THE highly decorated Malaysian dancer, Datuk Ramli Ibrahim, has been working the stage for more than four decades.
His Sutra Foundation is presenting Jaya Ram at the Esplanade on 28 April 2023, a show that brings Ramli’s artistic style and energy together. Part of the SIFAS Festival of the Arts 2023, Jaya Ram is one of the cornerstone performances of this 19th edition of the festival.
In this interview he talks about funding for his art form and the attitudes of officials towards Indian classical dance. But his reputation is always helpful, which helps him gain some useful sponsorship and funding.
Having recently undergone ankle surgery, he is feeling the impact of age on his body.
“Terrible,” he laments.
But he perseveres.
And, he is not too fond of the virtual and digital world, either. During the pandemic he avoided the virtual performances, preferring to garden or play with his cats.
Tickets for Jaya Ram are available through SISTIC.