Taihen in Malaysia (Lesson 10 Report)

Report 10

Date: 23 May 2006
Time: 11am -12:30pm
Venue: Hall, New Wing, Spastic Centre

Participants:
Shahrul
Muaz
Jeniffer
Zahidah
Maryani (Bangi)
Tiara
Syamimi (New participant)
Tasneem (Absent)
Amir (Absent)
Firdaus (Leader - Absent)
Vanee (Sivakangai) (Absent)
Sabariah (Absent – not feeling well)

Jamal (Kuroko) Paul (Kuroko)
Shimada-san (Assisted)
(Weekly lesson at the Spastic Centre, Jalan Barat.)

Details:

We started at about 11:20am.

There was a new participant Syamimi bt. Abdul Razak (Female) aged 21 years old. Disability is cerebral palsy (Sitting using wheelchair; unable to stand or walk.) Her first time to attend this class, she seems to be very alert.

The atmosphere today, was very quiet but the participants seemed to be more focused each doing their own individual movements. Muaz tends to start some movement then becomes very still until he is reminded that the participants need to keep on moving. Zahidah, had to leave a little early (at 12pm).

Class ended at 12:30pm. After the sessions, we checked if there were any questions. Shimada-san informed that Ms. Kim wanted to know if all the participants had watched her on stage. Only 3 had watched Ms. Kim's performance.

Asked if the participants will be comfortable to perform on stage – Sharul (shy); Muaz (ok); Jeniffer (shy); Maryani (ok); Tiara (ok); Shamimi (ok).

Next week (29 May till 9 June, 2006) is the Mid-term school holidays. The next class will be on 13 June, 2006.

Got a message from Maryani regarding the costume that will be used for the performance. (same as the ones used by Taihen performers or a different one for the performance in Malaysia).

Note 1: I could not follow-up on the letter to the center as Ms. Jeya was not in the office when the class ended. Will be meeting on Friday, 25 May at 10am.

Note 2: I think it is important for us to invite parents of the participants to meet up to explain about Taihen and regarding the intensive workshop in July.

Prepared by
Nala Nantha (25 May 2006)

Taihen in Malaysia (Lesson 9 Report)

(Weekly lessons at the Music Room, Spastic Centre, Jalan Barat.)
Report 9

Date: 16 May 2006
Time: 11am -12:30pm
Venue: Hall, New Wing, Spastic Centre

Participants:
Firdaus (Leader)
Shahrul
Muaz
Amir
Jeniffer
Vanee (Sivakangai)
Sabariah
Zahidah
Maryani
Tiara (absent)
Tasneem (New participant)

Jamal (Kuroko) Paul (Kuroko)

Details:

We started at about 11:30am.

There was a new participant Tasneem Bt. Khairuddin (Female) aged 22 years old. Disability is cerebral palsy (Sitting using wheelchair; unable to stand or walk.) She was attending the classes when we first started at the spastic centre. Then unable to attend lessons as her mother was not able to send her.

Amir came in late as he had just come back from horse riding. He also mentioned that the whole of July it might be difficult for him to participate in the workshop conducted by Ms. Kim Manri for he has to go for riding programme which will be held from 9am – 2pm. (Note: Firdaus is also involved in a riding programme but his timing is not effected because he is in a different category).

Today, the participants all tried a little harder to explore their movements. Zahidah, whom has never (during lessons) tried to sit up was sitting up and trying to move. A little more effort from Vanee and Jeniffer but they have to be constantly reminded to keep on moving.

I encouraged Maryani to perhaps walk or do some kind of movement using her legs, but she seemed to feel uncomfortable as she was at a different level.

Class ended at 12:30pm.

Note: I could not follow-up on the letter to the center as Ms. Jeya was not in the office when the class ended. Will meet her next week and talk to her.

Prepared by
Nala Nantha (16 May 2006)

Taihen in Malaysia (Lesson 8 Report)

Report 8

Date: 9 May 2006
Time: 11am -12:30pm
Venue: Hall, New Wing, Spastic Centre

Participants:
Firdaus (Leader - absent)
Shahrul
Muaz
Amir
Jeniffer
Vanee (Sivakangai)
Sabariah
Zahidah
Tiara (absent) Maryani (absent)

Jamal (Kuroko) Paul (Kuroko)

(Pix taken during the first Workshop at Pentas 2, KLPac.)

Details:

Firdaus, called to inform that due to some transportation problem, he was not able to attend school, therefore was not present to lead today's session. He appointed Shahrul to be the leader. Sabariah assisted to give the instructions.

We started at about 11:20am.

Sabariah has some leadership qualities that we might want to tap on. She was able to guide the participants as her voice is strong and clear.

Today, I felt the group was a bit more focused but generally there seems to be no motivation to explore new movement. Will try to keep the momentum of the class going though.

Class ended at 12:30pm.

Note: Prepared a letter to the Spastic Centre regarding Ms. Kim's visit in July asking if the centre would be able to assist us in providing the venue (as per suggested time); also to let us know on how much it would cost to transport the children back to their homes using the centre busses.

Prepared by
Nala Nantha (14 May 2006)

Taihen in Malaysia (Lesson 7 Report)

Report 7

Date: 25 April 2006
Time: 11am -12:30pm
Venue: Hall, New Wing, Spastic Centre

Participants:
Firdaus (Leader)
Shahrul
Muaz
Amir
Jeniffer
Vanee (Sivakangai)
Sabariah (Bangi)
Tiara (absent)
Zahidah (absent)
Maryani (absent – exam)

Details:

Today too, we didn't have the assistance of the Kurokos, so Aunty Chan and myself had to unroll and place the dance mats.

We started at about 11:20am and 3 participants were absent. There were some trainer nurses who observed the lesson for about 10 minutes. Shimada-san came to observe and also discuss with the participant regarding Ms. Kim Manri's next visit.

The lessons went on as usual, lively even though there were few participants. We (Shimada-san and me) realised that we certainly need to get more Kuroko's interested and assisting with the classes. The time factor is one of the reasons whereby it would be difficult to get people to assist.

After the class, Shimada-san checked on the availability of the participant, if we were to have classes everyday during Ms. Kim Manri's visit. All the response has been noted by Shimada-san and compiled in his report. The problem that was evident was timing and transportation.

Class ended at 12:40pm.

Prepared by
Nala Nantha (7 May 2006)

(Pix taken during the first Workshop at Pentas 2, KLPac)

Taihen in Malaysia (Lesson 6 Report)

Report 6

Date: 18 April 2006
Time: 11am -12:30pm
Venue: Music Room, New Wing, Spastic Centre

Participants:
Firdaus (Leader)
Shahrul
Muaz
Amir
Tiara
Vanee (Sivakangai)
Zahidah
Jeniffer
Sabariah (absent)
Maryani (absent)

Jamal (Kuroko) Paul (Kuroko)

Details:

The Spastic Centre had started work at the Hall area and as the dance mats were stored in the Music Room, we (Aunty Chan, Jamal and myself) managed to put the dance mat across the room.

We started lesson at about 11:20 and Paul came in as we were starting the lesson. We went about the lesson as usual, Firdaus getting the group to sit in a circle, doing the breathing exercise, energising and then exploring their individual movements. Sometimes the participants' tend to stop moving to rest for a while and I would encourage them to keep on moving.

(Pix taken during the first ever workshop held at Pentas 2, KLPac)

I felt that having the classes at the music room was conducive as the place was private. The space is a little smaller as compared to the other rooms though.

The lesson ended at 12:30pm. The mats were rolled and stored at one side of the room. Since it was easier to store and roll the mats at the music room, I suggested to Aunty Chan that we hold our classes at the music room in future. (the renovation at the hall will take another week).

Prepared by
Nala Nantha (27 Apr 2006)

Taihen in Malaysia (Lesson 5 Report)

Report 5

Date: 4 April 2006
Time: 11am -12:30pm
Venue: Hall, New Wing, Spastic Centre

Participants:
Firdaus (Leader)
Shahrul
Muaz
Amir
Tiara
Vanee (Sivakangai)
Zahidah
Jeniffer
Maryani (Bangi)
Sabariah (Bangi)

Details:

Today the participant's used the hall area, lined with dance mat. Unfortunately, the kurokos were not present, hence Shimada San, Anuar San and myself had to put the dance mat and tape them up. It was difficult to put them as the mats were heavy and bulky.

It was a good session as we had time to explore the 3rd part of the lesson. The participants were divided into 2 groups one group was to show us their interpretation of “Sun Rise” and the other group “Sun Set”. Something that the participants have done during the workshop with Ms. Kim Manri.

(Pix by Kelab Shashin Fotografi)

Of all the participants I notice the movements by the participants from Bangi tends to be un-natural. They seem to be thinking about their movements.

The dance mats unfortunately cannot be stored at the hall so were moved to the music room. As they were stuck together, it was more bulkier. Needed some assistance from parents.

11 April is a public holiday therefore there will be no class this week.

Prepared by
Nala Nantha (10 Apr 2006)

Taihen in Malaysia (Lesson 4 Report)

(Pix taken by Kelab Shashin Fotografi - during the performance of 'My Mother' by Ms. Kim. Note the 'kuroko' dressed in black, holding the drum.)


Report 4

Date: 28 Mar 2006
Time: 11am -12:30pm
Venue: 1st Floor, New Wing, Spastic Centre

Participants:
Firdaus (Leader)
Shahrul
Muaz
Amir
Salehuddin (Absent)
Maryani (Bangi)
Sabariah (Bangi)
Tiara
Vanee
Zahidah

Details:

This was the week after Ms. Kim Manri's visit to the Spastic Centre on 21 March (Participants who were present on that day were Firdaus, Muaz, Shahrul, Maryani, Sabariah, Tiara, and Jelidah) It was unfortunate that not all the participants from spastic attended the session that day.

During Ms. Kim's visit we also looked at the possibility of holding the sessions at the hall which has parquet flooring and dance mat to be placed on the floor, for participant's confort.

The hall was unfortunately not ready to be used on 28 March, so the room at the 1st floor was used.

We started at 11:35am. Firdaus led the participants. Everyone was a bit more focused. The session ended at 12:35. I informed the participants that it is very important that we start the sessions on time so we can proceed on to the 3rd part of the session whereby the participants will work on a given theme.

I managed to get Sallehudin's mother's number and spoke to her. She informed that her son is keen to participate but only if it doesn't clash with his classes at the new school. She was also concerned about transportation. I assured her that we will assist in anyway, to get Sallehudin to participate in the programme. She said she'll think about it and also check with Salleh and get back to me.

Usage of the hall – the hall will be cleaned up this week and JFKL will be bringing the dance mat to be put there. The management of the building will also be polishing the parquet flooring soon for a function. It will be difficult for us to join and dismantle the dance mat every week; so the mat will be stored at the centre.

Prepared by
Nala Nantha (3 Apr 2006)

We need "Kuroko"s (Men/Women in Black)

No, you don't have to hunt down aliens... But you do get to wear a cool black outfit during performance!

In case you are wondering what am I going on about - I need volunteers as stage assistants to help with our Taihen In Malaysia project. The Stage Assistants are called 'Kuroko" in Japanese because they are dressed in black. Their presence is very important but they cannot be seen.

As for Taihen In Malaysia project - this is a collaboration between Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur and The Actors Studio to develop performing arts by the disabled in this country. We are working towards phase 3 of this project which will culminate with performance by Ms. Kim Manri (the Artistic Director of Taihen) and disabled performers from Japan and Malaysia.

Currently we are training the Malaysian performers at the Spastic Center, Jalan Barat every Tuesdays between 11am - 12:30pm. We need volunteers to provide support for the disabled performers, both physically and emotionally. The volunteers will be trained on how to support them and their services will be needed on Tuesday mornings (it's ok if you are unable to make it every week - we can work out a schedule) and also during the performance in March 2007.

Interested to be a Kuroko? - E-mail nalanantha@yahoo.com
Please refer to my Taihen In Malaysia reports to learn more about the project.

Taihen in Malaysia (Lesson 3 Report)

(Pix of Ms. Kim during her 'My Mother' performance. Pix taken by our good friends from Kelab Shahsin Fotografi)

Report 3

Date: 7 Mar 2006
Time: 11am -12:30pm
Venue: 1st Floor, New Wing, Spastic Centre
Participants:
Salehuddin (Leader) Firdaus (Assistant)
Muaz
Shahrul
Amir (Absent)
Maryani (Bangi)
Sabariah (Bangi)
Some Participants from Spastic Centre (6 participants)
Paul Lau, Jamal (Kuroko)

Details:

We started at 11:15am. Third Lesson, after discussing with Ms. Kim; I decided that we start the lesson by introducing each other. The boys shared their experience of the workshop that they attended with Ms. Kim. While, Maryani and Sabariah told of their experience with Ms. Kim. (At least, the participants got to know each others names, for a start..)

Salehuddin asked the other participants if they felt any difference or change in they body after the first exercise – most did not feel anything but had fun doing the exercises. Tiara said that she felt her body become a little softer.

This session was good; for everybody got the opportunity to get to know each other better. By the time we started with the exercises, it was about 11:50am.

Salehuddin gave the instructions; This time he was louder. I think he was feeling more confident this time to lead. When doing the exercise whereby the participants are lying on the floor, absorbing energy, because Saleh is doing the exercise; he becomes engrossed and doesn't tell the participants to turn or lie on their back. (This instruction is given earlier by him, before the start of the exercise).

Here I assist, by asking the participants to turn or lie.(Is it alright for me to do so? - I ask myself and put a mental note to check with Ms. Kim.)

This time we did not have any observers from the spastic centre. Jamal a friend of Paul came to observe and assist as a Kuroko. Paul was explaining to him what to do. From the spastic centre, Muaz's Mother and Ms. Chan the music teacher will be assisting. We hope to be getting a male assistant soon.

It would be good if we could get the Kuroko guideline asap. (Need to inform Ms. Kawakita.)

We did not have the time to complete section 2 of the lesson. The session ended at 12:30pm.
Next week is the school term break, so there are no classes till 21 March. (A much needed short break for me as I'm constantly feeling tired especially after these sessions.)

Amir did not attend the classes this week too. He was in school but was having flu so didn't join in.

Prepared by
Nala Nantha (9 Mar 2006)

Taihen in Malaysia (Lesson 2 Report)

Report 2

Date: 28 Feb 2006
Time: 11am -12:30pm
Venue: 1st Floor, New Wing, Spastic Centre
Participants:
Salehuddin (Leader)
Firdaus (Assistant)
Muaz
Shahrul
Amir (Absent)
Maryani (Bangi)
Sabariah (Bangi)
New participants from Spastic Centre (7 participants)
Paul Lau (Kuroko)

Details:

We started at 11:30am. Though the participants were at the venue on time; unfortunately the door was not open so by the time we got everyone in and ready to start with the lesson it was 11:30am.

We had new participants, 7 of them (Some of the names that I can remember : Jennifer, Tiara, Vanee, will get the details.)

This time before the lesson started, I explained to the participant, the objective of the lessons, and what we hope to achieve during the lessons. Salehuddin gave the instructions; but since his voice was not very loud, I asked if it was alright for me to assist in giving the instructions. It was also difficult for him to give the instructions as well as participate in the lessons.

I believe it was good to give the explanation earlier about the lesson; as most of the participants were responding well to the lesson. There were lesser care-givers during the lessons, less distraction for the participants.

The 1st day of lesson taught us how to proceed on with this session and the sessions to come. For Section 2 of the exercise, we moved the participants so they would have enough space to discover their movements.
S
ome of the new participants were responding well and were trying to create some movements. It was very beautiful. The chosen boys were still not very comfortable in exploring their movements further. We did not have the time to complete section 3 of the lesson. The session ended at 12:30pm.

Ms. Jeya who is in charge of this project at the Spastic Center, informed that she was very happy that participants (new) enjoyed the workshop very much. She wanted to know if we required any assistance. The center will be providing 3 person to help us during the lesson. I also informed her that I'll have to brief the helpers on how to assist.

This session was much better than of the first day. Most of the participants were focused. Some of the participants who didn't understand the lessons later asked us to explain further.

Pn. Maryani might have some problems in attending the lessons as she is a paid staff and is often required at the computer lab. I informed Ms. Jeya that perhaps the center can workout something with Pn. Maryani as she is keen in attending the lessons.

Prepared by
Nala Nantha (1 Mar 2006)
(This pix was taken during the workshop held from 16 - 18 Jan, 2006 at Pentas 2, KLPac)

Taihen in Malaysia (Lesson 1 Report)

Report 1
Date: 20 Feb 2006
Time: 11am -12:30pm
Venue: 1st Floor, New Wing, Spastic Centre
Participants: Firdaus (Leader) Amir (Assistant)
Muaz Shahrul
Salehuddin (Absent)
Maryani (Bangi) Sabariah (Bangi)
Other participants from Spastic Centre (7 children)
Paul Lau (Kuroko) Seiya Shimada (JFKL) & Guest

Details:

*We started at about 11:30am.

*Firdaus was rather nervous in leading the group. His voice was not clear enough. Amir remembered the process of the lesson and assisted Firdaus, too. The participants who had attended the workshop before were able to remember what they were supposed to do.

*Most of the new participants from Spastic Centre, we rather young, I don’t think they understood the instructions given by Firdaus. As this was the first time that the lesson was conducted, the parents of the new participants were present.

*After the section 1 of the exercise, the group went into Section 2 of the exercise, whereby they are supposed to discover their movements. I believe their movement was restricted because there were no space for them.

*We did not have the time to complete section 3 of the lesson. As the participants had to leave at 12:30pm.

*The room where the lesson was conducted was big and carpeted. There was natural light coming into the room.

*Overall, for the first day of lesson, I think the session went on fine. (With our selected participants there was a certain level of discipline but not too focused, I suspect because there were many distractions. I think they will be getting into the mode by the 4th lesson.)

Prepared by
Nala Nantha (22 Feb 2006)

On Educating Rita…. & Malaysian Theatre Goers..

Firstly, Living Arts had published the price of this production as RM 37 / 42 on the centre spread of their February 2006 issue. Later, I realized that the actual ticket price for Adults is RM62 and RM42 for students. Not very happy about it but lucky me – someone ‘belanja’me

Nevertheless it was great to see so many young people, students milling around in front of The Actors Studio @ BSC. It is always a joyful sight to have eager young people turn up for a theatre performance.

Then it was showtime and in we went to the theatre. Again a hullabaloo of excitement in air till the lights went down. From the start of the show till the end, the students enjoyed the show so much. Some of them even gave standing ovation to the actors. It was incredible to see such enthusiasm, such approval from the audience.

This is the kind of response we get for an ók’ foreign ‘Mat Salleh’ theatre production. Just because it is a Mat Salleh thing. It was very sad to see such deprived audience. There has been some incredible productions at The Actors Studio by local and other foreign theatre companies (from Japan, India, Taiwan, etc); unfortunately the number of people who come to see these shows are so little.

Till now, my biggest ‘sakit-hati’ was when people were singing praises for Saturday Night Fever, saying that it was the best production they had seen in this country.

I do beg the Malaysian theatre goers to please go for as many shows as possible, both local and foreign, (not just the ‘Mat Salleh’ ones) so you would be able to learn how to enjoy and appreciate a really good piece of theatre production!

Avatar 1 (Chinese New Year Break 1)

A.k.a Otter Girl (named by Naá and Paul) when we made a trip to The Kuala Selangor Nature park. The background is in-correct though. The Park has two types of Monkeys and we are not to feed them. (the dogs that used to be there were strays and we tried to keep them out). There are lots of birds too. Hope to download some of the pix taken by Paul during the trip soon. (Check out them sexy legs!)



Finally today (May 21, 2006) am updating the pix taken during my Chinese New Year Break (1). Thought it would be apt to put it under this topic. Enjoy the pix; they were taken by Paul Lau (who happens to be one of the Kuroko who is helping at the Spastic centre.)



(If you think that we could not get enough of the leaf monkeys... think again when you see the other pix.)


(A regular but feared feature at the park - the Macaque - they sometimes tend to be aggresive especially if you ignore the signs that say do not bring food into the park.)

(There used to be so many of these fellows at the KSNP, unfortunately, on the day that we went, there weren't many. I used to work closely with Monitor Lizards, they helped to clean off the left over fish that were fed to the Milky Storks. Now that is another story - the sorry state that the aviary is in, I wonder what happened to the Milky Storks that we brought to KSNP from Zoo Negara as part of re-introducing the birds to their natural environment.)


(If I'm not mistaken, the Stork-billed Kingfisher is the biggest of the Kingfisher species. There were two side by side that took us by surprise that day, unfortunately by the time the camera went click - the other flew away.)




(The highlight of our trip - now you know why I got the name Otter Girl. The eight months of working at the park, I never had such close encounter with these shy, adorable creatures. We were so lucky that day and we have pix to prove it too.)

Post Mortem on Cinderella!

(The Stage Manager, yours truly, and my sexy stage hands - no we are not always lucky to have sexy gals working backstage. This pix was taken on the eve of New Year of 2006. The red car is a Buick Skylark. One of our duties is to ensure that the car is in position, so during the show when it is pushed out no one or nothing gets run over.)

Post-Mortem.... Morbid it sounds!

Doing a post mortem on poor Cinderella - actually it's a post-production meeting that we are supposed to have on 10 Feb and i can't remember a thing!.

So thought I'd better write this - then something might jog my memory....

The rehearsal for cinderella started on Nov 7. (managed to have 1 week break - Deepavali / Hari Raya holidays; just after we bumped-out Pygmalion between 30 Oct till 31 Oct)

The bump-in for this show was on Dec 17 and opening night Dec 22. Which meant we had to get the cast (10) and chorus of (8) to act, sing and dance in 42 days! That is like going half way around the world! Oh and don't forget we have to get a band to play too.

Yes - I now remember the hassle of trying to piece the rehearsal schedule together. PJL had done the breakdown of scenes and we had a compilation of the days the cast could not make rehearsals. Now to marry the two. Somehow managed to compile the rehearsal schedule and an attachment of codes (just to ensure that they know when they are supposed to be present.)

I do believe that I'm jinked in the stage management side. Always I end up dealing with people making changes in their schedule even after telling them that, the last change would be the last change. But such is life. Another problem I face is that I never get to work with my full stage management team. There are constant changes in my stage assistants/hand.

And if only all concerned could come for rehearsals on time and do what they are supposed to do. (Assistant Stage Manager included!) Rehearsals normally start at 7:30pm and the cast are expected to start warming up for at least 30-45 mins for this production. (If you ask me, I'd say 1 hour of warm-up inclusive of 20 minutes of vocal warm-up). Things that are always stress during vocal - Projection!... Accent, articulation, Diction, pronunciation, Elocution, Enunciation ! (would always remind me of the song from Pygmalion..)

The first part of any rehearsal would be the reading of script. Very interesting this part. Lots of fooling around! Then comes the hard part going through the lines and putting the books down. Then the blocking comes in. And don't forget this is a musical - that means there is singing and dancing (movement) to do as well and remember them. Then when the whole thing is pieced together and doesn't look quite good - one needs to re-learn a whole new set of choreography or song part and remember that! (Now I know why I prefer stage management!)

Of course, rehearsing Cinderella was fun, it was meant to be a fun production. (But then again, every production has its own life - everyone in the production contribute to the fun during and after rehearsals.)

During the rehearsals we also sort out props needed, listing on my Master Script where the props are to be placed. We normally make do with make-shift props till nearer to production i.e. dress rehearsal to work with the actual props.

This time for Cinderella, I had also noted the enterance and exit of the actors during the show on to my Master Script. Nearer to the production the sound cues, music cues and also lighting cues were also added.

(My sexy stagehands with my Assistant Stage Manager - It was good to have Ving around as he helped in getting the sound effects sorted out.)

(The tech boys, fooling around just before the show. Notice the pix of Elvis on the background. Cinderella featured The King's songs. )

Hello everyone - Happy CNY, Thaipusam & of course Valentine's

This weekend there is Going North at KLPac. We literally brought a KTM railway station to Pentas 2. It is set just after the Japanese had left and the communist were trying to take hold of Malaya. please visit http://www.klpac.com/

If you are into comedy, this one worth catching this weekend! Had sold-out performances in Penang. regards - nala

A message from the girls... Me and that Suzy going to do our comedy show againlah this February 10,11 and 12 at The Actors Studio Bangsar.
You knowlah in November we do the show to full house in Penang, not we want to action or whatlah but since so many people ask us to do again, we mah do loh...
We want to try and seelah, we can still make people enjoy or not, because last time we try the direct selling business never work, our Tamil Tuition Centre Idea also never work, somemore my husband always pok pek pok pek at home, Suzy mother also, at least do this can express lah, you know, shout our heart out a bit, and maybe also can laugh laugh, have a bit amusement, we hope when you come also you can amuse la. Somemore this time, got new chaboh joining the showlah, our indon cleaner, Siti Sootee, she very funny onelah this girl, always sing sing when she talk..
You want to come that one you must call number: 03-2094 0400/1400. This show is RM20 and RM30. Remember ah, come lah…
Date: 10 - 11 February 2006 @ 8.30PM 11 - 12 February 2006 @ 3PM Price: RM 30 / RM 20 . 50% off (Student)
call 20940400/1400 for tickets
THE ACTORS STUDIO @ BANGSAR SHOPPING CENTRE

CNY Break 2 (Bukit Cahaya, Shah Alam)

These pix are by Jay Seelan (except for the first one that was taken by me)

SHOW :- Drama: Going North

The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac), presents Dato' Syed Alwi's Going North.

The story will bring us back in time to the days of British Malaya, specifically to 1948, when a "state of emergency" was declared to meet the threats of Communist rebels.

At a small town railway station on the west coast, a young university student waits to take the train going north. He encounters an elderly man. In the meeting of a young mind and an old experience, the student is posed to resolve a dilemma.

In the ensuing development, the student loses his perspective and lives through a frantic experience before he can take the train going north.

The story was first written by Dato' Syed Alwi 1949 / 1950 for his school magazine. It was re-written as a stage drama while he was studying in Minneapolis in 1955. Going North has since been produced as a radio play and TV drama. However, this is the premier staging of this original play in English!

Executive Producer & Director: Dato' Faridah Merican Artistic Director: Joe Hasham Production Design: Arica Chia Cast: Fahmi Fadzil, Zaibo, Ari Ratos, Ras Alita Radzi, Ghaz Abu Bakar and Michael Chen

Date: 9 - 11 February 2006 @ 8.30PM 12 February 2006 @ 3PM Price: RM30 (adults) & RM20 (students, disabled & senior citizens)

For details of shows at The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre, kindly visit : www.klpac.com

SHOW :- January Low performing at Sutra

Jan Low's sms message :

Gong Xi Fa chai! I'll be performing in Sutra at 8:30 on 10, 11, 12 Feb. Tix are 30 bucks. We are doing the recent india tour program. Call me for tix - January Low.

Detailed below information re: Sutra

SUTRA DANCE THEATRE MALAYSIA

Sutra Dance Theatre was established to promote public awareness in Theatre & Arts, in both the traditional and contemporary, as a powerful medium of the performing arts through the creation of a strong original Malaysian repertoire. To establish a dynamic school of Dance by imparting training in the traditional, classical and contemporary techniques. To act as an avenue for outstanding local and international artists and groups. To train a professional and creative staff in the areas of lighting, stage management, theatre production and administration To collaborate with Malaysian and overseas theatre makers in the areas of costume and set design, script and music, in the creation of Malaysian works.

Sutra Dance Theatre 12 Persiaran Titiwangsa 3 53200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysiatel: 603-421 1092 fax: 603-423 2548

SHOW :- English Comedy: Harith Iskander’s…

BUT THAT’S ANOTHER STORY , AGAIN!

Yes, Harith Iskander is having his restage of "BUT THAT'S ANOTHER STORY,AGAIN!". The reason there is an ‘again’ at the end of the sentence is because this is actually the second run of this performance; the first aptly titled Harith Iskander’s “… but that’s another story.” was held in the month of July 2005 at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Center.

Did you go and see it? … No? … What? … You didn’t even know it was on??? … well, that’s why he's am doing it …. Again! It’s for all of those people (i.e. most of you) who missed the first round and asked for it again.
Hear about his past achievements and past history - and why he is glad that he left the job as an audio/visual producer in an advertising agency...

Date: 1 – 4 February 2006 @ 8.30PM1 & 5 February 2006 @ 3PM Price: RM 37/52 50% for students and Sr. Citizens.

for further information of shows at The Actors Studio Bangsar please visit: www.theactorsstudio.com.my

Learning the ropes... Working Underground!

Working underground at Plaza Putra was fun. The 'makan' stalls, the restaurant, the cineplex, Dama House, the shoe shop, the men's tailor shop, the souvenir shop, tourist centre and The Actors Studio attracted a unique blend of people there. All walks of life wandering around - theatre personalities, lawyers, people working in the nearby buildings, people within the complex, Bangladesh workers, the kaki-lepaks, tourist from Malaysia and also from all over the world, not to mention the whole lot of people who come when there are events at Dataran Merdeka - all congregating at the underground complex.

Meeting parents of the children who come for classes. Managed to foster great relationship with some. It was a cozy environment. Some are still in touch which is really great.

Meeting Malaysian celebrities who come to the academy to teach or rehearse. Normally I'd say a quick hello and stay away for I didn't know what to expect. (A lot of them turned out to be beautiful human beings - as I got to know them later.)

Meeting the Kelab Shashin Fotografi members on Tuesdays when they come for their meetings. Saying hello and slowly venturing to know more about the club and its members. You'd be amazed with the photographs that these people take. Being our friends for so long - they have taken so many wonderful shots of the theatre performances held at The Actors Studio. Those interested in theatre photography and are committed should join this group.

The Gamelan club members who come to teach our students on Saturdays. Hearing the melodious sounds wafting in that space was heavenly.

We used to rent the space as a rehearsal space as well and I remember the time Hardesh and his 'gang' used the space and were singing such great songs (home-made!). I felt fortunate to be in the middle of all the creative and talented people.

Some classes that we not held at Plaza Putra were The Young KL Singers and our Musical Theatre programme for children. They were at The Actors Studio @ BSC. So it meant me going over there to do my 'chettiar' job (collection of fees) and sometimes recruit young people to assist me.

One of the best features of being in Plaza Putra was it housed The Actors Studio Bookshoppe. The best carrot cake and brownie at an affordable price. The hot coffee, the warm tuna sandwich and loads of books. A collection of great reference books gave the place a wonderful charm. The host of people who had worked there - the personalities each very unique. The host of cockroachs that had made that place their home.

I became a part of all these - the theatre, the black-box, the academy, the bookshoppe - The Actors Studio. One minute you are needed here and another minute you are needed there. You are at one place yet you are exposed to so many great things in different ways. This was the beginning of my involvement in the arts...

nala n arts... to begin at the begining

Out of a job, i happen to walk past The Actors Studio Academy. There was a sign on the door that said Administrator Wanted. I have always wanted to work at The Actors Studio (when I had saved enough money and retired) and there was this opportunity, right in front of me.

I applied and the next day Faridah Merican calls me. I was in bed and the moment she introduced herself, I jumped out of bed in joy. The Faridah Merican called me. We had a rather hilarious conversation - she liked the fact that I was old (matured actually) and didn't have a boyfriend!.

Then I told her that she might know me from Ogilvy & Mather and from our yoga classes. Anyway, I get myself to The Actors Studio Academy. There it was the sign on the door. I knocked, Faridah asked me to enter and there she was with Joe Hasham. She looks at me and says, "Nala?" I nod. Then she says "Ah! I know you. You got the job!"

I've been working with her since and I want to share the wonderful experiences that I have had supporting Malaysian theatre..

Enjoy.