With the Malaysian author of Hari-Hari Terakhir Seorang Seniman

It was such daring move which I took when I volunteered to write a 15- min theatre script, adapted from a novel for “eXpresi” – a creative book discussion held on 17 June at Bedok Library in conjuntion with Read Singapore 2006.

The book chosen – “Hari-hari Terakhir Seorang Seniman” (The Last Days of an Artiste), written by an established Malaysian writer, Dato’ Dr Anwar Ridhwan. The book itself is an award winning one – “Pemenang Pertama Hadiah Novel GAPENA-Yayasan Sabah 1979”.

The reason for the move – the itch to act on stage! So, me and buddy Raydza acted in the short play, which saw us played multiple characters (7 in all) in the script adapted from the novel.

Thinking that was all, I was given an even sweeter opportunity – to bring the author around when he was in town from 14-17 July 2006. He was invited for a book discussion at Tampines Regional Library on 15th July afternoon. And since I was OFF, it was so timely! A chance to be up, close and personal with the author himself!!

We met up with the author at Carlton Hotel on 15 July morning for a breakfast at Rumah Makan Minang. Then we proceed for a short tour at LKC Reference Library before another tour at library@esplanade. Afterwhich, we had our lunch at Swensen’s Bugis.

(With Dato' Anwar @ Swensen's Bugis)

Along the way, we talked and it was great to hear his experiences. But what intrigued me was that he is a playwright and director himself! Writing and Theatre!! So close to my heart! I think that bonded us even closer. Well, that’s what I felt. I asked a lot about theatre and writings.

He was such a humble man – not like the typical Dato’ we see on TV. We talked a lot of stuff - from his early involvements in writings to his family to his retirement and to his appointment as a Dato’. We even found out how the Dato’ship works in Malaysia.

For dinner, the sub-comm had it at Cafe Vienna. Thot that I was out of place - having the librarians (Juffri and Kak Rohayah) talking about higher level literacy, teachers (Pitchay and Rashidah) talking about MOEs and language curriculum, Nurul and Mrs Kiang talking about the events, and deejays Riz Sunawan and Roslinda, interviewing Dato’ after the dinner.

(Dinner with Dato' @ Cafe Vienna with Read Singapore SubComm. Back Row (L-R): Hazriq, Nurul, Juffri, Roslinda, Rashidah, Riz Sunawan. Front Row (L-R): Mrs Kiang, Pitchay, Dato' Anwar, Kak Rohayah)






But hey, since Dato’ is a playwright and director, we talked about theatre and stuff as well. That’s where I came in. But equally important, when they talked about other things, I just concentrate on the food. It’s Cafe Vienna, mind you!!