“50 years ago, Malaysia and Singapore divorced after a brief marriage of two years. But, doomed lovers that we are, we just can’t stay away from each other, no matter how often we squabble over water, airspace, and food. We toil in each other’s cities, relax on each other’s islands, and get fined on each other’s roads. We laugh at each other’s laws but envy each other’s liberties; separated by history, we are united by our dreams for a better home.”
Our eyes brimmed with tears reading that copy the first time.
A bit of a preface for those who don’t know their peninsula theatre: Another Country is the upcoming W!LD RICE production directed by Jo Kukathas and Ivan Heng. There are more talent in this stage play than you can shake a stick at and watching it could very well change your life.
But let’s look at the entire thing by means of list, as lists keep people engaged in an era of Youtube videos and Sorry-We-Took-Longer-Than-30-Minutes free pizza vouchers.
1. It’s a joint collaboration between Singaporeans and Malaysians.
Given the fact that both countries are basically right next to each other, this doesn’t seem to be given enough importance. When we look at the performing arts, there’s not many officially-sanctioned bodies or programs keeping both nations connected are there? This writer for example only knows of the annual Causeway Exchange. (Do let us know if you think of any; drop a comment and school us.)
We love our Singaporean neighbours, and they love us. This much is clear. But like most Asians, we don’t show affection in the most obvious of ways, making a stage play like Another Country a necessity to foster good international relations. But this of course only works when…
2. The concept is brilliant.
“Another Country takes us on a trip through our shared memories and divergent dreams in a text exchange performance, with Malaysian actors performing Singaporean texts and vice versa,” says the play’s Facebook page.
For now, we know that Another Country utilises texts curated by Leow Puay Tin and Alfian Sa’at.
We have been promised that the Singaporean actors will be doing their take on Tunku Abdul Rahman‘s recap of his dream before the race riots of 13 May 1969. Rather excitingly, we are also locked to see the Malaysian cast perform Singapore Ministry of Culture’s anthem created specifically for when Singapore used to be a part of Malaysia.
These are just two of what’s in store for audiences; there will be plenty of other thought-provoking material used in the play.
3. The Malaysian cast is 100% awesome.
Ghafir Akbar. You might remember him from Cuak, despite the fact that he’s spent pretty much his entire life devoted to theatre. He even has his own website.
Alfred Lo(h). He’s been in so many projects that we’ve lost count. We’re betting money that Alfred is going to make his mainstream breakthrough very soon.
Iedil Putra. Charming, pleasant and hilarious, this Disko Baldi member is not too far from having the world in his hands: Dain Said Iskandar‘s Interchange is currently in post-production.
Sharifah Amani. Sharifah Amani lah. Need to introduce one meh?
Ann(e) James. Performing arts educator, advocate, and practitioner extraordinaire, Anne is one of the pilots of the local performing arts scene. Younger audiences may know her from Nik Amir Mustapha‘s KIL.
4. It’s a W!LD RICE production.
The Lonely Planet guide dubs W!LD RICE “Singapore’s sexiest theatre company”. And rightly so, given the quality of their material which sits comfortably within the intersection of artistic and commercial appeal.
W!LD RICE is a Singaporean not-for-profit registered charity that channels its funds and manpower into coming up with some of the most innovative shows in the region. They also tour internationally to create awareness of Singaporean theatre and have won a lot of fans from all over the world for their exceptional work.
Leading the team is artistic director Ivan Heng (who also half-directs Another Country). On his side are associate artistic director Glen Goei and acclaimed playwright Alfian Sa’at.
5. It’s being half-directed by Jo Kukathas.
Does this even need an explanation?
In short, Jo Kukathas is one of Malaysia’s brightest talents; she directs Alfian Sa’at’s works (Parah and Nadirah most notably), she writes and acts (last year’s phenomenal Raj & The End of Tragedy comes to mind), and she has several alter-egos which takes over her being during live stand-up shows (you may have heard of Ribena Berry).
