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Who Took My Malay Away
Who Took My Malay Away In 2018 I used to be fortunate sufficient to go to Singapore, not one thing I ever anticipated to do as I’m not a contented flyer, but it surely was properly value 13 hours within the sky. I discovered it an intriguing place, extremely clear and polished on the floor (and with among the greatest meals I’ve ever eaten) however leaving a lingering query about how a society can work with such obvious perfection. This curiosity is what drew me to Faizal Abdullah’s efficiency, together with the lecture-performance facet of his work, not one thing I’d skilled earlier than. Faizal…
Rating
Excellent
A surprisingly shifting portrayal of tradition, race and language. It is informative and ingenious, and a privilege to look at.
In 2018 I used to be fortunate sufficient to go to Singapore, not one thing I ever anticipated to do as I’m not a contented flyer, but it surely was properly value 13 hours within the sky. I discovered it an intriguing place, extremely clear and polished on the floor (and with among the greatest meals I’ve ever eaten) however leaving a lingering query about how a society can work with such obvious perfection. This curiosity is what drew me to Faizal Abdullah’s efficiency, together with the lecture-performance facet of his work, not one thing I’d skilled earlier than.
Faizal Abdullah is a Muslim-Malay theatre maker from Singapore, the truth is he spent the primary 34 years of his life there. And on this lecture-performance he explores what it actually means to be a Singaporean Malay. What it means to at all times be challenged about his cultural id and race. He additionally explores the Jawi script and the way that is being misplaced. It’s fascinating to listen to his perspective, combined with tutorial commentary about Singapore or the Malay folks, and he cleverly units these moments aside by utilizing a microphone when quoting references from books or papers.
Faizal tackles some weighty points right here, but it surely by no means turns into preachy or dry. He considers the “creation of modern Singapore”, or because it ought to rightly be named, the colonisation of Singapore, with shocking humour. He had already moved to London when the 200th anniversary of Sir Stamford Raffles was celebrated in his nation, a truth Faizal studies on together with his tongue closely in his cheek. This humour additionally emerges when speaking about current day Singapore, it’s outstanding transport system with no dangers of strikes – as a result of employees can’t strike, it’s an offence.
The lecture parts are fascinating, but it surely’s the performative elements of the present which can be shifting, highly effective and emotive. At one-point Faizal repeats “I am Malay”, “I am Singaporean”, ‘I’m not Malaysian” together with the textual content showing behind him. What begins as a easy motive reaches shocking depth. This path additionally emerges when discussing his identify, and the complexities round this. Simple actions and repetition are used with outstanding talent.
The set is minimalist, slowly suffering from Jawi script because the present progresses while projections are used with restraint on the again wall. Faizal adjustments into conventional Malay costume firstly, and it’s solely on my means house that the gorgeous significance of this turned clear. The subtleties of the whole efficiency are a deal with to soak up.
The viewers are a stunning combine, with clearly a number of Singaporeans and Malay folks within the room. Faizal’s references to issues comparable to Malay weddings in Singapore, the Children’s Day track, or three rice dishes a day immediate murmurs of recognition and laughter all through the room. Yet, as a white-British Londoner I additionally discovered a lot to take from this efficiency. In truth, the exploration of the Malay language was fascinating and Faizal’s clarification of how that is dying a gradual and painful loss of life was actually shifting.
Theatre is about pushing boundaries, educating, and entertaining. And Faizal does all three with fashion, grace, and sensitivity. He welcomes everybody to share his tradition for this intimate hour, and it’s an actual privilege.
Created by Mohamad Faizal Abdullah
Produced by Nur Khairiyah Ramli
Siapa Yang Bawa Melayu Aku Pergi (Who took my Malay away?) is within the Network Theatre, as a part of Vault Festival 2023. It performs till Sunday 5 February 2023. Further info and bookings could be discovered right here.
You can even discover out extra in regards to the present in our current interview with Faizal Abdullah right here.