Check out Pentas 1, Pentas 2, and Indicine below

“This is one grand experiment,” says an excited Christopher Ling, its director in residence.

Ling explains that the promenade setup will see KLPaC’s Pentas 2 black box theatre space converted into nine different locations for the play.

This includes a school, park, supermarket and houses of three of the main characters.

“We have official tour guides who, after a preshow briefing in the foyer, will guide the audience in and lead them through the different locations inside,” he says.

While all nine locations will have something going on, the story is driven by the shifting focus on different locations at different times.

“The audience walks through the various locations so they can actively have an intimate connection to what they see,” says the Boh Cameronian award-winning Ling.

Although Pentas 2 can accommodate an audience of 200, the producers have limited the number to 50 per show to facilitate this stimulating production.

“The idea is like a trip to the zoo, with animals in different cages – only here there are no cages and the inmates are running around you,” he says, adding that the 70-minute play features the latest ensemble of actors for KLPaC’s T4YP (Theatre For Young People) season 2013.

T4YP was established in 2008 to provide young talents aged 16-25 with a platform to enrich themselves via the performing arts.

“I have the wonderful benefit of having an 11-member ensemble not just for Ugly People but for all our shows this season,” says Ling.

“To start the season, I wanted to do something relevant with a distinct local flavour and I’m on the constant quest for material that speaks to the audience in a much clearer way, so I thought of playwright Mark Beau de Silva,” he says.

De Silva recently staged another version of Ugly People (without the promenade theatre style) as a double bill production with A Widow, A Spinster & A Tomboy titled Laugh Chinese Style.

“Mark has this innate ability to drill into human nature and what really makes a person tick. He doesn’t shy away from just delivering it as it is,” says Ling.

For Ugly People, De Silva wrote a number of short comedic skits that delved into the unsavoury side of human behaviour, based on his everyday observations.

Ling selected a few from the original staging as well as some unused segments.

“I wanted to ground the show and not do a sketch comedy a la Little Britain, which was very over the top and slap stick-based,” he says, adding that his incarnation will feature a more natural brand of humour.

He says Ugly People has 19 different scenes which include a few of De Silva’s older works.

“I’ve complemented it with Frogs In The Park (the first staging of a T4YP production in 2008), Librarian Girls and some scenes from Oh My God,” he says.

The play will feature 20 characters who have something about them that’s not right or truly ugly — even the seemingly innocent looking ones.

“But we can’t just fill a show with bad intentioned people without looking at any redemptive qualities,” says Ling.

“I told the actors not to plainly look at these characters as monsters but to explore why they express themselves in this way,” he says.

Ugly People is a big challenge for Ling but he says: “It’s exciting nonetheless, and the perfect show for thrill seekers in the theatre going crowd.” 

Director Christopher Ling utilises the promenade theatre style to immerse the audience in Ugly People.

Read more: SHOWBIZ: Bad manners – Health – New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/life-times/health/showbiz-bad-manners-1.282753##ixzz2TtN8dznj

OVERACTING PERHAPS? The exaggeration of the cast lost the multidimensional portrayal of Shakespeare’s characters

THE Merry Wives of Windsor is the third production by a group of talented actors on the works of great Shakespeare.

The group called Shakespeare Demystified (SD)has been on a roll since 2009, attending workshops under Australian director Jeff Kevin and successfully producing two plays — Julius Caesar in 2011 and The Merchant of Venice in April last year.

The Merry Wives of Windsor is indeed a comedy by Shakespeare, and SD has taken the opportunity to relive its unique essence on stage.

The story revolves around one of the most notable characters in the Shakespearean works — Falstaff, an over-weight knight who portrays a kind depth common to Shakespeare’s tricky comedy.

In this play, Falstaff makes a move to entice two rich, married women in the town of Windsor, with schemes to gain their wealth. However, the merry wives of Windsor are not to be messed with, as they turn the tables on Falstaff with playful, tricky methods.

The cast of The Merry Wives of Windsor are Qahar Aqilah as Falstaff, Sandee Chew and Marina Tan as the merry wives, Soon Heng and Kien Lee as the husbands, with ensemble guests Anne James and David Lim.

SHAKESPEAREAN HUMOUR: Soon Heng and Kien Lee as the husbands

Shakespearean works have always been a subjective issue to discuss amongst theatre goers as his works can be improvised and conjured into a different form of art without losing its essence. The portrayals of the characters was an interesting plot to observe.

Not only did they manage to emphasise campy Shakespearean acting and expressive vulgar humour on stage, they also managed to encapsulate the plot of a three-hour play down into 90 minutes.

The set up of the stage was simple. Using no more than just a few props, basic lighting and original diegetic sounds, the cast of SD maximised and utilised stage space with great effort.

Although the Shakespearean language essence was indeed captured and used wisely within the play, simple local jargon used in some speeches was a letdown.

Even with some of their best efforts on stage, the cast was unable to capture the true essence of Shakespearean comedy.

The overacting and exaggeration of the cast lost the multidimensional portrayal of Shakespeare’s brilliant characters.

Nonetheless, The Merry Wives of Windsor was indeed entertaining to watch. The cast could notably be seen putting their best efforts into the show.

Shakespearean humour is still classically noticeable in the speeches as no major modifications were made to the original script, (aside from cutting out subcharacters and minor events) formulating an enjoyable 90-minute performance.

Laugh off the pressures of modern life with two short plays that mirror everyday Malaysians, writes Aref Omar

A DOUBLE bill comedy production from The Actors Studio, under its Seni Teater Rakyat banner, is set to make Malaysians laugh out loud — and at themselves. Titled Laugh Chinese Style, it will feature Ugly People, directed by Mark Beau de Silva, and A Widow, A Spinster & A Tomboy, helmed by Wong Lay Chin.

When met at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPaC), where the double bill production will be staged, De Silva explained that he was inspired to do Ugly People after seeing Wong’s play in Penang.

“Her play was a crazy comedy from start to finish,” says De Silva who is co-associate artistic director and writer/director-in-residence at KLPaC.

A Widow, A Spinster & A Tomboy tells the story of three housemates who get wind of a news alert detailing a fresh rape case in the vicinity. Things get dicey when a recently released rapist turns up unconscious at their doorstep. What they do to him then sets off a chain of side-splitting events.

The restaging of A Widow, A Spinster & A Tomboy at KLPaC will feature Suzanne, Shu Min, Sotorng and Shin K.

“I have always written more dramatic plays, so for this I wanted to do something crazy and absurd,” says De Silva, who has written numerous plays including 8 Ways To Lighten The Schoolbag, Oh My God (OMG), Belacan, Geragok & Other Prawns and Bottom Top.

He explains that Ugly People is essentially a collection of 12 comedic skits revolving around everyday Malaysian life. “I drew inspiration from my own observations, while on the LRT, bus and in public places, of human behaviour that’s pretty funny,” he says.

He adds: “Well, it’s the infuriating things that people do that make you angry at the time but upon reflection seem rather funny.”

Among the examples he gives is people who rush into train carriages the second the doors open and obstruct flow in the process. “Also, I’ve accidentally brushed on girls and they’d give me that are-you-going-to-rape-me sort of look,” he adds.

Everyone seems so highly strung, scared of each other and overly protective of their own little space. “Don’t say this, don’t do that,” he muses.

But De Silva confesses that it’s not his intention to point a finger or be preachy, saying: “We’re all guilty of doing these things as well.”

He adds: “It does feel like we’re running in a hamster wheel with everyone just waiting to explode.”

“In real life it’s hard to be patient, I too have to remind myself from time to time — but I guess life would be really boring if everyone is cool and calm all the time,” he says with a laugh.

Ugly People will feature local Chinese comedy group The Joker Trio — made up of Douglas Wong, Season Chee and William Yap — as well as ADA Drama Award winners Roax Tan (Best Actor) and Amelia Tan (Best Supporting Actress/Theatre Practitioner).

The five actors will play different characters, all very quirky and weird, representing a slice of Malaysian society.

Expect irritatingly funny situations in various settings like a classroom, in an LRT, bus and at a checkout counter.

De Silva promises tonnes of laughs. “The title is Laugh Chinese Style but it’s universal and very Malaysian with a mix of Chinese dialects, Bahasa Malaysia and English — I think people will definitely be able to relate, since it’s basically
snapshots of life,” says De Silva, who also teaches at KLPaC’s The Actors Studio Academy and under its Community Outreach Programme.

The 12 interwoven skits will be a fast-paced 45-minute ride with an intermission that is followed by the 30-plus minute play of A Widow, A Spinster & A Tomboy.

Laugh Chinese Style

When: April 18-21, 8.30pm
(April 20, 3pm)
Where: Pentas 2, KLPaC, Sentul West, Jalan Strachan, off Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur
Admission: RM48, RM33 (students, disabled, TAS card members) & RM39 (Chatime Thirstea card holders)
Call 03-4047 9000 or visit theactorsstudio.com.my
Note: For ages 13 and above only.
In Chinese with English subtitles.


There is enraging yet funny human behaviour in Ugly People.

MALAYSIAN society is filled with all sorts of hilarious attributes that some may deem crude and improper, but Mark Beau de Silva thinks some things are just worth noticing and reliving.

His Laugh Chinese Style: Ugly People is a comedy that showcases various combinations of lifestyles of Malaysian society.

Written and directed by De Silva and starring the Joker Trio — Douglas Wong, Season Chee and William Yap — along with Amelia Tan, Roax Tan and Lex Lakshman, Ugly People, to be staged on April 18-21 at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac) at Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan, is set to reflect the hilarity of Malaysian culture (8.30pm nightly).

JOKERS THREE : Director Mark Beau de Silva(in plaid shirt), Lex Lakshman Balakrishnan and Douglas Wong — Pic: SHAHIR OMAR

De Silva began writing the script for Ugly People, last year, as a compilation of skits that use various Chinese dialects, including Hokkien, Hakka, Mandarin and Cantonese.

Inspired by daily observations of the cultures of Malaysia, De Silva presents his piece as a portrayal of real life confrontations that happen without people noticing them.

“The play will bring out the monsters in everyday life,” he said. “We portray the nastiest people that you may have met in public.

“People tend to realise that society is inclining to hostility and Malaysian society has become a pressure cooker. I wanted to do a comedy after a long line of dramas. I want the audience to have fun, sit back and relax. There are no deep messages, just simple realistic humour,” he said.

The stars, who have previously worked with De Silva, said they had been excited when they read the script.

De Silva recalls that the actors enjoyed reliving the situations, having fun with different languages and insane characteristics, something they found to be true in Malaysia.

“Working with these stars in a comedy is really different from drama.”

Although the play is in a variety of languages, including Malay and English, subtitles are provided for the audience.

After Ugly People, there will be a skit by Wong Lay Chin and his team titled A Widow, a Spinster and a Tomboy.

The play stars Suzanne, Sotorng, Shu Min and Daniel Baywalk.

Creating laughter, laughing at the same time

COMEDIAN Douglas Wong says the acting style in Ugly People is rather different as it allows him to actually capture the essence of the multiple characters that he will be portraying.

Unlike other characters Wong had played before, these characters are by far the most realistic characters he has had to do.

He plays the roles of five characters namely Puan Kumari, Molly the mom, Ah Gaik, Steven Tan and Matlida, all speaking in different languages.

Wong had no trouble recreating the humour through the characters. “These characters are already funny. De Silva has written it in such a way that we as performers need to do our very best to understand the characters rather than portraying them just as they are written about.

“I enjoy working with De Silva. He appreciates actors and their uniqueness. “He knows how to find the point in you (as an actor) and allows you to explode on stage.”

Meanwhile, Wong’s costar and choreographer, Lex Laskhman, is excited to step into the world of acting. “It’s a different ball game, but still a ball game,” he said.

Initially, Laskhman had only a minor role in the play, but as rehearsals progressed, he found himself being involved in the production.

He says Ugly People is a reflection of our culture. Like Wong, he, too, suffers with the barrier of multiple languages but finds it hilarious and fun to be working in this production.

He noted that the production does not stress that the humour is found in the various languages, but that it is through the behaviour and mannerism of our society that brings out the classical impact of humour.

“It’s a new learning experience for me, and an honour to be learning and working with the cast.”

According to Lex, the medium of acting in this production is completely different as he learns about the styles of various actors from different regions of the country.

“It’s definitely a fun experience, though ironic to be a choreographer being choreographed by De Silva and I’m definitely learning a lot.

“Come and see the show. You will be surprised when you see yourself in it.”

Written by Benny G

Mark Beau de Silva

Playing at Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac) from April 18-21,Ugly People is part of a double bill of Chinese comedy together with A Widow, A Spinster & A Tomboy.

“Ugly People is about everyday people and their everyday lives, and how sometimes these everyday people can turn ugly. I take the public transport and I see many types of human behaviour on the bus, train and LRT that makes me laugh, especially middle aged aunties who are very ‘kanchiong’. Of course at that time they make you angry but after awhile you look back and you laugh at them,” added Mark.

A very relatable experience indeed, as we Malaysians often encounter these people in the course of our daily lives, whether in a traffic jam or in restaurants and shopping malls. ‘Ugly People’ are everywhere! Mark gives an example that he encountered earlier in the morning when a woman in the LRT gave him a ‘black face’ when his bag hit her legs and believes that Malaysians are now a society that is so careful and protective of our personal space.

The cast of Ugly People

“My mother and aunties are also these kind of people so I have had early exposure to this”, Mark revealed.
The co-associate artistic director and writer at KLPac has been inspired by the everyday happenings of his life in his previous works, including Stories forAmah, Oh My God (OMG!) and Strange Tales of Ma Lai Sia 1: Oink.

Initially written in English, Mark and his cast members improvised on this little ‘ode to Malaysians’ in Hokkien Mandarin and Cantonese, English and Bahasa Malaysia. Featuring Douglas Wong, William Yap, Season Chee, Amelia Tan and Roax Tan, the production is one for that all Malaysians can relate to, with English surtitles.

While recommended for mature audience, Ugly People is bound to be a lot of fun, since we Malaysians enjoy poking fun of our annoying yet hilarious behaviours anyway. The question is will the spotlight be on the many costumes in the play, 20 wigs worn by the men or KLPac’s resident choreographer Lex Lakshman’s guest role in this multi-lingual production. The verdict will be revealed after watching the play.

Another play that sounds like a riot of laughs is A Widow, A Spinster & A Tomboy.

The cast of A ‘Widow, A Spinster & A Tomboy’.

Set in the small town of Kulim, the story revolves around a recently released rapist is on his way home to Kulim when a new rape case takes place. All evidence points to him. Housemates – a widow, a spinster & a tomboy – are busy gossiping about the case when they hear a knock. When they open the door, they find the suspected rapist falling through the doorway, unconscious. The three women stand helpless, not knowing what to do, until one of them suggests that they should punish him for the sake of everyone in Kulim.

“ I read a novel from Taiwan about three ladies who decided to punish a rapist by themselves. After sharing the funny story with my friends, Theatre Manager, Ooi Kee How suggested using a local dialect and that inspired me to try it out in an adaptation on stage,” said Wong Lay Chin, director of the play.

The Director in Residence in PenangPac decided to use Kulim as the backdrop as she found that often people from rural areas tend to over-react to news the watch and/or radio programmes they hear every day and follow and agreee on what is fed to them.

Wong Lay Chin

“The unique part of the story is it will work in no matter what kind of language it is in, as the story line is already full of fun and joy. It is funny and crazy because we see how the three ladies with different characteristics unite when they find the rapist in their own home and decide to punish him on behalf of God,” added Lay Chin, who has also directed A Man Tied To A Toilet Bowl, Love in 50’sand A Bug’s Life.

The comedy in Teo Chew with English surtitles features Suzanne, Sotorng, Shu Min and Shin K, is the first contemporary drama in Teochew. It aims to show younger audience a different side of Teochew, with a focus on how Malaysians look at news and interpret them.

“ I hope the audience will see the Malaysian elements in the story and characters and think about how we usually jump into conclusions about a certain subject that everyone knows about,” revealed Lay Chin.
Catch Ugly People and A Widow, A Spinster & A Tomboy on Pentas 2, KLPac. Ticket prices are RM43 (Adults) and RM33 (Students, disabled & TAS Card). For more info visit www.klpac.org.my, for booking contact 03- 4047 9000.

Age: 13 -17 yrs old
Date: June 3-7
Time: 12pm-3pm
Course Fee: RM350
Registration Fee: RM50

A person’s language skills expand the more s/he communicates ideas, problems, feelings, and solutions. Speak Up! For Teens is a series of performance poetry workshops aimed to encourage self expression, build confidence and facilitate self discovery.  Mentor, Elaine Foster facilitates ‘real’ experiences with writing, reading, speaking, listening, and thinking. Speak Up! For Teens places students in control over their intellectual and artistic development. The workshops seek to create a safe space where teens feel confident sharing their voice and individual perspective and encourages them to express themselves using their own voice.

Objective:

To introduce young people to skills they can use both to express themselves through poetry and to deepen their understanding and appreciation of poems written by others.

· Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.

· Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.

· Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).

Elaine Foster is a practiced writer and performer, who organises The KL Poetry Slam, Lit UpKL, an emerging and young writers festival and other spoken word events. She trained under Word Foward in Singapore where she taught children of all school ages.

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For an easy registration process, you may download our registration form, fill it up and email us at academy@klpac.org or visit us to submit:

Download The Actors Studio Academy Registration Form

For enquiries and further information do contact us at 03 40479060 or our booking hotline at 016 4645413 (Mark)

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