Mazlan as Malaysia’s distinguished astrophysicist, said Ramli.

Veteran journalist Tan Sri Johan Jaafar also lends his expertise by providing the script to the show.

The 75-minute production blends classical dance, film, visual art, music, and poetry into a rich, multi-sensory experience.

The show is now being marketed to youths and to residents in Penang, who have come to appreciate the performing arts and a need to master STEM. - August 10, 2025.