Arena Pentas 2017

Playlet Number 3

TITLE:" TUMPANG"
Written and Directed by: Nurdiyanah Ahmad Khalifa
Performed by: Seri Mustika Md Nor, Nur Syafiqah Kamarudin, Muhammad Shalihin Mohamad, Siti Khalisah Khair



Location: Bedok Reservoir Road
Time: 0500hrs

​A lone figure waves at Cik Leha's taxi.

"Yes dik? Where are you going?"
"Cik, boleh hantar saya pergi Jurong tak?"
"Hmm... bukan cik tak hendak hantar, tapi cik nak kena tukar shift sekejap lagi dekat Tampines"
"Ala tolong la cik, saya hendak melawat orang meninggal."
"Hmmm... ok lah naik."

​Such a long journey. Such a long day. Cik Leha's eyes getting sleepier as the taxi whizzes on. 

"Mata ini naik layu memandu malam-malam."

Cik Leha starts to churn out seeminginly never ending stories. To keep herself awake. To entertain her seemingly depressed passenger. Having lost her husband recently, she understands how it feels like to lose a loved one. 

We battle to understand the scenario of these 2 ladies. One who tries to keep herself awake and to keep the mood up, while the passenger seems to prefer a peaceful ride. We too have gone through situations like this. Maybe a driver should be more understanding to the wants of the passenger, or maybe the passenger should give the driver the benefit of the doubt for they have graciously accepted to ferry. 

It does get lonely being a taxi driver. Having someone to talk to can be therapeutic. No one wants to be lonely. Or even maybe, alone in a long journey. Is she talking to herself? Or is she talking alone?

Grab the cab. Grab your tickets now.