WAYANG

1st december 2011

2011-12-01T10:53:00.000-08:00

am in penang. this is my 3rd visit to penangpac since we opened on that auspicious day 11.11.11
but i hate it when i have to be here and joe is in kl - because we realise that it would be almost impossible to be at klpac, tas and penangpac together all the time.
like tonight for instance, joe has just left the office after a long rehearsal of MALAYSIAN GIRLS the MUSICAL which opens at klpac on dec. 10th - just 9 days away so poor Joe has to be looking into everything, the cast, the set, costumes, the songs, et al! While I'm here at penangpac to see Shorteyes perform at Stage 2 on Saturday. Luckily Ian is here with me.
Oh, before I forget, let me put it on record that we had to pull the plug on S+S Singapore. I should have known from the beginning that it would have been a near impossible task to try and organise a festival, albeit a little one, from a distance, complicated by the fact that our Johnny on the spot was a non performer. It was a bitter and expensive lesson learnt. Enough said Faridah . Good night Joe. xx

5 weeks of SHORT+SWEET

2011-11-05T04:33:00.000-07:00

We survived 5 weeks of SHORT+SWEET MALAYSIA! 30th October was the GALA for S+S THEATRE and prize giving. If it was not for Joe, Chris, Gan, Sheryl, Gabby, Yy, Eva, Boy, Ezanin, Mathan, Justine, Ask, Faizul and his team of 7, Joel, Malik and Nicholas - Short+Sweet would not have happened so smoothly. Not forgetting the hundreds of participants for Musical, Dance and Theatre and of course Nan, who sold Nescafe Dolce Gusto for 22 nights!!

Another very important component were the sponsors - from one annonymous person to Australian High Commission and Oz Trade, YTL Hotels, Yamaha, Nescafe, Carlsberg, Crown Relocations, Esquire, Timeout, Thirtyfour, Borders, Palette-Palette, Borders, Game On.com, Societe and Ayam Kampong Bandariya for our wrap-up party etc etc- made the hampers really worth its weight.

And now putting on the final touches to SHORT+SWEET SINGAPORE as we make our way there come late November till December 9 at La Salle and Dec. 15-17 at the Esplanade!

Lot's more to talk about - the passing of Brian Tan and the opening of penangpac!

Selamat Hari Raya Haji

OGILVY@50

2011-09-18T20:01:00.000-07:00

Wow!! It was a brilliant night for some 70 odd Ogilvians at the Orchid Room of the lake club. It was like down memory lane as we ate, drank and danced! Some photos of those days, including old copies of our 'Roving Eye' were there too. The small committee comprising Angie, Laura, Jo Yee, Liza etc made the night so good. It all began at one of our lunches that we must celebrate Ogilvy's 50th. So we did!

There was also an article in the Star about Ogilvy@50! Photos will be posted as soon as I can get my act together!!

Apologies for this very long absence. Once in 9 months is not the way to run a blog!! :)

Love you all!!

FEROZ

2010-12-19T02:30:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday December 13 I got a call from Kamarul that Feroz had vommited blood and had been taken to UH. Joe & I rushed there and there he was in one of the emergency rooms. That was the start of one week's visits to UH for visits and worries and having to attend to Feroz's mood swings you would too if you got the pipe down your nose and the tube down your throat for the scope - it was also the parking outside of the UH and the walks to the hospital that added to the tedium. SMSs to my family just in case - finally he was discharged on Friday - with another visit on Thursday and Friday. I had to be unkind and not give him any money so he does not get tempted to buy another beer. The doctors did say his liver is in a delicate condition, one more beer and more veins could rupture. Let's hope Feroz truly believes the doctors!

FACTORY

2010-12-19T02:15:00.000-08:00

At the Birdy Post mortem a senior member of our staff commented that klpac was regarded as a factory - churning out production after production back to back and yet he says people do not know where klpac is! This statement disturbed me all day and night and that night Joe & I and a couple of friends were at klpac to watch Candlelight Christmas. Is this the factory that he says his theatre friends are referring to? A factory that is capable of bringing full houses to PENTAS 1 shows - like the 3 shows of Candlelight Christmas and all the shows of Hands Percussion and Dama Orchestra Performances, plus about 80% who watched Octopus in Pentas 2. Is this the factory that brought in hords to watch Short+Sweet for five weeks ending October 31st? The answer is obvious but it still hurt to know that some of the same who benefit from what we provide for at klpac and The Actors Studio can accuse us of being a factory!
Congratulations to Brian Tan and the klpac Orchestra, Susanna Saw and the klpac Choir and the String Symphony led by Dr. Ota who entertained at the lobby of klpac before the shows began for unknowingly removing that stigma that we are a factory.
Today there was also the Gamelan presentation in the same lobby, with 4 dancers from Aswara friends of Cik Gu Ezanin - to me all this is like Magic!
It was nice seeing Dr. McCoy, Twinkle, Omar and Lydia and of course having Charles, Kingsley and Danny.

Merry Christmas all and a truly wonderful 2011!

Much love from Joe and Faridah - the twosome who help factories exist!

SHORT+SWEET 2010

2010-09-22T07:04:00.001-07:00

We are all waiting with bated breath for the opening next week - tonight I saw a very first musical for that dreaded 'timing' so that nothing exceeds the 10 minute duration. It WILL be an excrutiatingly enjoyable outing for all of us I'm sure. So if you are a fan or have never been to any SHORT+SWEET performances, take the plunge and come on board - klpac PENTAS 2 awaits you and the participants want you! It'll be FUN with each piece only 10 minutes you can't possibly be bored!!

AVA GRACE HASHAM

2010-09-22T06:54:00.000-07:00

She finally arrived. Tonight as I write this Ava Grace, her mum Corrine and dad Mark are at our apartment in Maple. Joe & I have been enjoying Ava Grace for the last 2 days - she's an angel. Nearly a year and 8 teeth and forever smiling! I wish I know how to post her photos! One day I shall.

HARI RAYA 2010

2010-09-22T06:49:00.000-07:00

...came and went but before that we had a lovely dinner celebrating Joe's 63rd! A day before Raya Ju, Marina, Razina, Samad, Rahim and Syafiq went to Mama Tok and Papa Tok's graves - Razina organised lots of flowers and ayer mawar - it was hot but cool and not too many people - Marina's genius at scheduling the visit a day before Raya. Rest in peace Mak and dad.

CAUSEWAY EXCHANGE

2010-09-06T07:33:00.000-07:00

About 18 of us went down to The Arts House in Singapore for a first ever The Causeway EXchange organised by DMR (Dreams Made Real) Shawn and The Arts House - Colin Goh, Ming Yen and their team. From klpac we brought along 'MUKABUKU' and 'INDICINE LIVE' with Michelle the SM, Joel the in house designer, Nicholas the video operator, Chris Ling Director in residence and Kelvin Wong, Director of both plays, Malik Taufiq - TAS' BRAND STRATEGIST, plus some other add-ons and me. We travelled by bus - most of us and the fun on the way and at the immigration was electric. We were held up for a tad at Singapore immigration for bringing along a toy pistol! The silly Freddy did not declare with the customs! That was just the start, then we were introduced to the living quarters - a dormitory for the boys and another for the girls - awesome! I was whisked off to Hang-Out at Emily Hill all by my little self in a comfortable room without a TV!! I almost screamed in horror. But it was ok so I could read!

This is getting boring again! goodnight! Joe's just finishing his rehearsals I hope :)

SELAMAT HARI RAYA

2010-09-06T07:17:00.001-07:00

WOW! It's been a long, long time since we last spoke. I don't know why time flies by so fast, but that's good because we probably remain younger longer! As usual, I have been busy. After Penang, It's JB, then Singapore and all that while I have been on 2 bouts of antibiotics, cough mixtures, strepsils, honey and lemon tea and anything else that can cure this fever, cough and head cold! I think it's in the air because many seem to be getting it! But, finally I'm back. The good news is Joe's been on the Edinburgh diet and he's now able to get back into some of his old shirts and trousers! He's feeling good, especially when he's about to welcome to KL his first grand child Ava -Grace who'll be a year come 28th September! 2 days ago was Joe's 63rd 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE!' I wish wish I know how to post photos on my blog, but I don't. And that's when I feel really stupid! Never mind, some darling will come along and help me.

This weekend is Raya. So, selamat Hari Raya all, maaf zahir batin.

Love you Joe!

SUNDAY 18th JULY

2010-07-18T02:17:00.000-07:00

As I was saying in my facebook just a couple of hours ago, today's another amazing theatre day for me. This is of course after the lovely CHT Awards night last night at Hotel Nikko, hosted by the CHT network where I met a lot of beautiful people, mostly from Penang. CHT Network is also a big company from Penang - more about them later - and Joe & I met Mr. Ching and his family, daughter, father mother sisters - you see I was one of the recipients of the CHT persuit of Excellence award 2010 - among an illustrious grouping including the Lifetime achievement that went to Lai Meng!
So, back to today at klpac we started the day at 12 noon (after breakfast at the Mamak's) with preview of Indicine Live 2, then Joe's acting class at 2 while I went to Nala's Wayang Kulit she created all the way from Bangalore, then the GAMELAN passing out show with cikgu Ezanin and his 8 students performing at the lobby of klpac, complete with 4 petite dancers from ASWARA, then to 'AFTER JULIET' at Pentas2 klpac, while at klpac we have 'SHOUT' at Pentas 1, rehearsals of CUCI the musical and T4YP with Chris Ling & Alex Chua! WOW! it made me feel like I'm at the Edinburgh festival - simply amazing!!

If you have a moment to spare on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, you should make tracks to klpac or The Actors Studio@:OT10 - you could be in for a treat - but check first in case it's dark days :)

SHORT+SWEET 2010

2010-07-16T03:00:00.000-07:00

The excitement has started. We began by meeting the composers & lyricists of the Musical theatre section last night and today interviewed directors and gave out the scripts. This week also saw the theatre scripts being sent out to the assessors! Soon Musical Theatre will meet up to audition actors - about 40 have registered - that's Tuesday night! WOW! The design for the posters is ready, now just waiting for the final flyers to be printed, when Joel returns from China.

As we speak, I went to JB with Ian on Tuesday to recce JOTIC for LIFE SDN. BHD. 5 I'M POSITIVE goes to Johore programme 6-8 August and, mid next week the MAMAK MEE-AH team heads for Penang for 2 performances at WOU - made possible by CIMB Private Banking. Thanks Grace & team.

Right now? I'm waiting to see 'SHOUT' at Pentas1, while Joe & friends see 'AFTER JULIET' at Pentas2, and come Sunday night I shall be seeing 'UDA DAN DARA' at IB.

All very exciting indeed!

To Password or not!

2010-07-13T05:35:00.000-07:00

Oh my God,

I forgot it again. My password that is - how terrible. Thankfully those people at blog.com know what to do - I bet they get a lot like me kind of cases. Now I'm ok again and have chosen one less complicated :)

It's now almost mid July and my last posting was May 1st. From then till now I have been on the stage ADAM took a big chunk of my time - all of May and almost all of June too.

Now it's still time to get over it - just on Sunday during rehearsals of LIFE SDN. BHD.5 'I'M POSITIVE' which is going to JB early August, one of the new participants recalled the night he watched ADAM and how he wanted a mother like Auntie Noni who will embrace him to comfort his HIV positive being! It brought tears to me and others in the room. Such is the strength of ADAM. And am missing my ADAM too. Hope he comes back soon.

1st May 2010

2010-05-01T02:28:00.000-07:00

A friend remarked that my last posting was March 15! Shame, shame. But he's correct. I have just been so, so occupied with ADAM The Musical, and trying to keep up with the many emails to reply to, and the need to look for funding for this and that, and the many meetings I sit in - I wish there aren't so many! So, my blog suffered.

This week has been another emotional one. We lost our dear friend Alvin - more than that - when his wife Sharon told me at the funeral service that he regarded me as his mother, and his son Ryan said he often talks about me. This could be true because I've known Alvin since his teens when he was working as a technician with Michael Veerapen at Scats. His two closest friends there are Michael Thomas and Richard. Truly, words cannot fully express the person Alvin is to his friends, family, church, business - always, always helpful, always smiling, forever patient, so, so supportive and helpful. At the service his wife Sharon was strong and spoke of Alvin so warmly so that the legacy he leaves behind at the church will be strengthened by those he has left behind.

I have lost a true friend. Rest in peace Alvin and may God Bless Sharon and your five children. All I could try to say to Sharon that day was The Actors Studio and klpac and Joe & I, and Mike too, will be there for her and her children, anytime.

15th March 2010

2010-03-15T03:44:00.000-07:00

On Saturday Joe & I were invited once again by Mervyn and Yuet Sum this time to be mesmerised by the very delightful Stephen Rahman Hughes. I did not know he could sing so beautifully. No, I did not see that in PGL - unfortunately. And the 80 piece orchestra certainly helped make the evening truly entertaining as the hall rang with Broadway Showstoppers. But that's not all - like that time with LAT, again I got Stephen's autograph, alongside hundreds of others. And another added pleasure - his looks - wow. That night was his mother - Kamariah's birthday so he had a little warm gimmick - took out his camera and got the audience to wish Kamariah a very happy birthday. What a loving son. Yes, one more thing - his shimmering pink shoes. A true entertainer - didn't mind sending him up.

Meantime I'm praying I'll get some money to stage MAHIM JUNCTION! GOD, please make it happen.

AND the latest with ADAM the musical - I have learnt both my songs - 'OUT' and 'TOO SOON' - both very lovely!

UPDATE

2010-03-04T22:36:00.001-08:00

Am very attracted to this poster for this installment of Shakespeare on Film, created by Paul Loosley that I want it on my blog permanantly. It's art itself and the Bard will approve. Last Sunday I met a gentleman and we exchanged a few words, as usual he had praise for what we do and had praise for Paul's knowledge on films. Unfortunately, although free, the houses are small - and I'm not wrong in saying there are thousands of film buffs and students out there who will benefit so much from Paul's screenings. Where are you? Paul explains the film before it starts and discusses at the end. EDUCATIONAL and satisfying!!

1st March 2010

2010-03-01T03:28:00.000-08:00

Today is a very good day indeed. Joe & I got news Sesha and Doppo are getting married soon and both their parents have been told. They looked visibly happy when they were telling Joe & I. When Sesha said Doppo & I have something to tell you, and I saw a little tear in her eye, I thought, don't tell me - they have quarrelled and he's going back... that's not the only thought running in my head. We went up the stairs without a word - I didn't even ask her anything, afraid what the answer might be - we sat around Joe's little table in Joe's room and they said to each other - you tell - so the news came out! And we felt Blessed indeed that this relationship which sprung from SYBIL in 2008 has come to fruition! We are of course looking forward to the wedding. Now I know why they both went to the Buddist temple on Thaipusam day!

Congrats Sesha & Doppo. May you love each other to eternity!! :):)

22nd February 2009

2010-02-21T22:04:00.000-08:00

I was at ASWARA this morning 'perjumpaan dengan Menteri' was the reason given. It was indeed that, YB Dato' Seri Rais was addressing the teaching and admin staff of ASWARA after his meeting with the latest board, the chairman and the new Rector. I must say I have never been disappointed with Rais' speeches, this one included. Words come easy with him, both in English and Malay - if only it's so with all our leaders. What he said this morning was important for the group to understand, digest and pass on to the students. But it's not easy. The worry is always the words become just a faint memory and by the time the month is up we would be back to our old ways. On the way out after greeting Dato' Norliza, Pengarah of JKKN, I managed to shake his hand and praised him for yet another inspirational speech, and also asked for a copy so I can share with my students who maybe interested in their Minister's words of wisdom. I also congratulated Dr. Hatta, Tan Sri Ahmad Merican and the new Rector Dr. Najib.

One piece of news I got only today, due to my own negligence was that Dr Nor Araai had passed on 2 weeks or a month earlier. What a loss to the Malaysian film industry. May he rest in peace.

Last week end - 19-21 a number of ASWARA Dance students led by Fairuz, Akmal, Arif Nazri, Ezdianie and Lex staged KIV at The Actors Studio@LOT10. I was in the audience on the first night and went away quite impressed with most of their work. But this morning I bumped into Marion and Joseph, who are two very important teachers with the ASWARA Dance Dept, and both did not like KIV at all. Ah well, we can't please everyone can we? At least the students had an opportunity to organise and produce their own show outside ASWARA - not always under the wings of ASWARA, as one other teacher said! :)

FEBRUARY 18 - Goodbye Caecar

2010-02-18T00:33:00.000-08:00

Today we got the news that our young and very talented friend of the arts - Caecar Chong has passed on, due to cancer. It was shocking news as we knew nothing of his illness. His close friends Gan and Kok Man said he did not want to tell everyone, so that they worry. It all happened quickly - from November - stage 4 cancer was detected. It seems he decided he shall be strong. He helped arrange his brother's wedding in December, and then planned for his passing. Gan kept on saying he was strong. I believe her and that could have pleased him so that he did not have to trouble too many people.

Caecar and Swee Keong had worked with Joe & I since the early days of The Actors Studio, as performers mainly, but Caecar also designed - one of them was LIFE SDN. BHD., the other is RASHOMON, and the last in 2008 was TUNKU, with Kok Man. Thank you Caecar for your time with us. Rest in peace my friend. I know Swee Keong and all your friends in the Malaysian Arts scene will miss you very much.

Happy Year of the TIGER everyone!

2010-02-12T22:36:00.000-08:00

Today is Chinese New Eve so the office is very quiet. Only Sesha, Shalu and Michelle still around - and Ming Jin who came with Xinnie. He brought Joe's Apple too - another Valentine's present and he's on skype too! and the latest magic mouses are awesome!

coming soon......

2010-02-11T23:59:00.000-08:00

For anyone interested in any of the above shows, please log in to www.theactorsstudio.com.my or www.klpac.org where more detailed info is available. There are also promotions where you can purchase tickets at reduced price.

Thank you for supporting Malaysian Theatre!

SKYPE anyone?

2010-02-11T23:31:00.000-08:00

Well, after almost 5 years with the Acer, chances of it crashing and so on, I gave myself a valentine's day present of the Apple Note Book - elder, sleeker sister to my apple at home. Truly the apple is almost a lifelong investment. And what comes with this sleek beauty is Skype! I remember my old days in advertising when we scour the waves for a video conference for urgent approvals of commercials, and now - 20 years later to discover it's as easy as this and it does not cost a cent! So tells my friend Mark in Oz.

It's 2 days before Valentine and just 24 hours before eve of Year of the Tiger! So again we have a long weekend to lepak! That's why I love Malaysia.

ADAM The Musical

2010-01-27T20:24:00.000-08:00

Last night was the second rehearsal and it was WOW!!
First rehearsal saw Joe rading all performers and production team - missing were Lim & John - the riot act! Such as:

punctuality
hard work
there's only ONE Director!
No primadonnas will be entertained
No excuses for not attending rehearsals - only if you are dying or some close relative is.. you getting married - yes, can take time off - you getting divorced - no sorry, do it in your own time!
stage managers - Rosheen and Aple were introduced - and they have to write notes after each rehearsal.

etc etc

But last night was totally different- warm up with Lex, vcal warm up with Tracy, dance with Lex - and that was indeed FUN FUN, and song with Tracy - complete with a touch of harmonising too.Tracy is such a goooood teacher. She made it so easy to learn - I'm sure she knows this will lead to us picking up notes for song number 5 or 6 and just smoothly sailing through! Clever girl. We all sweated profusely, but this old body did not really ache the next morning. That's good to know.
BT, Gina, Lady Z were present and we supped after at the performers' favourite haunt beside the church - used to be called Caltex, but since the churches are fragile currently, we call our food court by the church!

If anyone's reading this, ADAM The Musical requires funding. Per night is being sold at only RM10K, and production cost is about RM400K. So, dig deep for a very, very, important cause - HIV, AIDS, & MAF.
Time for a quick lunch now :)

Sesha will post some pictures:

cast comprises Maria Yasmin, Maliq Taufiq, Mark Sobels, Ashraf, Sandra Wolf,Tria Aziz, Fairuz, and yours Truly Faridah Merican.
Ensemble members are Tabby (Understudy for Sylvia), Akmar, Eewen Teoh, Kwan Ji-Ling,Lilian Boo,Lim Miaw Fen,Mariam Sri Cahaya,Siti Farrah Abdullah,Alvin Looi,Ivan Atienza Chan,Jon Chew,Michael Chen,Iz Nasrun,Lim Kean Tat,Chan Wing Leong. Happiness!

December 21

2009-12-21T03:08:00.000-08:00

It's a few days before Christmas. Joe and I and the staff of klpac exchanged gifts last week - well most of us did - and enjoyed potluck - again, most of us did. There are some, only one or two who are showing signs of not wanting to celebrate each other's festivals, but would not mind taking the gifts under the christmas tree! My comment was - woe is us who think that way - 1 Malaysia Hurray!

Over the weekend a huge hamper came from Toh Puan Aishah & Tun Omar, and today two boxes of cup cakes from Lyn Chai & friends from E&O! How sweet - that makes life so worth living.

Last week saw 4 performances of 'Handel's Messiah' receiving standing ovations - it was grand and words like brilliant were heard from many. I sat through 3 performances enjoying the brillance of Handel's work more and more. I told Joe that I'd like to see another performance somewhere in the world. It's an experience worth repeating.

And in the indicine was Mark Beau's 'Strange Tales of Ma-Lai-Si-Ah 1 OINK' - also receiving fairly good houses. Mark never lets us down.

As I write this someone is playing the piano in the lobby of klpac. It's nearly 7p.m. - there'll be a dress rehearsal at Pentas 2 'Light in KL City' directed by Ray Buono, and a screening of the film version of Bernada Alba at 8.30p.m.

Life does not stop here. This afternoon we had a first production meeting of Kimmy Kiew's maiden direcion with klpac, as she joins us in January, 'Women of Silk River' to be performed at TAS@LOT10 first week February, and on Wednesday night - a reading of Adi Widjaya's latest play, to be directed by Megat Sharizal - 'ADLI'S REVENGE'.

Good night for now, back to my Mahjong game on this computer!!

klpac artistic director honoured with Order of Australia award By PAUL GABRIEL

2009-12-11T20:48:00.000-08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: There was certainly no theatrics when award winning actor-writer-producer-director Joe Hasham fought hard to hold back his tears at the Australian High Commissioner’s residence.

Honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) by the Governor-General for his exemplary service to the performing arts, Hasham, who moved to Sydney in 1949 as an 11-month old from Lebanon, could hardly speak as he accepted the award in a solemn ceremony earlier this week.

“Nothing ever matches being honoured by your own country ... it is a feeling that I cannot describe.

“I’ve been taken in by two countries, Australia, and my adopted home, Malaysia, and I am very grateful for that,’’ he said, choking with emotion as his wife Datuk Faridah Merican and close friends watched.

Proud moment: Williams (centre) presenting the Order of Australia award to Hasham while Faridah looks on in a ceremony at the Australian High Commissioner’s residence in Kuala Lumpur earlier this week.
High Commissioner Penny Williams paid tribute to the 61-year-old who was a household name in Australia in the 1970s for his role as the iconic character Don Finlayson in Number 96 (one of the most popular series in Australian television history), describing him as “one of those rare people whom two countries would count as a living national treasure.”

“Just as importantly, Hasham has become a symbol of the forging of deep cultural ties between Australia and Malaysia.

“In fact, it is difficult to think of an individual who has made a greater contribution to the promotion of Australian performing arts in Malaysia than him.

“From Australia’s point of view, though we certainly do claim him as our own, we are prepared to share him (with Malaysia),’’ she said.

Hasham, who moved to Malaysia in 1984 to set up the country’s first privately-owned production house, is currently the artistic director of the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac).

A Permanent Resident of Malaysia, Hasham’s love of the performing arts was nurtured in school when at the age of 14, he won the Best Actor award at the Genesian Drama Festival.

A NIGHT OF CANTONESE OPERA

2009-11-13T21:05:00.000-08:00

I am gloating over the 'success'of this small effort of bringing Cantonese Opera to klpac, via The Actors Studio Teater Rakyat, made possible by the the grace of God, Mdm Kam and JTi. I am so happy the first night opened with a 75% house, tonight is already more than half and Sunday afternoon is lose to a full house. Cantonese Opera for me is special, just like Bangsawan when we were young and living in Penang we had our special evenings at the New World Park at Swatow Lane, feasting our eyes on the beautiful costumes ad our ears on the music and songs complete with the glitter. Last night there was a lump in my throat as I lived through those years with Mdm Kam and her troupe taking us through 3 scenes from 'DREAM OF THE RED CHAMBER', 'THE MIRROR REUNION',and GENERAL DIK CHING. Thank you all for helping to see this through, especially Mdm. Kam, Mr. Heong, Ashraf, our team at klpac and the media. God willing, in October 2010, in celebration of TAS@LOT10's 1st anniversary, we will present Cantonese Opera again in full glory!

25th October 2009

2009-10-26T03:50:00.000-07:00

What has a Liverpool teddybear, a cute pencil sharpener, sandwich maker, 4 beautiful designer mugs that carry silhouettes of cats, a hand knitted shawl to die for, chocolates, an emerald green stone necklace, a greyish purple sequined selendang,everlasting flowers, a white & purple orchid, a cake, 3 little pigs in a heart-shaped box,a fine and sexy Blush nighty, Sesha & Doppo, Yue May, Ian & May Yee, Lawrence, Gavin, Yuet Sum, Malika, Noor,Pui See, Gavin, Affendi and wife, Kazman, Joel and Ryonne,Shangari, Mark, Ming Jin, Mew & Xinni and Feroz got in common? Well that was how I celebrated my 70th! It was a night to remember at the cosy Olive belonging to Christine, at Plaza Damas. I did not know that a 70th birthday could still be so much fun. Thank you Joe. I love you very much. At least it ended well before midnight, just intime to hear the results of Liverpool beating MU 2 nil! Ha...life's even sweeter. Thank you all for allowing me to share my life with you. xxxx! hugs

After 2 weeks in Oz

2009-10-06T02:00:00.000-07:00

Joe and I are back in kl after 2wonderful weeks in Sydney. That's why I have been silent for sometime. In fact we got back Sunday 27.9, and got straight into looking into the prep for TAS@LOT10 opening on 10.10.09, which is just this Saturday. The theatre has been looked after byIan, Yue May, Shalu, Zaw, Boon, Bharani, Afzal and Ming Jin. They had their hands full what with putting in the finishing touches - still incomplete as we speak - testing out the aqoustics, aircon, seating, lighting, toilets, sounds of the water - everything.

All the test runs organised by Ian, right up till last Sunday. Now it's rehearsals for the opening. Yue May and her list of invites, publicity, catering - it's not easy when the money is scarce. Now there's 180 yeses for the night.

http://taslot10.wordpress.com/

Joe is 61

2009-09-05T01:28:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely dinner with Mervyn and Yuet Sum to celebrate Joe's birthday. But that evening at klpac, it was quite hilarious withthe staff chipping in and buying Joe a bottle of Vegemite for his Vegemite cake - 3 slices of bread spread with vegemite and stuck together with 3 candles that won't burn out. Why 3? Don't ask me - ask Ian the creator.Then came the real cake of strawberry n cream but Joe did not get even a piece. Finally a video clip with some members saying what does OAM mean - there were many Old Angry Man, Old Australian Man, Chris who can't take a brief said Old Aged Pensioner, I said Orang Anak Mami, whatever that meant - Michelle said - it does not have to mean anything Joe becaise you are so charming, just stay charming always- to which we all vommitted!!
But the evening before, after the press conference at Lot 10, Ming Jin, Yue May, Shalu, Joe & I walked to the Lebonese restaurant at Pavillion and had a hearty meal of Joe's favourite food. By the time we walked back it was almost midnight just in time to buy a box of Hagendas, placed one candle on it, and all ate by the roadside on Bukit Bintang - felt so young again. Thank you Joe for having so many who love you.
Hope this is an unforgetable birthday?
xxx

-

BLACK EYED PEAS for ALL!!

2009-09-03T00:55:00.000-07:00

Greatnews and thank you Dato' Seri Rais for reversing the order. There'll be quite a few young people and not so young you have made very happy.

This morning Joe & I were at our favourite radio station BFM to record an interview with Joe 'cos the man shares his birthday with BFM - September 4th, quite a few decades apart though. As usual we had fun with the beautiful Shazmin. I was just tere to sibok and interrupt Joe as and when. I am just a slut for radio. I just love the mic, that's why I never shy away from radio interviews, especially the clever ones!

TODAY September 3rd we from TAS will be at a press conference at the ROOF TOP of LOT 10 when Tan Sri will launch their newest space for the complex. Judging from the photos sent in by Douglas Wong, it's beautiful, both day & night. I can just imagine what it'll look like when it rains.

Lookout for the opening of The Actors Studio at Lot10!

:)

31 AUGUST 2009

2009-09-01T01:58:00.000-07:00

Joe and I spent a wonderful time at home, just the 2 of us and the 3 cats plus the hords of fish outside. Joe slept a lot and I played my computer games Mahjong, Bejeweled and more of the same. The day befor as we were shopping at Plaza Damas we bumped into Mahmood and his beautiful wife Rogayah. They look so well, trim and well groomed. Mahmood told me he saw my father's picture in the Sunday Times in an article about MARA and UITM where all the principals were listed. That was a nice suprice, so I saw it - BASHA MERICAN - so handsome, so intelligent! I'm glad they still remember you Daddy!

Good news! Hamelet has found a home. :)

HAMELET - and others looking for a home

2009-08-29T01:52:00.000-07:00

Hamelet is still looking for a home, plus 2 more found yesterday at Sentul park. Please help.

1 MALAYSIA, really?

2009-08-29T01:27:00.000-07:00

Disturbing news has prompted the heading. There are many, many, the worst being the cow's head being dragged by a couple of men to demonstrate against the building of a temple. Yet one of the headlines today shamelessly said Ban immoral shows, says PAS Youth.Someone here does not understand immoral, lah.
The other headline Eyed Peas show limited to non-Muslims', why? because it's sponsored by Guinness to mark their 250 anniversary of the signing of a 9000 year lease on St. James'Gate in Dulin in 1759 by Arthur Dublin. While Malaysia should feel proud at being one of the 5 venues worldwide to host Arthur's Day - the others being Dublin, New York, Lagos and Yaounde. But no, Malaysia decides that Muslims are barred from this event where DIGI has brought in Black Eyed Peas to entertain audiences, because? Can you understand? If it's because us Muslims will suddenly be guzzling copious amount of Guinness at this party, I feel truly insulted that Muslims are treated like badly behaved children, that we can't go to a party that's sponsored by Guinness, Universal Music and Digi because someone in charge says we must be good little Muslim boys and girls or we'll be deprived all our lives? Give us all a break YBs.
Two thoughts for you: GUINNESS pays millions of taxes to our coffers that we readily take - yes? and is this the way to become 1 Malaysia?
Just 2 days before Merdeka, lets make some intelligent statements for all our sakes.

MERDEKA

2009-08-27T16:04:00.000-07:00

Merdeka day is just around the corner. I received an email from a friend who loves sending radical info and this is another - that we should all wear black! He's not terribly fashionable, so blacks not his fashion colour - like it is for many, many because you can't go wrong with Black. So, friend, black's not a mourning colour for me, and if you should wear black on Merdeka Day your friends might think you're getting fashionable, and that's not bad brudder!

Yesterday I was chatting with Victor Chin who has an exhibition with his friends Peter & wife Yuan, titled EXISTS documenting the passing of their beloved mothers. Iasked him is there an audience, because it's a one of its kind exhibition, and he said with a smile - it does not matter Faridah he said - there have been stories in Sin Chew and Metro Central, and they are happy. Some friends have come, and klpac has given him an extension till Sept. 15. So we talked further and I asked if he would put up an exhibition on animals? Again the smile came on and said, 'you know Faridah, there's a perfect person for this - TV Smith - remember the Dogs of Pulau Ketam, well he took tons of pictures - to cut a long chat short I was on the phone to TV Smith and chatted for a long time, using Victor's handphone (sorry Victor) so, The DOGS of PULAU KETAM exhibition will grace the space sometime this year! I love this life, it opens doors to so many wonderful people and things one can do. So, if you read this and is an animal lover, keep a look out for more news. Yes, we'll collect money and give to animal carers who do not kill off our furry friends. You know what, if someone has an acre or half of that and willing to part for an animal shelter, let me know. Many animal lovers will say a prayer for you.

At klpac, HAMELET was picked up by Helena and has spent 2 days with us. We are hoping he'll find a home soon.

Selamat Hari Merdeka friends. Let's love this country!

Thinking of you, TL, Yasmin, Zoe

2009-08-26T03:31:00.000-07:00

Thinking of you, TL, Yasmin, Zoe

It's August 24, the eve of a month of Yasmin's passing. Within that same month, a week later we lost Zoe. A few months prior we said goodbye to TL, my friend and partner at The Actors Studio GreenHall, Penang.

On quiet days like these - third day of fasting,with an exhibition downstairs in the lobby of Pentas 2, entitled EXISTS, by Victor Chin and Peter& Yuan, our thoughts travel back to you and others like my father who passed on in '86 and my mother in '97, at a wonderful age of '93. If my father was still alive he'd be 109, born in 1900. Isn't that glorious! Rest in peace my lovelies.

I glanced through Living Arts for September, Shalu had said goodbye GreenHall, with photos of the good days. Goodbye indeed GreenHall and thanks for the memories of the last 7 years.

Selamat berbuka Puasa.

xx

A SILENT WORLD -26 August

2009-08-26T02:37:00.000-07:00

It begins tonight, that long awaited concert with the hearing impaired kids of YMCA - albeit a few are not - this project, graciously supported by CIMB Foundation began last year when Nala was still with us at klpac. It was Nala who began working with Ms. Morley and the hearing impaired a few years back when they worked on a tale inspired by the Tsunami. This year's project gently guided by Adel and Qahar of klpac Academy sees the 14 performers acting out the story of a young boy who dreamt of being a drummer. Several obstacles had to be faced and little challenges taken. Last night at the dress rehearsal there were some tears. It seemed inevitable - after months of great expectations upon oneself and each other. That's when my mind went to Nala as I recall her smiling face when confronting such challenges, accompanied too by her warm hugs. I wish you are here to see the conert Nala.
The Sounds of Silent Dreams is preceeded by a 12 minute Chinese drums performance by the hearing impaired. The DeafBeat are led by Bernard Goh, currently on a two month festival tour in France. From what we saw last night they would make their Si Fu very proud. And Eugene, Ms Morley, Adel, Qahar, Deda plus the silent actors, here's looking forward to next year!

More on S+S 2009

2009-08-24T03:16:00.000-07:00

What I wrote previously was by no means complete. I left out Marketing and Publicity, 2 very important components to the successful equation.Our team was Yue May, Shalu and some help from the many interns who come by yearly. From as early as April we had made a pair of Short+Sweet Dance and Short+Sweet Malaysia 2009 espresso mugs, then came the car stickers, T shirts and badges and in between teaser postcards, posters and banners.

We tried to get a sponsor for all these - which amounted to about rm25K, but in vain.

The judges -

For the 2 weeks of Dance there was - Lee Lee Lan, Lee Swee Keong, Noor from Blush, Peter Ong, Farah Sulaiman, Rosheen Fatima - from Time Out, Choy Su Ling, Rathimalar, and Mew Chang Tsing, While the Dance Gala had Ummesh Shetty, Marion D'Cruz, Anthony Meh, Dr. Anis Nor, and Mark Cleary from Short+Sweet International.

For the 2 weeks of Theatre we had - Phin, Reza Zainal Abidin, Norzizi Zulkifli, Doppo Narita, Thor Kah Hoong, Zalfian Fuzi, Andrew Hale, Renee McIntosh, Jo Kukathas and Rosheen Fatima, and the Gala saw U-En Ng, Mono Maniam, Zahim Albakri, Renee and Andrew.

AS FESTIVAL DIRECTOR of SHORT+SWEET 2009

2009-08-22T01:29:00.000-07:00

It'll be remiss of me not to write about this time of my life when I took on the role of Festival Director of Short+Sweet 2009. To quote the young ones - it's awesome.

It began last year after the first S+S in KL - the festival director then was Nicole Stinton from Singapore and our team then was small and quite inexperienced - but to their credit - they pulled it off.

This year I was sure I wanted to arm myself with a strong team and I did! With Joe and Mark on one side, Sesha and Ashraf as Production Managers, Michelle as the SM, assisted by Avril, Reuben, Gabrielle, Akilah, Alia, Boy - the back stage tech, Shafie - the sound man and Mazlan - the lighting designer and operator - we pulled it off very well.So what's involved you might ask?

1. The Planning - dates, venues, theatre, dance and what else?
2. workshops
3. Call for entries from writers, choreographers,
4. Registration of directors, actors, dancers
5. Production team
6. Creative team
7. Sponsors
8. (Mind went blank!)
9. assessing scripts
10. Briefing Directors, choreographers
11. Selecting Dancers, Actors
12. Scheduling rehearsals
13. Directors' choice of scripts & actors
14. Timing, timing, timing
15. Scheduling Bump-in, bump-out,
16. Performances
17. ticket sales
18. daily judges
19. Gala judges
20. Closing!!

Puasa Starts today

2009-08-22T01:07:00.000-07:00

Here I am in the office after saying bye bye to Gem and Cik Mong, our two cats at klpac who will now move in to live with Sesha and Shalu. Their mother Stokin' will move in after she's spayed this Wednesday. So end our months of boarding Stokin' who walked into klpac followed with two litters, totalling 14 in all. Thankfully all are safe in the arms of their new mums and dads. We still have the three dogs though. It's more difficult to find homes for dogs in this community, so Aric, Shebert and Chelsea have to be content with their shelter and one walkabout a day.

Yes, Puasa starts today. I'm waiting for Joe to finish his rehearsals with the YKLS before we hit the supermarket and shop to ook for tonight's breaking. These are the times when our taste buds reach out for the dalcha, sambal, salad - nothing special, but if you have been having to eat whatever you can find around your workplace for 7 days a week for the last few months, then you'll understand what I mean about today's menu.

It's been a very busy few months with KAKI BLUE and SHORT+SWEET.And it's sooo quiet today. I miss the buzz of the people, stage, performers, techs, ticket sales, and front of house. But this quiet will not last - There'll be Sounds of Silent Dreams, and Hamlet - to name just 2.

May this Holy month fill you with love and warmth.

xx

WHAT A NIGHT!

2009-08-13T17:39:00.000-07:00

What an experience last night - Thursday August 13 was. klpac was buzzing with people, not to mention some very special people YB Dato' Dr. Abdul Latiff, Deputy Minister of Defence who came to watch Kaki Blue with Dato' Effendy and Colonel Razak. They were full of praise and YB graciously shook hands with every member of the cast - there was even a small dance step as he walked back to his seat. Such was the man's warm and friendly personality throughout the evening. I think we have found some friends with the National Service via KAKI BLUE, and that warms the cockles of our hearts. Not to forget too Michael Chow and his group from the Lotus Club who also enjoyed the evening, and we enjoyed their presence because of the 2 stunning Lotus parked outside. WOW!

SHORT+SWEET Theatre in it's 2nd week too was filling up the seats with supporters. The 10 plays last week and the 11 this week are getting thunderous applause every night. From the 2 weeks of Dance beginning July 25, there has been nothing but utter joy. Well almost. What's theatre without a little conflict here and there. It's all in the game. Look forward to the GALA this Sunday 16th at 8.30p.m. WOW! WOW! to borrow from one of the plays.

AUGUST 13th THURSDAY

2009-08-13T03:54:00.000-07:00

What a wnderful friend you are Jason Koh. To help revive my blog for me. I miss it so very much. So many years have gone by without my WAYANG getting updated. So much have happened in my life which I could not put down here or anywahere other than possibly Facebook - but that's not private enough. This is me and I want to cry and scream with Joy.
Today is another busy day. It's almost 7 p.m. and I should be in Pentas 1 at 7.30 to listento Joe talk to the cast and I tell the cast some exciting news about ticket sales, then off to Pentas 2 at 7.50 to talk to the actors and directors of Short+Sweet week 2! If you don't know what the @#$% I'm talking about, I don't blame you. This is my life in the theatre and I love every second of it.
Today I had discussions with 3 theatre people, namely Jon from Ipoh, James from Perth and Doppo from Japan! Now how exciting is that!
Hopefully it's full houses tonight for both Short+Sweet and Kaki Blue. Full houses for Kaki Blue means more money for the cast & crew. Love you all!!

Ogilvy Family

2006-07-05T16:17:00.000-07:00

This was our 4th get-together, organised by Victor Ng. Victor is one of our longest serving Creative Directors at Ogilvy, before he left to join the competition. Now, after 35 years in advertising he has thrown in the towel - that doesn't sound quite right because he's a gym freak!
Anyway, back to our lunch at the Bangsar Seafood - there was Stephen Bong, Kok Hong Kung, Micheal Tang, Ronnie Liu (yes the same of DAP fame), Liew Kok Heng, Rabin Paul, Kat Chan, Brenda Boler, Laura Kamaruddin, Bobby Chan (who has just rejoined Ogilvy), Angelina Vallenuva,Victor and I. The chats would frequent the way we were, those good times, when the job was not just a job - it became our lives, and how things have changed, how the young nowadays don't have the passion, how it takes days to do this and that, and how technology has to be blamed! The good old days will always win during such conversations, but it is so true. Whatever we had put into our time at Ogilvy has a place in us, thus the Ogilvy Family get-togethers. The next will be August 23rd, organised by Stephen Bong. Long Live Ogilvy!

Act 2 scene 2

2006-06-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

Today was quite special at our Broken Bridges rehearsals. Ming, Leong and Mei Ling (their characters in the musical) made quite an impact, especially the scene between the two boys. Douglas and Soon Yoon acted and sang their way into our hearts. A moving scene, very under-played, just the way Joe likes it. It's less than 2 months to opening night and we have a LOT yet to cover!

Sarahjane Scaife hits KL today, thanks to the Irish Embassy. Tomorrow we meet her and beginning Tuesday till Friday next week she'll be holding workshops on Beckett. This is Beckett's 100th anniversary, and Sarahjane has come all the way to Singapore & KL because she is a Beckett exponent.

I believe we have about 18 who have signed up - how many will survive? I'll let you know at the end of the two weeks.

And how was today's dance class? It was killing but enjoyable!

G'night.

DANCE ANYONE?

2006-06-24T20:25:00.000-07:00

It's Sunday. I'm about to go off to my third dance lesson with Pat Chan. Don't know what you think, but I need to work my body and Pat Chan's classes at our KLPac Academy is my latest effort.
Used to take contemporary dance under Judimar with TAS Academy, but that ended with our lack of studio space.
Pat teaches anything you want to learn, I think. But this is 'Jazz'. For now it's a lot of excercise. We started with 16, one dropped out, there's now 15. Most of the students are from Joe's acting classes, and it warms the cockles of my heart to know that young Malaysians want to push their boundaries.
Will let you know if there's a presentation, in case you want to come & see.

ps.

A visitor to my blog said there are no juicy bits! What to do, am not a very good storyteller!

FM

BROKEN BRIDGES

2006-06-18T15:45:00.000-07:00

A week into the reading the script and singing the songs and after Joe's edits and minor rewrites, the musical is now enjoying the duration that we feel is just right - 45 mins for the first half and 40 mins for the second half, with a 20 mins intermission will have audiences leaving PENTAS 1 of KLPac smiling with time left for some supper well before midnight!
Come Monday we go full swing into blocking, now that the set has been conceived and presented by our resident production designer - Jia Wei. Posters are at final stages of design. I'm only praying that two quests will be answered-sponsorship and that BROKEN BRIDGES will coincide w2ith the official opening of our beautiful centre (while Purdy my cat tries to delete all I have written with a paw on my computer! - because she wants to be fed and I keep telling her it's too early yet!)
If there are any readers to my blog and know of men or women with a heart for the Arts - please give them my email faridah@klpac.com.

Thank you for supporting Malaysian Theatre!

BROKEN BRIDGES

2006-06-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

Joe's very first session after six weeks of working with Fastest Clock began with him reading the riot act! Because at an earlier rehearsal he had to stop 8 times for 8 late comers. Of course not many in the BB cast truly know the real Joe when it comes to rehearsals. He cannot appreciate anyone being late - not even for one minute.
I remember someone telling me about the Odeon Theatre where if you are late for a second time you stay outside and if you are late a third time you can stay away for good. If only this disciplin can be part of our culture.
Goodnight and Goodluck....no what I meant to say was...thank you for supporting Malaysian Theatre - no apology intended!

TAS@PLAZA PUTRA

2006-06-10T01:57:00.000-07:00

Today, June 10th 2006, my mind goes to what happened to us at PLAZA PUTRA 3 years ago when the rains came & flooded KL and took along with it our theatre hub then.Memories of the disaster are still very, very fesh in our minds and I'm sure with all those who were involved with clearing up the space staring from a few days after June 10th and went on for at least 7 days, followed with taking the flooded books, equipment & furniture here and there....the memories still make me choke.
Dama Orchestra, Kelab Shashin and all the other tenants who suffered the same fate, let's say a prayer for a better future, with a hope all that's lost can be replaced. With this short note comes an appeal - if anyone has any photos, videos, posters, programmes of anything you have seen produced by anyone from 1989 till 2003, please send me an email.
God Bess!
Today is the final evening show of Fastest Clock, and it's close to full, but there is still the matinee on Sunday.
This has been an exciting journey.
Beginning Monday, Joe & I move into rehearsals for Broken Bridges, come Tuesday we begin Frayn's 'Black & Silver and Chinamen,starring Rashid Salleh, Joanna Bessey, Mary George & Ari Ratos, with Andy Cranshaw directing, come Wednesday Gavin begins rehearsals for Beckett's ENDGAME'starring U-En, Kelvin, Nani & Calvin.
All this is to celebrate our MERDEKA month of August!.

Andrew & Reuben

2006-06-05T06:31:00.000-07:00

It was Sunday matinee for FCITU, a show for family and friends.Am, Zaharah, Marina, Samad, Azzat, Molly, Mrs Jay & Husband,and my son Feroz - my very critical son Feroz were all there and their verdit was - excellent. Andrew & Reuben were there too. Andrew & Reuben were with us for LIFE Sdn. Bhd. 2 & 3. This is a series I created in 2004, in February, wondering what to put on after the floods took everything away at Plaza Putra on June 10 2003. LIFE SSDN BHD became quite a hit with all the actors and also the audience. We travelled to the E&O in Penang & Taman Budaya hall in Ipoh.
We had fun! The LIFE oldtimers are Ari, Ben, Gavin, Patrick & Susan. They were joined by Sobri, Mary, Reza, Samantha, Nell,Andrew, Megat, & Dino, our actor from the hearing impaired community.
Come August 2007 we will be recreating LIFE SDN BHD 4, especially dedicated to Malaysia's 50th. Look out for it.

Sherbet aka Toddy

2006-06-01T22:26:00.000-07:00

Sherbet gave all of us - or most - at KLPac a fright! She ate rat poison and had to be rushed to hospital by Jia Wei & Paul. Then it was phone calls & more phone calls - something about her internal bleeding and she may not make it etcetc, Jia Wei burst into tears and I was fighting my tears! Just before the rains Marge & I drove to the hospital and saw her. She was quite ok, no internal bleeding yet. So we came back & Sherbet spent the night there.But by the early evening she vomitted out some of her poison. So she could be on the road to recovery. And by noon today Paul went to the hospital to bring her home. She has a little bandage on her front leg where the drip was. She's weak but ok. The vet said an injection a day for the next three weeks!
No peace for the wicked. At least she does not want to miss our opening night! Thanks for your caring, Sherbet!

Sherbert & Boyo

2006-05-30T01:56:00.000-07:00

Ari,Gavin,Joanna,Niki in Act 2 of FCITU

Tomorrow my brother Idaham turns 81!Am, may you have a long,happy and healthy life ahead.I know, as we grow older our hearing, eyesight, knees, bones et al, all give warnings that they can't shoulder as much responsibilities as our young years. As long as we are happy, we can forget our sortcomings. So, be happy Am.

Today, we at KLPac adopted a puppy. 8 weeks old - daughter to Aruna who is looked after by one of our security guards. She happily told us that Aruna has 5 in her first litter - 4 male & 1 female - little did we know that the female will land at our front door this morning. So, since she came looking for us, we will take care of her. Today Paul & JiaWei took her to the vet for a look-over. She has worms & some fleas & mite in her ears. So she's on medication. She's got her biscuits, a bowl & rubber bone! Tonight she will go back with Jia Wei.She's named Sherbert aka toddy!
I believe God loves those who love animals.God sent her to ur front door.
And we also got introduced to Boy's pet Iguana - 3 year old Boyo! What fun we have at this park in Sentul!

More later as I focus on the Fastest Clock tech run, happening in 45 mins. time.
It's very exciting! So far 3 write-ups in the press - Malay Mail, Star Metro & KOSMO!
The set is amazing and lighting will get Lim's wonderful touch.
Need to mention two great interns from ASK - DeBoy & Janet Moo - happily helping Jia Wei and Paul with the bump-in. There's hope for the ARTS if there are more like them!

Thank you for supporting Malaysian Theatre!

THE BUTTERFLIES are coming - should read THE BIRDS...

2006-05-23T03:48:00.000-07:00

23rd May - just a few days before bumping in. Since Sunday we were going over Acts 1 & 2 till tomorrow - after that we run the play in the rehearsal room. I watch in amazement at the ease Joanna & Gavin handle their lines, and Ari too when he's relaxed. Young Niki has a role to die for.
And on the Comedy triplets front Rashid and Mary meet up again with Andy to go through 'Purging Baby'. It's quite something juggling actors,directors,stage managers and rehearsal rooms.(Latest info received from Andy and gang, only the two Frayn plays will go on so it's Rasid & Joanna for 'Chinamen' and Ari & Mary for 'Black & Silver' Dates and venue remain the same
And thank you Yeow for those lovely costumes you have thought up for 'BROKEN BRIDGES'.
Thankfully everything's moving along....

Love you Joe.

MARINA'S Birthday

2006-05-08T04:26:00.000-07:00

8th May 2006
I called my sister Marina this morning because I totally missed her birthday on May 6th. She is one lucky person who has 2 dates - one official date, and the other the correct date. So, today I found out that she spent the whole weekend celebrating!

LABOUR DAY

2006-05-04T22:07:00.000-07:00

May 1st. Today was special. Not only because it's Labour Day and a public holiday but also it was the first gathering of the cast of 'BROKEN BRIDGES'. Almost all 40 Ensemble, 4 band singers and 11 main cast, with the director, two writers, music director, choreographer, rehearsal pianist, SMs, set & graphic designers and yours truly as exec. producer.
Joe read the riot act for everyone to hear especially - 'unless you are dying, you are to be at rehearsals'; to which Patrick quipped - you have mellowed Joe, used to be 'unless you are dead...'!
Since writing this, several days have passed from 1st to 5th May. Joe's very sick with a vicious virus - can't even go to the awards tonight..and the first real rehearsal of BB's Ensemble happened on May3rd. Learnt their first song with Gen and did their first warm-up with Pat. It warmed the cockles of my heart to see them.
In the next studio there were Ari, Gavin, me, and our SM rehearsing 'FASTEST CLOCK IN THE UNIVERSE' - with Joe on medical leave.
Last night 4th May we opened 'Funny Thing Called Love' and tonight, coinciding with the awards night The Actors Studio opens 'When We Were Young', a concert with Premila, Claris and Sukania as a tribute to James Vadiveloo & Leslie Dawson.

Thank you for supporting Malaysian Theatre

WAYANG: APRIL 28th 2006

2006-04-30T02:51:00.000-07:00

WAYANG: APRIL 30th 2006
Gavin,Ari,Joanna,Niki,Joe and I just finished our second week o rehearsals for 'Fastest Clock In The Universe'. Today Joe completed our blocking. Books will be down in another couple of weeks, but the way the actors are going, books will probably be down by next week. The fastest learners are of course Gavin and Niki...the slowest? You guess!
Oh yes, Ari made a suggestion today that Joe actually listened to!
Today also had Geteran Jiwa - an acapella group from Singapore. Pity - had really small audiences. Pang of KakiSeni said it was a must see. Maybe they'll come again.
And the final show of 'Mad About Money' - audiences were okay, but I'm the first to admit I was disappointed with it. I don't think the director did a good job of it. Hopefully the next one 'Funny Thing Called Love' will be better.
Have a great Labour Day Holiday.
And thank you for supporting Malaysian Theatre.

29th April 2006

2006-04-29T02:49:00.000-07:00

God almighty, I almost lost my blog today!
If Mike had not help me jog my memory - cyberspace is not an easy domain to find your way around!
My class 'Getting Our Act together' - in its third week had excitement today. I believe the 6 who turned up are beginning to release themselves and discover their strengths! It's great for me too as we interact sama-sama. One of the students who came 25 mins. late said she was sorting out her demons! We did not ask too much more because it looked like treading on 'rocky' surface.
Another told us of an article in a Malay daily that raised questions of three films shown with nude scenes uncut. I'll check if it's shown to the public, then I'll tell you. I can almost hear the buzz of interest out there.
Another young lady read a little article that touched her heart about a hawker who continued working to support his two younger brothers, because that's what he promised his dying father. She had a tear in her eye when she was talking about it.
The youngest in the class came with the story of the floods at Selayang, last week. That his father will or has writtento DBKL. Never happened since they moved in 20 years ago.
The oldest in the class touched on humour and gave some examples of Logi's intelligent humour.
The class ended with some improv. work.
All-in-all great fun!

Thank you for supporting Malaysian Theatre!

APRIL 28th 2006

2006-04-28T04:49:00.000-07:00

It's Krishen's first anniversay of his passing. It's raining, thunder, lightening outside.
I know Five Arts and friends are celebrating Krishen tonight. Joe & I are at KLPac, rehearsing 'Fastest Clock In The Universe'. But we know, Krishen knows we are with him. Joe wrote a beautiful article in April's Living Arts Malaysia. Some commented it brought tears to their eyes. According to Marion, on Astro today Krishen is featured on Profile Seni. Apt timing.
And I have decided to start a blog for myself. There are moments when I want to say something and cannot find the space for it. This seems perfect. I hope I will be diligent and not 'hangat, hangat tahi ayam'!
Today too, after my long life of 66+, I appear on the front page of The Star newspaper, thanks to Avon who selected me as their Ibu Karyawan! Marge jokingly said I'll need another cabinet to put all my trophies.
That Ibu Karyawan trophy is sitting pretty on my table in my office. Thank you Avon. Happy to have shared the day with Dato' Mazlan, Puan Chow Gek from Rompin, Pahang, Cik Catherine and Kak Zah Avon from Terengganu. We had a very good time with our most gracious Queen and Dato' Shahrizad.
I was a mixed feeling between joy and tears welling up inside of me, especially after the video on our beloved Datin Seri Endon. I don't know how Nori and Puan Leela do it, but that broken heart is still bleeding.
btw, thank you Shafinaz for those two beautiful songs, especially for us five women. What a treat!
I felt like turning back the clock to the early days of being a young mother to my only son and the many, many years of hardship, especially for him, having to look after himself while this single mother went to work at Radio, on the stage, and in advertising. God is great. He makes the time fly past and Feroz is now 40. He uses his writing as his outlight, and he writes well. I'd like to do the same.
Today,I read a 40 minute documentary on the Orang Asli, at TV Malaysia. It was like dejavu.
Well, This is it. I wonder if Joe will be proud of me? He normally reads through what I have written, but he won't this one, as it's going into cyberworld.
Thank you for supporting Malaysian Theatre!
Faridah Merican