Snapshots Of My Life

The Future....

2012-01-26T11:03:00.003+08:00

Over the last few days, i've been thinking a lot about my future. To be more specific, the future I may have with my wife and kids. It's strange. I never used to think about starting a family. I mean, I used to joke about naming my son Hamlet or Leonidas, but it never went further than that. Over the last few days, i've been talking about it more than I usually should....

As I was having lunch with a friend the other day, I got to talking about how different my kids upbringing would be compared to the one I had. Being in the theatre industry has indeed made me more open as a person, thus probably making me more open as a parent. When I was a kid, my mother and her side of the family always frowned upon me for acting and doing what I loved to do. The only one who really supported me was my father. I was always pushed to get good grades and if not, it was a night of caning for me. There was so much pressure which I knew I could never live up to....

I never really had much of a childhood as a majority of it was spent in front of the camera or on stage. Instead of studying books, I was studying scripts. Needless to say, my grades were shit. But that didn't matter to me. I was enjoying what I was doing and I knew I never wanted to stop. My mother never quite understood that. It was a hellish childhood. That explains why I still act like a kid now. Because I never did when I actually was a kid....

But coming back to the point. My kids. A lot of parents want their kids to be successful when they grow up. Don't get me wrong, I would love my kid to be successful in all he does, but what's more important is I want him/her to be happy. That's the key to life. Why be successful in something you can't have fun with? Slog through life only to reach the age of 70 and regret that you never had any fun. As I always say, I would rather do something and suffer the consequences than live life not knowing what would happen if I never did it in the first place, forever regretting my decision....

If my kids wants to drink, smoke up or even take drugs, I wouldn't stop them. I won't tell them "oh, it's bad for you" or "I'll disown you". I would simply tell them, "go ahead, but don't hurt yourself". Of course I would explain to them the pros and cons, but I would never restrict them. I would let them do what the want to do but will always let them know that if they get into trouble, I will be there to save them. If my kids wanted to love someone of their own sex, I'd be more than accepting to the idea because I know this person would make my son or daughter happy, regardless of the sex. Bottom line, I will be a father who will be extremely open to whatever my kids want to do. Theatre has indeed made me this open, and I thank it for that....

I want my kids to be happy. I want my family to be happy. More importantly, I want my kids to have the family and childhood that I never got.....

Now, if only I wasn't single....

What's Your Relationship Status....

2012-01-05T13:33:00.004+08:00

Ever since I watched his first flick, Ciplak, I have always been a big fan of Khairil M. Bahar. His movie single handedly changed my views on Malaysian films and gave me faith in our industry again. Ever since then, I have had the honour to call him my friend and had the chance to work with him a couple of times in his independent films. Well, last night was another major night for him due to the fact that it was the premiere of his second big feature film, Relationship Status....

For those who are clueless about this film, their website states Relationship Status is based on the numerous options available on sites such as Facebook and tells the story of a number of KL-ites from all walks of life whose relationships are created, changed and sometimes even ruined by social networking and the way we communicate in this day and age. Some of the stories in Relationship Status may make you laugh whilst some may make you cry. What is for certain, though, is that all the stories will ring true. In fact, most if not all stories are based on actual events that have happened and could have only happened in the 21st century with the popularity of social networking sites....

Just like Malaysia, the country in which the stories in Relationship Status are situated, the film is multi-ethnic and multi-lingual. Some of the characters speak English, some speak Malay, some speak Hokkien. The stories in Relationship Status feature people from all walks of life and of all ages - from students in puppy love and young professionals in blossoming relationships to those that are married and even widowed. But regardless of how different all these characters are, by the end of the movie all their relationships will be directly affected due to social networks. Some for the better, and some for the worse.....

The premiere took place last night at TGV in Sunway Pyramid. It had been a long time since I stepped foot there and things certainly had changed. As being instructed to by the man himself, I suited up. Heading towards the cinema was an experience in itself considering I was walking around the mall in a full blown suit, bow tie in tow (I wear bow ties now. Bow ties are cool). Upon arriving, I noticed Khai, in true fashion, had suited up as well, with The Doctor's red converse in tow. Bastard....

photo courtesy of Ariff Aris

The film stars an extremely strong cast from both the film and theatre industry. That list includes Gavin Yap, Davina Goh, Tony Eusoff, Daphne Iking, Baki Zainal, Ruzana Ibrahim, Alfred Loh, Shuba Jay, Benji Lim, Amanda Ang, Adeline Ong, Pete Teo, Susan Lankester & Will Quah. There are also two cameos by two theatre actors who will remain a secret until you watch it. Khai undoubtedly chose the right people to put this piece together.....

The story is fantastic and is easily relate-able to anyone, old and young, those on Facebook or not, there is definitely something for everyone. Even though the stories were intertwined with each other, it was incredibly straight forward to understand and never left me questioning who was dating who, unlike other ensemble pieces I have watched. You could easily connect with the characters and leave you sometimes wanting to take sides in their situations. There was never a dull moment and left me wanting to see more. As I had mentioned to him yesterday, Relationship Status is Khai's very own Chasing Amy.....

The film opens today at selected TGV cinemas and I highly recommend that you watch it. To find out more information, you can always head to the Relationship Status website here or the TGV website here. Lastly, you can always check out Khai's website here....

This is again another movie that has inspired me to start writing and directing my own short films. Khai, you have done it again. I have been and will always be a humongous fan of yours and am always eagerly awaiting your next film, be it independent or feature. Anything you do is just awesome. Thanks so much for everything you've done for me and doing the honour of letting me work with you in your flicks. Oh and also for changing my life completely by introducing me to The Doctor. You rock!!!!

Food, Sex, Death & Pictures....

2011-08-04T10:06:00.005+08:00

So as quickly as I publicized the two shows, here's a little bit more to whet your appetite and give you a little sneak peek as to what to expect from Food, Sex & Death....

Photos taken by Carmen Chow of Candid Photography

Two Shows, One Night....

2011-08-04T08:36:00.005+08:00

With opening night looming in just under 12 hours time, it's time to do some last minute publicity to get you guys pumped up and hopefully come for the show. Now, not only is there Food, Sex & Death, but running alongside it is an interactive theatre festival called Two On One. Here's the details on both the events....

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Food, Sex & Death

5 stories by 5 actors about the 3 things that we all can’t do without! Whether you come from a HDB flat or a PJ terrace house, these stories will undoubtedly be familiar to us even after 46 years of separation. Playwrights Desmond Sim (Singapore) and Nandang Abdul Rahman (Malaysia) explore the appetites, pleasures and miseries that are still common on both sides of the Causeway.

Written by: Desmond Sim (Singapore) & Nandang Abdul Rahman (Malaysia)
Directed by: Christopher Ling
Featuring: Belinda Hon, Devyani Gupta, Kamini Senthilathiban, Nabil Zakaria & Nick Dorian
Executive Producer: Dato Faridah Merican
Artistic Director: Joe Hasham OAM

[DETAILS]:

Venue: Pentas 2 @ KLPAC
Date & Time: 4–6 August 2011 @ 8.30pm | 6 – 7 August 2010 @ 3.00pm
Tickets: RM23; RM13 [Concession for students, senior citizens, the disabled & TAS card members]

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Two-On-One: A Interactive Theatre Festival

Experience theatre as you have never experienced it before – one actor to two audience members. Meet the Angel of Death. Hide from a scorned lover. Prepare food with the limbs of another. Join us for an intimately interactive theatre experience as T4YP explores the theme of Food, Sex & Death a step further.

Directed and Devised by Tung Jit Yang & Yusuf Amin
Featuring: Amir Yunos, Ashley Tan, Banun Atina, Sharon Lam, Vincent Lai & Yusuf Amin
Executive Producer: Dato Faridah Merican
Artistic Director: Joe Hasham OAM

[DETAILS]:

Venue: Meeting Point, Foyer @ KLPAC
Date & Time: 4–7 August 2011 @ 7.00pm – 11.00pm
Tickets: Minimum donation of RM20

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So yes. Two shows running at the same time and here's an idea of how to catch them both in one night. From 8:30 - 9:30pm, you can sit back and watch Food, Sex & Death. Then at 10pm, you can head to the Two On One booth an experience a night of saving the world, pleading your case to go to heaven or hell, convince someone to have sex and so much more. So what are you waiting for??? Go buy your tickets now!!!

For more details, head to the facebook event page here, the Causeway EXchange website here, the T4YP website here, or the KLPAC website here....

You won't be disappointed ;)

Countdown....

2011-07-25T22:58:00.003+08:00

The clock is ticking. It's another about 8 hours until we board the bus to Singapore. Surprisingly, i'm not feeling excited at all. Maybe i'm just tired, or maybe the feeling hasn't kicked in yet. But being in the rehearsal space for the last time tonight honestly made me a little sad. So much has happened in that room. From the moment of the first ever script read till the moment now, so much has happened. We've cried, fought, bonded and of course laughed at weird looking paper boats. Even tonight we all still had so much fun and laughter. It's then I realised that the people i'm working with were not just friends anymore. They were my family. My brother and sisters.....

I can't imagine what will happen in Singapore, but all I know that with this family with me, it's gonna be one hell of a fun ride....

Singapore, the FSD-ers are coming for ya!!!!

Durians....

2011-07-20T09:05:00.004+08:00

The days are drawing close and the butterflies are already spinning around in my stomach. We're leaving for Singapore next Tuesday and opening there next Thursday. AHHHHH!!!! Freaking out!!! First time performing there. I have no idea what to expect. I don't know how the audience there will be like or how the space feels. So many unanswered questions....

I guess that's the advantage you get with the home field. You know pretty much how all the Theatre spaces look like, how the Malaysian audiences are, so that after a while, you kinda get used to it and understand it better. But in Singapore, anything can happen for us. But that's not to say i'm not excited. God knows I am. This is all too fantastic. So before I keep rambling on and on, let me remind you again of the dates and what not....

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Singapore Run

Date & Time: 28 – 30 July @ 8pm

Venue: The Hall at The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429

Admission: $ 25 (Adults), $ 15 (Students, Seniors & NSF)

Tickets: Tickets available at all Bytes outlets | online www.bytes.sg/

Hotline (+65) 6332 6919 tickets@toph.com.sg

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Malaysia Run

Date & Time: 4 – 6 August @ 8:30pm. 6 - 7 August @ 3pm

Venue: Pentas 2 at KLPAC, Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan, 51100 Kuala Lumpur

Admission: RM 23 (Adults), RM 13 (Students, Seniors, Disabled & TAS Card Members)

Tickets: Tickets available 1st August

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TFor more information about the individual stories, click here. Also, if you want to read about the actors personal experiences while rehearsing the show, click here.

So to our dear friends over in Singapore, if you haven't bought your tickets yet, what are you waiting for??? This isn't a show you want to miss. Trust me ;)

Delicious, Desirable, Deadly....

2011-07-13T08:23:00.007+08:00

It's been very quiet on my blog recently and for good reason too. It's funny looking at the last post I wrote and how emo I got at one point. Well, no time to be emo, well not for the time being at least. Too excited for that now....

The butterflies are going off in my stomach. My heart is racing a million miles a minute. And why? Singapore baybeh....

The time has come, i'm finally performing in Singapore!! I couldn't be happier!! Myself and some of the other T4YP-ers will be heading down to Singapore to perform the play entitled Food, Sex & Death.

The Actors Studio Singapore presents a klpac production of FOOD, SEX and DEATH. 6 stories by 5 actors about the 3 things that we all can’t do without! Whether you come from a HDB flat or a PJ terrace house, these stories will undoubtedly be familiar to us even after 46 years of separation. Playwrights Desmond Sim (Singapore) and Nandang Abdul Rahman (Malaysia) explore the appetites, pleasures and miseries that are still common on both sides of the Causeway.

Food, Sex & Death is presented by klpac’s Theatre For Young People (T4YP) programme.

Date & Time: 28^th Thurs – 30^th Sat July @ 8pm

Venue: The Hall at The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429

Admission: $ 25 (Adults), $ 15 (Students, Seniors & NSF)

Tickets: Tickets available at all Bytes outlets | online www.bytes.sg/

Hotline (+65) 6332 6919 tickets@toph.com.sg

For more information on the individual stories, please click here

I still can't believe this is happening. It's unbelievable. I always dreamed of performing over in Singapore and now it's happening. I can't wait!!!

Oh and to our Malaysian friends, don't worry. We'll be back in Pentas 2, KLPAC to perform Food, Sex & Death on the 4-8th of August, as you can see from the poster above....

Lastly, T4YP will also be at Urbanscapes this year to perform The Room Of Secrets, an interactive performance where your secrets come to life right before your eyes. It's gonna be a lot of fun, so come down and support us if you can :)

So yes. I'll update you about this more as time goes on. So excited!!!!

Stage Four....

2011-06-16T08:28:00.004+08:00

Been listening to this song on loop the last two days. Been listening to Damien Rice for the last four days. It's strange really mainly because it's been such a long while since i've heard that haunting voice. This only tells me one thing. Something is affecting me emotionally. Problem is this time, I can't pin point the exact problem. Usually the only reasons for me listening to Damien is mainly love issues. This time, that isn't it....

What can it be honestly? Loneliness? Insecurities? Life itself? I don't know. But I hope I figure it out soon before it all explodes....

Somethings Missing....

2011-06-13T08:02:00.005+08:00

I sit in an empty space. The world passes on by. The cars, the motorcycles, the people, all passing me by. Something is missing in my life. Yet, I can't confront this feeling. Feelings towards another, just feel strange. The simplest words seem to hurt for no reason. My head isn't thinking right. My heart isn't where it used to be. Things feel different, yet the same....

I don't know what i'm saying anymore....

Quiet Time....

2011-05-12T09:16:00.000+08:00

It's safe to say the last couple of weeks, it has been a hectic time for me. It was the final stretch of shooting for James Lee's new film Petaling Street Warrior (in which I have a supporting role in), preparations for Women Of Malaysia's launch was in full swing (do visit the site by clicking here. The picture showcased are mine :D)and lastly, and sadly, I received the news that my father had passed away....

Upon waking up one morning, I hopped onto the internet and realised that both my email and facebook inbox's had a message from a woman, Debbie. The fact that she knew my birth name threw me off as I had never seen nor heard about this woman in my life. So upon replying her messages, she gave me the news no son wants to hear. My father had passed away. He suffered a heart attack and passed away on the 18th of December 2007. I don't know why she took so long to find me, but i'm glad she did in the end. She apologised profusely for springing this news on me but it didn't matter. The fact was, my father was dead. The man I had been searching for since he left my family when I was 9, was dead. I didn't know what to do, and still don't. I have never lost anybody close to me in my life. I didn't know how to deal with a loved one dying, let alone my own father.....

I posted the news on facebook. It was the only thing I knew how to do at that point. It was at that point, I was overcome with all the wishes and condolences from friends some of which I have not contacted in a long time. Calls came in. Texts came in. I was deeply and truly touched by all this and without that, I probably would not have been as strong as I was to film my scenes the very next day. For all that, I thank you for all the support.....

Once the dust cleared and things started to slow down, I retreated for a while. Staying at home, finding that quiet time I had been looking for. That's when I joined POD's. POD's is a Backpackers Home in Brickfields. Capri & Helena are working there and Capri told me they were looking for people. So I went and cut the story short, I work here now. I am taking the morning shift so if you come here from 7AM to 2PM, you will see my face. This may come to a shock to all my close friends because usually this is the time you would usually see me sleeping. But being here also gives me the quiet time I need, for now....

I think my fathers death sent a shock to my system that it's time to start living a healthier lifestyle. My father was barely 60 and he suffered a heart attack and passed away. I know he loved his food and his beer, much like I do. In a sense, I was much more like my father than I was like my mother. POD's is a good place for me. It brings me back to how my body should function. Awake in the day, asleep at night. I just wish he didn't have to go....

So yeah, in closing, if there are any backpackers reading this or friends who have backpackers, send them over to POD's The Backpackers Home....

It's probably the most chilled and relaxed place i've been in a long time, and i'm not saying that because I work here. Do click the link here and it will send you straight to the website. Or you can find them on facebook here....

I love you and i'll miss you dad....

Pimped Out Nights....

2011-04-20T17:58:00.009+08:00

5 years ago, I was walking towards the ticketing counter of GSC 1Utama when I looked up the screen and saw this trailer. It was different from the other explosion filled, CGI induced trailers put up at the time. Even though I couldn't hear anything, the visuals on the screen was enough to get me hooked and look at my then girlfriend and said "we MUST watch this". A couple of weeks later, we bought tickets, sat down and watched this film. Ever since then, I have yet to find a local film as fun and exciting as Ciplak....

Fast forward two years. Urbanscapes 2008. I had found out Ciplak was playing. I had to watch it again. I frikkin' loved this film. It was there that I bumped into it's director and the man I would try to emulate ever since. Khairil M. Bahar, or Khai....

Over the years, I have had the pleasure of working this man on projects such as Ghost, Healthy Paranoia & Lucky Shot. By far, he is probably the most fun director I have worked with and it shows in his films. He has this wonderful rapport with his actors that I have not seen with anyone else. And also the fact that he is a wonderful friend and an all round awesome dude....

Well, now comes his moment of glory that has been long time coming. We Are Malaysian Made is having not only one but two nights dedicated to this prolific DIY filmaker....

27 April 2011 | 8:30 PM | The Bee @ Jaya One Minimum Donation of RM10

Come drop by The Bee and see the film that started my admiration and semi-obsession of the man. Ciplak. As I have said before, this is possibly one of my favourite local films and nobody should miss this opportunity!! Lastly, stick around for the Q&A with the man himself....

5 May 2011 | 8:30 PM | The Actors Studio @ Lot 10 Minimum Donation of RM10

Now here's a way to see all the rest fantastic work of this filmmaker. Come down and watch his collection of short films as well as hear an announcement of his next big project!! There will also be a Q&A with Khai as well as the fact that he will be selling DVD's of Ciplak as well!! I know i'll be getting one....

For more information about all this, check out We Are Malaysian Made's site here and if you want to delve into the mind of Khai, go visit his website here. Oh, also check out his showreel below....

This night has been a long time coming and i'm so glad it's happening. You Rock DUDE!!!

Sissies

2011-04-19T22:25:00.003+08:00

Besut boot camp for 66 sissies

KUALA TERENGGANU: The state Education Department has sent 66 schoolboys with effeminate tendencies to a camp aimed at helping them behave in a proper manner.

"The four-day camp in Besut, the first-ever to be held here, started yesterday. It is to help address the problem afflicting secondary schoolboys.

"They were listed by their schools who were instructed last year to identify students who displayed feminine qualities," said department director Razali Daud.

He said the remedial effort was prompted by the rising number of effeminate schoolboys in the state.

"The severity of the symptoms vary, but the 66 schoolboys were showing behaviours that is not usually displayed by a normal male of their age."

Razali said the link between effeminate behaviour among male students and transsexuality should be a matter of concern that should not be ignored.

"As educators, we have to do something about it before the young ones misunderstand people and reach the point of no return.

"We are not intervening with the process of nature as we are merely trying to guide these students to a proper path in life."

The students will be attending physical education and religious classes conducted by motivational speakers.

"The students must understand that there are choices in life and we want them to know all the options available to them.

"We understand that some people end up as mak nyah (transvestite) or a homosexual, but we will do our best to limit the number."

Razali said parents and teachers should observe the slightest effeminate tendency in their male children from an early age.

"If left unchecked, it could become a problem later in life for them, their families and society."

I read this earlier today, on the way back home from the airport. The headline in itself made my blood boil. But the more I read, the more irritated and sadder I got....

Who are you to decide what lifestyle choice people choose? Each of us are born as equals and have our own rights to choose our own path. The only difference is, these guys have chosen to be effeminate and because of that, you feel the need to change them! This is just plain disgusting....

The point of no return? Honestly? Do you really think it's that bad to be effeminate or even gay? What are you afraid of? They are just like you and me. They drink the same water, eat the same food, walk the same streets. So why treat them differently? By sending them to this camp for being so called "sissies", what are you thinking you will achieve? Scare them straight? Good for you....

What makes this whole thing sad is how deep inside your little denial hole you are in, that you can't even see the bigger picture. You are trained that a man should be a man, that you can't even understand the fact that sometimes a man can make another man very happy. In your eyes, men are meant to be strong, brave, assert control over others, have sex and and all sense of the phrase "be a man". Please, I beg of you, open your eyes and see all the colours of this world....

It's been a while since i've ranted like this, and I try to avoid it as much as I can simply because not everyone agrees with my opinion and ranting doesn't do anyone any good. But this time, I just couldn't keep it in. The fact that i've got a lot of effeminate friends, just made me want to stand up and scream when I saw this article. So I apologise for my rants and the fact that these opinions are my own and no one elses....

The only people who will be happy at the end of the day is you, not the 66 "sissies" you are sending away....

Hunny....

2011-04-12T01:23:00.005+08:00

When I was young, I didn't have many friends. I was shy, awkward and in many cases, that weird kid no one wanted to hang out with. As a result of this, I spent a lot of time at home. I remember I was 4 when my mother first put in that video tape and introduced me to my new friend, Winnie The Pooh....

He was more than just a character to me, he was my best friend. Every day, I would join him, Tigger, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit, Owl and Christopher Robin on their adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood. My mother thought I was a bit crazy but I didn't care. I had (and still have) my own little life size Winnie The Pooh (which is now my back seat passenger in my car, driving my friends mad)....

At one stage in my life, I even acted as Winnie The Pooh in a stage performance in Sunway Pyramid. This little bear was my everything....

But as time went on, we drifted apart. He grew and I grew. Somewhere along the line, Christopher Robin went missing and a new girl Darby stepped in as the gangs new companion. But no matter what, I still missed the little guy....

Then a couple of months back, my eyes stumbled upon the greatest find i've ever encountered. My best friend was returning, on the big screen....

I couldn't believe my eyes. The whole gang was back, plus Christopher Robin!! Tears came into my eyes as I saw all their faces after so long, it felt like I was seeing old friends after so long. Eventually, I saw the trailer and hearing all their voices just made me break down in tears....

Come July 21st, Winnie The Pooh will be on the big screens of Malaysia....

No matter what people say, deep down, we all have a connection to something from our childhood. Be it a pet, friend, toy or book, we all have something close to our hearts. These guys are mine. I've missed you Pooh and i'm so happy you're back....

I'm A Peep....

2011-04-03T04:09:00.004+08:00

A little while back, I hopped over to Khai's place to catch up, since it had been ages since we last chilled. After a bit, he suddenly got an idea to film something. Below is what went down....

I am a peep....

Supermodel Status

2011-03-18T15:47:00.004+08:00

Now doesn't this just put a smile on my face :D

Have never been prouder of Candid Photography than I am today....

Legendarily Epic

2011-03-14T00:00:00.007+08:00

My father once used to tell me about Frank, Dean & Sammy and how their performances were in a class of their own. They weren't just singers but entertainers. I never fully understood until tonight....

Ever since I first heard of Michael Bublé, I have been in love with him and his music. Seriously. All my friends know i've got such a man crush on him. Tonights concert stamped that fact. He is such a wonderful entertainer. At the start of the show, he told all of us "i'm not here to have a concert. i'm here to throw a party". And what a party it was. With his suave jokes and charismatic smile, he stole all our hearts tonight....

This indeed wasn't a concert at all but a show. With his quirky jokes and laid back tunes, he made us all feel as if we were in a intimate jazz lounge instead of a big stadium. It was unbelievable. Words cannot begin to describe how amazing this show was. Unfortunately I didn't get to take any pictures of the night, but I did manage to squeeze in a couple of videos....

The best show opening ever....

Everything....

A Little Disney Moment....

A Michael Jackson Moment....

Feeling Good....

Once again, thank you so much Michael Bublé for coming over to our shores!! We love you!!

Someone To Save You...

2011-03-13T01:14:00.004+08:00

Been having this song play on loop recently. Just find it so poignant. In everyone of our lives, we have a mentor or parent figure in our lives we look up to as the strongest person we know, but as time goes on, sometimes a mentor isn't as strong as you think he is and needs his apprentice to save him from his own demons. Eminem speaks that truth loud and clear in this haunting song....

Runaway Baby Cuz Hollywood Is Dead....

2011-03-12T16:49:00.004+08:00

Two concerts, one month apart. Man, i'm so broke....

Can't wait to watch Bublé tomorrow!!!

Hooligans Unite....

2011-03-11T14:38:00.011+08:00

It really is turning out to be a good start of the year for concert goers in Malaysia. We've got great artistes such as Bublé, Maroon 5 and *cough cough* Bieber, but next on the list is the one and only doo-wopper and hooligan, Bruno Mars....

Ever since I first laid hands on Bruno Mars' debut album, i've been hooked to his musical style and lyrics. It's rare to find an artist these days that revives to Doo-Wop style of music. Ever since then, i've been praying that he comes over to our shores, and my wishes came true!! And if his concert is anything like his recent Grammy performance, we're in for a real treat....

I have been waiting for the tickets to come out for more than a month already and I can't wait to get my hands on them now. Now to search for the money to get the tickets. Wish I was getting paid this week....

But I WILL be there to rock out to Bruno!! Will you?

Honey Isn't Always Sweet....

2011-03-09T14:46:00.009+08:00

Despite me publicizing The Last 5 Years like nobodys business, there is another production that deserves an equal amount of attention. Coming soon at The Actors Studio @ Lot 10 is a play called Madu II....

“Tepuk amai-amai, belalang kupu-kupu, tepuk biar pandai, nanti upah susu. Susu lemak manis, santan kelapa muda, kakak jangan nangis, abang kita banyak kerja.”

We hear about it, we read about it, and often we’re told what to think about it. Polygamy is a norm, whether we like it or not; but too often we hear only the stories of men. What is it like to be a madu (co-wife) in a modern world where the rights of women are, at least in principle, the same as men?

How does a madu live her life knowing that the man she loves exclusively does not love her in the same way? And what of two wives who live under the same roof, sharing only the love for the same man and little else? Are they empowered? Are they condemned? Or are they entirely something different, beyond the understanding of most of us because they too are unsure?

Alfian Sa’at’s play Madu II is more than just a play, or incisive social commentary, or a statement on what is or ought to be, and its characters are more than mere studies. Madu II contains the same quiet hopes, shattered dreams, compromised joys — and the honest humanity — of many women who live in polygamous households. It is at once breathtaking as it is heartbreaking, uproarious in its humour, pathos, and outrage.

Madu II was first staged in 1998 and later toured to Kuala Lumpur in 2001. It was presented as part of the double-bill Bulan Madu with Anak Bulan di Kampung Wa’ Hassan and was supported by National Arts Council, Singapore, and Dewan Bahasa Pustaka.

At the age of twenty-one, Alfian published his first collection of poetry, One Fierce Hour, which was hailed “truly a landmark for poetry [in Singapore]” by The Straits Times. A year later, Alfian published his first collection of short stories, Corridor, which won the Singapore Literature Prize Commendation Award. Seven of the short stories from the collection have since been adapted for television. In 2001, he published his second collection of poetry, A History of Amnesia, which was hailed by The Straits Times as “one of the most powerful collections by a Singaporean” in addition to being shortlisted for a Kiriyama Asia-Pacific Book Prize. Alfian won both the inaugural National Arts Council-Singapore Press Holdings Golden Point Award for Poetry in the same year, as well as the National Arts Council’s Young Artist Award for Literature.

Alfian’s plays have been performed extensively in Singapore as well as in Malaysia.

SHOW DETAILS:

Date: 6 April @ 8.30pm (preview); 7 – 9 April @ 8.30pm, 10 April @ 3pm

Venue: The Actors Studio @ Lot 10

Tickets: RM33 (centre seats), RM23 (side seats, students & the disabled)

Promotion: RM23 (preview) or 10% off for Short Eyes + Madu II

(for adult-priced tickets purchased in a single transaction only)

Penerbit Eksekutif / Executive Producer: Dato’ Faridah Merican

Pengarah Artistik / Artistic Director: Joe Hasham OAM

Karya / Written by: Alfian Sa’at

Arahan / Directed by: U-En Ng

Dilakonkan oleh / Featuring: Elza Irdalynna & Inessa Irdayanty

*Sesi soal jawab akan berlangsung selepas setiap persembahan.

*There will be a Q&A session at the end of each show.

KAUNTER TIKET / BOX OFFICE:

Call 03 2142 2009 / 2143 2009 (or)

Walk in to The Actors Studio @ Lot 10

http:// theactorsstudio.com.my

The play stars award winning actress Elza Irdalynna as well as her equally talented sister and TAS actor in residence Inessa Irdayanty. It is also directed by journalist and talented writer U-En Ng. And to top things off, the writer of the play is the one and only Alfian Sa'at and his plays are definitely something to watch....

Now that my writing is done, go check out the trailer below and then proceed to go buy tickets....

Before I sign off, the two sisters will also be performing in a rehearsed reading for Baca along with Patrick Teoh! The play is called Turn Over and is written by U-En Ng as well. Can't wait to see what the play is about as i'm quite a big fan of U-En's work since Sybil....

For more details on Baca, click here....

Young Thespians....

2011-03-08T15:15:00.005+08:00

Three years ago, a young director set out to create a theatre group for the young thespians of Malaysia. Two years ago, I auditioned to be part of this group and started my journey with them. Ever since then, i've been constantly involved with this group. The group i'm talking about is T4YP....

That time of the year has come again where T4YP is on the lookout for new, young talents to join us. Personally speaking, T4YP is one of the most fun acting groups you can find and will teach you so many things about theatre and acting. Whether you be a first timer, or a young actor looking for an opportunity, this is definitely an opportunity not to be missed....

Young people are the future of Malaysian Theatre. They hold in their hands the ability to create vibrant, thought-provoking theatre for all Malaysians. The idea of a theatre for young people was first outlined in a Sunday Star article back in 1991 by Joe Hasham. What seemed like an impossible dream then has since materialised with the launch of klpac’s ground-breaking Theatre for Young People (T4YP) programme 3 years ago. The only programme of its kind in the country, klpac’s Theatre for Young People (T4YP) is aimed at providing a platform for young people with the opportunity to express themselves by creating meaningful theatre.

Once again, we would like to welcome young people between the ages of 16 to 25 years old to be part of the T4YP Ensemble as actors for Season 2011. Previous theatre experience is not essential. However, commitment, creativity and dedication are…

Season 2011 runs for a period of six months from April to September and features three mainstage productions in Pentas 2 and a 2-week season of experimental theatre in the Indicine. Throughout the season, compulsory weekly rehearsals are conducted on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights as well as Saturday afternoons. Ensemble members may be required to attend rehearsals on certain Sunday afternoon and nights as well.

AUDITION DETAILS:
One Day Only: 27 March 2011 (Sun)
Time slots: 10am - 1pm, 2pm - 6pm & 7pm - 9pm
Venue: Indicine, klpac (Level 2)

Come Prepared with:
ONE Classical Monologue (2 minutes)
Text in verse by Shakespeare, Monologue must be memorised

ONE Contemporary Monologue (2 minutes)
Non-comedic/Serious, text in prose from any contemporary 20th, 21st century playwright
or any movie screenplay, Monologue must be memorised

ONE Contemporary Monologue (2 minutes)
Comedic/Funny, text in prose from any contemporary 20th, 21st century playwright
or any movie screenplay, Monologue must be memorised

OPTIONAL: ONE Song (1 minute)
to be sung acapella

NOTE:
Audition is by appointment only!
Contact the T4YP Hotline on 016-6974310 and speak to or SMS Belinda
to book an audition slot now.

Closing date for registration:
25 March 2011 (Fri) by 6.30pm
After this date, no entries will be accepted.
No walk-ins will be entertained on the day.

For more information on T4YP and their past productions, visit their blog at
http://t4yp.wordpress.com and http://www.klpac.org/

So as I said before, this is definitely an opportunity not to be missed and if you get into the ensemble, it will definitely be an experience you won't forget as well as the fact you will gain a new family. If you're lucky enough, you'll get to work with some of the alumni members, such as myself :D

Now stop reading this and go book your slot now!!!

A Miracle Would Happen....

2011-02-27T22:55:00.004+08:00

As you can see, i've been MIA from my blog yet again, but this time for good reason. I've been hard at work running around finding locations and taking pictures for the upcoming musical The Last 5 Years....

A fresh and contemporary musical from Tony-Award wining composer Jason Robert Brown. The Last Five Years opens klpac’s Resident Directors Season for 2011. The One-act musical will be directed by Co-Associate Artistic Director and Resident Director of klpac, Christopher Ling ( Best Director, Short + Sweet Musical 2010).

The Last Five Years is emotionally powerful and intimate musical about a young couple – a rising novelist and a struggling actress – who fall in and out of love over the course of five years. The show chronicles their relationship in a rather unconventional way: her story starts at the end of their relationship; his begins on the day they met. Funny and uplifting, the show captures some of the most heartbreaking and universally felt moments of modern romance.

Written by Jason Robert Brown, the story was inspired by his personal experience of a failed marriage. The musical premiered in Chicago in 2001 then produced off Broadway in the year after, and it won the 2002 Drama Desk Award for outstanding music and lyrics. The show has since been produced at almost every major regional theatre in the US, and has been seen in Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Germany, Italy, Canada, and Spain.

klpac’s production of The Last Five Years stars Tabitha Kong (ADAM The Musical) and Jon Chew (ADAM The Musical, Birdy, Cock). Stephen Tok is musical director for the production, which marks his second collaboration with Christopher after his work on Michael John LaChuisa’s musical, Bernarda Alba,which was staged to huge success in March last year. The production will also feature projections designed by Candid Photography.

The Last Five Years will be Christopher’s only musical theatre piece for this year. After this, he turns his focus back to young people, directing T4YP’s (Theatre For Young People) ‘first mainstage production in May with a brand new ensemble –A History of Falling Things by British playwright James Graham.

Date & Time:
10 March @ 8.30pm (preview)
12 March, 15 – 19 March @ 8.30pm
13 & 20 March @ 3pm

Venue:
Pentas 2, klpac

Ticket Price:
RM35 / RM25 (students & the disabled)

Promotions:
Preview 10 March @ RM25 flat
Rush Ticket Special (2 hours before show) 11 – 13 March @ RM25
Midweek Special 15 – 17 Mar @ RM25

As you have read, Candid Photography will be providing images to accompany the show. We're pretty excited about this opportunity and can't wait to show you guys what we have in store for you....

I've personally sat in for the rehearsals and as I watch the performance, it is a very emotionally charged and wonderful performance to watch that will tug at your heart strings. So if you have the time, do come down and watch the performance. Trust me, you won't regret it....

Lastly, check out the trailer for the show below....

The Metal Rabbit....

2011-02-03T05:14:00.004+08:00

Gong Xi Fa Cai!!!!!

Dance, Dance....

2011-02-02T04:27:00.005+08:00

A couple of years back, I stumbled across this video of a performance of Natalie Imbruglia's hit Torn, but with a twist....

I was fascinated but wanted to know more about this comic genius. Then I stumbled upon him again performing Oasis' Don't Look Back In Anger....

His name was Johann Lippowitz. He was the brain child of comedian David Armand. Essentially, Johann Lippowitz was an Austrian interpretive dance artist. Well, now he's lost his beanie and is now performing those amazing interpretive dances as himself. Take a look, you won't be disappointed....

Unbelievable

2011-02-02T00:09:00.003+08:00

As I was searching for Sammy Davis Jr. vids on YouTube when I stumbled across this gem. An Australian ad for Electronic Sales & Rentals starring none other than Sammy Davis Jr. and our very own Joe Hasham back in his heyday....

I can't believe i've worked for someone that has been in the same room as one of my singing idols. This is unbelievable....

7 AM....

2011-02-01T06:59:00.001+08:00

I don't know why, but this cracked me up so bad....

We Are Photographers....

2011-01-31T01:52:00.004+08:00

Click the image to head to the new site....

Bars & Bedrooms....

2011-01-26T01:42:00.003+08:00

Hey you! Yes you! Ever wanted to try your hand at acting? Are you an actor looking for an opportunity? Are you a madman who wants to try something new??? Well here's your chance....

The production will take place from the 16th till the 22nd of May at The Actors Studio @ Lot 10. For those of you who are unsure where Araville is, click here for a map. Or you can follow the directions below.

Get to Bangsar Shopping Centre. At the junction outside BSC, head UP the hill (Jln Penaga) and keep following that road till you get to a set of traffic lights (junction of Jln Penaga and Jln Ara). Turn right, and take the next immediate right after onto Jln Kapas. Head up the hill, turn right again, head straight through the T-junction and Araville Apartments is on your left. Outdoor and indoor parking is free. Ask for Alex at the guardhouse, head up to the swimming pool on the 3rd floor and the Function Room is there. It's hard to miss.

Remember, if the guard is being arsey, just ask for Alex!

Epic F'n Win....

2011-01-25T00:26:00.002+08:00

This, my friends, is why Kevin Smith is awesome....

Kevin Smith joins protesters counter-protesting a protest by the Westboro Baptist Church outside the Sundance screening of his controversial “religious horror movie” Red State.
(AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)

Storytellers....

2011-01-21T00:20:00.000+08:00

A couple of hours ago, I came back from a very moving and touching play. A heart warming story of three very different women trying to find their own little sense of hope in life. It was the second play of the new year that I have seen, the first being Someone Who'll Watch Over Me, and it is safe to say, the bar for theatre this year and the future has been set. The play i'm talking about is Model Citizens....

What does it take to be a model citizen?

The Necessary Stage explores this and more as they return with yet another original, thought-provoking work, Model Citizens, which premiered in Singapore in March and will be staged in KL in January 2011.

The story unravels after a man stabs a Member of Parliament (MP) at a Meet-the-People Session. The focus of the narrative, however, is on three women – the man’s girlfriend, an Indonesian maid who wants to get married and become a Singapore citizen; the MP’s wife, who tries to cope with her husband’s injury and the media spotlight; and the maid’s employer, who is also struggling with her personal tragedy.

These three women may mean nothing to each other, but they need one another to survive. Are they all model citizens?

Model Citizens marks yet another milestone for Director Alvin Tan and Playwright Haresh Sharma, who have been working together for more than two decades on over 60 plays with The Necessary Stage. This brand new production features an all female ensemble comprising theatre stalwarts Goh Guat Kian, Siti Khalijah and Karen Tan.

True to form of any of The Necessary Stage’s productions, Model Citizens looks at urgent contemporary issues in our society in this day and age, through an intricate study of human relationships.

Previous works The Necessary Stage and klpac have co-presented in Malaysia include Good People and Gemuk Girls.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Director Alvin Tan

Writer Haresh Sharma

Featuring Goh Guat Kian, Siti Khalijah and Karen Tan

Multimedia Design Mohd Fadlin Bin Mohd Saffri

Set Design Vincent Lim

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Date & Time | 19 January 2011 @ 8.30pm (preview), 20 – 22 January 2011 @ 8.30pm, 22 January 2011 @ 3.00pm

Venue | Pentas 2, klpac

Ticket Price | RM33 / RM23 (students & the disabled)

Promotion | RM15 on preview night and Saturday matinee

Ticket Bookings / Enquiries | Call 03 4047 9000

The show has already sold on on the Saturday 22nd matinee show and it's clear why. The writer has a wonderful sense of storytelling which has been lost in local theatre in recent years. There's a mix of love, loss, discovery and the age old fight between the people and the government. The all female cast really shined in each of their individual roles and the set was simple yet fantastically utilised. This really is yet, another play not to be missed. It's understandable why it was voted the Play Of The Year in Singapore last year. It's a wonderful play....

I highly urge you catch it before it's too late. Only 3 shows left!!

The Boys Are Back....

2011-01-20T23:46:00.005+08:00

Chinese New Year. A time for joy, a time for families, a time for reunions, a time to eat. I always look forward to CNY because it's the one time of year I see my nieces and nephews from Singapore and my Seremban relatives. This year however, there's an added bonus. The MACC boys are back....

Out of all the comedians out there in KL, these guys are definitely my favourite. I've had the pleasure to work with both Douglas and Jenhan and both of them are equally a riot of laughs off stage as well as on stage. To have a little peek into their humour, take a look at these three ads, parodying the festive ads we have on TV....

Tickets are already selling out fast and after you watch their show, you'll know why. So what are you waiting for?? Get your tickets now

25 - 26 January @ 9pm | RM 28/38
27-28 January @ 9pm | RM 38/48
29 January @ 3pm & 9pm | RM38/48

Tickets can be purchased at the PJLA Box Office. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets online at www.pjla.com.my or call 603 - 7960 0439 / 012 - 683 2009 for information

Wouldn't It Be Strange....

2011-01-20T23:13:00.005+08:00

As I mentioned before in my previous post, I will be performing in a rehearsed reading with EMP for KLPAC's Open Day. Well, here is our little poster to give you a hint of what to expect....

The reading is directed by Alex Chua and features the performances of Calvin Tan, Alexis Wong, Toby Teh, Ani Juliana Ibrahim, Tom Pang and of course myself, Nick Dorian. The script is a collection of poems and monologues that will take you on a tour of an unstable mind and features writers from Malaysia and the UK.We've been rehearsing for the last two weeks and it's such a joy to see this piece lift itself off the page and onto the stage. We all can't wait to perform this piece for you guys on Sunday! Come watch please....

Also, here is the timetable for Open Day....

Click to enlarge....

An Artsy Gathering....

2011-01-16T23:18:00.003+08:00

After a 1 year hiatus, the arts event for all is finally back. Come one come all to KLPAC's Open Day!!!

"What is klpac Open Day all about?"

First of all, it is FREE for all to participate & all to attend.
Every activities on that day itself will be FREE of charge, isn't that awesome?

It's not just performances but also guided tours around the grounds, demonstrations, workshops, talks, open rehearsals, exhibition, and even film screenings.

Not to worry of age limit!! There are activities for adults as well as children. So just come with your open heart...

It'll be a good chance to sample all that the local arts scene can offer and experience first hand all the different genres of arts from traditional to contemporary.

[Workshop]
Bollywood Dance Workshop by Shobana Sahajananan / Come "Lex" Dance by Lakshman Balakrishnan / Speech & Drama Makeover by Mark Beau / How to Use Drama in Your Classroom by Mark Beau (for teachers) / Mime Workshop by Tronoh Theatre Shop / Hip Hop Dance Workshop by Caprice Fong / The EXTREME! Walking Theatre Textbook by Kelvin Wong (16 years old and above only) / The EXTREME Actors' Workout by Kelvin Wong (16 years old and above only) / Indian Classical Dance Workshop by Asthana Arts / Kelas Swing Agogo by KL Swing / Flamenco Dance Workshop by Kayla / Prevent Backpain with Good Posture by David Lim / Contact Improvisation Dance Workshop by Contact Improv KL / Script Analysis Workshop by Marvin Wong / Standup Comedy Workshop by Monti & Logi / Storyteller Chair by Ines Irdayanty (7 to 12 years old only) / YCOM Standup Comedy Workshop / Gamelan Introductory Workshop by Ezanin Mazlan / Cantonese Opera Workshop by Mdm Kam Sin Kiew/ A British Perspective of British Theatre Craft by Charles Donnelly (jointly presented by The Actors Studio & British Council & so on.

[Music Performances]
AkashA / Ariff Akhir / Ariz / Auburn / Caipifruta / Dewangga Sakti / Fall On One / Fynn Jamal / Goh Lee Kwang / Ian Chow / IskanTheGreat / klpac Orchestra / klpac Symphonic Band (ensemble) / Liyana Fizi / Markiza & Peter Hassan & Wong / Michael Chen / Min’z / Poet Stories / Rashdan Harith / Rendra Zawawi / RevuForte / Rosevelt / S.C.A.M. / Silent Scenery / Sofa Session / stringthesizers / Tashya's Ink / The Kuala Lumpur Children’s Choir / Tony Leo / Wong Siew Jye / Young Choral Academy / Young KL Singers / Zest Ensemble

There'll be lots of activites, workshops and performances so there's no reason for you not to turn up. Plus it's free anyway....

I will be performing in EMP's rehearsed reading of an original script 'On The Trail Of Madness' and if I must say so myself, it is quite a script. We'll be performing in Studio 2 of KLPAC (which is in the Actors Studio Academy) from 2 - 3pm....

Hope to see you guys there!!

Stars Have Changed....

2011-01-15T02:00:00.004+08:00

Guess what? Our zodiac has changed....

The field of astrology, which is concerned with horoscopes and the like, felt a major disruption from astronomers, who are concerned with actual stars and planets. The astronomers from the Minnesota Planetarium Society found that because of the moon's gravitational pull on Earth, the alignment of the stars was pushed by about a month.

"When [astrologers] say that the sun is in Pisces, it's really not in Pisces," noted Parke Kunkle, a member of the group's board. Your astrological sign is determined by the position of the sun on the day you were born, so that means everything you thought you knew about your horoscope is wrong.

It turns out that astrology has had issues from its inception. (Aside from the fact that it tries to link personality traits with positions of the stars.) Ancient Babylonians had 13 constellations, but wanted only 12, so threw out Ophuchicus, the snake holder. Libra didn't even enter the picture until the era of Julius Caesar.

Taken from Time

So yeah, the dates have changed and we even have a new zodiac sign, Ophochicus. To read more about the way of live the Ophuchicus, you can click the link here. So take a look at all the new dates....

Unforgivable....

2011-01-12T04:11:00.002+08:00

Scream me on down

I am so forgettable
Well, yes I know, know

Well, shoot me on down
Don't you think this isn't killing me?
It's no more than I deserve

So I don't care what you call me, oh, I
I don't care what you call me, oh, I
I don't care what you call me
'Cause it won't hurt any more

Comfort....

2011-01-10T05:24:00.001+08:00

Truly Famous....

2011-01-09T02:17:00.003+08:00

In 2009, I was part of a project called 15Malaysia. I was in the film Healthy Paranoia, directed by Khai M. Bahar and starring Baki Zainal and myself. As the project went on, it became more and more successful. It went to places like Pusan, France, Singapore and even Hollywood. It's safe to say that I had become a little bit more well known as many people recognised me from it. But I never realised how famous we had gotten until Benji and Khai spotted this....

Photo from Khai M. Bahar

You know you've become famous when you become pirated....

BTW, you can watch all the films here, FOR FREE!!!!

Feeling Good....

2011-01-08T18:02:00.004+08:00

As long as I can remember, I have been a big fan of swing music. Growing up with the sounds of Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin & Dean Martin, the music just swings through my veins. Back in 2003, the debut album of a young Canadian who shared the same passion was launched. His name was Michael Bublé....

Ever since then, I have been a huge fan of his. Not only is he continuing the tradition of swing but he has also introduced a whole new generation to this timeless sound. If there is anyone I idolise, it is him. For my first foray into singing solo live, I actually sang his rendition of Feeling Good as you can see below (at mark 3:03)....

About a month back, I was at Blitzone with Carmen, having our usual L4D session, when we took a break and I went online. I went to go check out the SISTIC website to see if there were any interesting things happening down in Singapore. That's when I saw it. Michael Bublé Live In Singapore. I was ecstatic! There was no way I was going to miss this opportunity. I then went to go check out his site to see if there were any other tour dates. Under Singapore's date, was KL's. I couldn't believe my eyes. My dream has finally come true. He is coming here....

Tickets for the public went on sale today. I got mine. Are you getting yours?

Well it's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life, and i'm feeling good....

Amazing Grace....

2011-01-08T14:21:00.005+08:00

Last night, the curtain went up on a play. The audience was buzzing with excitement. The director was smiling from ear to ear. This was indeed a historic mark in Malaysian Theatre. At 8:30, the lights went down, the sound of a prison door being shut was heard. We were all about to experience a journey of desperation, insanity and hope. The play in question is Someone Who'll Watch Over Me....

3 men. An Englishman, an Irishman and an American have been taken hostage and held in a windowless cell in Beirut. They have no contact with the outside world and are uncertain about their future. As the three men strive for survival they also strive to overcome their differences.

Staying away from violence and politics, the play instead focuses on the remarkable resilience of the human spirit and humanity. It is also peppered with light moments as well as hilarious scenes as the three men amuse themselves and escape into their fantasy worlds.

The play is inspired by Irishman Brian Keenan’s abduction in 1986. He was kidnapped while he was on his way to work at the American University of Beirut. It was only four and a half years later that he was released. Keenan went on to write an autobiographical book called An Evil Cradling which won the Irish Times Literary Prize for Non-fiction in 1991.

Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me premiered at Hampstead Theatre, London, in 1992. The Broadway production starring Stephen Rea ran for five years and was nominated for Best Play and Best Actor in Play in the Tony Award. The show also bagged the 1993 New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Foreign Play.

The KL staging will be directed by Joe Hasham and features a stellar cast comprising British actor Charles Donnelly, Australian actor Kingsley Judd and our very own Gavin Yap. Donnelly and Judd will be reprising their roles from the hugely successful Scottish and Australian production, respectively.

This is by far one of the best Malaysian theatre productions I have seen since Spilt Gravy On Rice back in 2002. The intensity of both the actors as well as the script is unbelievable. It is rare to come across a play like this especially in our theatres. It almost felt like I was in London watching it in a small theatre along the West End. It was that brilliant....

The play runs for about 2 hours with a 15 minute intermission. It's safe to say that the time passes by in an instant. You are immediately drawn to these three helpless characters trapped in Beirut with only themselves to keep them company. It's goes without saying that words cannot do justice to this fantastic piece of work, so I highly urge you to watch it while you still can....

This opportunity must not be missed....

Niamah....

2011-01-03T19:39:00.009+08:00

As long as I can remember, I have been reading the musings of Patrick Teoh on his blog, Niamah, and more recently, his rantings and thoughts on Twitter. Well, now he'll be having his very own book out filled with, what I can guess, his take on life, Malaysia and politics. So if you have the time, do come down for the book launch! The details are shown below....

I'll be there, will you?

Late Night, Early Morning....

2010-11-24T03:14:00.001+08:00

Waking Up....

2010-11-24T02:22:00.001+08:00

Of all the foolish things to do
I became a connoisseur of great excuse
And my pessimistic past the blame
Will never make this go away
Of all the foolish things I’ve said
That keep me sleepy almost dead
I’m sorry if I’ve let you down
My eyes were closed, they’re open now
I’m waking up
I am waking up
I am waking up
I awake

Grenade....

2010-11-21T00:23:00.003+08:00

When I first got my hands on Bruno Mars' album Doo Wops & Hooligans, the opening track really set the tone for the rest of the album. The track being, Grenade. A song dedicated to anybody who has given their all for a man/woman but getting nothing back in return. The song resonated with me on so many levels as I know that feeling all too well. I just want to share that song with you, as well as the brand new music video for it....

I can't help but feel that song is aimed directly at me now....

A Toast....

2010-10-19T00:12:00.009+08:00

And I always find, yeah, I always find somethin' wrong

You been puttin' up wit' my shit just way too long

I'm so gifted at findin' what I don't like the most

So I think it's time for us to have a toast

Let's have a toast for the douchebags,

Let's have a toast for the assholes,

Let's have a toast for the scumbags,

Every one of them that I know

Let's have a toast to the jerkoffs

That'll never take work off

Baby, I got a plan

Run away fast as you can

8 year old me would have probably kicked my ass if he saw what i've turned into.

Awesome....

2010-08-16T02:32:00.001+08:00

I'm Not Dead Yet....

2010-08-14T00:45:00.003+08:00

In life, we take a lot of things for granted. The roof over our heads, the food that we eat, the vehicles we use. Whether we like it or not, we have the tendency of taking all of this for granted. But the one thing that we will always take for granted is our own life. A majority of us don't realise that this life was given to us and therefore we should look after it before it's too late....

About a year ago, I started to experience sharp pains in the back of my head as well as my temples. Alarmed, I decided to go and get my head checked. X-rays and CAT-Scans showed nothing. Doctor said it was a pinched nerve. Ever since then, the pains would come and go. They can range from as mild as just a prick to as bad to the point I black out. Even though I had all this, I just went on with life expecting the situation to sort out on its own. That shouldn't be the case. I am the one that has to fix it....

I have supplements at home to improve my health but I lack the discipline and i'm just plain lazy to take them. Tonight is the night I start taking them. The bunny pointed out that if I don't start taking better care of my health, these pinched nerves could be the death of me. As her eyes started to water, that's when it hit me, my life should not be wasted away. We all only have one life to live and we must live it to it's full potential and live a long and happy life....

To be honest, it's always been in my head that if I were to pass away tomorrow, people would just go "Dorian passed away today. Oh well" and live on with their lives. That could be further from the truth. Dorian, people care about you. People love you. They care too much to just watch you slowly kill yourself. So do yourself a favour, Nick, and take care of your health so that you won't leave her, your family and your friends behind....

I love you, and i'm not leaving anytime soon....

Universal....

2010-05-29T17:15:00.007+08:00

The day had finally arrived. I was fully rested and ready to drive all night (yes Carmen, laugh laugh laugh) to the wonder that is Universal Studios Singapore.

At midnight, myself, Ines and Elza left their house and took to the road. I have driven long distance before, but had never driven to Singapore. So needless to say, I was slightly worried, but tried not to let it show, tried being the keyword. It didn't help that I had huge lorries tailgating me and trying to play games with me. But with the help of Elza, I stayed calm and collected.

5AM came around and we arrived at the Singapore customs. The second I arrived there, I knew how much I liked Singapore. It was soooo clean!!!! :P

Anyway, we then went to meet Elza's mothers friend for breakfast. We had McD. It was good :D

We rested for a little bit at her friends place and then it was onto the main attraction, UNIVERSAL STUDIOS SINGAPORE!!!!

The first thing you are greeted with is the massive iconic Universal globe. Naturally, everybody was taking pictures of it. But I was more excited about entering the gates rather than the globe itself. I was just too damn excited! Once we entered the gates, we were greeted with the Hollywood Boulevard section of the park. Basically, this is where all the shops to buy all your movie merchandise is located, as well as where most of the characters will come out for you to take pictures with.

The first thing we noticed after Hollywood Boulevard was that the Battlestar Galactica roller coaster ride was not functioning. Someone was not happy.

After the disappointment, we moved onto the Madagascar portion of the park.

The main adult ride, A Crate Adventure, was unfortunately not open yet. So only the kiddie ride, King Julien's Beach Party-Go-Round, was our only option. Since it was just a merry go round, we opted out to give Shrek a little visit.

Unfortunately, he wasn't home. So we moved onto Far Far Away Land instead.

And even though we didn't get to meet Shrek, another character greeted us upon our arrival.

The first ride we went on was the Shrek 4-D Adventure. Basically, it is not only a 3D movie, but on top of that, you have mist, wind, moving chairs and some little creatures coming at you to enhance the whole experience. Definitely a must see for anyone who is a Shrek fan.

As you can see from the last picture, there was a hell of a lot of people waiting to watch the film. This is where my saviour for the day came into picture. The Universal Express Pass. For only $30 extra, you can purchase the Express Pass which entitles you to go to the front of the line for each ride. But unfortunately you can only do that once for each ride. If you want to ride the ride again, you have to wait with everyone else. But having the Express Pass was proving very useful and time saving as the day went on.

One of the main reasons why we went to Universal Studios is because Ines had never been to a theme park before and Elza wanted to give her that experience. So we just had to go on a roller coaster to fulfill the experience. Seeing that the Battlestar Galactica coaster was closed, we went on the Enchanted Airways ride which was a smaller roller coaster.

Albeit a very short ride (possibly 15-20 seconds), it was still quite fun to have a spin on.

The last stop we made in Far Far Away Land was the Donkey Live show in which you get to interact with Donkey via a screen and a microphone. So imagine a small cinema and a host running around with a microphone allowing you to ask Donkey questions, who is on the big screen. Lots of fun indeed :)

At the start of the day, we were informed that the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure ride was unavailable. I was of course quite unhappy, but we were also told that it might be working later in the day, so we kept hopeful. Nevertheless, we headed to The Lost World section to have a look around.

The only ride that we could go on, being the fact that the other ride was another kiddie ride, was another small roller coaster, Canopy Flyer. Difference was, this was a suspended coaster.

Elza and Ines had the luxury to sit in front, giving them the opportunity to see what's happening. I, on the other hand, was sitting at the back, having NO clue what was ahead of me. Needless to say, I was just a slightly bit terrified.

After that ride, we were still so pumped up, so we headed to the Egypt section and went on a ride called, Revenge Of The Mummy, which was yet again, another roller coaster.

This was by far the best ride of the entire park. I won't spoil it for you but I must say that out of all the rides, you MUST ride this one. If we could, we would have rode it again. It was such a thrilling, scary, fun adventure all rolled into one.

It was safe to say that after that ride, we needed to take a break for a while and rest my legs. I wasn't sure bout the other two, but my knees were feeling pretty weak by that point. Se we got some snacks and waited to get in for the Waterworld show.

The last picture again proves why having an Express Pass is the shiznit!

So yeah, we sat in the splash zone of the show due to the fact that we really wanted to cool off because it was starting to become a very hot day. Unfortunately, except for getting sprayed by water guns at the start, we never got fully soaked throughout the performance.

Waterworld is another must-see while you are at the park. Wonderful stagecraft and awesome explosions and theatricality.

After Waterworld, we headed back to The Lost World to have a little bite to eat. We had done the smart thing and brought along some sandwiches to eat, mainly because the food there was slightly too expensive for us. As I was walking to get some water for the girls, I noticed there was a line forming at one of the rides. I was so bloody happy that I sprinted back to them and with a huge grin on my face exclaimed "The Rapids Adventure is working!!" So as soon as we finished our lunch, we headed straight there. Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures because I had to leave my bag in the lockers but let me just tell you this. Be prepared for dinosaurs at every corner, darkness and prepare to get soaked!

I was damn happy that I got soaked simply because, I needed to cool down. It was an extremely hot day and that splash was as close to a shower that I could get, and it was well worth it.

There were two other rides we went on, The Accelerator and Treasure Hunters, but they were only ok so won't really talk much about them. After those rides, we were pretty much done with all the rides, but we still had a couple of shows to watch. So we checked the schedule and the nearest one according to time was King Julien and the Penguins shaking their groove thing to I Like To Move It. Waiting in the hot sun did take it's toll but was still fun to watch them dance around.

After the show, we decided to indulge ourselves with a little pizza, which was so huge it was the size of your face yo!

On our way to Steven Speilberg's Light Camera Action show, Elza and Ines saw a little back lane. I assumed it was some sort of back lot, and I was right. So let the picture taking commence!

This was another good place for you to see how Universal Studios looks like at the entrance.

The Light Camera Action show was sort of ok. Basically you enter a studio back lot and experience what it is like to film a scene in a boathouse during a tornado. It was fun but can be afforded to miss if you are on time constraints.

Another main reason why we wanted to bring Ines to Universal Studios was to meet one certain character. The whole day we were searching for him and as we were heading towards Far Far Away Land to shop later in the evening, we finally saw him and ran to go take a picture with him. Mission completed.

After the shopping, we went back to Hollywood to wait for the Monster Rock show and while waiting, there was another show going on outside the theatre which was the Kowabunga Kove show. It was like watching a live recording of a 1950's variety show. I salute them for their high energy to put on a show like that every hour and half.

After the Monster Rock show, which was quite a dissapointment, we went to go shopping for a while. Read on and then you will see what I have bought, which was quite a bit.

So after the shopping and some dinner, we bid a fond farewell to Universal Studios.

As we exited the gates, I looked to my left and remembered another reason why I came down here. The Hershey's Store.

This place is truly heaven on Earth. I had a huge grin on my face and if you are a chocolate lover, you will know why.

So to end this post, I will conclude with the merchandise bought.

Behold my Donkey!!

Kinda upset I ate the little guy in the end.

Elza and Ines bought me this pillow. Thank you guys :)

Guess it was only natural to get myself this hat.

Something every tourist would have.

Chocolates and keychain.

Not brown, but white instead.

And thus concludes our invasion of Universal Studios and it is very safe to say, this won't be our last time there.

For Your Entertainment....

2010-05-20T21:40:00.004+08:00

Throughout the course of today, this was the one video that everyone was talking about. On Facebook and on Twitter, this video was a popular topic to talk about and it's clear to see why. This was shot at A'Famosa Animal World Safari in Malacca. It is disgusting the treatment that they have clearly given this helpless creature. For a mere RM15, you are entitled to take a picture and pet this poor tiger. Not only are the promoters to blame but even the people who wanted to pet or take a picture of this clearly drugged creature. The promoter in the video doesn't even seem to care about the well-being of the animal. Bastard.

A tiger is a living being, no? Would you subdue a human to the same kind of treatment? Yes, a tiger is dangerous in nature but that is how a tiger is born, a predator. It is already wrong to keep these wonderful animals in a cage and zoo, but to subdue to them to this kind of ridicule and torture is just wrong. This is clear violation of animal cruelty.

Please do your part by spreading this video and informing the public as well as the proper authorities what is happening at A'Famosa Animal World Safari. These animal promoters must be dealt with as soon as possible.

Guilt. May you feel it in your very soul, A'Famosa.

2 Months Later....

2010-05-19T00:44:00.004+08:00

Well, two months has passed since the last blog post. I think it's safe to say that a lot has been going on. I think the fact that i've been so busy, explains the lack of care to my blog. I'm not going into too much detail at the moment but let me just say, I want to get back to blogging. The last couple of days, i've been thinking about my blog and even though not many people visit here, it feels good to write down what's been going on in my life so that I might one day in the future look back at all this and go "wtf was i thinking". Hahahaha.

Also I think another reason why I wanna write here again was due to the fact that I accidentally dropped my hard drive and lost all the photos i've ever taken since 2002. So this is probably the closest thing I have to my past. Oh well.
So yes, I will get back to writing again. I will. I know it. I can do it. I will blog. I. Yeah :P
I'm going to Universal Studios Singapore next Tuesday btw.

Injustice.....

2010-03-27T00:53:00.003+08:00

Just less than 2 days ago, I turned on my radio and heard an advertisement....

"When you beat me, you are violating my rights"
"When you make me beg for money, you are violating my rights"

It was an ad for childrens' rights. I was taken aback by this. We never came to realise that children did not have any rights. It took me completely by surprise that neither do adults in this country....

The matter i'm addressing is the case of Khaeryl Benjamin Ibrahim (Benjy). For those of you who are unaware, he was arrested for supposed possesion and manufacturing of Cocaine and Syabu. It's not everyday that I address these sort of matters, but when it involves the people I love and call my family, I can't just sit and keep quiet. Benjy is the brother of my best friend Elza Irdalynna....

For the last two weeks, the family has been through hell and back trying to save their son and brother from the gallows. Unknowing of his fate, unknowing of his safety and unknowing of his sanity, the family had not slept a wink and were worried to the point of sickness. But nevertheless they fought....

Come March 25th. Elza, her father and her mother Azean Irdawaty arrived at court ready to hear the charge. He was to be set free upon posting bail. I wasn't there, but judging from the pictures and videos, I could see that smile that had been missing on Azean's face. Her son was finally free. That smile was short lived....

Benjy had barely taken two steps out of the bail department when not 1 but 10 police officers arrested him and removed him away from his family one more time. No explanation was given despite his lawyer, Amer Hamzah Arshad, who is by far the best lawyer I have ever seen. Not only does he stand up for his clients on a professional level, but on a personal level as well. He has real passion in his heart and the fact that he speaks up against the establishment shows me how much of a rebel he is. He has been arrested for illegal assembly during the walk of justice which he was acquited for, speaks out against the establishment, has Decepticon cufflinks, been on a cover of a magazine and is in a metal band. Does your lawyer do all this????? :P

Anyway, despite Amer and Azean's demands for why Benjy was being arrested, they only told them to talk the head office. This is what irked me....

This is against the consitutional rights. First of all, the cops had NO right to arrest him. They still have no evidence against him thus having no warrant to arrest him. Whatever material that was found in his apartment was Syabu, NOT Cocaine which they have so blatently kept saying in press releases and what have you....

Benjy was denied his Human Right of having an explanation on why he was being arrested thus violating the Human Rights. It states in The Human Rights 1998 Article 6 Section 3,

Everyone charged with a criminal offence has the following minimum rights:

(a) to be informed promptly, in a language which he understands and in detail, of the nature and cause of the accusation against him;

(b) to have adequate time and facilities for the preparation of his defence;

(c) to defend himself in person or through legal assistance of his own choosing or, if he has not sufficient means to pay for legal assistance, to be given it free when the interests of justice so require;

(d) to examine or have examined witnesses against him and to obtain the attendance and examination of witnesses on his behalf under the same conditions as witnesses against him;

(e) to have the free assistance of an interpreter if he cannot understand or speak the language used in court.

NONE of this was given to him at the time of his arrest clearly violating his rights....

At the risk of getting detained by the ISA, I will say this. Our police force is no longer saving us, but abusing their powers. Where is our Human Rights? Do they even know?

We need to speak up for people like Benjy. We can't keep quiet anymore. We need to stand up for what's right and bring justice back into our world....

Please give Elza, Azean and her family your support and please read Elza Irdalynna's note (linked here)

It's time to fight back....

Beware Of Cylindrical Or Round Shapes....

2010-02-23T13:37:00.003+08:00

Admit it, our country does do some odd things sometimes. Whether it be a certain minister wanting to sue the internet or having the largest 1Malaysia, we do some very odd things. But sometimes it's nice to know that we're not the only ones. Upon my daily round of site hopping, I stumbled upon the article on Yahoo! The headline read....

Pediatricians Want Redesign Of Hot Dog, Candy To Curb Kids' Choking

At first I thought this was an article from our country. Little did I know this was actually an article from the US.

- MONDAY, Feb. 22 (HealthDay News) -- The leading group of pediatricians in the United States is pushing for a redesign of common foods such as hot dogs and candies, along with new warning labels placed on food packaging, to help curb sometimes fatal incidents of child choking.

"We know what shape, sizes and consistencies pose the greatest risk for choking in children and whenever possible food manufacturers should design foods to avoid those characteristics, or redesign existing foods when possible, to change those characteristics to reduce the choking risk," said Dr. Gary Smith, immediate-past chairman of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Committee on Injury, Violence and Poison Prevention and lead author of the organization's new policy statement on preventing choking.

"Any food that has a cylindrical or round shape poses a risk," he pointed out. Smith said that hot dogs were high on the list of foods that could be redesigned -- perhaps the shape, although he said it would be up to the manufacturers to figure out the specifics.

Hard candies, on the other hand, could be designed so they're flat rather than round, said Smith, who is also director of the Center for Injury Research & Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

The AAP policy statement appears in the March issue of Pediatrics and is the first such guidance on the subject from that group.

"There's a general recognition that more needed to be done to protect children from choking," according to Smith. "We have a number of laws and regulations that help prevent choking due to toys. There are no such similar regulations for food."

Before I start, let me just say that I am not insulting the US but merely commenting on an article they wrote. I don't want the repeat of what happened the last time I commented on an article about another country....

First of all, Hot Dogs and Candy have been around for decades, why all of a sudden are kids 'choking' on these food items? Food in the first place DOES have the risk of getting someone to choke on it, it's nature. If you want to put a warning label of these two products cautioning them about choking on it, shouldn't you do that for ALL food products?

Secondly, how do you 'redesign' a Hot Dog? Candy, I can understand, but a Hot Dog? A Hot Dog has always been a sausage in a bun. How you gonna change that? Have a Hot Dog in the middle of two rice crackers? I once choked on cheese, should you start redesign that as well? It's just unfathomable and it this point, it's just pure paranoia....

You're Never Alone....

2010-02-12T10:55:00.001+08:00

Oh, why you look so sad?
Tears are in your eyes
Come on and come to me now
Don't be ashamed to cry
Let me see you through
'Cause I've seen the dark side too
When the night falls on you
and you don't know what to do
Nothing you confess could make me love you less.

I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you

So, if you're mad, get mad
Don't hold it all inside
Come on and talk to me now
Hey, what you got to hide?
I get angry too
Well, I'm a lot like you
When you're standing at the crossroads
and don't know which path to choose
Let me come along
'Cause even if you're wrong...

I'll stand by you
I'll stand by you
Won't let nobody hurt you
I'll stand by you
Take me in, into your darkest hour
and I'll never desert you
I'll stand by you

And when...
When the night falls on you, baby
You're feeling all alone
You won't be on your own

I'll stand by you...

Second Best....

2010-02-06T10:35:00.004+08:00

Throughout my life, there was always people who would be better than me. No matter what I would do, I would forever be compared to someone else and be made to believe that I would never be the best or I could never be good enough....

Forgive the short rant, I just need to get it off my chest....

Screening A Shot....

2010-01-24T12:25:00.004+08:00

A couple of days back, myself and the wife went to TAS @ Lot 10 for a very special event. A short film I did with Khai was finally getting it's first screening....

We shot this almost about a year ago and i've just been waiting to see it with an audience. Albeit the audience that night was rather small, it was still an enjoyable time. Along side Lucky Shot, there were two other screenings with it that night which was 2 Boys, 2 Girls and A Beat Up Car by Mien Ly and Baby The Rain Will Fall by Adrian Loh....

I thoroughly enjoyed all the shorts that night, especially Baby The Rain Will Fall. It tackled a difficult subject and was extremely well shot. I was in awe of the kind of shots they used. If ever there is another screening of this film, I highly recommend you go watch it. Anyways, once the screening was done, the directors took to the stage to do a little Q&A which was quite enjoyable in itself....

So yeah, that pretty wrapped up the night. Enjoyable that it was, I kinda wished that more people had turned up. Not everyday you get to you see your own fat face on a big screen....

3:43 AM....

2010-01-04T03:37:00.003+08:00

Insecurity. It's a major flaw in any of us. It's even worse on me. I've driven friends and loved ones away with it. No matter what people say, I worry when everything is going to end. All the laughter, smiles, moments. I could all be gone just like that. Worst part is, you'd never expect it....

I try to go with the flow of what life gives me and be grateful and thankful for what's been put in front of me. But that little voice pops up yet again telling me that this could all disappear. Despite reassurances from loved ones, I still worry that i'm going to end up alone again. It's not that I don't believe them, I just don't believe myself....

The more I think about it, the more it'll be the death of me. I don't want all this to end. I'm happy. But i'm scared. I could lose everything. Just like I did 13 years ago....

Be strong Dorian, be strong. Everything is going to be alright....

Here We Go Again....

2010-01-02T00:34:00.003+08:00

And so it begins. Another year, another story. It's safe to say 2009 had it's fare share of drama, both good and bad. Was a very busy year theatre wise with 5 shows, Candid Photography saw it's fair share of photo exhibitions found my true family and found the wife :) i'm sure there was more that went on but I don't want to ramble on and on about the previous year as i'm sure everyone is sick and tired of reading those stories....

Being the fact that it was New Years Eve, I thought I might as well treat myself to a New Years present to myself. So let me introduce to you my new baby....

I've been pining for one for the last 3 years and i'm now the proud owner of a PS3! Wheee....

Anyway, that night, I organised a little family get together at Alex's place. I promised them that I would spend the remainder of my pay cheque to spoil them and I would like to think I did with the amount of food I bought them....

The last few weeks running up to New Years was filled with it's fair share of drama, so it was nice to finally kick back and relax with the family and forget our fears and stress....

Thank you for entering the New Year with me guys. Love you so much!!

Finding The Light....

2009-12-19T13:42:00.004+08:00

As most of you know, I have been hard at work the last 2 months on EMP 's new production A Light In KL City. Well the time is finally here and our baby is finally taking the stage....

In downtown Kuala Lumpur, in an old hotel on the corner, a light is being snuffed out. When the day comes to a close and dawn rises, the hotel will be closed and the jack-hammers will come down. Now, the many characters who live there must find a way to break out, because when the hotel comes down, they can either go down with it and be lost as well or find the light within themselves to guide them.

A Light in KL City tells the story of the things we throw away- old buildings, history… people; this is the story of those who have been cast out and left behind in the city, forgotten by the future. People we shouldn’t throw away.

A Light In KL City is a full length production directed by Rey Buono and featuring music by Mia Palencia.

All the blood, sweat and tears are finally worth it as we take the stage this coming Tuesday the 22nd of December. Being there from the beginning of the devising process, I think it's safe to say that come Tuesday, I will be a very proud daddy to the script. I'm sure I can say the same for the other 9 writers....

The play was devised by this talented group of writers, 3 of which are also co-starring with me in the play. The writers are Alex Chua, Mikey Tai, Calvin Wong, Erna Mahyuni, William Lau, Kathleen Choo, Elza Irdalynna, Tuan Faisal Azmy, Min Li and of course myself....

The play opens this coming Tuesday and runs until Sunday the 27th. Here are more details....

Dates : 22nd – 27th December 2009

Time : December 22, 23 and 26 – 8:30pm | December 24,25 and 27 – 3pm

Venue : Pentas 2 @ KLPAC

Ticket Price : RM 30 except for December 24th and 25th which is RM20

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!!!!

Also running alongside this production is also a photography exhibition organised by Sparky Dawg and Candid Photography entitled Portraits Of Light....

Our photos will be on sale so please do come support us and hopefully buy something as well...

Oh and my good friend, Khai M. Bahar will also be showcasing his stuff at the exhibition and I can safely say that his photos are worth buying....

So yes, I do hope you come for the show because it shall be one not to be missed. Also, you'll get to hear me attempt a British accent as well as attempt to play guitar....

Good god, what have I gotten myself into....

Bunnies....

2009-12-17T01:12:00.002+08:00

I was so lost
Didn't know what to do with myself
I was my own worst enemy
I was lost and know I needed help
Then you came along
And saw the state I was in
You picked me up
Where I was down
Show me how to live again

I said thank you for pulling me through
I'm a lucky man
I didn't know what life was
But I now understand

This is precious love, precious love
No I can't let it go
It's this precious love
And it's teaching me everything I need to know
This is precious love, it's precious love
No I can't get enough
Oh I'm down on my knees
Begging you please
Gimme some more of that stuff

Oh it's love love love love, precious love
Oh it's love love love love, precious love

Oh I got so distracted by people all around
Whispering sweet nothings.
Feeling my head with doubt
So I give up
It didn't take long for me to see
The one thing that I was missing
Was standing in front of me

I took you for granted
Thought the grass was greener on the other side
I was wrong and it took me so long
For me to finally realize

This is precious love, precious love
No I can't let it go
It's this precious love
And it's teaching me everything I need to know
I'ts precious love, it's precious love
No I can't get enough
Oh I'm down on my knees
Begging you please
To give me some more of that stuff

I say a prayer
I say it to you
That my heart will always be true
Love won't be the same without you

So I say thank you
I'm a lucky man
I didn't know what life was
But now I, now I understand
Understand, understand

This is love love love love, precious love
This is precious love
And it's teaching me to be a better man
This is precious love, precious love
Oh I can't get enough
Oh I'm down on my knees
Begging you please
You must be from heaven above

This I love love love love, precious love
Oh it's love love love love, precious love

Love love love love, gimme love gimme love
Love love love love, precious love

Untitled....

2009-11-29T18:38:00.004+08:00

As I sat there with the laughing audience, there seemed to be an oddity in the atmosphere. Everyone was in stitches laughing and there I was, sitting cross armed and barely trying to crack a laugh every now and then. It wasn't that the comedian wasn't funny, I just couldn't stop thinking about my life. What i've become. It wasn't the first time i've thought about it, but usually the thought would go away. I've been thinking about it for the last 2 days....

I've turned into the one person I promised myself never to become. I miss those days when I could sit back and relax with my bunch of friends at a mamak somewhere and just bullshit the night away. We had fun with our lives. Never a care in the world....

A good friend of mine recently came back from Australia for a couple of weeks. I have not seen her at all since she came back. I've been so swamped with work that I just don't have time to relax anymore and those times that i do get to relax, work is still on my mind....

While the rest of the world watches plays, goes clubbing, hangs out with friends, i'm at rehearsals or working. I've always been a person who tries to stay loyal to his friends, but right now, i've let down so many friends that it hurts so much. I've never felt this hurt before. I feel as if i'm losing so many friends because of it and at the same time, losing the closeness we once had. I miss them. Carmen, Saleha, Andrew, Marie, Wei Jee, Fang, Khai, Linora and so many more. I miss them all so much. As much as I love spending time with Alex and Elza, I still miss my old friends and how we used to hang out and take life as one big journey. Even with Alex and Elza, I miss just sitting with them and not talk about work....

A very wise woman and mother figure to me now, told me to just let go. Sometimes I wish I could. I want to let go and enjoy life but I know how many things are resting on my shoulders at the moment. At times, I actually wished I didn't own a company. I'm not ready for it....

In the past 2 weeks, i've wanted to commit suicide twice. I've gone through tears and fights. As I write this, there are already tears going down my face. I just want to lie back and just enjoy life again. I want to hang out with my friends. I want to give my support for my friends when they perform. I want to be there for my friends when they need me the most. I don't want to be sitting in front of my PC editing photos, organising publicity, rehearsing scripts. I want to just let all these responsibilities go and just enjoy life....

I know you want to see a smile on my face. I'm trying. I'm trying. I just need help because i'm still down and I can't get up....

The End....

2009-11-28T01:53:00.002+08:00

Those words never seemed more apt at this point. With each passing day, the struggle to keep up with life seems to get greater and greater. Despite having people who love me so much, i still find myself standing on the ledge of my room window looking down at the world below me. But i still take that step back and live that next day....

I hurt the ones i love. I hurt the ones i don't love. I hurt myself....

I step onto that ledge once again. I don't know if i can take that step back anymore....

Forgive me....

11 Months Later....

2009-11-02T19:22:00.003+08:00

For the last couple of weeks, her name has been cropping up over and over again and frankly, i'd be lying if I said I haven't been thinking about her. At times I feel sorry for her, but at the same time I do miss her. As I was driving around today, this song came on and if there was any song for that moment 11 months ago, this is it....

What did you think,
I would do at this moment,
When you're standing before me,
With tears in your eyes
Tryin to tell me that you
Found you another
And you just don't love me no more

And what did you think,
I would say at this moment,
When I'm faced with the knowledge,
That you just don't love me ?
Did you think I would curse you,
Or say things to hurt you,
Cause you just don't love me no more..

Did you think I could hate you
Or raise my hands to you
Oh come on you know me too well!
How could I hurt you
When darling I love you
And you know, I would never hurt you..

What do you think
I would give at this moment
If you just stay I'd subtract twenty years from my life
I'd fall down on my knees,
I kiss the ground that you walk on
If I could just hold you again

I'd fall down on my knees
Kiss the ground that you walk on baby
If I could just hold you
If I could just hold you
I would fall down, down on my knees
Oh God, please
Let me hold you, let me hold you
Again...

I'm gonna miss you, girl
I'm gonna miss you, girl

I can see the tears in your eyes, baby

I'm down, you know, I'm down on my knees

What do you think I would do, babe

Despite all the shit I say, I still miss her sometimes....

A Swinging Good Night....

2009-10-18T18:02:00.002+08:00

It's always been a dream of mine to perform the music I grew up with, swing. This Saturday the 24th will be one step closer to that dream. I'll be performing two swing numbers at EMP's Bratpack Nite....

Venue | Lepaq Café, 3-12, 2nd Floor, Jalan SS6/12, Kelana Mall, Kelana Jaya
Time | 8pm
Date | 24th October 2009

Candid Photography will also be part of the event as we are being auctioned off for a photo shoot. So if you want to get your profile pictures taken by Candid Photography at the studio, do come and bid for us....

Hope to see you guys there :)

Too Too Early....

2009-10-12T18:46:00.002+08:00

It's rare to find me awake any earlier than 4PM but there is that one rarity that I'm actually awake early. This was one such morning. Elza and I heard that the USAF was going to be in town doing an air show. Being the fact that she loves planes, we woke up really early just to watch it. I must say that it was fun despite being awake that early....

A Night Of Wackiness....

2009-10-07T01:55:00.003+08:00

A couple of days back, a bunch of us were invited to watch the preview night of the play Wacky Bar....

For those who don't know, Wacky Bar is a play happening at PJ Live Arts Centre and has a whole bevy of big names such as Patrick Teoh, Amber Chia, Joanne Kam, Daphne Iking, Rashid Salleh, Gavin Yap as well as several other talented names....

Before heading for the show, we went for dinner at this Mexican restaurant, Frontera. I have heard a lot of good things about this place and I must say that the food there is awesome and I highly recommend it to everyone. It's about RM30 per person which is quite reasonable for the quality of food and service they have there....

Eventually we all went to the theatre and the show began....

There have been some mixed reviews about this play but to me, I thought it was great. There's not much of a main story line but a whole bevy of fun stories to watch and listen to. It's just a great show to just sit back, switch your brain off for a while and immerse yourself in the world that is Wacky Bar. The prices are a bit pricy (RM 75 & RM 65) but it is certainly worth every penny. The show runs until October 11th at PJLA....

After the play was said and done, we all headed to the nearby mamak to give our good friend, Hana, a little birthday surprise....

Geez, I make a terrible writer....

Another Homey Day....

2009-10-01T03:00:00.003+08:00

Met up with the Homegirl again today, except this time Ines joined us for lunch as well. Went to pick the two of them up then decided to head down to The Curve to eat at this place called Vivo....

I always walk pass this place but never really stopped to eat at this place. The food there is quite Italian with pizza and pasta. The food there is not that bad and the prices are quite reasonable. I had the Cheese Baked Mushroom & Chicken Pasta and the two of them had a pizza. Forgot the name of it though, but I do know it didn't have any shitcake's in it. Hahahahahahaha, Marge, you need your eyes checked....

Love the last two pictures. My Homegirl looks so cute when we don't let her in on some certain information about certain people :P hahahahahahaha....

Anyway, after lunch the three of us headed back to my place to sing songs again and watch some short films. One film though I have to recommend is this short called Signs. It's a really sweet story and always brings my eyes to tears....

That night, Elza brought me to this place Jaya Grocer to buy some groceries because I offered to cook dinner. This place is only a minute away from my place and i've never been there. I regret that because the second I stepped into the store, I never wanted to leave. They have almost everything I could ever want there, including Ben & Jerry's!!! I almost had an orgasm just standing there. So we got the groceries as well as some comfort food and drink....

It was another awesome day until we both got a certain call that shall remain anonymous. Yeah. It kinda was a bad end to the night, but the online conversation put a smile on my face again. Thank you again for another great day Homegirl :)

The Homegirl....

2009-09-30T01:08:00.004+08:00

It had been a long while since I had last had a relaxing day just chilling out and stuff. So earlier in the day, Elza gave me a call asking what I was doing the whole day. I said nothing, and it just got better from there. Once she finished work, she popped her head round to my place and we headed to 1U to whack some balls....

It's been a couple of years since I went to this place and it was fun releasing some stress upon those balls and having fun screaming out the names of the particular balls. Don't ask why, but it helped the aim for some reason....

After the massacre of baseballs, we headed back to my place to watch some movies and eat chocolates. We managed to watch a film called Beyond The Sea. It's one of my all time favourite films. It's based upon the life of Bobby Darin, a swing singer famous for the songs Beyond The Sea and Mack The Knife. Do watch it if you can. It's an amazing biopic....

We spent the next two hours after that just singing songs. One of which is this song which i'm highly addicted to now....

Like I said before, it had been a long time and I thank you my dear Marge for giving me this day. Expect more rose chocolates soon :)

Haven't Met You Yet....

2009-09-28T01:33:00.004+08:00

Anyone who knows me knows that my genre of music is either fairly emo or just John Mayer-like music. But in actual fact, i've always been in love with jazz and swing music. So, it was of course natural I fell in love with Michael Bublé's style of music. It actually has always been my dream to record a swing album one day....

Recently, I was going through my Wikipedia rounds and searched his name and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that his new album, Crazy Love, will be coming out early next month....

His new single is also out and I must say, it is the most beautiful song i've heard. It's so uplifting that it never fails to lift my spirit these days and it's rare that I come across a song that I actually find beautiful. The song is called Haven't Met You Yet and I share the song with you in the hopes it'll lift your spirits too...

Run, Fatboy, Run....

2009-09-23T21:52:00.001+08:00

I am such a fat ass....

It's Going To Be A Good Year....

2009-09-23T02:49:00.003+08:00

It's apt that I start my return to blogging by writing about the start of a new year for me. Yes, yesterday I turned 22 years old. Funny though. The entire year I was 21, I always kept saying that I was 22. One day before I really turned 22, I regretted those words because I never really knew what it was like to be 21, despite anticipating that age for so many years....

The last night of being 21, I went for a movie with Jean and her little brother. Was more fun than I expected and made me realise a couple of things, but we'll save that story for another time. After the movie, I chilled at her place and at the stroke of midnight, I got a nice big hug from her and I have to say, it was the best start i've had to a year so far....

The day then started off by meeting up with Nur, Alfred, Farah, Syat, Modee and Amelia for some kick ass karaoke in Plaza Mont Kiara. It's quite hidden but I have to say, from now on this place is going to be my permanent karaoke hang out. Wish I remembered the name of the place was though. Oh, and thanks guys for the wonderful cake. It was so sweet and unexpected....

Had an awesome time with that bunch singing a whole bunch of oldies and rock songs with the occasional emo song from Syat :p

After that, headed down to KL Hilton to go pick up Jean and then head back to her place for a while....

The night came and a bunch of close friends came together to have a couple of drinks over at George & The Dragon. Was funny though how a fellow 22nd September-er, Suanie, was having her b'day celebration over at WIP which was right next door....

Thanks again Alex for the gift and Syat, Adeline, Tony, Lawrence & Elza for turning up. It was an awesome end to the day....

So yes, The Dorian is now 22 and ready to be back to his regular blogging self. Be warned. I'm back....

That Lucky Shot....

2009-08-20T20:50:00.004+08:00

A few posts back, I talked about a short film I had done with Khai M. Bahar which was called Lucky Shot....

We were supposed to have a premeire and screening of the film, but due to the recent cases of H1N1, the team at Homegrown Space @ Wisma Bentley decided to close it's doors for about a month or until the whole H1N1 thing died down. So unfortunately that event was cancelled. Well, Khai has generously put up the trailer for the film. So until the screening arrives, check out the trailer below....

The Press Conference....

2009-08-18T02:19:00.004+08:00

As I entered the car park, my heart was racing like mad. As I parked my car, a huge jeep parked opposite me. Pete Teo walked out. As I got out of my car in my shirt, tie, jacket and jeans, I uttered the words, "Am I too overdressed Pete?". And so started the journey of the press conference for 15Malaysia....

As Pete and I walked towards the Imax cinema, we could immediately hear the loud voice of the host for the event, my big boss, Baki Zainal....

The reason I was here of course was for the film I was part of, Healthy Paranoia....

I walked around the crowd for a while and then I found my director, camera in tow....

He found it odd how nervous I was. Even I found it odd why my heart was racing and why I was so bloody nervous. I guess it had been the fact that I haven't been to a press conference like this in a long long time and I felt so out of place with celebs like Sarah Lian and Atilia around....

But either way, I was thankful for Khai for if it wasn't for him, I wouldn't even be at the event and watching my big fat face on a huge Imax screen. Was fun to catch up with him and my big boss Baki again....

After a while, we were all ushered into the cinema hall where we would start watching the 15 short films....

The entire time I was just sitting there waiting for the moment to see these words on the screen....

When that moment came, I leaned forward from my chair and listened to the laughter from the audience. My face was on an Imax screen. This was, in a way, a dream come true....

After 7 films, Baki came back on and introduced the CEO of P1Wimax as well as Pete who both gave speeches and thank yous....

For those of you that don't know, 15Malaysia would be marked as the late Yasmin's Ahmad's last project and her contribution, Chocolate, would be her last film. As I sat there watching the film as well as the making of, I still wish she was still among us. The world and the Malaysian film industry will never be the same without her....

But overall, the public should take notice of 15Malaysia because these are some extraordinary films and i'm truly proud to be part of this project....

The Short Shot....

2009-08-07T02:57:00.002+08:00

About 4 months back, I acted in yet another short film (Through The Lens....) helmed by yet again by my dear friend, Khai M. Bahar. The film entitled Lucky Shot....

It was a fun experience filming this as it was my first ever short film. It was also a blessing to be directed yet again by Khai, the first time being my stint on the second season of Ghost. I've always admired him and love his work and I am truly blessed to now call him my friend. Anyway, the time has come for this short to premiere. The details are as follows....

So if you are free, do join me, the rest of the cast and crew for this awesome event...

Scaring The Ministry....

2009-08-06T14:41:00.002+08:00

A while back, I blogged about a short film that I acted in called Healthy Paranoia, which is under the 15Malaysia project....

Well, I just discovered that the trailer has just come out and I must say, it's awesome! While 15Malaysia launches on the 17th of August, Healthy Paranoia is set for a release date of 21st August. Take a look at the trailer below....

Come Chemo Deer....

2009-08-06T01:39:00.002+08:00

Over the course of the last month, words has been said, tears has been shed and weird deer sounds have been heard. It's been an interesting journey and it's amazing how much we've all added to the so called deer vocabulary. I can still remember the day when we started devising the show. All the debates that went on about the characters and the story, not forgetting the baby eggs....

Then there came the days of mask making. That was by far the most stressfull part of the whole project. Making sure the wires were in the right place. Making sure the mask fit. Being the perfectionist I tend to be at times, that wasn't the easiest task to do....

Now, opening night looms near and everything has come to fruition. In exactly 14 hours, the Indicine doors will open and the public will hear the sounds of 13 bells and enter the world of Arcadia. To be honest with you, I can't wait. After the last dress rehearsal we had tonight, it's safe to say we are ready for it. Grimm is the most wonderful character i've ever played and I can't wait to show him to all of you....

Ladies and gentlemen, Arcadia awaits your arrival....

Oh and lastly, hi Nalina....

It's Been A While....

2009-08-02T04:13:00.004+08:00

It's almost a month and a half since I last heard her voice. I stare at my phone expecting her to call again and talk till the morning just like we used to. Rambling about our insecurities, laws of attraction and OCD. Nothing. Just silence remains.

I miss that voice.

Revamping Freedom....

2009-07-27T03:13:00.004+08:00

It's that time of the year again. The time for spring cleaning. As you clearly can see, long gone is the former layout I previously used. It's time for a new, cleaner looking layout. There are still a few more kinks to fix but overall, this is pretty much the permanent theme for the time being. Older posts are still being edited so you should see the oldies popping up again over time...

Now onto more exciting news. Over the last 3 weeks, I have been hard at work at KLPAC as usual. The difference this time around is that i've been making masks. The reason you may ask? For T4YP's new production...

In the surreal world of 13 Bells, the Masked People stand above all as the rulers of the land. The young and the naive Elle has her mask taken away from her and is stripped of her station for an act of insubordination. She is cast into the underworld of her society where she has to learn to live on her own two feet without her mask - in the process discovers the true meaning of freedom and how precious it is...

I have never been more proud of a production before and it is safge to say, Malaysia has never seen a show like this before. With 44 masks in total, it certainly is a sight to see. So if you are free between those dates, do come and support us. Only RM10 ok...

Not My Day....

2009-07-23T22:57:00.004+08:00

The power of the law of attraction really is a powerful tool and tonight was a clear example of it. The last couple of days, i've been really positive and happy and it has been showing. Great things have been happening to me as you have read in the previous blogpost. That all came to a screeching halt last night....

Rehearsal last night was the worst I had. I kept fumbling my lines and screwing up the most important character that I had. Instead of just brushing it off, I went back to my usual ways and wallowed in the fact that I blew it. So needless to say, it was a night of Damien Rice. Negativity was written all over my face....

As the new morning came, the negativity and emo-ness was still there. Hard as I tried to shake it off, nothing was working. I knew something was going to go wrong one point or another and just like clockwork, it did. I was supposed to go out with a girl that I shall admit, am slightly interested in, as well as her two friends. Literally two minutes before I reached her apartment, my car broke down. So I parked it at the side of the road and looked at what's wrong. I figured that it was the oil and water so I gave the girl a call and said i'll be a bit late. I walked to the nearest petrol station to get the oil and water and poured it in my car. Seemed to work fine....

I reached her apartment and they all got in my car and that's when it happened. My car broke down again. Right in front of her place. It kept over heating. I was so embarrased. I apologised to them and told them that they should head back to her place. They were hesitant but I was so insistent since I already felt so bad and again, I was too too embarrased. I felt like I let her down, since she did want to watch Harry Potter and I said I would take her.

I know this all sounds a bit dumb and shit but I guess it was the world's way to tell me it's not time yet. Once I got the car fixed and managed to drive home, I looked at the date. Exactly 7 months ago today, all hell broke loose with the ex. Ironic or simply a sign? I don't know but whatever it is, it wasn't a good day....

I need to be more positive again and maybe good things will come and everything will be back to normal :)

15 Flashing Surprises....

2009-07-22T16:26:00.004+08:00

About a month or two ago, I acted in two short films. Flashes by Prakash Murugiah and Healthy Paranoia by Khai M. Bahar, the latter being part of the project 15 Malaysia....

When I first acted in the two films, I thought it was all in the name of fun and stuff and it certainly was a lot of fun to act in them. But both films have exceeded my expectations. First of all, Flashes is now one of the top ten finalists for the prestigious BMW Shorties. For those who don't know, the BMW Shorties is a short film competition that is very highly regarded in the independant filmakers circle. So I congratulate Kash Pictures, Prakash an Min Li on a great short and I hope they win....

Healthy Paranoia and 15Malaysia on the other hand gave me a humongous surprise this afternoon. All 15 shorts, including Healthy Paranoia, has just been accepted into the 2010 Rotterdam International Film Festival. HOLY MOTHERF&#%&@* S$%T!!!!! My face is going to be shown in Rotterdam!!!! Thank you again Khai for choosing me to be in your film. I will forever be in dept to you....

So yes. Life is full of interesting surprises....

The Pursuit Of Happiness....

2009-07-13T15:37:00.006+08:00

In recent weeks, something strange has been going on. I'm happy. Honestly happy. That may not be surprising news to you, but to me, it is. For the last couple of years, i've always been finding problems with my life and finding excuses just to make my life miserable. But lately, i've been loving my life more and more with each passing day. It's a strange yet comfortable feeling that I could get used to. I know that one particular person would probably read this and have her doubts, but if she would pick up her phone and give me a call one day, she would probably see the change. Everyone else has and I hope she will too because I know she'd be the one that would appreciate it the most....

Everything in my life right now is perfect. I really have nothing to complain about. I wake up each morning with a smile on my face and that smile never seems to leave. Sometimes i'll just stare at the world around and just smile because I realise how blessed of a life I have. I'm truly blessed to have a career in the one field i've always dreamed of being in, acting....

Recently at a small high school reunion, some of them was quite impressed that the fat, nerdy kid that they once knew now owns his own company with his best friend. To be honest, that's quite an achievement for me. So Candid Photography is another one of the reasons to have a smile on my face....

Again at this high school reunion, I realised that in 5 years, nothing has changed. It seems as if we all had just left high school. But despite that fact, it again made me realised how blessed I am to be surrounded by good friends who look out for me sometimes and I in turn look after them. Then there are also the bitching sessions we always have....

So yeah, I truly am so happy with life that it's making even those romantic couples I know that are so happy in love feel disgusting. Hahahahaha. The best comment I got last night from a good friend of mine. But yeah, I couldn't ask for anything else in the world right now. Actually, there's just one. For that laksa girl to pick up her phone and give me a call and see how much has changed. Here's to hoping....

Rocking The World....

2009-06-26T07:35:00.004+08:00

I grew up with his music. I danced his dance in school. I sang his song Ben in a primary school concert. He was an inspiration to me and i'm sure he was to many people too. Despite bad press reports in his later years, Michael Jackson will always remain the greatest singer and dancer of our generation. Now I know how people must've felt when Elvis died. Michael, i'll miss you....

The King Rises....

2009-06-15T02:56:00.008+08:00

Ever since Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa ended, I have been hard at work on my next production. Well, about a month of hard work, blood, sweat and tears are all going to come to fruition this coming Thursday. Let me be the first to announce to you that Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead....

To be honest with you, I haven't been this excited about a production since Broken Bridges. I have no idea why, but i'm really excited about this project....

Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead is a hilarious comedy that centres on two bewildered minor characters from Shakespeare's tragic tale of Hamlet. They are thrust centre stage and given the chance to finally take lead roles in this fabulously inventive take on Hamlet. But Rosencrantz and Guildenstern do so in a world where reality and illusion intermingle and where fate leads our two heroes to a tragic but inevitable end. Unaware of the roles in the much bigger picture of Hamlet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern get themselves into hilarious situations. Although the play is primarily a comedy, they constantly stumble upon pilosophical truths in the midst of the ludicrous ramblings....

For those of you unaware of the story of Hamlet, do not fret. As an opening for Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, you can enjoy Tom Stoppard's 15 Minute Hamlet. Basically it's a crash course of Shakespeare's most well known work....

Date: 18 - 21st June 2009 (18th has been SOLD OUT!!)

Time: 18 - 20th @ 8:30pm | 20 - 21st @ 3pm

Where: Pentas 2 @ KLPAC

Price: RM25 and RM15 for students and senior citizens

So yes, I hope to see you all there :)