Enough for the unsatisfactory regarding the inadequacy, we are still reluctant to justify our position in that case, whilst having the audience which we must thank a thousand sufferred for such deficiency. Complaints of such the small stage, prolonged intervals, unbearable seats positioning. We hitherto apologize.
The show ran rather smoothly, the backstage was feverish. Logamaya was obviously lacking of people to manage the paraphernalia, stage manager had enough work setting up and ensuring the fluent current of scene changes. Though the group did learn a lot - but somewhat a bitter lesson back there.
It started at around 9pm, with Untitled (For the Love of Malaysia II). Whereby the director submitted an introductory speech in a form of theatre. Later, Government & Friends I, depicting how a citizen may play a crucial role in shaping a responsible society. Followed up was "Not Now, Still Alive" - how the government procrastinates in execution and reparation and neglects the complaints from the authority until accidents happen where they will then begin their projects as part of a belated apology. A Tragedy began right after that, satirized the irresponsibility of the National Service's committees, but at the end hinting a hope that we anticipate in future. Mamula Moon kicked in with a dance choreographed by Simone, not long after the dancers indulged in their arts, two policemen entered and pushed them off stage -followed by some atrocities - a play discusses about the genuinity of Negaraku; comparing Negaraku with Mamula Moon, and Negaraku with the infamous Negarakuku, also a metaphor on how Malaysians was suppressed - a certain fear of revelation that by prediction will cause trauma in local society, we have that draconian ISA. Then we have Government & Friends II, evincing the similarity between the oppress and the oppressed, how we subconsciously form an independent mutual relationship, which we hate too admit but love to be part of it - part of our tendency in survival, human nature? Lastly, Dogs Run Happily which evoked perplexity and bewilderment, seeing a theatrical formal conversation with side scenes of thespians acting as dogs. Probably the most conceptual amongst the whole series, reminding ironic infamy happened yesteryear.
On the way to exit, an experimental black metal band, 14120912519 was selling their cds, just released their third EP entitled 'Koleksi Anak-anak Patung'; an album about the kitschy image of black metal, despising anything in any form, tackling local issues of culture, metaphysics, and politics. Tan Zi Hao, the director himself was launching a series of sound art entitled 'Urbanization', showcasing his first attempt on new media art, voicing out his disappointment on modern community which is self-centered, mentally poor, emotionally reluctant and severely indulge in the pursuit of perfection and materialism. Placing abreast was some greeting cards hand-made by him, a series of greetings (whereby everything is on the last page while the first few are plain empty) entitled 'Suffocation of Nature'. On par was Lau Mengq Yek's After Jubilee's postcards, an awesome souvenir for the event. All the works mentioned were of the We Have Durian Heads visual communication group, which is currently inviting visual interlocutors to join in.
Right after the staircase leading the audience down, we have a performance art performed by Suman entitled 'Remedy?' With a stethoscope, checking on the throbs of a curry puff (if you get to recall 'Untitled', the curry puff was a metaphor of greed and selfish). That explains the peculiar poster, and how we see Sharon Chin's 'How to Talk to Strangers - A Strategy' as a potential remedy for Malaysians - to listen and to understand each other.
Alright, here are the photos:
Nurhani as the Emcee in Untitled.
Yun Cheak as a small kid with his Father played by Chin Ang in Government & Friends I.
Kwan Yew standing on the table, watching the gruesome chase.
Nice theatrical composition huh? A Tragedy!
Simone starting the dance for Mamula Moon. The music was played.
Chin Ang acting as Chin Ming, Suman as Khumarh; Ilang as Policeman, Yun Cheak at the back as Uncle Tan. Chin Ming and Khumarh begging for an affordable price to pay.
Daniel on the left, acting as PL (whoever appear in your mind); Zi Hao as citizen on the right, speaking fervently and penetratingly in Dogs Run Happily.
... not to forget the dogs.
Director giving a brief explanation. Followed up by a Q & A session.
A glimpse of the audience.
Suman in 'Remedy?' A performance art reminiscent of Sharon Chin's How to Talk to Strangers - A Strategy.Unfortunate to tell that the recording camera's battery malfunction after few minutes of recording. Seemingly, a strand of hapless events due to wrong timing, we didn't get to impart, or to execute totally of what we had planned initially. Logamaya has thought of performing the whole series in some other places, only if chances allow. For now, the director is working on the coming up Fermented Roti Canai project.
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