In the days before The Actors Studio, KLPac, Istana Budaya and the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas—to name a few—the Experimental Theatre (E.T.) in the University of Malaya was a bastion of sorts for the arts scene in Malaysia. Many legends of Malaysian theatre and performing arts cut their teeth there—greats like Syed Alwi, Rahim Razali, Kee Thuan Chye, Ahmad Yatim, Faridah Merican, Mano Maniam, Che Shamsuddin Othman (Dinsman), director Chin San Sooi, filmmaker Dr Anuar Nor Arai and dancer Datin Azanin Ezane Ahmad.
That was in the 1970s. Renovations on the E.T. were undertaken circa 1999, but these works were never completed beyond a modification of the ultrastructure. For some 10 years the E.T. lay in disrepair, abandoned in the heart of an otherwise vibrant University. In early 2009 the E.T. was declared a National Heritage, and later that same year restoration works on the E.T. were finally resumed. At press time, the refurbished E.T. is nearly complete.
Shortly before restoration works commenced, a team of students conducted a shoot of the E.T. in its bare and primal glory; they also took photographs as the renovations were underway, documenting the recent transformation of the E.T.
“Operation Resurrection” is the result of these efforts—a photographic tribute to this great cultural icon, and a hearty ‘welcome back’ to a much-needed dedicated venue for the performing arts. It is our hope that the E.T. will uphold its legacy and continue to nurture budding talents who will go on and make the nation proud.
The launch of the exhibition is at 10.00 a.m. on 9 March 2011, at the Ground Floor of the Main Library, University of Malaya. This launch is open to staff and students of the University, as well as the general public.
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Operation Resurrection: Launch Report
Operation Resurrection was launched on 9 March 2011 at the exhibition site on the 1st Floor, Main Library, University of Malaya (U.M.). This project is a photographic tribute to the Experimental Theatre, U.M., which was a hub for the performing arts in its heyday, spanning the late 60s, 70s, 80s and early-to-mid-90s. It was declared a National Heritage Site in 2009 along with its sister buildings, the Chancellery and Dewan Tunku Canselor. Up until then, the E.T., as it is fondly known, lay in disrepair. Restoration works commenced in October 2009.
Entrance to the exhibition.
Space series.
Theatricality Series.
Textures series.
The exhibition was officially opened by the Chief Librarian, Dr Nor Edzan Hj Che Nasir, the Chief Librarian. Our special guests at the launch were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Development, Prof Dr Kurunathan Ratnavelu, and the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs and Alumni, Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Azarae Hj Idris. Also present were members of the Library’s staff, who turned up en masse, as well as friends and family of the team.
Members of the audience at the launch.
Members of the Library staff at the launch.
Project director Benjamin Ong giving some of the background to the project.
Chief Librarian Dr Nor Edzan delivering her speech.
In her speech, Dr Nor Edzan said, “I was really in awe when I saw this last night; something beyond my expectations. The presentation was different from what I’m used to seeing when I go to exhibitions.” She went on, saying, “This project started in 2009 when [then Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Development] Datuk Khaw [Lake Tee] approached me, saying that a group of students had done some photography and needed someone to back them up and showcase their project.”
According to Dr Nor Edzan, one of the strongest factors that latched her onto the project, was the fact that the team was comprised of students from various faculties. “This project is being done by students from different disciplines, but with a common interest—trying to document something that isn’t going to be there anymore, in the form that it was in.”
“This is the first time the Library is sponsoring a project whose origins we are not aware of, and in spite of the [budget limitations] they came up with something very impressive,” she added. “I’m really proud that U.M. has students who are capable of doing things without being asked, and when I saw this last night, I thought to myself that if students can do this, their future in the world outside would be okay.”
She thanked En Mahbob Yusof, the Deputy Chief Librarian, who was responsible for supervising the entire project on behalf of the Library, meeting up with the members of the team and making sure that everything ran smoothly.
In closing, she congratulated the members of the team, saying that the Library will continue to support such endeavours and works of art by the students. She also praised the team for their effort in trying to piece together the history of the Experimental Theatre, for supplementing the photographs with historical documentation, displayed on the introductory panels as well as on the Operation Resurrection website.
Scissors at the ready...
... and Operation Resurrection is go!
After the launch proper, the guests were taken on a guided tour of the exhibition by members of the team.
Dr Nor Edzan and special guests viewing the information panels.
The exhibition is open to students and staff of the university,
as well as members of the public.
Photographer and team logistics director Timothy Cheng
with Dr Nor Edzan and Deputy Chief Librarian En Mahbob Yusof.
Benjamin with Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development) Prof Dr Kurunathan Ratnavelu
at the Textures series display.
Deputy Chief Librarian Pn Janaki Sinnasamy
and Head of Academic Services Division Pn Koh Ai Peng.
En Mahbob with Dr Nor Edzan at the digital display.
Muhamad Hariz Mohd Zain and Dr Zeeda Fatimah Mohamad of UM Cares.
Datuk Khaw Lake Tee, who was unable to attend the launch, dropped by in the afternoon. She commended the effort the team had put in, saying, “You have created wonderful pieces of art and history.”
Members of the team with former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development)
Prof Datuk Dr Khaw Lake Tee.
The idea of photographing the Experimental Theatre was sparked one evening in April 2008 when project director, Benjamin Ong, and publicity head, Tan Kee Aun, first entered the E.T. They were awed by what they saw and this led to return visits for more extensive photographic footage. All in all, the project cost RM12,000. The principal photography in October 2009 was funded by the Student Affairs and Alumni division on a budget of RM1,000, while the exhibition, including the printing and display of the works, was funded by the Library on a budget of RM11,000.
The team with the Chief Librarian and special guests.
Back row (L-R):
Hannah Patrick, Firdaus Nejim, Dr Nor Edzan, Nurul Fitrah, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Azarae Hj Idris,
Prof Kurunathan, En Mahbob, Lavania Jeevabala, Leong Yen Yen,
Ruth Choy, Adila Khairul Anuar.
Front row (L-R):
Tan Kee Aun, Amos Aw, Kang Zarul Irwan, Benjamin Ong, Timothy Cheng,
George Zachariah, Shannon Wong.
Not in picture:
Nasha Lee, Noorzilah Jailani, Suzanne Ong, Divya Mariam Chandy, Goh Ann Gie, Zachary Yong, Michelle Hong, Doulos Lee.
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The following are a few additional shots of the exhibition on launch day, by Operation Resurrection team member George Zachariah.
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The Making of the Exhibition
This video traces the team's journey from the barbecue dinner (1st January 2010) celebrating the principal shoot (October 2009), through the preparations and run-up to the exhibition, til the launch itself (9 March 2011).
Enjoy!
Set to 'Crossroads' by Don McLean (copyright 2003 Capitol Records, Inc)
and 'Strawberry Swing' by Coldplay (copyright 2009 EMI Records Ltd).
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What People Are Saying
"I had seen this before on the laptop, but I was really in awe when I saw [the final works]. Something beyond my expectations. The presentation was different from what I’m used to seeing when I go for exhibitions."
"We cut down a lot of [the proposed budget], but in spite of that [the team] came up with something very impressive, and I’m really proud that UM has students who are capable of doing things without being asked."
"The Library will continue to support such endeavours. God-willing, all of this will go into the University’s archives."
Dr Nor Edzan Hj Che Nasir
Chief Librarian and Patron of Operation Resurrection
"Fantastic!"
Prof Dr Kurunathan Ratnavelu
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development)
"Well done. You have created wonderful pieces of art—and history!"
Prof Datuk Dr Khaw Lake Tee
Former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development)
"Well done."
Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Azarae Idris
Former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni)
"Fantastic effort! Preserve our beautiful heritage!"
Dr Zeeda Fatimah Mohamad
Lecturer, Department of Science and Technology Studies
Faculty of Science
"Great project taken on and made a success."
Ms Stephanie Tan Li Hsia
Tutor, English Department
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
"It’s a live blog here!"
Lim Tse Hwei
3rd year undergraduate
Faculty of Law
"I walked in intrigued and walked out inspired."
Tan Ying Ling
3rd year undergraduate
Faculty of Science
"What I call EPIC!!"
Povendraganesh Sanmugasundaram
Faculty of Science
"Thank you for sharing your theatrical evolution!"
Ena Bhattacharyya
Faculty of Languages and Linguistics
"Brilliantly awesome!!"
Aliyah Mizri
Centre for Foundation Studies in Science (PASUM)
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A National Heritage
Information about past performances in the Experimental Theatre is various and scattered. However, the E.T. features prominently in the past of the Malaysian theatre and arts scene. Notable theatre groups in U.M. included the Literary and Drama Association (LIDRA) under the English Department, and Kumpulan Kesenian Universiti Malaya (KESUMA).
The following is by no means an exhaustive list.
If you have information about other past performances at the E.T.,
please do not hesitate to email Adila at:
| Event | Date | Credits | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Play: Room with Paper Flowers | c. 1964 | Written by Goh Poh Seng One of the first few plays staged in the theatre | The Routledge Concise History of Southeast Asian Writing in English by Rajeev Shridhar Patke, Philip Holden |
| Play: A Fireside Story | 1970 | Written by Kannan Menon; Presented by the Free Theatre Group; Malaysia’s first musical. About the aftermath of the May 13 riots | The Star, 23 May 2004 |
| Play: The Barefooted Neighbour | 1971 | Featuring Mohd Ismail Ariffin | http://benariff.blogspot.com/2009/03/avangardes-barefoot-neighbour.html |
| Musical: Uda dan Dara | 1972 | Written by Usman Awang; Directed by Datuk Rahim Razali; Presented by Gemaseni | Utusan Malaysia, 11 July 2010 |
| Play: Protes | 1972 | Featuring Dinsman (Che Shamsuddin Othman) | Teater Eksperimental Melayu: Satu Kajian Bentuk dan Struktur Teks Dramatik by Fazilah Husin, Universiti Sains Malaysia |
| Play: Alang Rentak Seribu | 1973 | Written by Dato Syed Alwi Hassan; Directed by Krishen Jit; Featuring Adibah Amin, Ahmad Yatim, Mano Maniam, Salleh Joned, Rohani Yousoff | Dato’ Syed Alwi Syed Hassan: Tokoh Seniman Negara ke-5 by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, Malaysia |
| Play: Jebat | 1974 | Featuring Dinsman (Che Shamsuddin Othman) | Teater Eksperimental Melayu: Satu Kajian Bentuk dan Struktur Teks Dramatik by Fazilah Husin, Universiti Sains Malaysia |
| Music Festival: The Ming Dynasty | 1975 | Directed by Chan Ming Lye; Featuring Michael Veerapen and Lewis Pragasam | Antares, http://magickriver.blogspot.com; via personal correspondence |
| Play: Kotaku Oh Kotaku | 1975 | Written and Directed by Johan Jaafar; Presented by KESUMA | Pusat Rujukan Persuratan Melayu, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, Malaysia |
| Play: Bukan Bunuh Diri | 1975 | Featuring Dinsman (Che Shamsuddin Othman) | McGraw Hill Encyclopedia of World Drama (Volume 1) by Stanley Hochman |
| Play: Tok Perak | 1975 | Featuring Dato Syed Alwi Syed Hassan | http://www.budiey.com/dato-syed-alwi-syed-hassan-meninggal-dunia/ |
| Play: Ana | 1976 | Featuring Dinsman (Che Shamsuddin Othman) National Literary Award for Best One-act Play | McGraw Hill Encyclopedia of World Drama (Volume 1) by Stanley Hochman |
| Play: Sang Puteri | 1976 | Written and Directed by Johan Jaafar | Membesar Bersama Teater by Krishen Jit, quoted in Utusan Malaysia, 1 May 2005 |
| Play: Angin Kering | 1976 | Written by Johan Jaafar; Directed by Mustapa Haji Ibrahim; Featuring Omar Abdullah , Muhammad Abdullah, Fauziah Nawi; Presented by Anak Alam | New Straits Times, 28 August 2010 |
| Musical: West Side Story | 1976 | Produced and Directed by Kam Sun Yoke; Choreographed by Suzan Manen; Co-Directed by Chin San Sooi; Featuring Kam Sun Yoke as Maria | Antares, http://magickriver.blogspot.com/2010/05/west-side-story-wows-malaysia.html |
| Play: Bukan Bunuh Diri | 1977 | Written by Dinsman (Che Shamsuddin Othman); Directed by Krishen Jit; Featuring Khalid Salleh; Presented by Anak Alam | http://noorhasnahadam.multiply.com/journal/item/6 |
| Play: You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown | 1977 | Directed by Patricia Lockwood; Featuring Antares as Snoopy | Antares, personal correspondence |
| Music: K.D. Possum & the Flying Fox | 1978 | Bluegrass Music Ensemble | Antares, personal correspondence |
| Dance: Dayang Sari | 1978 | Directed by Datin Azanin Ezane Ahmad; Presented by Suasana Cultural Centre; This was Suasana’s first production | The Star, 29 April 2008 |
| Play: Si Bongkok Tanjung Puteri | 1979 | Written by Shaharom Husain; Directed by Johan Jaafar; This was presented as part of Pesta Teater | Johan Jaafar profile page, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka website, http://dbp.gov.my |
| Play: The Battles of Coxinga | 1979 | Directed by Chin San Sooi; Featuring Sukania Venugopal and Antares | Antares, personal correspondence |
| Play: Tok Perak | 1979 | Featuring Dato Syed Alwi Syed Hassan | http://www.budiey.com/dato-syed-alwi-syed-hassan-meninggal-dunia/ |
| Play: The Crucible | 1970s | Written by Arthur Miller; Featuring Faridah Merican | http://www.lifeandstyle.com.my/Personality/dato-faridah-merican.html |
| Cultural Night (music, singing, poetry, plays): Malam Berbunga Sajak | 1970s | Cultural Officer: Arif Ahmad; Featuring Dinsman (Che Shamsudin Othman), Sagul Hamid, Zubir Ali, Johan Jaafar; This was part of the vibrant theatre scene of the 1970s | New Straits Times, 30 January 2010 |
| Play: Z:OO-M198 | 1981 | Written and Directed by Dato Syed Alwi Hassan; Featuring Abdullah Ahmad, Lynn Caroline, Nor Nikman Dadameah, Lim Beng Choon, Faridah Begum | Dato’ Syed Alwi Syed Hassan: Tokoh Seniman Negara ke-5 by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, Malaysia |
| Play: Narukami | 1981 | Directed by Kee Thuan Chye | Kee Thuan Chye, personal correspondence |
| Play: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead | 1981 | Written by Tom Stoppard; Featuring Kee Thuan Chye | Kee Thuan Chye, personal correspondence |
| Play: Equus | 1981 | Written by Peter Shaffer; Directed by Mano Maniam; Featuring K.K. Nair as Martin Dysart and Antares as Alan Strang | Antares, personal correspondence |
| Play: Jangan Bunuh Rama-rama | 1982 | Written by Noordin Hassan; Presented by the National Cultural Complex Group; This play presented a nationalistic and Islamic view of society | “Toward an Islamic Theatre for Malaysia: Noordin Hassan and Don't Kill the Butterflies” by Krishen Jit, The Asian Theatre Journal (Vol. 1, No. 2, Autumn 1984) |
| Play: Long Day's Journey into Night | 1984 | Featuring Kee Thuan Chye | Kee Thuan Chye, personal correspondence |
| Play: 1984 Here and Now | 1985 | Written by Kee Thuan Chye; Directed by Krishen Jit; Featuring Kee Thuan Chye, Salleh Ben Joned, K.K. Nair, Fatimah Abut Bakar, Sukania Venugopal, Leow Puay Tin, Sabera Shaik and Chew Kin Wah; Presented by the Five Arts Centre; Based on George Orwell’s book of the same title, this play openly criticised government policies; this performance played to a full house | Postcolonial Plays: An Anthology by Helen Gilbert; and Antares and Kee Thuan Chye, personal correspondence |
| Musical: Fiddler on the Roof | 1986 | Directed by Chin San Sooi; Produced by Kam Sun Yoke | Antares, personal correspondence |
| Play: Hamba Allah | 1989 | Written and Directed by Dato Syed Alwi Hassan; Featuring Rohani Yousoff, Monica Voon, Norhayati Hashim | Dato’ Syed Alwi Syed Hassan: Tokoh Seniman Negara ke-5 by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, Malaysia |
| Play: Kawan Setia | 2001 | Written and Directed by Allahyarham Dr Ariff Ahmad; Produced by students of various faculties for a Cultural Centre elective course: Stage Drama Practicum | Tengku Zamir, U.M.'s graduating class of 2001, personal correspondence |
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