​So it has ended 2 weeks ago. A very interesting and memorable production I must say. Having been away from outside school production for many years (though I still try to achieve a "quota" of 1 production a year), I think this one is a satisfactory experience. Almost "Puas Hati" but I'm grateful and not complaining.
 
I've said it before, I was very sceptical about the production when Saiful asked me to stage it. Especially from previous experiences where I hardly get full houses and another terrible production experience. I know where I stand. I wasn't sceptical of his abilities. I was sceptical of mine. And most importantly, I don't want to drag him and the others down with me. So I went on without too high an expectation and just wanting it to be a fun experience for all. I really hope it has been a fun one for all.
 
So we started with the normal things. Production meetings and stuff. We are very lucky to have the support of Malay Heritage Centre as the venue sponsor for our rehearsals and shows. Thank you very much for that.
 
We were also lucky to have the funding from National Arts Council.
 
And after that, we were on our own. 

​So we had photoshoots.

​Our 1st scriptread.

​Our interviews.

​Our promos.

​Our rehearsals.

​And we had our shows.

​4 sold out shows out of 5. I think that's not too bad. Though there were bulks from school bookings but, that's how it roll. I hope Saiful as a producer managed to fulfill his objective and get the results he wants. That's more important for me. As for the cast, I really really hope you have enjoyed yourself. So goes to the crew and musicians. One production a year and it will be a waste if it's not enjoyable. As I told Uzair the SM, go stress yourself out in other productions, come to mine and relax. Get back to basics where productions are supposed to be enjoyable. That is my objective. I really hope it was enjoyable for all.
 
Thank you to schools under my purview that came to watch, ie. Anderson Secondary School and Tanjong Katong Secondary School. Thank you to good friends in Spectra Secondary School. I'm always a bit sad because BPGHS and ACJC, the schools that I work for very long never get to watch my shows. Even the free shows. I hope to see you all in my future shows. But of course, Pentas Karyawan came in almost full force and that of course made my production extra special.

And so quota done for 2018. I realise I don't have an acting job in 2018. Be it on stage or tv. Time's up maybe? Maybe for 2018. But, I'll be looking forward for April 2019. What's on then? You just have to wait and see.
 
In the meantime, so what's next? Do you want to be in my next productions? If there are anymore that is. And are there any more producers who want to stage my shows? How about a restage? I have an almost full repertoire. Kurun Yang Hilang? (Historical / Epic)  Tahyul? (Ensemble)  Mahameru? (Ensemble / Period / Movement) Siapa Curi Tudung Neelofa? (Dialogue / Investigative) Claustrophobia? (Ensemble / Absurd)
 
Kalau ada rezeki ya.
 
For now. Thank you everyone. Everyone who made it, who came to watch, who supported.

​TVCY Rehearsal photos link
www.facebook.com/pg/anwarhadiramli/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2093673000847089

TVCY Show photos link
www.facebook.com/pg/anwarhadiramli/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2098160420398347

Press coverage at the bottom of the album
www.facebook.com/pg/anwarhadiramli/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1645936188954108

What an awesome year it has been! I don't even know where to start. I lost all the past years photos from my phone due to a hardware malfunction. Thank god many photos are still available on the whatsapp group. Looking back, it was definitely a fruitful and packed academic year. It feels like I've just written a blog post on the last acad year's wrap up and here I am writing one again. Yes time flies when you're having fun. It fly by so fast it's scary. I hope this post can help to retain some memories of what was a wonderful year for Republic Polytechnic's Pentas Karyawan Academic Year 2017/2018.

Every year we start with the CCA fiesta. This time around we decided to make our booth more professional looking. It was a start. And it was definitely a good start. As acad year president Azerina mentioned, "looks legit!"

We got ourselves a healthy number of 32 members across all 3 levels this year. I have to say, the CCA fiesta booth, members and excos did a magnificent job recruiting members. 

And without wasting much time, we started training for the year's upcoming productions. As usual, PK's trainings put the actors in training through a whole rounded training routine which will prepare their mind, body and skills. 

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. (Who is Jack by the way?) It's never dull here. Even at work. But of course we fit in some fun activities in our schedule too. We had our Geylang Serai info hunt during the fasting month. Which was followed by our Hari Raya outings. Within school too, some of us were involved with Ignite, representing PK. There was also the annual Flame Awards which for the first time in my many years here, were attended by all PK members in dedicated outfits. 

Hari Raya outing photos here :  
www.facebook.com/pg/anwarhadiramli/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1901299146751143

Pentas Karyawan members were also tasked to share their knowledge learnt to younger students. We try to reach out to a number of schools to achieve this objective. This year we managed to visit 2 secondary schools during the September holiday period. It was tough for the members but definitely a fruitful challenge. An eye opener for members who intend to pursue theatre trainings as a prospective career.

We would like to thank Anderson Secondary School and Spectra Secondary School for allowing our members to share their time and knowledge to the students of the respective schools. Hopefully it has benefitted both parties. We definitely enjoyed ourselves though!

Ok back to work in school. After a semester of training, the members are tasked to research and present the different art forms in the Malay Archipelago. This project has been ongoing for a few years. This time, we pushed the members to present it to a closed audience. We had good feedbacks from our adviser and close friends. A step forward in making this project available for the public.

Training's over. The members are now put to the test they have been training for since day 1. Productions. Lucky for the members, a theatre competition that has long been missing was held this academic year. Lucky for us, we have a healthy number of members to take part. So we broke ourselves up into 3 teams. 

1) Reflections Arts Festival Team
2) Sayembara Teater Competition Team
3) Crew and Emcee team

Some of our members were part of the team in the show "Lanterns Never Go Out". A collaborative effort amongst 3 theatre groups in RP, ie. Pentas Karyawan, Ops Theatre and the  Indian Cultural Group. I think they did well collaborating with the other IG members to come up with a memorable show. Contacts made. Friendship bonded. 

Lanterns Never Go Out photos here:
www.facebook.com/pg/anwarhadiramli/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1958336341047423

CREW AND EMCEE TEAM

Some of our members did crew and administrative work for "Lanterns Never Go Out" Some members did emcee duties for other performance during the festival. Here we have Syaza Nur Adlina and Nadhilah Zaidi being the Master of Ceremony for "Sedasa Sedulur Seirama"

SAYEMBARA TEATER TEAM

A number of the members formed the competition team to take part in a theatre competition. While I was busy with Reflections Arts Festival, these members had to work on their own to prepare for the competition. It was definitely a tough challenge for them and a test on whether they absorbed their 1st semester trainings well enough. 

Looking good in their jackets. They look like athletes! Because one of our commandment is, "THEATRE IS A TEAM SPORT"!

Good job and good effort team. Pentas Karyawan didn't manage to clinch top spot in the competition. But the team brought back a number of awards for themselves. 

1) Best Script : Sarah Mardyah Haermie
2) Best Male Actor (Main) : Md Nor Hisyam
3) Best Female Actor (Main) : Nur Asfarina Ishak
4) Best Female Actor (Supporting) : Nur Amirah Suhaimi
5) Best Technical Direction : Nuri Hafiqah Hazmi / Ainin Alfiyani Jailani
6) Overall 2nd Position

​Not bad I must say. 

Another Pentas Karyawan favourite. This 2017 production is the 5th instalment in its series. With the theme "Zoned" the members are broken up into 5 teams to write, direct and perform their playlets revolving around an absurdist genre. 

For the 1st time in its series too, makeshift lights were experimented and placed in a normal dance studio venue. Its results were eye catching. 2 nights with 5 plays each for free of charge. Was an experiment to remember. 

Check out the photos 
www.facebook.com/pg/anwarhadiramli/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1979092212305169

With the success of the lighting experiment in Dance Studio 1 for Arena Pentas, we pushed the boundaries even further by attempting our year end production in the dance studio. To do justice to the venue, Pentas Karyawan attempted its first movement piece. Every year, we try to do something different for the members and what better genre fitting for a dance studio than a movement piece?! 

Very tough, very demanding, aches and bruises and all. Seeing them from the 1st day of the academic year and through the various trainings, I strongly believed that this batch can pull it off. A fitting end to the academic year.

More photos of End of Year Production "MAHAMERU" here:
www.facebook.com/pg/anwarhadiramli/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2019066478307742

And that's it for the academic year. There are many other activities that I didn't mention such as Create Management Camps, Ceramic workshops, Open House, Open Class and maybe a few more that I can't remember now as the photos have disappeared from my phone. But from this post, we know it has been a wonderful year. 

Take a bow PENTAS KARYAWAN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ACADEMIC YEAR 2017/2018. Will never trade this year for anything else. Job so well done that I still look for you guys when in need even though you have officially handed over. Big big shoes for the upcoming excos to fill. Awesome job Aizatul Azerina Sazali, Nur Syafiqah Kamarudin, Nuri Haqirah Hazmi, Siti Khalisah Khair, Seri Mustika Md Nor.

Graduating seniors. My 1st batch of fresh turnaround members. You will be missed. Good luck in your future endeavours.

Pentas Karyawan Academic Year 2017 / 2018 signing off!! The new year begins tomorrow! Thank you every single one of you.

Do like RP Pentas Karyawan's page on Facebook.

www.facebook.com/pentaskaryawan/

Also follow our twitter and instagram. Just a simple search and you will find us. Stay updated for academic year 2018/2019!

​Trying to keep a confused form alive. Like one on a brink of death (I'm assuming. I've never been dead before) where the person is confused. Wondering, who am I, what's happening, why is everything spinning, why is everything in a daze, am I going to die?
 
The thing is, he's not dead yet (again I'm assuming, the gender this time). Just confused of his state, his direction, to stay alive or resigned to death.
 
More than 2 decades ago, I began dabbling with Malay theatre. I wanted to be a movie actor or at least a tv actor but not being good looking enough, I guess theatre is the best place to act. At least the audience is far enough not to see my face. One of the organisation I took part in practised "classic Malay theatre". I thought, this is good. There is a distinction between Malay theatre and other forms of theatre. Being a minority race, it is very easy for culture and art form to be dismissed and soon dissolved.
 
Sidetrack: I for one, a Malay who is not a fan of its culture and customs. I avoid them as much as I can (especially weddings and family gatherings). But "art forms" is a different playing field. This I mean performing, visual and literary arts. It's a totally different interest. 

​Now then this organisation soon got bored of classical theatre as it didn't appeal to the youth of those days and they moved on to modern Malay theatre. It worried me then, but whoever disagreed would be "backdated", "outdated" and afraid of "progress". It didn't bother me much anyway. But it just struck me, if Malay theatre looks like any other form of theatre, especially English theatre, then what difference does it make? I just kept it to myself and not bother. I thought, who else would bother too anyway and who else would think like me.
 
Sidetrack: Theatre is a delicate art form. Its creation needs a lot of thoughts and consideration. Often heavily priced and at a specific performance location. This is the 21st century. We are not in early 20th century anymore. Entertainment is abundant and accessible. Why would one pay $50 to watch a theatre performance, not including the price and time to travel to the performance space, when he or she could watch a heavily CGI movie with A list Hollywood actors (good looking ones) for less than half the price at a most conveniently located cinema. Oh heck. One can now even watch movies online, free. Let's not even talk about TV.
 
So true enough, many years later (always ahead of my time), someone posed a question to me on why the organisation had to continue doing modern Malay theatre when it looks like any other English theatre performance? The only difference is language. Turn off the distracting surtitles and make the actors speak in English and it's more practical for everyone. You can even have more audience members from other races.
 
I saw that coming 10 years before I was asked that question. Which is why I am still dabbling with Malay theatre, making it accessible, free, visually exciting for everyone to see and yet, distinctively Malay in flavour and presentation.
 
Sidenote: What is Malay anyway? I have my own definition of what Malay is. But since I am not an academic, nor a graduate, it may not be considered "reliable". Meet me in person and I will explain my definition.

​And so, up comes my next play entitled Mahameru. It wasn't totally my idea of course. The members of Pentas Karyawan has been trained to produce Malay theatre and with some of their ideas, I pieced this up.
 
Many would think that it's only a "school play" so many won't bother to have a look. I gave up on that. I shall stay true to my work, my art, my colleagues, my students and their audience, making it enjoyable for all.
 
MAHAMERU. Sanskrit for The Great Mountain. Buddhist-Jain-Hindu Mythology. Presented in Malay with English surtitles. A play set in a period of pagan and religious transition. The people of the island, exploring changes within themselves. Changes from outside. Change within the ranks and changes forced onto them. How do they accept changes? And are all changes good?
 
And how is this Malay theatre? I can't answer that for you if you would only listen from your point of view.  Maybe you can just watch. Either you enjoy yourself, or go home criticising it or try to dwell into the layers of it. That's the beauty of theatre. There's something for everyone to take home. Whether you like it or not. 

​Seats are fully booked though but.... we might just have little surprises for you...

I am personally a fan of this series. If done properly that is. 

Pentas Karyawan Arena Pentas returns for its 5th instalment. This time with the theme "Zon" (Zoned). The members are again tasked to write, direct, perform and produce 5 playlets regarding the theme while exploring absurdist theatre styles. If you have been following the series over the years so far, this instalment will surprise you.

KRAYON

Written and Directed by : Nur Ferra Amiera
Performed by : Sarah Mardyah Haermie / Nur Amirah Suhaimi

In a monochrome world, 2 ladies found a wishing well where their wishes can come true, at a price. They wished for the world to be in colour, but at what price?

​

MAINAN FIKIRAN

Written by : Zhakeerah D/O Sadiqul Ameen, Nursyirin Salim
Directed by : Nursyirin Salim
Performed by : Aliff Shah Ramli, Nursyirin Salim, Malyanah Moktar, Aizatul Azerina Sazali

We've seen this kind of "good and evil being" stories many times. When I first read the script, I was reminded of cartoons. An image of Mickey Mouse with Good Mickey and Bad Mickey floating above both his shoulders. It's very cliche. I challenged the members to make it different. And they did, without changing the "good and bad beings" idea. You got to watch it to find out.

​

KEWUJUDAN

Written and Directed by :Aizatul Azerina Sazali
Performed by : Md Nor Hisyam, Nur'Atiqah Kameri, Nadhilah Zaidi

The playwright aims to explore ideas on existence. Are we real? Or are we just a reflection of something else? Are our feelings, happiness, materials, properties, beings, real? Or are we just a figment of some imagination? Will they all dissipate or returned to its owner, if there is an owner. Or will everything just disappear? Or everything continues as it is in permanence?

But how do you put all these ideas into a 12 minute playlet which can be easily understood by the general audience? Lucky for her, this year's Arena Pentas' genre is "Absurd Theatre". Her ideas are possibly almost endless but remember, we have to keep it simple for the "general audience". 

So how did she go about doing it?

​

AGUNG

Written and Directed by : Nur Syafiqah Kamarudin
Performed by : Siti Hajar Zahid, Nurul Hikmah Zulkifli, Md Arif Shariff, Nur Diyanah Ahmad Khalifa, Nur Syafiqah Kamarudin, Md Nor Hisyam

3 statues stands in the middle of a bustling town, each with its own set of devotees. 

At night when the residents of the town goes to sleep, the statues come alive and discuss amongst themselves, what have they done to deserve the adulation of their devotees and what should they do next. Should they answer their prayers or remain silent and enjoy the constant requests.

One day, the town's leader decided to put the most powerful statue on the highest pedestal in town. So which one is the most powerful statue?

​

SANG MANA

Written and Directed by : Nuri Haqirah Hazmi
Performed by : Nuri Haqirah Hazmi, Nuri Hafiqah Hazmi, Ainin Alfiyani Jailani, Nurulashiqin Asrin

3 princes from the empire of "Sikat Kuning Langsat" travels to a faraway land in search for their suitor. They found themselves a castle "Istana Lopong Tengah" where a princess resides. The princess agree to be married to one of them. The 3 of them has to go through challenges to win her heart. 

​So who wins?


Very interesting right? So do come and have a look. It's free anyway. I would definitely keep all these plays in record as all of them has potential for further restage works.

This time last year, I was very excited to set up my own website. There are a lot of people with the same name as me. Especially in other countries. 

Luckily for me, there are only 2 “Anwar Hadi” that I know of, living in Singapore. And lucky for me, I can put my name in the website url and there you have it. www.anwarhadi.com
​
I would like to thank everyone who have visited my site on its inaugural year. I hope you will continue to visit this website. And as for my part, I will try to keep the pages updated.

Here is a wrap up on the happenings of 2017.

​

With the theme “Cakap Kosong” (Empty Talks) the members of Pentas Karyawan were tasked to produce, write, direct and perform their own playlets. This Arena Pentas series has been very popular among students and their friends. The quality of the playlets have improved over the years and everyone constantly look forward to the upcoming editions.

​This year’s edition was also the first time external judges were invited to “grade” and comment on their playlets. I think this is a very good idea as the members were given the opportunity to hear feedbacks from other people apart from myself. (This is good too, so that they will realise that I am not the only one who will say the same thing… haha) At the the end of the day, small tokens were given to the most outstanding playlet and individual with no competitive ideas (among the members) in mind. All in the name of education and fun.

After many years, I stepped back on to the school stage doing assembly shows and mascot works for Reader’s House. I never thought that I will be doing it again after the good old ACT3 days but, for some income and fun, why not? Good thing too that my “boss” here is a former schoolmate, Saadah, and to be doing work again together is definitely a nice experience. (Fun fact: the last time we worked together was when we rowed in the same two-man  canoe back in our primary school camp in 1991!)

Late last year and early this year, I conducted a bangsawan workshop to “Higher Malay” students in Anderson Secondary School. I have always enjoyed working with this school and I appreciate that they always engage my services. The students were taught basic bangsawan performance which include Palace Decorum, Malay dance, Silat, Movement and dialogue delivery. The students then presented a short bangsawan skit at the Malay Tongue Learning Symposium. Well done Anderson Secondary School!

As much as I avoid handling primary schools, I just have to do it for a good friend. Mr Isham Rahmat managed to persuade me to write and direct a short piece for Juying Primary School in their effort to participate in an inter-school drama competition. Yes I struggled but Isham had faith in me and I trusted him. I wrote and directed “Ocean Revolution”, a 10 minute piece on leatherback turtles conservation effort. This piece then won 2nd place in the South-West ECO Skit competition 2017. Congratulations Juying Primary School!

Though not part of my arts related work but definitely a significant milestone in my life. After 17 years, I have finally completed my military service. Well though in the army terms, I am still a Military Reserve personnel but that’s good enough for every NSman in Singapore. 
​
Enlisted: 13th June 2000
ORD: 12th December 2002
MR: 31st March 2017

Definitely a birthday present well worth the wait.

Pentas Karyawan’s year end production. I couldn’t help it. I haven’t been acting for awhile, I carved out a role for myself. Haha! PK’s attempt at an absurdist play. Look at the setting. Nice right? Unfortunately, this was to be our last production at the LAB as the venue will be handed over to another department. Thank you LAB. It was beautiful while it lasted.

​More photos at  : 
www.facebook.com/pg/anwarhadiramli/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1859057917641933

April 2017 and we welcomed another batch of students joining Republic Polytechnic’s Pentas Karyawan. Another year of contract renewed and I am on to my 6th batch. 
​
Very healthy batch this one. Do look forward for their upcoming performances!

Do also like our facebook page!

www.facebook.com/pentaskaryawan/

After a semester of training, the members of Pentas Karyawan were given their first task. To present their research on Performing Arts in the Malay Archipelago. This year is the first time  we opened the presentation to the public. In the previous years, it was an “internal” event, but this year we took a step further. Some close friends were invited and good feedbacks were received. Looks like a good adventure and we aim to present the next instalment to a wider group of  audience.

This marks the 2nd year of running outreach workshops. We had feedbacks that the time to conduct these workshops are not the best in a secondary school’s calendar year, but it was also the most probable period for us. We managed to conduct a few workshops with very supportive schools and we were very happy that both PK members and the secondary school students from Anderson Secondary School and Spectra Secondary School benefitted from the workshops. Definitely a win-win experience for all.

I thought it will never happen. I actually got a performing role. A bit part though but no role is too small. It feels good to be on stage and just being an actor. I could concentrate on acting and I definitely had a lot of fun.

More photos at 
​www.facebook.com/pg/anwarhadiramli/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1937536069794117

This was definitely a surprise. Yes I am thankful and grateful but still definitely a surprise. For someone who doesn’t have paper qualifications in the job that I am doing, I badly need this. I worked hard for years and I tried hard to win something. Many people unfriended me because they think that I work for the accolades rather than the art. It’s always easy for them to say because they have all won something and the one paying my own bills is myself. Yes I work for the art but I still need money.  After years of not winning anything, I gave up on the thought. Especially when I realised that many awards are “nominated” and “won” by the own circle members. Call me negative and pessimistic but everyone know this but just avoiding it. So being an outsider, to achieve something is…. okay…. let’s see where this leads to.

After many years, a drama competition returns. This was pretty exciting. The prizes were also very good. I was given the task and trust to be a member of the jury panel. I looked forward to every meeting, preliminary rounds, finals and prize presentation. It was an exciting event. Congratulations to all winners.

Congratulations too to Pentas Karyawan for winning second place and other awards in the Tertiary Category. Yes, they are my students. But no, I was never involved in their preparations for the competition. This is not a disclaimer. I am very clear and at peace with this. The students had basic drama trainings during official PK training hours. They made good use of the knowledge gained and train outside of official training hours to prepare for a competition.

My stance has always been consistent over the past many years. A student competition is a student’s competition. It is never a “trainers’” competition. Unless it is a school competition. I have always believed in this and let the students explore their capabilities from the years of past Sayembara Teater and Pesta Peti Putih competitions since 2003. I am proud of their achievements as how I was proud of the previous students’ achievements. To more achievements in the future, Pentas Karyawan!

Best Script
Best Lead Actor
Best Lead Actress
Best Supporting Actress
Best Technical Directions
​Overall 2nd Placing

While the “Sayembara Team” prepared for their competition, myself and Gloria Tan were preparing the members of Pentas Karyawan, Operation Theatre and the Indian Cultural Group to perform in the annual Republic Polytechnic arts festival. The members collaborated to perform Haresh Sharma’s “Lanterns Never Go Out”

More photos at 
​www.facebook.com/pg/anwarhadiramli/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1958336341047423

After a long year that felt like a minute, I ended the year with this production.

And that’s a wrap for 2017.
This time, last year, I was very excited to set up my own website.
Now I already have my own website.
This time, this year, I am excited to start work at my new office.

To a more productive 2018! Maybe we might just cross path and work together.
Thank you for reading.

28th October 2017
​Four Seasons Hotel 
Orchard Boulevard

​Shall write this down while it is still clear in my mind. On the abovementioned day, I attended the awards ceremony for Anugerah Persuratan 2017. Anugerah Persuratan is the highest level Malay Literary Award organised by the Malay Language Council of Singapore,  supported by the National Arts Council and MCCY. This year is the 13th edition of the biannual event.

Anugerah Persuratan aims to commemorate and honour individual and works that contribute to Singapore’s Malay Literary scene. Awards are offered to writings such as poems, short stories and drama scripts. 3 special awards are also given out. The Anugerah Tun Sri Lanang is the highest award conferred to outstanding individuals who has contributed significantly to the literary arts, The Anugerah Anumerta Tun Sri Lanang is conferred to individuals who have passed and the Anugerah Harapan for individuals below 40 years of age that shows promise in the scene. 
​
I first sent my scripts for the previous 2015 edition. I sent 5 scripts. None of them gained any award.

For this year’s edition I sent in 4 scripts.

The (Assumed) Vicious Cycle of a (Melayu) Youth [TVCY]
Siapa Curi Tudung Neelofa
Tahyul
​Claustrophobia

These plays were written for Republic Polytechnic’s Malay drama group, Pentas Karyawan’s productions.

(Photos below are linked to facebook album)

TVCY was about 4 individuals and their rite of passage being a Malay youth. The play begins when they were born until the day they receive their newborn. The play juxtaposes randai movements that are also played using a theatre in a round concept so it fits nicely to the idea of a vicious cycle.

Siapa Curi Tudung Neelofa was a play about Neelofa opening up her Muslim apparels business. One day she realised that a box of Neelofa brand headscarves were missing. She then engaged a private investigator to look for them. A series of investigations then happened to look for the culprit. This play aims to look at the values of a headscarf worn by Malay Muslim women in Singapore though it is set in a fictitious setting.

TAHYUL was about a bunch of beings living in an uninhabited house trying to scare away potential land developers from demolishing their dwelling. Malay superstitions are explored in this play. It also juxtaposes the art form of Tari Saman into the play.

CLAUSTROPHOBIA is about 6 Malay individuals trapped in a room. They believe that they are trapped because they are Malays as they believe that other races have it easy in life. They were given questions to justify their Malayness. If they manage to answer the questions correctly, they will be allowed to leave the room. If not, the room will get smaller as time goes by. Malay poetry of syair and pantun, Malay dance and music were the highlights of this play along with monologue play.

I always like writing Malay plays. (I do write English plays too) I think they are dynamic and has much room to explore. There are cliche plays around. Successful ones too but I still believe there is so much to explore. There were hits and misses throughout my writing days all these years and I am more confident of what I am writing now.

I am pleasantly surprised that after many years of writing, one of my play actually wins an award

TVCY was announced as the best drama (theatre) script for 2017 Anugerah Persuratan. I am even pleasantly surprised and happy when I found out that the top 2 fight for the award is also another script of mine, “Siapa Curi Tudung Neelofa”. This is particularly exciting as the other plays in competition are all written by more senior and well known writers.

Though it may just be another event for others, it is a big thing for me. I have been looking forward for some kind of recognition and I am being very honest about this. Many times I was told that art works come from the heart and for the art. You don’t do it for awards and recognition or even monetary rewards. 

Yes that is true to a certain extent. But I too have bills to pay, ambitions to achieve. I need to eat too. Currently the scene (I won’t call it the industry) is very competitive. Every job openings require a diploma or degree in theatre which I do not have. Or they will ask for awards won which I have none too. Until today. This is a real problem. I am very honest about it that this is something I really need.

I would like to express my gratitude most definitely to Republic Polytechnic, The Republic Cultural Centre who has been supporting me and Pentas Karyawan in our effort to justify and present good quality Malay drama. Thank you Adviser Nipuna Perera and TRCC Staff Ganesh Kalyanam, Kavitha Krishnan, Zaini Tahir, Jeremy Leow, Florence, Liwern, Terence, Adilla, Debra for their support in creating these plays. TRCC Technical staff Mr Hassan, Mr Rahmat, Wan, Yan, Han, Lan for all their support in helping us staging the plays. 

I can’t say thank you enough to all of them. RP has given me the platform and support for my art works. Best thing is, there are no copyright issues and my scripts are still mine.

I can’t choose for anything better and I really look forward to more years in RP. On my part, the award definitely showed me that I am going the right path. I will continue writing better works for RP definitely and others if you need my service. 

Oooh and I also hope, more people will come and watch my plays after this, especially Pentas Karyawan’s performances. 

Please do like our facebook pages for updates on our activities

Anwar Hadi Ramli
https://www.facebook.com/anwarhadiramli/

RP Pentas Karyawan
https://www.facebook.com/pentaskaryawan/

​Thank you.

With me being constantly outside and breaking fast out of home, naturally I will be around many Malay Muslims during meal times. Even though I won't see them there at that particular time during other parts of the year. 

I am personally already appalled by the level of Malay language in Singapore and the region. I can't do anything about it. And as I listened more... it is the Malays themselves who don't seem to get it. The ones destroying the language is not anyone else but the Malays themselves. Not speaking Malay at home and yet speaking broken English to their children and then wonder what went wrong when their children can't speak both. 

Sounds familiar? Of course not. From my experience, no one notice their ownself but they see others. Gajah depan mata tak nampak. Semut di seberang lautan nampak.

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Who are the teachers now?

Masalahnya, mereka tidak akan terasa kerana mereka rasa mereka tidak bersalah sama sekali.

"Dulu makcik dan arwah suami makcik ada gerai makan kami sendiri. Jual makanan Melayu. Jual kuih-kuih Melayu. Mula-mula gerai kita berkongsi dekat kedai kopi bawah blok sahaja. Kemudian, kita buka di hawker centre. Tapi arwah suami cik, usia tak panjang. Dia meninggal. Makcik teruskan perniagaan. Makcik bayar pembantu untuk tolong makcik walaupun tak mampu, sebab ingatkan boleh lebih maju.

Makcik jual kuih-kuih kecil2. Makcik beli dekat supermarket, makcik jual, kononnya makcik buat sendiri. Jadi adakalanya, kuih makcik dah nak basi, tapi makcik jual juga.

Tapi makcik ada juga jual epok-epok. Itu makcik buat sendiri sebab senang. Makcik jual epok-epok sardin dengan kentang. Tapi epok-epok makcik cuma ada angin sahaja dekat dalam. Epok-epok sardin, lebih banyak bawang dari ikan. Epok-epok kentang cuma sikit sahaja inti dia. Yang lain semua angin. Nak jimat kos. Tapi sebenarnya makcik pelokek. Kuih pau pun sama. Cik tak letak kacang merah. CIk letak red bean paste sahaja. Itu pun sikit. Tepung sahaja lebih.

Makcik buka kedai bila cik bangun tidur. Kalau cik bangun lambat, cik buka lambat. Kalau cik bangun awal, cik buka awal, walaupun selalu lambat.

Cik kata cik jual lauk-lauk, tapi cik cuma jual lauk lemak sahaja. Kadang-kadang ada kari. Sebab kari boleh panaskan untuk esok. Ayam goreng sikit, ikan goreng sikit. Yang lain-lain semua hotdog, fishcake, tahu, cik beli dari supermarket. Sayur goreng sikit. Itu sahaja cik jual. Hari-hari pelanggan cik makan benda sama.

Lauk cik habis atau tak habis, pukul 3 petang cik sudah tutup pasal hendak balik.

Cik selalu biadap dengan pelanggan cik. Kalau dia orang hendak beli, dia beli. Kalau tak hendak, sudah.. tak payah beli. Bila cik malas hendak layan, cik cakap sahaja ikan dah habis, ayam dah habis, itu dah habis, ini dah habis. Padahal ada dalam icebox, cik malas nak goreng.

Lama-kelamaan pelanggan cik makin sikit. Cik tak faham. Kenapa macam itu? Makcik ada buat salah ke? Gerai Melayu selalu macam gitu kan? Bukan cik seorang yang biadap. Bukan cik seorang jual epok-epok dengan kuih pau kosong. Bukan cik seorang jual puteri salad basi. Bukan cik seorang jual lauk sikit. Semua gerai Melayu pun macam itu kan? Makcik fikir lama, makcik teringat.. ooh makcik lupa hendak guna hantu pelaris. Cik pergi jumpa bomoh beli pelaris. Tapi, tetap tak laris juga."


CLAUSTROPHOBIA 2017
Karya dan Arahan Anwar Hadi Ramli
Dilakonkan oleh Siti Khalisah Khair
 

It is ok to be uninformed. But when you're already uninformed yet you think that you're clever, worse, showing off your very little depth of knowledge as if you're a walking search engine, it just shows that you're a stupid fool.

I'd rather be uninformed than being stupid.

I have been reading since I was 2 years old. I got my 1st library card fron Queenstown Public Library in 1982. I haven't stop reading. I worked in bookshops, with the reference library and somehow I am back with another book company. My life threads on the spines of books and maybe now, electronic books. Well the point is, I can't stop reading and being surrounded by books.

Reading is a thing, understanding is another. When you read, you have to understand. Not everything you read is right, not everything missing from the books are wrong. When you read thesis and essays and write ups from intellects and university professors and whoever... don't think that you're well informed. These writers are humans. They are not right all the time. Even Stephen Hawking, quoted as the smartest person in the world, went back and forth with his deductions on quantum physics. 

I find Singaporeans very amusing. I get annoyed too by their constant show offs of knowledge. I never did because I always feel that I am not worthy, as I never get to study till university. I feel that I am very very uninformed. But these show offs are just revolting.

Ok back to the point of this post. Dedicated to those making a fool out of Sang Nila Utama and pre Raffles history, here is an excerpt of a script I wrote entitled "Kurun Yang Hilang" meaning "The Lost Century". It was written after a research of 5 versions of the Malay Annals. And as a writer, and like many other professors, I came up with my most logical deductions.

The play was presented by my RP students. At least I know, 20 young souls read and understood what I meant. Only slightly less than 240 people watched the show. Maybe my works will be more appreciated and read when I'm dead. Maybe... That too.... if.. hahahah.

In the meantime, enjoy and understand. If you don't understand Malay, please do try as it is the National Language. Don't use google translate. Get a Malay speaker to explain to you.

Hello again.

It has been quit awhile. Has been busy with reservists, end of year production preparation and embarking on a renewed assembly shows adventure. I should have updated the upcoming projects column but that too, I had no time to sit down and write. And suddenly before you know it, the academic year has ended. 

So let’s recap on the exciting year that has passed. Pentas Karyawan’s academic year 16/17.

This year has been personally very exciting for me and for the group. Helmed by a fresh start of new exco members, the group managed to organise and run a number of events and activities which I personally was pleasantly surprised when I looked back at the photos to be included in this review.

April 2016. We prepared for the year with exco meetings and CCA fiesta. I didn’t think the location for our booth was good but that was no excuse for recruitment. We managed to get a healthy number of 9 new members.

We then embarked on our routine theatre trainings. Our runs, our climbs, body movements, acting, vocals, make up, stage management, playwriting, music, dance and silat.

​During the fasting month, we managed to take a day to visit geylang serai where we had a mini group race which ended with breaking fast together.

​Of course we had our Hari Raya visiting.

​We performed a short skit for ST Kinetics Hari Raya Gathering. That was a fun skit, worthy of another shot at performing it on a more proper platform.

​Khalisah’s poetry book launch.

​Some of our members conducted a trial workshop at Anderson Secondary School. A project that we hope to continue and improve in the coming years.

​At the end of the 1st semester, we had our short retreat at NSRCC Tanah Merah.

​Back from our retreat, it was back to back productions. Pentas Karyawan was given its 1st stand alone slot for RP’s annual Reflections Festival. We staged “Siapa Curi Tudung Neelofa” where TRCC gave us an 8/10 rating. Congratulations!

​FLAME AWARDS 2017

​A half day picnic to recollect our energy before the next production.

​Arena Pentas 2017. the 4th instalment of the Arena Pentas series. 5 short plays were presented over 3 nights.

​Judges were invited on the 3rd night. Congratulations to the individual winners. That was a fun night!

​Final production for the year. Pentas Karyawan’s 1st try in doing an absurdist play. Definitely a new experience for all. I’m sure the bruises were worth it. 
​

​And then we wrapped up with our end of year retreat.

​I hope everyone has enjoyed the year. There were other things that I didn’t really mention because I don’t have the photos like Create Management Camp, NUS Technical Theatre Workshop and Commediane De la Arte workshop. Told you it was a hectic and filled year. I think it was a fruitful and enjoyable year. 
We look forward to see you and your support for academic year 2017/2018.