Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) has committed RM50,000 for the production of the performance in support of the performing arts. It will be held at the Dewan Auditorium of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) on March 23 and 24, 2013 under the patronage of Raja Muda Perak, Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Dr. Raja Nazrin Shah ibni Sultan Azlan Muhibbudin Shah.

YSD’s commitment resonates with its Arts and Culture pillar to promote the development of a vibrant arts community in Malaysia’s multi-cultural society. Through the contribution, YSD will help to put together a much anticipated performance by two world-renowned artistes, highlighting one of the oldest classical Indian dances, well known for its grace, purity, tenderness, and sculptural poses.

YSD governing council member Datuk Adeline Leong said, “YSD’s sponsorship of classical performances like the Bharatanatyam not only serves to ensure the preservation of ethnic cultures, but also encourages the expression of an ethnicity's identity and story through rhythm and dance”.

Muruga – I Am With Him boasts an international stellar cast and will showcase the talent of Khoo, an established Malaysian dancer and performer, based at the Department of Dance at the University of Malta.

As a dancer, Khoo’s credentials are renowned, having studied Bharatanatyam under maestro Adyar K. Lakshman in India, ballet with Marian St. Claire and Michael Beare in London and contemporary dance at New York’s Merce Cunningham studio.

He was called to perform for the Queen of England and the President of India to mark the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India – a testament of his talent. Mavin Khoo has also taught ballet and contemporary dance at Danceworks (London) and Middlesex University, Central School of Ballet.

"I am with you, Muruga, is a new phase in my Bharatanatyam choreographic journey in devising one act performances. It is anchored in the cultural framework that underpins the form (Bharatanatyam) and context but is reflective of the inter-cultural dialogues that determine my aesthetics, artistic intentions and queries. My collaboration with OS Arun also takes on another level of commitment and trust in each other during this 80 minute production,” said Khoo.

Muruga - I am With Him: A Solo Bharatanatyam Performance by Mavin Khoo is a dance drama explaining the festival of Thaipusam, which is held in the months of January or February in the Tamil month of Thai.

In Malaysia, this festival is held all over the country, but significantly in Batu Caves, Penang and Ipoh where Hindu devotees pay homage to Lord Muruga. The performance also tells a story behind the reasons of Kavadi bearers and their penance and sacrifices for vows which were fulfilled.

This production is also the third instalment of a trilogy of works that marks the inter-relationships in the Bharatanatyam dance. It was preceded with ‘Devi: In Absolution’ in 2008 and ‘Dancing my Shiva’ in 2010 as a continuing offering to the inter-relationship between the Self and the metaphysical abstractions of divinity.

YSD previously supported Khoo’s production ‘Dancing my Shiva’ with a sponsorship of RM50,000 in 2010. This amount was used to cover expenses of the production relating to musicians’ fees, venue and collaterals. This production drew full houses on both days of the performance.

Tickets for the performance will be sold by ticketing agent, Ticketpro, and will be available for purchase at its outlets and through its website at www.ticketpro.com.my. A booth will also be set up at Kuala Lumpur City Hall on performance days.