07.09.2023

Eye-opening reimagining of a Malaysian classic “JEBAT” makes its world premiere

Earmarked as The Actors Studio’s biggest production for 2023 boasting almost 40 performers, this modern reimagining of a Malaysian classic surrounding the life and tragic death of Hang Jebat is set in a post-apocalyptic Malaysia where constant war and strife abound.

By Culture Editor

Photos courtesy of KLPAC

With Malaysia Day just round the corner, The Actors Studio Seni Teater Rakyat in partnership with ArtsFAS, Yayasan Hasanah and Ministry of Finance will be presenting an eye-opening reimagining of a classic Malaysian story. Directed by Joe Hasham OAM, “JEBAT” is set to make its world premiere on 16 September and will run until 24 September in Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre’s Pentas 1.

This brand new play was written by U-En Ng who possesses two decades’ experience in journalism and publishing, having served as the biographer to various leaders. He wrote the libretto to the multi-award winning musical “Ismail The Last Days”, also directed by Hasham. It won seven BOH Cameronian Arts Awards including Best Original Book and/or Lyrics.

Earmarked as The Actors Studio’s biggest production for 2023 boasting almost 40 performers, this modern reimagining of a Malaysian classic surrounding the life and tragic death of Hang Jebat is set in a post-apocalyptic Malaysia where constant war and strife abound. It unfolds the plight of Hang Tuah’s loyalty to his king as opposed to Jebat’s desire for freedom, love and respect.

Director Hasham has assembled quite a team to bring his vision to life. One of the first tasks was to have Silat Master Danial Nawawi, who has 18 years of experience, train the cast in this traditional martial arts form. While Nawawi focused on the technical aspects aided by fellow Martial Arts Expert Keith Toh, Choreographer Zhafir Muzani choreographed the slick and exciting fight scenes and movement.

We have many wonderful Malaysian stories that deserve to be told. While there has been much focus on Hang Tuah, this will be the first major English language production focusing on Jebat, exploring what possibly went on in his head and why he did what he did. Though many termed it as betrayal, what if there was a different point of view?

You will see traditional elements including use of the keris and silat that is tied to the original story but we hope the upcoming staging will attract new audiences, hopefully younger audiences, with new music composition blending Eastern and Western styles, multimedia design, military costuming and an amazing post-apocalyptic set design.

Director Joe Hasham

A major highlight of the upcoming staging will be the specially-composed music by Siu Yee who draws from not only her 24 Festive Drums experience but also her expansive knowledge of the Malay Gamelan, Western percussion and other musical styles. Co-composed by cellist Eugene Chong with sound design by Christopher Higgs, the unique blend of traditional and modern, Eastern and Western music will be performed by multi-instrumentalists Gideon Alubakhan Chen, Leong Kah Miu and Matdin Hussin.

The performers, decked out in military-style costuming by Costume Designer Wendy Kwek (Best Costume Design, Styling, and Make-Up, BOH Cameronian Arts Awards for Rashomon), will be performing against a jaw-dropping set resembling post-apocalyptic ruins by Scenographer, Set Designer, Lighting Designer and Operator Yusman Mokhtar built by Set Builder Paul Hasham with multimedia design by Nicholas Chin.

Taking on the title role will be Zul Zamir who plays Hang Jebat with Yusuf Amin as Hang Tuah, Swarna Naidu as Dayang (Jebat’s beloved wife), Davina Goh as Tun Teja (The Queen), Sidhart Joe Dev as Sultan Mahmud Shah (The King), Ian Skatu as Bendahara, Anwar Rusdini as Patih Kerma Wijaya, Nabil Zakaria as Hang Kasturi, Faez Malek as Hang Lekir and Nick Augustin as Hang Lekiu.

“JEBAT” will also feature a dynamic ensemble with the youngest just 15 years of age comprising Agatha, Arief Danial, Ash, Ashton Lim, Cheska Kim, Chrisalynn Lim, Daryl Baptist, Debbie Yim, Derek Tan, Eve, Firdaus Sufiyan, Han Royani, Ideal, Jerry Pang, Lakshmi Ahrunagiry, LeonieTunez, MaiJiao, Miel, Nandagopall, Nicholas Lai, Nik Waheeda, Tin Raman, Yeo, Zairi Aziz.

The story begins on the eve of battle when Jebat bids his beloved Dayang farewell knowing he must return, or her life and that of their unborn child will be forfeit. The army succeeds to vanquish the last of their enemies but news comes of the death sentence pronounced upon Tuah. Jebat wrestles with the twin desire to avenge Tuah but also to ensure Dayang’s safety. Are the bonds of loyalty unbreakable or is justice the higher calling?

The public can enjoy up to 25% savings with the early bird promotion ending 10 September. Regular ticket price ranges from RM80 to RM100 with a special RM40 concession for education group bookings with a minimum of 20 persons. Tickets can be purchased online via bit.ly/jebat2023.

Group bookings by educational institutes on 24 September will enjoy a post-show talk and tour of the set by Scenographer, Set Designer, Lighting Designer & Operator Yusman Mokhtar. Limited space available, pre-registration required when booking tickets.

Performed primarily in English with a mix of Bahasa Malaysia, the production is supported by klpac & TAS Foundation. The show contains haze effect and depiction of violence due to the fight scenes.

SHOW DETAILS

Title: Jebat

Presenter: The Actors Studio Seni Teater Rakyat

In partnership with ArtsFAS, Yayasan Hasanah and Ministry of Finance

Supported by The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac) &

The Actors Studio Foundation

Synopsis: Set in a post-apocalyptic Malaysia where constant war and strife abound, the story follows the life and tragic death of JEBAT. It unfolds the plight of Hang Tuah’s loyalty to his king as opposed to Jebat’s desire for freedom, love and respect. The tragedy culminates in a heart-breaking scene where the two protagonists reluctantly fight to the death.

While there are many stories on Hang Tuah, this is likely the first English language stage production in recent history focusing on JEBAT. Typically, the historic Tuah Jebat duel zooms in on the idea of betrayal but this new work explores a different point of view.

The Actors Studio’s biggest production for 2023 and certainly its highlight of the year boasts almost 40 performers on stage performing to specially composed live music with a mix of silat and mixed martial arts battle scenes, amazing sets and costumes, multimedia design and more.

Creatives: Executive Producer: Dato’ Dr. Faridah Merican

Director, Artistic Director, Dramaturg: Joe Hasham OAM

Playwright: U-En Ng

Scenographer, Set Designer, Lighting Designer & Operator: Yusman Mokhtar Sound Designer: Christopher Higgs

Music Composer: Siu Yee

Co-Composer / Cellist: Eugene Chong

Costume Designer: Wendy Kwek

Multimedia Designer: Nicholas Chin

Choreographer: Zhafir Muzani

Silat Master: Danial Nawawi

Martial Arts Expert: Keith Toh

Set Builder: Paul Hasham

Cast: Featured Roles: Zul Zamir (Hang Jebat), Yusuf Amin (Hang Tuah), Swarna Naidu (Dayang), Davina Goh (Tun Teja, The Queen), Sidhart Joe Dev (Sultan Mahmud Shah, The King), Ian Skatu (Bendahara), Anwar Rusdini (Patih Kerma Wijaya), Nabil Zakaria (Hang Kasturi), Faez Malek (Hang Lekir), Nick Augustin (Hang Lekiu)

Ensemble: Agatha, Arief Danial, Ash, Ashton Lim, Cheska Kim, Chrisalynn Lim, Daryl Baptist, Debbie Yim, Derek Tan, Eve, Firdaus Sufiyan, Han Royani, Ideal, Jerry Pang, Lakshmi Ahrunagiry, LeonieTunez, MaiJiao, Miel, Nandagopall, Nicholas Lai, Nik Waheeda, Tin Raman, Yeo, Zairi Aziz

Musicians: Gideon Alubakhan Chen, Leong Kah Miu and Matdin Hussin

Date & Time:

16, 19 – 23 Sep @ 8.00pm

17 & 24 Sep @ 3.00pm

Venue: Pentas 1, The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac) Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan, 51100 Kuala Lumpur

Tickets: RM100 (Patron of the Arts), RM80

RM40 (Education Group Bookings min. 20 pax & above)

Early Bird: RM80, RM60 – Save up to 25% until 10 September only

Buy Tickets: Buy Online via bit.ly/jebat2023

Enquiry: WhatsApp +6018 227 7212

Website: www.klpac.org

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Eye-opening reimagining of a Malaysian classic “JEBAT” makes its world premiere

Earmarked as The Actors Studio’s biggest production for 2023 boasting almost 40 performers, this modern reimagining of a Malaysian classic surrounding the life and tragic death of Hang Jebat is set in a post-apocalyptic Malaysia where constant war and strife abound.

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