Another Country. Another Perspective.

   When I realized that we were to watch a theatrical performance, my initial thoughts were; "Why a theatrical performance?" followed by "I wonder what's so special about this play though?". Needless to say I was less thrilled about going on that trip to DPAC. However, upon reaching, I felt that this could be something I would learn to love and probably obsess over in the future (I obsess over a lot of things, it's an understatement.) I basically had ZERO knowledge of what a theatrical performance should be like, but there was a rough idea of it though. 

   As this is my first time watching a theatrical performance, I'd rather not comment too much on it. But I must say this, I certainly am amused by the actors. To keep a crowd engaged throughout the hour long play is definitely not an easy task, I applaud them. I'll skip the specifics of the play to save me from embarrassment since there were many wonderful pieces performed by the actors. However,I will share with you my favourite pieces of the performance Sayang Singapura performed by the Malaysian actors.

1. 2 mothers in a hdb playground by Arthur Yap. This act was pretty entertaining as it is a sight we see among housewives. They'd always boast about everything and anything to the other wives, trying to one up each other. " It's funny, cuz it's true!! "- that line is from a show I watched a long time ago that I no longer have a memory of  and I just felt that it applies very well to this play. 
2. Oh! Singapore by Chng Suan Tze. This is a very relatable piece because that is what life seems to be about now. To study. Why? So that I can graduate. Then? I can get a job. Then what? Then I'll start earning money. Then? I'll start paying off my loans. (*results may vary) 
3. The English Language Teacher's Secret by Catherine Lim. In the play, we see can see that the English teacher is in the days, dreaming about her lover, Dr C. But further discussion with Miss E shows a whole new story. The true story of the pieces left all of us taken aback. I guess that is what reading between the lines is about. 
4. Placenames by Boey Kim Cheng. I would not say that this is something that is relatable, but rather something to ponder. In the play, the lead says he fails to recall the names mentioned by his ailing father. As the names are being mentioned, the author begins to think about his fate, will he also be joining the list of those forgotten names? Perhaps this is why we always hear, 'Create a name for yourself'? No, not literally, but you get the idea. :) 

Joining the list are also: Mama Looking For Her Cat by Kuo Pao Kun, Private Parts by Michael Chiang, Forever Singlish by Leong Liew Geok, crossing j.b (for S) by Cyril Wong and also Gemuk Girls by Haresh Sharma. But of course the other pieces were good, it's just that I can't remember all them. 

   Next is Tikam-Tikam: Malaysia@Random 2 that were performed by the Singaporean actors. 

1. Ang Tau Mui by Leow Puay Tin. Probably the favourite amongst everyone in class. This is piece has the right amount of humor with the memorable line, "Eat pork also die. Don't eat pork also die. Better eat pork la." I agree with her though. Not the eating pork part, well, sort of. She is doing what makes her happy, eating what she likes, which happens to be pork despite what others say about it. Similarly, we should also pursue whatever makes us happy, no matter how discouraging people are sometimes. This piece, to me, is more to believing in yourself and believing what is right. 
2. Moonrat: Tikus Bulan by Lim Boo Liat. I'd like to believe that this piece's humor is off the charts with the 'animals' antics! Really entertaining and at the same time, it is true. In the play, the King explains to his subjects the reason why he made them go through all of that to keep them occupied and such, it pretty much applies to our authority figure in reality. We are just waiting for something bigger to hit us. 
3. Daulat: Long Live by Mark Teh. Of course, this is another one with amazing humor. The sarcasm in this piece is too damn high. Nothing much to elaborate on this play as it pretty much speaks for itself. 

Other favourites are: As I Was Passing by Sri Delima, The Chef's Secret, No Strings Attached, or Dalang Dollah Baju Merah by Abdullah Ibrahim, Emily of Emerald Hill by Stella Kon, Lu Siapa? by Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal, An Introduction to the Constitution of Malaysia by Tun Mohamed Suffian bin Hashim, The Return by K S Maniam and Scorpion Orcid by Llyod Fernando. We couldn't watch the rest of the play due to the lack of time. Despite not being able to reach catharsis, it was pretty exciting to watch for as first timer. 

Okay, I think I've bore you enough. Till next time... 

And NO. I still don't know who created The Hainanese Chicken Rice. 

Malaysian or Nah???

First time blogging ( is that even a word?!), so please bear with me. :)

Soooooo, the first assignment for Malaysian Media and Culture is to create a blog and basically express our thoughts on the lecture, lecturer, anything and everything under the Sun. Oh, and to make it more fun, we get to answer questions. Yaaaay!!! Jokes aside, and I'm being real honest here, I really liked the way Miss Carmen conducted the class. She encourages students' participation rather than giving off that "Answer me or you won't get marks" kinda way. So, that's nice. 

Anyways, back to the million dollar question: Do you identify yourself as a Malaysian? Why? 

Well, this is like a no brainer's question. Of course I do. And this is not only because I have an I/C that states so, but because of experiences that have made me realise it. I've come across people who have traveled abroad to amazing countries like UK, Australia, Switzerland and more who come back and say "Nothing beats Malaysia'. I used to think they are nuts for saying that. Like, you've visited to the birth place of Westlife, One Direction and 5SOS and yet you think nothing beats Malaysia??! That was my opinion before I made a little trip myself to a land smaller than the UK but right next to us. I think I spent a good 2 weeks there. No doubt it is a great country to visit. The places, the food, the people are wonderful, but something about being away from Malaysia during that time made me miss being home. Only then I realised that, while I was there, I would often compare whatever I saw with what we have in Malaysia. Like, "Oh, you think this traffic is crazy? You should see the roads when everyone balik kampung then." or "We could have more of these for less back home!" Home. This is when it hit me like a ton of bricks. No matter how much we complain about Malaysia or about the people, this still is the country we were born and raised in and we're Malaysians whether we like it or not. Just like how Cheryl explained that culture is the way of life, being a Malaysian is also a way of life. 

And lastly: Does it matter? Why? 

Yes, it does matter. This is simply because there is no other way around it. No matter how much we dislike the state the country is in now, deep down, somewhere in our little hearts, there still is hope and faith that times will change. I would also like to add that I agree with Chuck's post, that being able to identify to other Malaysians gives great comfort in knowing that despite the cultural differences or football team preferences ( hey, that rhymed :P), we are not alone.