#SHOWBIZ: Honouring a literary giant: A. Samad Said in digital light

New Straits Times

16-05-2025

A cultural transformation programme, "Apresiasi A. Samad Said 2025," is underway at the e-Gallery of the Faculty of Creative Multimedia, Multimedia University (MMU) in Cyberjaya, aimed at honouring and elevating the works and legacy of National Laureate Datuk Seri Dr A. Samad Said. The event runs until May 27th.
Organised by Pertubuhan Seni Nusantara in collaboration with MMU, Crisscut Design, and Manggis Group, this high-impact initiative, according to programme director Mariana Samsudin, "has been curated through a digital, interactive, and contemporary lens."
"With the theme 'Literature & Multimedia: Narratives Without Borders,' this programme features an interactive digital exhibition that blends visual art, interactive videography, and theatrical performances," says Mariana.
"This approach will open up new avenues for younger generations and modern audiences to appreciate the beauty of Malay literature."
Mariana elaborates on the programme's intent: "It has been designed to honour and preserve A. Samad Said's literary legacy."
"This initiative emerged from a strategic collaboration with Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka (DBP).
"The core idea is to present literature in a modern, immersive format, utilising digital and multimedia platforms to reach broader audiences, particularly youth and the digital-native generation."
She also notes that this project, a continuation of the "Apresiasi A. Samad Said 2023" event, aligns with the national agenda, serving as a precursor to Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY 2026).
"It is intended to act as a cultural teaser, showcasing Malaysia's literary and artistic heritage through digital innovation, thereby enhancing cultural tourism," she says.
Mariana explains the choice of venue: "MMU was selected for this collaboration due to its strong foundation in multimedia and digital arts, which aligns perfectly with the event's theme, 'Literature & Multimedia: Narratives Without Borders'."
"As a pioneering institution in digital creativity, MMU provides not only the venue (the E-Gallery, Faculty of Creative Multimedia) but also active participation and collaboration from its students and faculty, making it a natural partner for a digitally-driven literary programme."
She adds: "We are grateful to MMU's President and CEO, Prof. Datuk Dr Mazliham Moh Su'ud, for his belief in our objectives and his full support for this programme."
Mariana highlights the key components of the programme: "The main attractions include 'Galeri Dunia A. Samad Said,' the 'Rumah Kosong' theatre performance, and 'Dari Kata Ke Kanvas'."
"'Galeri Dunia A. Samad Said' offers visitors a space to explore the deeper meanings within A. Samad Said's poetry, prose, and literary works, reimagined through digital art created by Multimedia University students, inspired by his writings," she explains.
"The theatre production, 'Rumah Kosong,' is an adaptation of his poetry anthology 'Benih Semalu.'
"This poetic theatre piece weaves together stories of unfulfilled journeys, a mother's hope for her child's return, a lover's yearning for family life, and a man's regret for abandoning his loved ones in pursuit of a Cause," Mariana elaborates.
She notes the play's history: "The play was originally written in 2000, but only received Samad's approval and blessing three years ago, when it was staged at the Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in Skudai, Johor, and at MATCHBOX by Mothership in Singapore, in collaboration with Pertubuhan Seni Nusantara, Persatuan Titian Teater Ilham Seni, DBP, and UTM's Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying."
"'Dari Kata Ke Kanvas' is a competition and creative initiative designed to engage youth in discovering A. Samad Said's literary contributions by interpreting his works through digital art.
"Winning entries will be displayed in Galeri Dunia A. Samad Said throughout the event," she says.