'Cammies' spotlight Malaysia's evolving, genre-blurring arts productions

The Star

08-05-2025

A fusion of one of William Shakespeare's most iconic plays with Minangkabau traditions, and a minimalist yet powerful Bahasa Malaysia theatre piece exploring the struggles of an actor, were among the recipients named "Best of 2024" at the recent 20th Boh Cameronian Arts Awards (BCAA or fondly known as the "Cammies") held at PJPac's main theatre hall in Petaling Jaya on Sunday night.
In the theatre category, Randai Macbeth, a production by Pusat Seni Pentas Tradisional, Aswara, won eight awards on the night, including Best Director (Dr Norzizi Zulkifli), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Juhara Ayob), Best Actor in a Leading Role (Che Kem) and Best Ensemble / Group Performance.
'We're happy that traditional theatre can stand alongside contemporary productions and be recognised on the same stage,' said Norzizi, who directed Randai Macbeth.
'It's not easy these days to stage something of this scale, but acknowledgements like this give us the motivation to keep working with traditional art forms – especially those that are often overlooked or undervalued,' she added.
Meanwhile, Persiapan Seorang Aktor by Studio Sedar Ruang proved that Jerzy Grotowski's concept of "poor theatre" still has the power to stretch the limits of creativity and resourcefulness.
The production took home two awards, including Best Original Script for playwright Saat Omar, who described the work as a tribute to all theatre students and struggling actors.
'The script explores the joy and meaning of becoming an actor, as well as the quiet, often invisible struggle to have that journey and craft taken seriously,' said Saat.
'It was written from a deeply personal place, and I hope it offers encouragement to others who are still fighting to be seen,' he added.
Orang Orang Drum Theatre's production 'Kaka-Lala' picked up four awards. The title, drawn from a Cantonese phrase, loosely translates to 'every little corner of the world.' Photo: OODT
Syahrul Musa, director of the Persiapan Seorang Aktor production, described the recognition as 'deeply humbling,' adding that being named Best of 2024 was an unexpected but meaningful affirmation of their work.
'This award isn't just for me – it's for all the small-scale (theatre) makers, the independent groups, the ones creating with heart despite the odds,' said Syahrul.
'I hope this moment inspires more courage, more experimentation, and a stronger belief that intimate, alternative theatre truly matters.'
In the Dance category, Orang-Orang Drum Theatre's ambitious Kaka-Lala swept four awards, including Best Choreographer In A Feature Length Work and Best Music and Sound Design.
Geetha Shankaran-Lam was named Best Featured/Lead Performer for her powerful traditional Indian dance piece Samskara – Past Reflections, Present Expressions, presented by GSD Performing Arts Studio.
'It's predominantly bharatanatyam, but I've added my own 'Geetha' touches - including elements of freestyle - because that's the only way I can tell stories the way I intend to,' said Geetha.
'At this stage in life, there are no more boundaries.'
The stage setup for 'Handpan Music Concert', presented by FrhythmS Percussion, earned Vasflow the award for Best Visual Presentation in the Music category. Photo: FrhythmS Percussion
In the Music category, Kuala Lumpur City Opera's kebaya-inspired Opera Si La Bohemia and FrhythmS Percussion's Handpan Music Concert each claimed two awards.
Opera Si La Bohemia's wins for Best Group Performance – Vocal and Best Musical Direction highlighted the production's artistic depth and vocal excellence, while Handpan Music Concert impressed with its mainstream appeal, earning Best Group Performance – Instrumental and Best Visual Presentation.
New media artist Mohamad Nazrin Mohammad, also known as Vasflow, was thrilled to receive an award in his debut nomination for Best Visual Presentation.
'The entire set, draped in white fabric, became a perfect canvas for my visual projections,' said Vastflow.
'Using real-time rendering software, each frame was generated through unique mathematical processes, making the visuals feel organic and ever-evolving—beautifully aligning with the theme of the show,' he added.
Stefano Chen, representing Masakini Theatre Company, won Best Solo Performance – Vocal for his soulful delivery in the Charm Of Keroncong Repertoire show.
In Musical Theatre, Teater Muzikal Sakti Merong Mahawangsa by Persatuan Alumni Aswara took home four awards, including Best Costume Design, Styling & Makeup (Akma Suriati and Suhaib Daud), Best Lighting (Yusman Mokhtar), Best Original Book (Sidang Penulis Teater Muzikal Sakti Merong Mahawangsa), and Best Choreographer (Naim Syahrazad).
Zhafir Muzani, choreographer of The Young KL Singers' 'Spice, Magic And Mystique', led one of the three productions honoured with the coveted 'Best of 2024' award. Photo: KLPac
Meanwhile, the Kuala Lumpur Men's Chorus's Life Is... and Kult Productions' The Working Dead each took home three awards. In the latter, Ronnie, who portrayed the main main Edwin, won Best Performance in a Leading Role.
'This award holds even deeper significance for me, as I accept it in memory of my beloved father, who passed during the production,' said Ronnie, who uses a single-name moniker.
'It wasn't the smoothest experience, but my passion for the craft runs deep. I'm incredibly honoured, thankful, and gratified to receive this accolade.'
The 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award honoured Prof Dr Tan Sooi Beng, 70, a Penangite who has dedicated her life to the study and revitalisation of traditional and contemporary performing arts in Malaysia and South-East Asia.
Her legacy includes a rich body of publications, innovative community theatre projects, and tireless advocacy for cultural sustainability.
'I felt that I had to give something back to the society from which I was enriched. I studied Chinese Opera and puppet theatre in Penang, learning so much about my own culture. It was important for me to localise and decolonise music education,' said Tan.
'I feel very strongly that there is a need to cross borders, rather than just promote Malay, Chinese, and Indian. We need to find spaces because the convergence of our cultures is what makes us Malaysian,' she concluded.
Hosted by Sean Ghazi and Yon Lynn Tan, this year's 'Cammies' marked 20 years of celebrating the performing arts, carrying the theme "Igniting Inspiration For Tomorrow."
A total of 42 awards were presented, with RM58,000 in cash prizes distributed to performing arts practitioners across a range of disciplines - including dance, music, musical theatre, and theatre. The awards were organised by Kakiseni and sponsored by Boh Plantations Sdn Bhd.