nala n arts... the sharing of arts

Cinderella... My first Panto experience as an SM

2009-11-29T19:43:00.000+08:00

22 December 2005 - 1 January 2006
The classic kid's panto based on the story of the kitchen maid, her fairy godmother, two ugly sisters, a glass slipper, and a handsome prince. With contemporary rock songs, jokes and a bewildering array of men dressed as women and women dressed as men. A not-to-be-missed barrage of fun for the entire family. Crude, rude and delicious. Watch out for the forthcoming announcement on who will be playing the ugly sisters. ...

My first ever experience of stage managing a panto. Boy! Or Girl! Is it crazy! Crazy because the Ugly Sisters were actually men (Indi Nadarajah & Reza Zainal Abidin) who had to strut in 5 dress changes of female Elvis costumes all with wigs and 3 inch heels. Poor Reza even had a fractured toe.

The part of doing this was that people (families, children of all races and creed) were laughing from start till end and the good old Elvis fans sand along to the King’s hits.

Everything is not all that it’s seems to be... Cinderella is the beautiful Elaine Dally who falls in love with a very blur Prince Charming; Mirzan. Zaibo her father just returns from the jail; her mother; Joann Kam. You really wonder how the two managed to get 2 cross dressing, men and a lovely daughter.

There’s Buttons; sweet old dependable Douglas Lim who kicks start the whole show by getting the audience to cheer and boo... At one point he is throwing sweets to the audience and argh!! Rats! (Rubber rats that people get to keep.)

There is a scene whereby while going to the palace; one of the ugly sisters look up and a bird (or something that looks not quite like a bird) flies past and Sfx “Splat!” One day we all forgot to reset the bird so it had to fly back-wards. My! We don’t know if the audience realized it but did we have a great laugh.

The glass slipper was not a glass slipper; the pumpkin was a thorny durian; the carriage was an antique Red Buick which we had to push from back stage with lots of light effects and smoke.

The Fairy God Mother? None other than Sham Sunder; who kept appearing in different manner. Once in his towel and loofah; even on a children’s scooter with emergency siren light on it. Paul Loosely the Director, was actually even thinking of flying him down from the catwalk but it didn’t seem like the safest thing to do.

The whole cast of actors; chorus and crew were absolutely great except when they are not on time for rehearsals; or commit to something else on the day that their parts are scheduled. I had to painstakingly look into each and everyone’s availability and plan the scenes to be rehearsed accordingly and they do this! (We had to sack one girl from the chorus for being at the right place at the wrong time; but the rest never improved!)

Pat Chan our choreographer had her share of problems of trying to work with her chorus; rehearsing scenes with Paul; dealing with ‘primadonna’ new comers who fussed a lot and the fun part was she finally got Douglas to move.

As with all my SM assignments nothing goes without a glitch and my usual one is that my ASM are never able to commit to the all the days of the production. Therefore, lots so frantic calls here and there and trying to get friend’s, friend’s, friend to help. But eventually all works out fine and my wonderful stage hands prove to be a great team!

Aladdin Dec 2007 - Jan 2008

2009-11-18T05:51:00.002+08:00

17 December 2007 - 6 January 2008

Usher in the new year with Aladdin, his mother the widow Twanky, his daft brother Wishee Washee, a magic ring, a magic lamp, a very confused pair of Genies, and a whole host of other colourful characters in KLPac's brand new panto, Aladdin! And because we all know that 'it was 40 years ago today Sgt Pepper taught the band to play', except a magical mystery world of head-spinning, psychedelic fun!..

Must record this...

(I started with the first line and never got the chance to record my SM experience working on Aladdin which is officially my last SM assignment at KLPac. Sob! Sob! but then again...)

Today is 18 Nov 2009 - my God how time flies and how lifes change.

Aladdin the Pantomime was indeed very special. I forget now how many cast and crew were involved but I will never forget the experience of handling Aladdin.

Aladdin for starters was acted by Joanna Bessey; her err his mother the ever so vogue Indi Nadarajah. Aladdin's love interest is Paris, Princess mind you. Evil Uncle Abanaza is Chacko; Douglas Lim is Wishee Washee; his love interest Won Ton is Nell Ng; Joanna Kam & Monti as The Emperor & Empress (or maybe the other way round). Oh and we can't stage Aladdin without a Genie or two.. Sham Sunder the powerful Genie of the Ring and Badrol the 'more' powerful Genie of the Lamp! Phew! Now what a montly crew.

Oh! did I forget the props? How can I? There were the 3 huge wicker basket that moves on its own till Douglas, Nell & Indy appear from inside it. By the way, Indy has a submarine telescope coming out of this basket. Hint! Hint! Wink! Wink! Of course, we had the whole 'bloody' Yellow Submarine that was huge as hell and I had to maneuver it from stage left to right and drop and pick up them actors!! (This was just like driving my yellow juara but less maintenance!). (And you know why the pix of it is not here.)

Unstoppable Me! Where The Wild Things Are (6 & 7 Dec 2008 @ Lawn Area, KLPac)

2009-11-13T19:29:00.004+08:00

About the same time last year; we were wondering if The Academy will be able to produce our yearly year-end production. As we have been informing our students and parents year after year that only if we get commitment from the students and if there are enough; only then we will be able to produce our show.

From planning to have a musical with at least 12 young actors to not knowing what do as we had not received confirmation from the parents. Only eight students confirmed.

Finally, one other student confirmed just 1 week before the school holidays and I decided that I didn't want to disappoint the rest. But what do we rehearse for? I was not prepared and needed to work on something fast.

Initial idea was to do a musical based on Dr. Wayne Dyer & Kristina Tracy’s 10 Ways To Soar Through Live. I even had a tune playing in my mind for the Theme Song. Now with so little time, what do I do? What do I do?

Maurice Sendak’s Where The Wild Things Are came to the rescue. What I did was to create a play within a play - 1) to provide the children with the experience of working on a play within a play concept. 2) It was much easier for me to manage!

A group of young actors are rehearsing for a play called “Where The Wild Things Are” and they are struck by disaster – first the director meets with an accident, and you have the Stage Manager running the production. One by one problems pop up and using messages from “10 Ways to Soar Through Life”; the manage to stage the play.

I still wanted some musical element and since I didn’t have time to make it into a musical; Tony Leo helped to get the children stomping during the ‘wild rumpus!”.

So in 3 weeks we managed to get the show on the go! Yes, from publicity material, to rehearsals and right up to costumes.

I got the children to draw up their Wild Thing Monster character and Joel very cleverly put them together as our poster, with an adorable pix of the kids at the back.

Thanks to Deda, who always comes through as my costume designer /maker, make-up artist and the actual Stage Manager. Nora's intership was timed in such a manner that she could help Deda.

Lawrence, my usual sound man. We needed some music during the time the actors were changing into their costumes.

Oh, by the way, did I mention that this play was done in the open. The turf under the big rain tree was our ‘rehearsal space’ and ‘back-stage’ area. The deck was our stage area. We made use of the trees already there and the stairs effectively.

Though I’m writing about it after about almost 1 year, it seems like it all happened not so long ago. It was great fun and it was really good to see the children work so hard to make it happen.

Of course, the parents of those nine children. How could we have done it without them? Making travel arrangement for the children to ensure that they get there for rehearsals from Monday – Friday for 3 weeks. (Mind you, this is during office hours.)

"Thank you wonderful parents for all your support. Never did I imagine that I would be so far away, nevertheless, all of you are very special to me. I will always cherish all the little fun moments that we have had together with your children. Thank you!"

The Actors

(Front-row from left to right: Yasyika, Aminah, Divya, Putri

Backrow from left to right: Natasha, Michelle, Hakeem, Keshyan, Joshua)

Nach Berlin 1

2008-05-29T13:15:00.004+08:00

Never did I imagine that I'd have the opportunity to go any where near Europe. All of a sudden, I got an e-mail confirming my participation “Theatretreffen 08”. Nach Berlin. Didn't know what to expect but knew that I would have a great time.

My first introduction to Germany was in the form of a CD & a course book. I'd listen in my car to conversations in German. I hardly had the time to look up the course book to really understand what they were saying but at least I got a chance to hear the language.

My second was when I was invited to have lunch with Ms. Susanne Wolf of the German Embassy and Mr. Volker Wolf of the Goethe Institut. I had a typical German lunch and even managed to top it up with a round of schnapps. It was a lovely afternoon at Euro Deli just talking and getting to know each other and the work we do.

All so soon, it was time to get going and there I was in Amsterdam airport taking a connecting flight to Berlin. Nach Berlin. There was this young man waiting for me at the airport with a book that had the logo of Theatretreffen 08. It was exciting, I was preparing the whole time during the 12 hour flight to introduce myself in German and there was Matthias speaking English! (Matthias, our ward, was the first and the last for me to meet at Berlin)

Off to Art'otel Berlin in Kudamm, Joachimstaler Strasse. (that road name was so hard to remember during our stay there but now it keeps playing in my mind. I like the sound of the words.) Unfortunately, the rooms were not ready and some of the participants who were there had no choice but to wait. Some decided to go and explore a bit. Me included and was just so happy to be on the streets, poring over the map and basically letting instinct take over and it led me places, all through out the 10 days.

From 2 - 12 May, it had been an amazing journey of discovery. German theatre: the reverence that people have for German directors, the performance. Every night was sold out; this was perhaps because of the Theatretreffen; perhaps it happens in the bigger theatres as people are curious to see how each celebrated director put his mark on each play, old or new. Apparently, talented people are snapped up by the bigger institutions. I can imagine, each trying to out do not only each other (at the same time working towards the objective of the theatre company, they represent) but constantly challenging oneself to greater heights.

The theatre goers of this country are amazing. We understand when the senior members of the audience are into theatre but we had also seen young people being totally enthralled by the performances. There was one performance – The Persians, which is such an old text (apart from reading the synopsis, I didn't know much about it). It was interesting to watch the very first scene which basically told what the story was and then an amazing lady (who represented the whole chorus) starting saying things in German. I didn't understand a single word but there I was listening, because she made me think that what she was saying was important.

A small wish; I wish that more young people in my country will have the same enthusiasm. Only then the industry will grow. The number of theatres in Germany, let alone Berlin is astounding. I do acknowledge though that the theatres have been there for a long long time. Hopefully in a long long time to come; the young people in my country understand the need for such cultural growth.

Then, one is also awed by the number of museums and gallaries in Berlin and the effort taken by the government to preserve history and humanity. Not only of its own history but of the world. It was very nice to see so many school children; talking, discussing with their teachers, and not getting overly excited of the nude sculptures from the past.

I discovered the history of Berlin, at least bits of it. I had a private moment amongst throngs of people who went to Charlie's Checkpoint and the Topography of Terror. It was very interesting to note the reflections of what was; a constant reminder of what people have gone through is put in the from of small monuments. Reminding us not to tread that path. I tried to trace my way along the wall (marked by two rows of brick). There was a part that went into a building and come out the other side. It is hard to imagine the lives of people on the other side of the wall. Old buildings, new buildings fashioned after the old buildings (as many didn't survive the war), and new buildings all create the beauty of this city.

The people in the city too fascinated me, it reminded me of a pond that was teeming with life of various species, each unique yet complementing to the overall beauty of the pond. My biggest regret was that I was not able to speak German, to be able to talk more to the people there. (Nevertheless, I have my little achievement – I spoke in my broken German to a guy from Munich who sat next to me during a performance.)

Berlin too decided to present itself in a a very personal manner. I must also congratulate the person who had given us the city tour. The tour was planned in such a manner that we got insights to the personality of the city. The person spoke from his heart and we were touched by his love for the city, its building, people and its history.

We had a lovely experience at the cultural office, the company, the food and also the old fashioned box lift where one has to hop in and out to get to certain floors. (Some of us were so scared and excited, at the same time. Of course, we took time to get used to the lift - in other words, we were fooling around!)

The Theatretreffen which means theatre meeting, was a meeting place for participants from 20 countries to meet. We were also called the United Nations group. If the world politicians were made up of theatre people, the world would indeed be a better place. We had our opinions; we had teasing, fun and laughter; we were sometimes like little children, waiting for our wards to take us around; we respected and cared for each other. Kerem, Hella, and Boris (our wards) were such delightful creatures, being so sweet even if they felt like strangling us when we didn't behave sometimes.

All I can say at the end of the 10 days is 'Vielen Dank'; to each and everyone who have put this event together and all whom I came across for making my trip “Nach Berlin” a beautiful one.
I will be writing more about all my theatre experience in another piece. You'll have to wait for it though!

A post by Victor Chin (http://vicchin.wordpress.com)

2008-05-29T13:07:00.003+08:00

March 12, 2008

Dominic is ten and he is in standard four in a Chinese school in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. His mother, Lim Siew Chong, is blind due to a car accident when she was twenty-one, in Ipoh. A few years back, both of them moved to live in Brickfields where she could train as a masseur at the Malaysian Association of the Blind (MAB) and then later work as a blind masseur in that area. There is a small community of both the blind and the deaf in this part of the city.

Dominic and his mother are both members of the harmonica music group from the MAB. This group of seven part-time musicians was invited to perform at the Sunday lunch party organized by Victor Chin and his friends at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Center (KLPac) on the 24 February.

On that day, after lunch, Dominic together with about 20 people, young and old, some with disabilities, were invited by Nala Nantha, from the KLPac, to join her in an hour of theatre-based activities and games. The following day Nala contacted Victor and told him that she was impressed by Dominic’s natural ability and focus during the session and said that she would like to offer a semester of free classes to Dominic.

When Victor contacted Dominic’s mother and told her about Nala’s offer, she was not vary sure at first, but she agreed to come with Dominic to meet Nala the next Sunday at the KLPac. After the meeting and also getting a sense of the place and the activities at the KLPac Siew Chong was a bit more assured. But she finally consented when Victor Chin and Nala assured her that Dominic will be safe and will be provided with transportation and food as well on the Sundays when he has classes.

After his first class Dominic said to Nala that he really enjoyed the session and also he was pleased to meet with many new friends outside his normal group of pals.

Posted by vicchin Filed in Art, Disability, Friendship, Photography Tags: Art, Care, Disability, Empathy, Friendship, Photography

(Picture of Dominic, his Mom & myself was taken by Victor Chin who is making it possible for the young boy to attend classes every week. Thank you very much, Victor.)

Girls Will Be Girls (Dec 2007)

2008-02-07T13:01:00.002+08:00

The Academy @ KLPac's production of Girls Will Be Girls was our year end production. Our contribution to the kids who have completed both semester 1 and 2 of our Children's Theatre Programme.

I wanted to create a setting whereby the children get the opportunity to work at different areas as not only on stage. Hence, this performance was a unique experience for the children as it was performed at the stairs & foyer area of KLPac.

Last year we did, The Big Brown Mushroom on stage and the children who had experience that will now experience something different. In fact, the process was different too as I introduced working with puppets and masks. The script by Sue Scot, itself involved research as we had know about the historical personalities mentioned. Semester 3 of 2008, was quite a task for the children as they set out searching. From Cleopatra, to the suffragettes, from Strauss to Hitler. It helped me enrich myself too. Long forgotten history was coming back to life.

Thank God there were some left over cardboard, from a project done previously - we used the cardboards to make Cleopatra, Florence Nightingale, Joan of Arc and the suffragettes who were instrumental in getting men to allow women to vote. There they were, these ladies perched on the landing of 1st floor as their deeds were revealed.

We even got the kids to paint their camouflaged soldier masks. Of course when I conceptualised the production, I did have these elements in my mind but was also looking for a cast of at least 20 kids. Unfortunately, as usual it is always difficult to get 1) children committed enough to work though their 3 weeks of school holidays 2) parent's work schedule that able the children to be sent for rehearsals; so we ended up with 12 kids doing multiple roles. Which was actually good for them.

So while in the beginning they are playing roles of boys and girls; they end up featuring occupations of men & women, talking about men & women who made history, even imagining what would happen if the 3 little pigs were girls (since they were girls - the big bad wolf didn't get a chance to eat any of them up - the girls were just too smart!) or little red riding hood was a horrid PS2 playing bullying boy!

Did we have fun? Of course, we did. Especially me - 'torturing' my kids. Well from start, I knew that I only had Deda (The Academy Co-ordinator) to help as Stage Manager / Make-up Artist ; as Lawrence (The Academy Assistant) was hobbing along with a broken leg and stage managing another show, still managed to record the kids in action. Show days I had to garner the help of Stephanie Chua who helped with make up and collecting donations.

I needed the kids to be responsible and manage their own props. So each were given a box. They had to take care of their boxes, ensure their props are kept in order that will help them to get ready on time. They managed very well except for the part when Howard had taken the wolf paw and playing around and didn't put it back proper.

The parents sure were impressed with the displine shown by their children. What was important was the children had a different experience and I was actually proud of their voice projection in a rather open space. (Much better than some young performers on stage.)

End of the day - I love my kids and hope they will cherish their moments and be a part of the new generation of theatre people in future!

The Actors
(First row from left to right: Yasyika, Anusha, Shao Yu, Yoki;
Second row from left to right: Samira, Howard, Afifi; Wafa;
Third row from left to right: Juliet, Ilmira, Alishya & Arisya)

Creative Writers Club SMK Bukit Bandaraya, Bangsar

2008-02-07T12:23:00.000+08:00

6 Feb 08 @ 8:30am.

Yes, I had to get up at an ungodly hour to get to the school. Luckily, it was the eve of Chinese New Year and most were already on their 'balik kampung' journey.

I was supposed to give a talk about writing. Like, what do I know! Met some cool teenagers 10 of them. Blabbered on about how little I know about performing arts and some of fun but hard work that I do.

Flashback: I remember the time I was invited to this school, I think in 2005, when there this teenagers who had written scripts and asked for my opinion. One of it had potential, it was about the school Open Day when parents come to collect report cards and it showcases some strange but life-like characters. The play was then featured at Yayasan Budi Penyayang's Keluarga Bahagia event at Genting Highlands. Branavan was one of the script writer / actor.

Back to this group. They want to do a Malaysian version of Romeo & Juliet.. aww. They should have come for KLPac's Romi & Joo Lee. The teacher, Pn. Zaleha also said that the school would like to participate in script-writing competition involving science related matters. There were also some who were there purely for the fun of it.

To start them off.. I got them to write a short piece involving an object. It was very interesting to hear the short stories [I didn't start with a script for 1) it was a creative writing club 2) that was what I experienced at the Dramatic Writing at NIDA]

We explored on what we can do with the stories - dramatise it on stage or any other media. As much as I wanted them to do a dialogue piece, I felt that perhaps helping them to create characters might help them to acheive what the school wanted. So we went on to create a character each.

Again it was interesting to see some characters take life. Opps.. way beyond the 10am limit that I had with them but managed to work on till about 11am.

Now question time - their big concern was to create the Romeo & Juliet characters and if their slapstick joke would work. My advise was to create and let the characters do things together. Never to edit themselves for that was the advise given by all my instructors at NIDA.

We exchanged e-mails and I told them that I would like to see the completed script. "Guys, just e-mail me or call me will try to share with you whatever little bit I know." All the best to the Creative Writers Club of SMKBB! Hope to see more of you.

[Yay! I managed to stick to my 08 Chinese New Year resolution! i.e. to ensure I update my blog everytime I do special projects. But this is only the first : ) ]

Work at Apiit

2008-02-07T12:19:00.000+08:00

Apologies to some of the Apiit students. I promised to feature your video here but had yet to find time to do it. But never to late. Am dedicating this piece to all of you, wonderful and not so wonderful students at Apiit.

(will write details soon)

Wacky Quotes

2007-09-17T02:16:00.000+08:00

Someone emailed this sometime back...

Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute,
and it seems like an hour.
Sit with a pretty girl for an hour,
and it seems like a minute.
THAT'S relativity - Albert Einstein

The brain is a wonderful organ.
It starts working the moment you get up in the morning and
does not stop until you get into the office. - Robert Frost

The trouble with being punctual is that nobody's there to appreciate it. - Franklin P. Jones

We must believe in luck.
For how else can we explain the success of those we don't like? - Jean Cocturan

It matters not whether you win or lose; what matters is whether I win or lose. - Darrin Weinberg

Help a man when he is in trouble and
he will remember you when he is in trouble again.

Complex problems have simple, easy to understand wrong answers.

It is not exactly cheating, I prefer to consider it creative problem solving.

Whoever said money can't buy happiness, didn't know where to shop.

Alcohol doesn't solve any problems , but then again, neither does milk.

Most people are only alive because it is illegal to shoot them.

Forgive your enemies but remember their names.

The number of people watching you is directly proportional to the stupidity of your action.

Dont worry that the world ends today, its already tomorrow in Australia!

Memoir of 27 August 2006

2007-09-17T02:02:00.000+08:00

Much has passed me by since ...

My August evenings are filled with shows one or the other. September would be the same too. Am starting a new level for my classes in September and will be holding auditions for the children's show. I'm not looking forward to the auditions - a lot of parents are going to start to hate me for not choosing their child.

We just ended 1 week of school holidays which means more work but good work this time - we had a whole lot of both talented and commited participants.

The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre will be officially opened by the PM on 2 Sept. after being in operation for more than a year. looking forward to that.

Very interesting day today. I've got a pet squirell my mom rescued yesterday. When its well enough to go to its family, I hope it'll come back and visit the house often. (It's actually a tree shrew.)

There was a baby python at the GM's office. It was such a cutey. While some of us thought ???, some were wondering how it got there. Did it use the stairs or the lift?

The Taihen project is certainly taking a lot of my time. Every Tuedays at one center and alternate Thursdays at another. I've also got problems with my one and only "Head of Kuroko" (Stage Assistant). Accusing me of all sorts of things and not happy at all working with me and The Actors Studio. I have to start going to Universities to talk to students about the project and recruit some volunteers to assist as stage assistants.

My boss faridah was awarded an honorary degree at a university in Penang (her hometown). I went with her as Joe her husband was busy with opening night of "Broken Bridges". Didn't realise that we were the VIPs. It was a memorable trip and we were back in time to catch the 2nd half of the musical.

Cancerlink Project in Lumut (Mis-adventures)

2007-09-16T03:55:00.000+08:00

A few weeks before my trip to Lumut my car was acting up. 2 times it had stalled at the same place and each time I had to get a ride from strangers to get back home rather 'early' in the morning. The first time with the police and the second time with the highway maintenace people. I told my mechanic at Proton (please do not go to them if you can help it) that I had to go outstation and to please ensure that my car would be ok.

It was ok for a while and then the day I'm driving to Lumut just after had passed Rawang - I felt rather hot and glanced at the temperature and there it was - at a high high! oh shit - I decided to turn back and go on till I reached the Sungai Buloh rest area and then perhaps calling the tow truck guys. Unfortunately/fortunately the moment I got there the car gave up and stalled with lots of smoke coming from the engine. It was so scary - opened my seat area (that's where the engine is - I sit and burn my 'ass' off.)

So now what do I do - I need to be in Lumut by 7:30pm and its now about 11 something. Arrghh! ok call boyfriends - promise them on a holiday to lumut and get them to drive me over. Start with the ex. Can't make it. Call another one - can't make it. Call another one - can't make it. Darn it! no wonder I'm not with them!

Plan B - The Actors Studio van! Managed to get my brother to pick me up and got Faridah's permission to use the van. And all set to go. Oh this van is simply incredible only thing is that it blows hot air and I can't open any of the windows.

There goes this 'hot chick' in this hot van not sure where exactly to turn off to go to Lumut - of course I have the map but there are 3 - 4 different exits from the highway that lead to Lumut - which do I take. Looking at the map the easiest one seemed like the straight road from Jelapang to Lumut - only that there were road works all along this kampong road when suddenly there is a jam because the cow wouldn't cross the road.

Good Lord - what a nightmare but I enjoyed the exploration. I managed to get to the hotel on time and it was simply marvelous the time I had there. Thanks to what ever force that worked so I could get to Swiss-Garden Damai Laut (translates to Peaceful Sea).

Theatre Workshop for Cancerlink

2007-09-16T03:10:00.000+08:00

1st workshop (Expressions)

2nd workshop (Movement)

3rd workshop (Improvs)

Each time my boss, Dato’ Faridah Merican, says, “Nala, I’ve volunteered you for this project!” instead of going ‘oh no, here we go again..’ I jump for joy. Only because I know that she would put me in a marvellous project.

This time it was working with youth from Cancerlink Foundation on their ‘Seri Endon Victory Ventures’ Camp.

You would have read about my mis-adventures above – and I managed to get to Swiss-Garden Golf Resort & Spa on time for Dinner and saw this whole bunch of youth and adults, mostly in raffia-string skirts. The youth who got there in the afternoon – rehearsed a couple of Mauri songs and dances as their Welcome Gambit.

I was supposed to do some theatre games for them but looking at how tired they were – decided on going through a relaxation exercise to relax and energise their bodies. Most of them did respond well while some were very shy to lie down on the floor. Anyway – we were all tired and got ready for action the next day.

The Foundation had organised 3 concurrent workshop whereby a very distinguished Mrs Nora Lam (who came from Johor) was to do a workshop on Career Development; a very handsome Dr. Alvin, on Relationships – Friends & Frienships; and me a Drama workshop.

I wanted to introduce the youth on different aspects and my 1st workshop was on Appearance / Expressions. I had Ikan Talapia group with Adrian (17), Al-Sidiq (17), Nurul Ain (20), Andy Khoo (23), Siti Sopinah (20), Kushalini (20 – this girl is studying to be a doctor.), Kah Ho (26) and Ikan Kerisi group with Adam Lim (21), Thayaananthan (17), Yap Poh Mei (21), Shah (20), Irsalina (20), Siti Nurfairuz (20).

After a quick warm-up with Follow-the –leader, and some theatre games, we went on to do Appearance. It was so much of fun as they were trying to get into the feeling. Then I got them to tell me of things that make them happy, sad, angry and excited. (This was a very interesting session for me as I got to know them better and a lot about how they feel. It’s a shame – I could not have the same session with the rest of them) The second time around when we did the expressions – we had achieved much more.

Next workshop – Movement. Ikan Yu group with Sri Rovinia Devi (17), Lai Yan Yin (20), M. Hariz (19), Siddiq Firdaus (20), M. Nazri (16), Masrina (20) and Ikan Kembong members, Naizatul (19), Tengku Nazri (17), Vasanthi (22), Mardila (23), M Afifi (16). After the usual warm-ups and games, the group was to experiment with different types of movements, levels, emotions and environment.

Third workshop with Ikan Todak and Ikan Tenggiri repectively; Famiza (19), Nur Mashitah (20), Chiong Yen (16), A. Naderin (16); Siti Hajar (19), Zamri (23), Ah Lian (19), Nur Atiqah (18), Kugan (17) and Muhd aim (20+)

My Dad

2007-04-17T05:46:00.001+08:00

The old man passed away on Feb 26, 2007. Why am I featuring him here? He is the reason that I'm in performing arts. It's in my blood.

He loved acting and theatre (tamil) but had to be the sole breadwinner of the family. My family had been making 'surete' cigars since my grandmother's father's time. She was forced by her dad to marry the most hard working man in the 'factory' and my father was doing this business till his dying day.

Of course he tried his hand at other things too - when he had the opportunity, he got himself some projectors and was showing travelling cinema in the 'kampongs' and 'estates'. He simply loved to be close to the movies. His car will be so messy filled with tobacco, cigars, hand-bills of movies. But he loved that life untill the videos came and almost killed the cinema industry.

Sometimes when I ponder on my life - I wonder how I got a job in the performing arts industry and my car is messy filled with posters and postcards?

(This was supposed to be updated in April but only doing so now. By the way his birthday was on 18 September - I suppose this would be a tribute to him.)

The Big Brown Mushroom (Children's Play)

2007-04-17T05:42:00.000+08:00

The Big Brown Mushroom - revisited!

Yes around this time last year - The Academy@ KLPac team was working on The Big Brown Mushroom. We had put up this play specially to provide an opportunity for the children of the Academy to perform on Stage.

We got our kids from ages 5 onwards till 16 to play this simple story that talks about Freedom, Tolerance and Generosity. The author was Sue Scout and adapted by yours truly. I felt like I did a good job in defining the characters of the Loud and Soft people and had a time lapse of 5 years at the end of the play - whereby the forest is no longer there and there is a skyscape of a city. Basically highlighting to my students that somethinng like that can happen to them. One day they are playing in a park and next it's no longer there all because some greedy business man wanted to make more money.

The kids were simply great - some a little naughty of course - even though i had warned them. The kids had fun most of the time - whenever i was not shouting and screaming at them. But i love them and only wanted them to work hard and make sure that they 'entertain' the people paying to watch the show. They as 'actors' have to transform the words on the script and make them real.

Lawrence (Academy Assistant) was my sound man in charge of selecting the music / sound effects and recording them and operating the sound during the performance.

Deda (Academy Co-ordinator) was the costume designer, mistress, stage manager, make-up person, artist who helped touch up the 'forest', the disciplin person who made sure the kids were quiet back-stage. (She did an excellent job but I'm sure, she'll never want to do it again.) :)

My most memorable moment (only because I haven't forgotten them after so long) 2 incidents with the 5 year olds (by the way - they were developing some kind of love affair during the production. Kids now-days!)

Lauren played the part of the 'little' "soft people" and tended to be off focused and wandering off by herself within the stage area during rehearsals. I told her that she needed to be more focused and work with the group so she is seen a the "soft people". Her reply was - "teacher nala, i'm little just like my brother, so I'll be naughty just like my brother!" I simply had to 'kow-tow' to her as she at that age understood character.

Xin Wei - (his mom was worried as during our class presentation, Xin Wei decided to be an attention seeker by creating his own thing - nothing like the presentation we prepared.) Anyway this kid comes for rehersal a little early and sits at the academy foyer complaining about the amout of biscuit crumbs on the floor.

Later we go for rehearsal and the birds are supposed to say "I'm hungry, I haven't eaten for days" and our smart-alec says that there are crumbs outside at the foyer!

I miss the kids but will be working with some of them this year and hopefully we have a production. I don't have enough boys in a play called "Girls will be Girls" and some of the girls have to play boy.

The Big Brown Mushroom still lives - this year I'm working with a group of children from Rumah HOPE. Thanks to Prudential and their Chairman's Award project - these children get an opportunity to work on the script and perform. It is frustrating that the kids don't come as scheduled - most of them are missing (out for other activities). Last week I only got 4 children coming and not the 15.
(Pixs by Kelab Fotografi Shashin)

Good Part: Guess what - I'm getting 3 children from Kiwanis to play the part of the birds (They don't want to be birds though - they want to be a Tiger, a Snake & a Cat.)
(was supposed to write this in April 07 - instead only managed to get it down to words on 16 Sept 07)

My POV (The good, bad and ugly) of the Disabled 'Community' in Malaysia

2007-04-17T05:34:00.001+08:00

The past 4 years plus (come September 07, will be my 5th year in this industry. WoW!) working at The Academy@ The Actors Studio then later at The Academy @ KLPac; thanks to Dato' Faridah, I've had the opportunity to work with the disabled, children with Down Syndrome, the deaf.

It has been an incredible experience and it is great to meet the disabled (see so many people involved in helping, supporting these groups.

(Note: Please note that for the purpose of writing - I am generalising all categories as 'disabled' person/people. If I'm talking about a particular person with a certain 'disability' it will be mentioned.

Community - meaning the disabled and also the people within their community.)

THE GOOD:

People who dedicate their lives in working with disabled children/people or those with special needs. I know of a person who had applied for a job at Spastic Centre at age 19, she got the job and she is still there (must be in her 40-ties.) She didn't realise what she was getting into till she started work but decided to stay on all these years. There is another person who has been her whole life working with the deaf at PMY (Pusat Majudiri at YMCA).
People whose children are disabled or need special care. It is incredible to see the parents learn how to accept the child, recognise the help that the child needs to live a more fullfiling life.
People who volunteer their services - it is great to see a whole bunch of ladies, sit and (do a bit of gossiping) while doing some craft work that will be sold to generate income for the centers. A great stress release.
People who volunteer but their work is involved directly with the children/people. Just like what the Taihen volunteer 'kurokos' did. It was also interesting to find a number of young girls from overseas who had come to the centre to do some volunteer work. There was one who was almost signed-up as Taihen kuroko but decided that she is more comfortable helping the Orang Asli learn English.
The disabled people themselves, who understand their disability and recognise their disability and seek to find ways to better their lifestyle.
The People behind the institutions i.e. the government (to the extent that they have appointed an expert from Japan to help look in developing the disabled community), people who help set-up and run centers, or help form support groups (which is still not strong enough in Malaysia), whose tireless efforts has helped to develop the disabled and their lives. I admire a friend's mom who had helped set-up Mobiliti (which provides transport service for the disabled/old at a nominal rate.)
A special mention to the Japanese Kurokos: It was important that a kuroko knows the needs of a physically disabled performer. A questionaire was made up and each and everyone of the performers were interviewed. (Yes, they actually sat there asking if one of the performer needed any special spoon to help her eat, and they were trying to figure out the reply was - although they could have simply observed this. )

THE BAD

People working with the disabled are sometimes not open to new ideas and concepts. They do not seem to realise that the needs of the disabled are changing and one needs to learn how to change ones mind set so they can help the development of a disabled person.
Sadly the above sometimes applies to parents as well. One of the major problem is that they refuse to believe that their child is disabled. Two ways of approaching this is either - send them off to an institution or just keep them in the house. Both ways the child loses out for the initial care given by the parents helps the early development of the child and the care/rehabilitation/learning obtained from a centre/school will further develop a child.
The government with its good intention has set-up a great place in Bangi - unfortunately the administration of the place is questionable as the centre Director changes practically every 6 months or so. There seems to be no continuity toward the progress or of the potential of the people learning there.
My Favourite Project! When administration due to presure from either management or council, adopts a particular project it seems that nothing else is important. It also becomes the usual rat race of everyone wanting to be seen as working on that favourite project to win favours.

THE UGLY - The mentality of the disabled themselves. Yes this is what I perceive as the ugliest part of it all. No doubt we are all human but I feel that when there are not much opportunity the unity of the group is important. Of course when addressing the needs of different groups i.e. the needs of the blind is certainly different from a physically disabled person but there should be one voice.

One Voice - The gift of the gab. It was very interesting to note while working with the physically disabled some people with little disablity and with the gift of the gab tended to feel much superior than others. They felt that they represent all disabled people, they fail to see that there are different degrees of disablity. With this the Taihen group, the severly disabled seemed to be very intelligent, focused and down to earth.
'I'm not disabled'. When we first started the Taihen project and we asked the participants to move - they instinct was to move like a non-disabled person. They felt that that is the correct way to move. It was more difficult for those who were not born disabled. When one accepts/finds oneself - their development is better and faster.

10 months of Taihen!

2007-04-17T05:10:00.000+08:00

The last that I had posted a Taihen In Malaysia project report was 5 Jun. 10 months later there is much to say. It was like carrying a an unborn child in the womb. A new experience for the carrier and the child. When the child sees the light of day - the joy and warmth, both the mother and child feels. (I'm imagining this, of course!)

Till now it is hard for me to believe that this 3 year project is finally over. But it is not really over, the child wants to grow and explore. This is what the performers want to do. Grow and explore. Good for them!

36 year old Vanee (just a few years younger than me) said in her slurred speech that she'd call us, the kurokos, to discuss the future. "We (the disabled performers) have to decide what we want to do about our future. My life is very boring. This is very exciting and I know that I can do this. I need your support."

We had a meeting the other day and we teased her that she should be the CEO while Maryani the General Manager. Together these tough cookies will be able to do so much.

Looking back there were times when we, The Actors Studio, Japan Foundation KL and Ms. Kim herself and Kawakita-san almost gave up. If it was not the fundings, it was the lack of interest by people who were involved closely with the physically disabled, or the search for "suitable kuroko" (as much as we'd like to take just anyone to assist, they had to be people with the right attitude and willing to understand what Taihen was all about.), or good old logistic of bringing people from Bangi, Spastic Centre and Beautiful Gate together; not forgetting the rolling and un-rolling the dance mats, etc.

It was rather disappointing that the Minister was not present to watch the progress that the performers have achieved in just 3 years. It's not just about the performance, it is an amazing process of finding the voice, the confidence, the self-esteem, most of all of being proud of their body and their unique movements.

It was certainly not about 'a physically disabled person' performing but a showcase of a form of art. Though some people had a 'sympathetic' tone to their applaud, some applauded because of the appreciation of the art. And this is what we wanted to acheive.

I look back fondly the moments when the performers and had first met, though I had many opportunities to get to know them better, sometimes I just didn't as I didn't want to get too close and be involved emotionally. [I find it difficult to work if I'm emotionally tied-down] Till now (as usual) I'm still the last one to hear a news but small moments that we shared together whenever possible were wonderful.

This is how silly I can get (cost me RM3.20 on toll!). I was supposed to pick Shahrul up from his home. This was my first time. Managed to find the place alright. Getting out is a bit problem as they have a toll plaza in that area. Drove out paid RM1.60 and asked the attendant there on how to get out. It didn't make any sense to me and I ended up paying another RM1.60. The next day just before leaving Shahrul's house I asked his mom how to get out. She said "Ask Shahrul, he knows." (Aiyo - drop water face; as Shahrul gave that cheeky smile) We both had a good laugh. (By the way, one will not be able to understand, Shahrul's speech - but you'll understand him. Also he is a big time hero at his area, goes everywhere with his power wheelchair and everybody has a certain respect for him.)

Another 'kuroko' moment is when once a forthnight I go to Bangi and take Vanee and Khiong (plus some crazy kurokos) along to rehearse the 'Bawang Merah Bawang Putih' (Red Onion, White Onion/Garlic; a malaysian folk story) scene. How we fumble in public trying to get Vanee on to her wheelchair and the silly songs we sing while being stuck in the evening jam while coming back home and listening to Vanee's stories.

Very facinating and one thing that Petra (Kuroko) and I can never forget is "It's ok if my sister's m-i-law won't change; I will change". Now you know why she'll have to be the CEO? She has a natural knack for management (unlike most who learn it, have a degree and yet are unable to grasp the concept.)

Of course there are tear-jerker moments as well. When Maryani (she is the leader of this group) was accounting her childhood experience. How teachers and fellow students would make fun of her. (Don't worry Maryani, it happens to a lot of people, with disability or not.) How she's always wanted to perform but had thought of her disability as an hinderance and to finally be up on stage. A lifelong dream come true.

(Sorry - I'm going to write a little bit about each performer.)

The most determined person in this group is Wan Tiara a 17 year old. The moment people see her, they are awed by her determination and yet she is such a sweet young lady. Always with a smile and on the last day just after the cast party - she broke down and cried so much. It was as if she had so much to say and yet the words were not coming out. I could only guess that she has probably never experienced whatever she was going through at that moment. It overwhelmed her and Tiara is another one who would probably be addicted to the stage and will come back for more.

In contrast to the young lady above we have Sabariah, whom I call 'The Government Servant' a.k.a. Pentas Kiri (Stage left) Primadonna. Nice, but she often has a look that she doesn't belong to the group probably because she is the only one who holds a senior position amongst the rest of the performers. (I'm guessing here - not mind reader. She probably has her own reasons.) I remember her for two things - 1) calling for Khiong and saying that he is so deaf; 2) when she was all covered up at Pentas Kiri (its dark and very cold) in blanket with her hands tucked in; she said that there is a mosquito on her nose. (rofl!) .

Since I mentioned Khiong; he a 22 year old who is hard of hearing (that is why Sabariah's comment was so funny!); is simply amazing. A hyperactive techqie who is able to understand Ms. Kim and what is needed of him in the show. Just don't praise him so much or he'll lose focus. It was amazing how this hyperactive guy was so composed, attentive and co-operative during performance. It was also amazing to see him adjust with the rest of the performers especially other male performers. The friendship Shahrul and he developed was very heartwarming.

Amy simply facinated people in his Badang (Malaysian folktale of a strong man) role. People's comment was "Oh my God - it was like he was flying on stage!". Yes he auditioned for that part and got the role. A very handsome young man, I'm sure the girls went goo-goo-ga-ga over him. I did.

Sha, I think was the bravest of them all. There was a scene where he came on stage wearing a 'sarong kebaya' like costume complete with a wig, very 70-ties and he looked gorgeous. He was playing a Pondan who was firting with the evil being (Ms. Kim). Bravo, Sha!

It was very unfortunate that Zahidah was unable to perform after all those hard work. She was rather ill. She made us all panic a little (a lot actually) when she arrived at KLPac on performance day. She was just sitting on her wheelchair, looking pale and she was not responding to us. I felt rather bad that she could not prove herself, she is always saying "I can do it, kakak."

I must go back to Spastic center to visit the kids there. I miss them. Well it won't be for long before we start work on rehearsing for a performance again.

For great pix of behind the scenes visit Maryani's blog at http://mariannie-missycat.blogspot.com/index.html

Taihen in Malaysia (Lesson 10 Report)

2006-06-05T17:20:00.000+08:00

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)

2006-06-05T17:00:00.000+08:00

(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)

2006-06-05T16:44:00.000+08:00

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)

2006-06-05T16:31:00.000+08:00

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)

2006-06-05T16:14:00.000+08:00

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)

2006-06-05T15:45:00.000+08:00

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)

2006-06-05T15:11:00.000+08:00

(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)

2006-05-11T18:12:00.000+08:00

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)

2006-04-13T15:31:00.000+08:00

(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)

2006-04-13T14:17:00.000+08:00

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)

2006-02-24T18:17:00.000+08:00

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..

2006-02-23T18:49:00.000+08:00

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)

2006-02-16T16:36:00.000+08:00

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!

2006-02-09T19:21:00.000+08:00

(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. )

2006-02-09T19:03:00.000+08:00

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)

2006-02-03T19:33:00.000+08:00

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

SHOW :- Drama: Going North

2006-01-31T20:04:00.000+08:00

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

2006-01-31T19:57:00.000+08:00

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…

2006-01-31T19:44:00.000+08:00

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!

2006-01-31T14:20:00.000+08:00

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

2006-01-30T16:24:00.000+08:00

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.