My upcoming production... Villa Singa!!

After eight years, I'll be back at Victoria Theatre (for another production). This time, with Theatre 2000, under Cik Nadiputra for the production of "Villa Singa". How time flies since I last acted (my debut, to be exact) there with Teater Kami in Indera Bangsawan in 1997.

Rehearsals have been okay so far. But I find it challenging, yet enriching, as a theatre enthusiast. Because, besides acting (as Cikgu Hamid), I'm also the co-Stage Manager in this play. And am also involved in conducting the drama workshop/warm-up with the players and crews.

In short, it is FUN!!

Hope my friends/relatives could come and watch this play to be staged on 17th August and Victoria Theatre.

Villa Singa
written and directed by Nadiputra

Villa Singa is based on a true story of a retired army veteran, Encik Hamzah, who was very regimented and highly disciplined in raising his children.
Does being very regimental lead to highly-disciplined children? Will this authoritative up-bringing create a happy family environment? Issues emerged when he disagreed his son, Yunus, to continue his involvement in the arts. He stressed the importance of education, which Yunus' other siblings possesed. This, among others, caused a friction in their relationship in their home that was well-known as "Villa Singa" in the community. The family environment suddenly changed with the help of an elderly confidant by the name of Cik Mat. The friction within the family slowly lessened, however, Encik Hamzah foresee an unpleasant outcome with the sudden unexpected apprearance of Marlia, his ex-flame.

The continuing saga of the story will unfold....

This drama was performed 30 years ago at the National Theatre. Catch Raffi Khan (as Encik Hamzah), Norsiah Ramly (Marlia), Sudin Kassim/Aziz Joned (Cik Mat), Saiful Amri/ Faizal Ramli (Yunus), Zainal Mohamed (Yusuf), Norhayati Ansari/Endang Roslan (Maimon), Hazlina Hashimi (Aishah) and Hazriq Idrus (Cikgu Hamid) as the drama being performed again by Theatre 2000 (in conjunction with its Silver Jubilee celebrations) with a distinctive atmosphere. It is for you to discover the outcome by being present at the revival of Villa Singa.

Victoria Theatre
Wednesday 17 August 2005
3pm; Tickets at S$8 (Matinee for students only)
8pm; Tickets at S$10 and S$15 (Public)
Performance in Malay.
For tickets, please email to kampunguy@yahoo.com

What a Dance Debut!

It was Majlis Pusat 36th Anniversary Dinner and MOU Signing with Institut Seni Melaka Malaysia (ISMMA) on 2 July 2005 at Neptune.

And it was my debut dance performance! Dancing to the tune of "Joget Anak Kampung", this kampunguy enjoyed every moment of it on stage. Also throughout the Dinner function.

As my aunt shockingly asked, "Sekarang dah joget pulak?" Yes, but not just it. To me, it is an opportunity for me to widen my knowledge in the performing arts. Having been involved in the theatre scene since 1997, having also done band performances and emceeing projects, I believe the time has come to try another wing of the performing arts - dance.

The event started at 8pm. They wanted to start with a big bang, so with the dancers on the stage platform for the opening number, they required additional 3 persons on stage. These 3 people will then moved down to the VIP table, handing over the sirih and bunga telur. And, dunno whether it is coincident, the three people are Shana, Aidil and myself - all three are having our debut performance!!

Our "Joget Anak Kampung" ala "Joget Payung" made it to the stage shortly after that. And it was fun!! I just enjoyed myself up there, smiling and dancing to the tune .

It was soon over. :( True to what Cikgu and Shahril teased some months ago before I decided to perform in dance, "Kalau berlakon, berjam-jam boleh. Joget, kejap tak boleh." I think, being a stage person, it is natural for me to enjoy myself up there, staying for a longer period of time entertaining the crowd.

But nevertheless, I continued my involvement in the function at another aspect - handling the sound system for the Tarian Memikat Hati, the Fashion Show and a short play.

It was really a memorable function, even though I had diarrhoea. Cik Haron suggested to me to drink Sprite or 7-Up when the Kirana Seni-ans went for a late dinner at about 2am in the morning! And the diarrhoea subsided!! Amazing!! Alhamdulillah.

Thanks to the Kirana Seni-ans and Cikgu who encouraged me throughout the rehearsals. And what an iconic way to start dancing: kampunguy(@yahoo.com) danced in "Joget Anak Kampung". Haha!!