Monday, August 4, 2008

THE SWORDFISH, THEN THE CONCUBINE

If you guys happened to give the Film Festival Malaysia a miss (like about 23 million people will be), why not take a drive (I know, I know fuel prices are sick. But hey when you have to travel you just have to) down to Singapore for the Arts Festival there.
And if you do, give my friend's play a look see. The Swordfish, Then The Concubine, written by Kee Thuan Chye, will be staged from the 6th to 10th August at the Drama Center.

The location of the Drama Centre Theatre is:
100 Victoria Street
National Library Building
Level 3 (Drama Centre Theatre)
Singapore 188064

The Swordfish, Then The Concubine is Kee's take on the old Malay fable of Singapura Di Langgar Todak. Am not quite sure which fable the concubine part comes from but from the synopsis, it might be from the legend of Mahsuri from the island of Langkawi...but I could be wrong.
Kee Thuan Chye - true blue Malaysian playwright
Nevertheless, I am sure, one can read between the lines from Kee's play. Whilst the Singaporeans may think the play has relevance to their current political society, Malaysians too can read many things into it. Trust me, you will never be treated to anything mediocre from Mr Kee.
You can also see Kee in the upcoming second season of TV2 series Bilik No 13 episode entitled Peti.
Will I be going? I'm trying to. I don't feel like attending FFM 21, so if I skip that, I may be able to check out Kee's play either on the 9th or on its final night on the 10th.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi! I'm hoping to get in touch with you to discuss a possible meeting, work-related. I don't see an email address and so, am using this means of contacting you. Would appreciate it very much if you could drop me a note at paulinaro@reelbiz.com.my.

Thank you much.

Anonymous said...

If this helps, the concubine part is in Chapter 11 of Sejarah Melayu (Shellabear's version). I believe it does not have anything to do with Mahsuri, but is part of the history after the swordfish attack. I've just watched the play yesterday and I'm just as intrigued by it as you are. Cheers! :)