Extending compassion to evildoers


03 December 2011 | last updated at 11:12PM

By OLIVIA PETER
KUALA LUMPUR 
streets@nstp.com.my 

THE 100-minute Magic Mirror the Musical (MMTM) delivered Guan Yin's message to people to be more compassionate, tolerant and patient.

She is the bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas

    The Guan Yin Foundation staged the multi-million ringgit production  at Istana Budaya recently. It made its  debut in  Genting Highlands in 2008.

   Previously directed by Yu Xiao Xue of China, this time the foundation collaborated with Malaysian musician Chow Kam Leong to produce a more creative and refined performance.

  It has been watched by more than 20,000 people over the last three years.

The improved  production features more colourful costumes,  dances and drama delivered with 12 songs.

    Famous Chinese stage designer Ren Dong Sheng was roped in to set up backdrops which reflect the cultural brilliance and prosperity of   the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

    Local artistes were  recruited to give them the opportunity to  get international exposure.

   The play revolves around the  evil actions of a general and his army. Under the   influence of demons, they   bring destruction and suffering to villagers.

   Guan Yin, who  manifests herself as the Lady in White, shows the evil characters what's in store for them through the magic copper  mirror.

 This convinces them to turn away from evil.

   The graceful performance of the three demons which involved difficult moves received the loudest applause.

       The 12 songs were sung with angelic voices, especially the  last song Compassionate Countenance.
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Dancers in colourful costumes and a ‘monk’ giving an energetic performance. Pics by Syarafiq Abd Samad.

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