Makyongliveson
AFTER eight long years, The Actors Studio Seni Teater Rakyat is bringing back its acclaimed production, and it will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPaC) later this month.
When it premiered in 2009, no one could imagine how two worlds, miles apart and of a different era, could come together so beautifully. This is the genius of visionary director Norzizi Zulkifli who is behind the magical production; essentially, a Mak Yong performance based on William Shakespeare’s romantic comedy,
Since 2009, the work has travelled far and wide, and so has its director. As the only Malaysian work selected to be a part of the Asian Intercultural Shakespeare Archive,
has been studied at the National University of Singapore and
A scene from Makyong Titis Sakti.
The cast and crew of Makyong Titis Sakti.
has appeared in numerous publications, including the Routledge Handbook of Asian Theatre.
Norzizi also directed
which earned her the Best Director Award at the Boh Cameronian Arts Awards 2013. She moved to Australia in 2012 to pursue her PhD at the University of Wollongong after obtaining her MFA in Theatre Directing from Middlesex University, London.
Back home now, Norzizi is ready to make waves with her bold experimentations. Early last year, she directed
which married Mak Yong and Shakespeare’s Jan 27 to Feb 4 8.30pm and 3pm
KLPaC, Sentul Park, Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur
RM40 to RM80. 03-4047 9000
Now, Norzizi is ready to revisit one of her fondest works. will be given a facelift and unveiled in its full glory for the first time.
Once again, Norzizi is backed by her capable team comprising choreographer
Zamzuriah Zahari, music director Kamrul Hussin, set designer Bayu Utomo Radjikin and costume designer Nur Afifi Mohamed Taib.
Some of the original cast members will also be returning, including one of the most well-known guardians of Mak Yong, Zamzuriah. There are also Asrulfaizal Kamaruzaman, Rosdeen Suboh, Shahanaros Shahruddin, Elza Irdalynna, Mohd Kamarulzaman Taib or Che Kem, and Siti Farrah Abdullah.
They will be joined by new cast members including Mardiana Alwi, Ezdianie Hayatie Omar, Safia Hanifah, and Putri Hanan Shahidah as well as five dancers and 12 musicians.
Set in an enchanted forest where magic and fairies come alive, tells of three types of love: perfect love, forbidden love and unrequited love.
With its mix of dance, live music and comedy, will surely prove to be an entertaining watch even for those not familiar with Mak Yong.
Definitely an apt start to the two-yearlong celebration mounted by The Actors Studio to mark its 30th anniversary in 2019.