'Persiapan Seorang Aktor' exposes the emotional toll and daily grind of acting

The Star

18-07-2025

Under bright stage lights, an actor bares their soul. But what happens behind the curtain, away from the audience's gaze, is the heart of the acclaimed theatre show Persiapan Seorang Aktor (Preparations Of An Actor).
After earning rave reviews, strong word-of-mouth, and two awards – the Best of 2024 and Best Original Script for playwright Saat Omar – at the 20th Boh Cameronian Arts Awards in May, Persiapan Seorang Aktor returns to the stage next week.
This time drawing strong media attention, the independent Mask Team stages it at the Nero Event Space, PJPAC, 1 Utama Shopping Mall, Petaling Jaya, with five shows from July 17–20.
Directed by Syahrul Musa, the 90-minute Bahasa Malaysia production features Aloy Paradoks and Fazleena Hishamuddin, joined by acclaimed actor-director Nam Ron for this new run.
The gang is back
This show also reunites familiar faces from the local theatre scene. Over a decade ago, Syahrul, Aloy, and Fazleena shared the stage at Stor Teater Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (Stor DBP), a KL space that nurtured emerging talent. Productions like Satu Plastik Hitam and Juta-Juta (2011) first brought them together, with Syahrul directing.
A lot has changed since those early days, but the bond between these theatre friends is as strong as ever.
In a recent chat in Petaling Jaya, the three reminisced about old times, reflected on how far they've come, and shared why it matters to stay connected – even when life gets busy.
Aloy and Fazleena in a scene from 'Persiapan Seorang Aktor' at Studio Sedar Ruang, Shah Alam last year. They'll reunite as the show returns to the stage, playing at PJPAC from July 17-20. Photo: Sufian Abas
Today, Aloy is a film scriptwriter and TV actor; Fazleena, a published author who also dabbles in music and poetry; and Syahrul lectures at UiTM Shah Alam while championing independent theatre from an academic angle.
'We filled every seat last year mostly through word of mouth and people who remembered us from Stor DBP. They were curious to see how we had grown over the years,' said Aloy.
For Fazleena, the stage remains a vital space for self-expression – a grounding force amid life's many roles.
'I never studied performing arts formally but the stage has always pulled me back. I make it a point to be involved in at least one production every year, no matter how busy life gets,' she said.
Syahrul feels their shared history brings authenticity to the production – for both cast and audience.
'It mirrors our own journeys and shows why independent theatre matters for grassroots talent. The script resonates not just with actors, but with anyone balancing passion and reality. Aloy and Fazleena bring the maturity and chemistry the story needs,' he said.
Their trust and shared history gave them the courage to take risks, even on a tight budget.
Last year's run at Studio Sedar Ruang in Shah Alam was staged on a shoestring, with most funds going to venue rental – yet it still played to full houses. The warm response proved that audiences still want honest, homegrown stories.
'That success gave us the confidence to bring it to PJPAC,' said Syahrul. 'We believe in this story and the talent behind it.'
Passion becomes obsession
In the show, Aloy takes on the role of Sadiq, and Fazleena appears as Nina, his wife. Nam Ron plays 'Pengarah,' or the director.
Persiapan Seorang Aktor follows Sadiq, a celebrated actor whose drive for perfection slowly consumes him. Not satisfied with being the best in Malaysia, he obsesses over surpassing the world's great stage legends.
This story within a story makes the audience question how far an artist must go to become truly great.
'My character is an intense actor who tries to live every role fully – from his walk to his thoughts,' Aloy explained.
'But the more roles he takes on, the more they stick with him, wearing him down emotionally. Then he's offered Hamlet, but he can't step into it until he lets go of the others haunting him. That obsession backfires, and he ends up hurting the people around him,' he added.
Aloy and Fazleena act out an intense scene while Syahrul reads through the script during a recent rehearsal in Petaling Jaya. Photo: The Star/M. Irsyad
Nina becomes both Sadiq's anchor and his reality check, even as she grapples with her own struggles. Through Fazleena's portrayal, we're reminded that the art world is never a truly solo act – it's shaped by those who stand beside us.
'Nina is the quiet support many artists depend on,' said Fazleena.
'In real life, it's often family – especially women – who set aside their own dreams to help their partners. She has to balance letting him get lost in his craft with reminding him of his responsibilities at home.'
Persiapan Seorang Aktor is more than just a meta-theatrical piece about actors – it holds up a mirror to society, exploring the sacrifices, pressures, and passion that come with a life on stage. It also shines a light on those who quietly support that journey.
Seen through a wider lens, Syahrul hopes the production can draw in newcomers to theatre, offering a glimpse into the demands of acting and helping keep independent theatre alive.
'For us, theatre has always been a way to talk about real issues – to reflect, satirise, and help people understand each other better,' said Syahrul.
'Independent theatre here may never be easy, but it remains one of the few places where we can be honest, raw, and real – and that's why it has to go on," he added.