Latest news with #PersiapanSeorangAktor
The Star
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Weekend for the arts: 'Persiapan Seorang Aktor' theatre, Jemimah Wei KL tour
THEATRE: 'PERSIAPAN SEORANG AKTOR' Venue: Nero Event Space, PJPAC, 1 Utama Shopping Mall Date: ends July 20 Fresh off winning two Boh Cameronian Arts Awards earlier this year - including Best Original Script (for Saat Omar) - Persiapan Seorang Aktor returns this weekend in a new staging by Mask Team and director Syahrul Musa. The Bahasa Malaysia production takes the stage at Nero, PJPac. The 90-minute production features Aloy Paradoks and Fazleena Hishamuddin, joined by acclaimed actor-director Nam Ron for this new run. The play tells the story of a gifted actor whose obsession with greatness slowly eats him alive. Determined to become not just Malaysia's best but the greatest the world has ever seen, he dives into acting with almost religious fervour - quoting theory, living the method, and eventually slipping into isolation, burnout, and depression. At the heart of this unraveling is Nina, his wife, whose quiet devotion brings brief moments of warmth and clarity. Persiapan is both a love letter to the art of acting and a cautionary tale about ego, ambition, and the hidden cost of chasing perfection. Threaded with nods to Hamlet and moving between tragedy and dry humour, the play offers a raw, compelling look at an artist on the edge - and a reminder that even noble dreams can take their toll. Audiences have responded warmly, but if you're hoping to see it, better act fast - only a few nights remain. More info here. THEATRE: 'US A JOURNEY OF LOVE, LOSS & BELONGING' Venue: Pentas 2, KLPac Date: ends July 20 When the lights dim in Us: A Journey Of Love, Loss & Belonging, two characters step onto a bare stage. There's no physical intimacy, no grand gestures, no swelling music – just raw, deliberate dialogue as they try to understand each other and themselves. Written and directed by Fa Abdul, Us is playing at Pentas 2, KLPac in Kuala Lumpur this weekend (July 19 and 20). The play, which made its debut in Penang last month, doesn't promise fairytale endings. Instead, it offers something far more rare: honesty. Starring actors Karam Tabba (a Syrian-born performer) and Lauren Tan (a lawyer, writer, tutor), the play follows Mark and Anna – two emotionally guarded souls bound by deep connection and deeper fear. Ivan Gabriel, a Penang-based artist, actor, and curator, makes a special appearance. As Mark and Anna navigate the tension between closeness and self-preservation, they must confront the emotional walls they've built - can love bridge the gap, or will fear pull them apart? Us is presented by Big Nose Productions and KLPac. More info here. JEMIMAH WEI KL BOOK TOUR Venue: various KL bookstores Date: July 19 and 20 Don't miss out on the chance to meet US-based Singaporean author Jemimah Wei as she visits several bookstores across Kuala Lumpur this weekend: Books Kinokuniya KLCC (July 19), Tsutaya Books Pavilion Bukit Jalil (July 19) and MPH Bookstores The Exchange TRX (July 20). After book tours in the US, Britain and Singapore, Wei is now bringing her newly released debut novel The Original Daughter to Malaysian readers. The book - a project that took the 33-year-old writer over a decade to complete and publish - traces the making and unravelling of family ties against the backdrop of turn-of-the-millennium Singapore. From hiding childhood secrets in biscuit tins to grappling with millennial coming-of-age anxieties, join Wei as she dives into her debut novel and answers questions from readers. More info here. Traditional stage costumes on display at the Chinese Opera exhibition at Muzium Negara, Kuala Lumpur. Photo: The Star/Art Chen CHINESE OPERA EXHIBITION: AN INTRODUCTION AND A REMEMBRANCE Venue: Galeri 1, Muzium Negara, Kuala Lumpur Date: ends Sept 8 The newly opened Chinese Opera Exhibition: An Introduction And A Remembrance at Muzium Negara in Kuala Lumpur takes visitors into the vivid world of traditional Chinese opera – with its legendary tales, striking costumes, delicate props, and timeless music. This showcase is a collaboration between Muzium Negara and the Pat Woh Association Malaysia, a KL-based group known for preserving and promoting Cantonese opera. It also how Malaysian Chinese opera draws from the Xiqu tradition, blending stylised acting, singing, graceful movement, and symbolic props. Visitors can also learn about Malaysia's own opera legends – Siew Chan Wan (1919–2022) and Choo Sau Ying (1927–2003) – whose dedication kept the art form alive for future generations. Choy Him Heong, now 92, continues to be a living link to this enduring tradition. From ornate headgear to hand-painted backdrops, intricate musical instruments to archival photographs, each display – there are more than 90 exhibits – reminds us how Chinese opera has long served as both entertainment and living heritage for generations of local communities. More info here. Visitors view Pangrok Sulap's 'Cahaya Adalah Kehidupan' (2022), a woodcut on blackout fabric, at the Sabahan collective's 'The Sound Of Salience' exhibition at Tali Art Gallery, Petaling Jaya. Photo: The Star/Chan Tak Kong EXHIBITION: PANGROK SULAP's 'THE SOUND OF SALIENCE' Venue: Tali Art Gallery, Petaling Jaya Date: ends July 20 It's the last weekend to catch the exhibition at Tali Art Gallery, showcasing Sabahan collective Pangrok Sulap's bold woodcut works - from pieces dating back to 2017 to a newer series developed in Hong Kong. Titled The Sound Of Salience , the exhibition presents eight main works and assorted prints that showcase Pangrok Sulap's signature fusion of social commentary and participatory printmaking. Renowned for using art as a vehicle for social commentary, the collective's works serve as a bridge between communities and pressing issues like climate change, land rights, cultural identity, and sovereignty. It's been increasingly difficult to catch the group's work in the Klang Valley, as Pangrok Sulap has been actively involved in residencies and exhibitions abroad - most recently with a strong showing at the University of Tennessee in the United States in March, and a community art festival in Patani, southern Thailand last month. Formed in 2010, Pangrok Sulap is made up of artists, musicians, printmakers, and activists. Free admission exhibition. More info here. Lyne Ismail at her painterly debut exhibition 'Cat Town: Energy, Matter, And The Art Of Becoming' at Temu House, Petaling Jaya. Photo: The Star/Azman Ghani EXHIBITION: LYNE ISMAIL'S 'CAT TOWN: ENERGY, MATTER, AND THE ART OF BECOMING' Venue: Temu House, Petaling Jaya Date: ends July 27 Cat Town: Energy, Matter And The Art Of Becoming brings science and art into thoughtful, immersive dialogue. Visual artist, material scientist, and academic Lyne Ismail invites viewers to explore abstraction, sensory perception, and expansive ideas through the lens of resonance and transformation. On view is a new series of large abstract paintings alongside a live cymatic installation, where water responds to sound and vibration by forming intricate, mandala-like patterns. By making resonance visible, Lyne encourages viewers to feel their way into meaning, rather than decode it intellectually. The exhibition also expands on her book Musings Of The Spring Water, launching in tandem with the show. Together, they offer a sensory and reflective journey into energy, intuition, and the act of becoming. More info here.
The Star
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
'Persiapan Seorang Aktor' exposes the emotional toll and daily grind of acting
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.
The Star
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
'Cammies' spotlight Malaysia's evolving, genre-blurring arts productions
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.
