With Malaysia Day just around the corner, The Actors Studio Seni Teater Rakyat, in partnership with ArtsFAS, Yayasan Hasanah and the 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 2023 and will run until 24 September 2023 at klpac’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 said, “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 the 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,” added the director.
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 is available, pre-registration is required when booking tickets.
Performed primarily in English with a mix of Bahasa Malaysia, the production is supported by klpac and TAS Foundation. The show contains haze effect and depiction of violence due to the fight scenes.
Pentas 1, The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac) Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan, 51100 Kuala Lumpur
