Adriana, preparing props for her new works, says 'Borong' and 'Encyclopedia' have allowed her to write punchier, more fluid scripts, as both are short plays with only two characters. Photo: The Star/Low Boon Tat
Two characters walk into a room. What happens next is anyone’s guess – and that’s the premise behind theatre production Wacky Double Bill, featuring Borong and Encyclopedia.
The show is playing at Dekat KL creative space, Wisma Rampai in Kuala Lumpur until Aug 24.
Behind this new - hands-on, small team - theatre work are producer-playwright Adriana Nordin Manan, whose drama Fault Lines won Best Original Script at the Boh Cameronian Arts Awards 2024, and producer Sidhart Joe Dev. It is co-produced by Protagonist Studio and JDEV Studios, with story development by Cocoon Creative Lab,
This double bill marks Adriana's return with a fresh experiment in form and storytelling. By keeping each script short and focused on just two characters, she gives language and dialogue centre stage.
Adriana hopes audiences - in this indie space - will see how much drama can unfold between just two actors in a small room.
“The relationships in each play are quite different, so audiences will get varied perspectives, adding to the entertainment,” she said in a recent interview at the theatre venue.
“In terms of contrasts, apart from language, I hope audiences reflect on how misunderstandings and commiserations happen in our daily lives. Power dynamics, generational differences, and cross-cultural collisions will make the plays hit home for many. I hope they leave with a small reflection on the human condition – how we all stumble through cringe moments, yet keep moving on,” she added.
In 'Borong', Hazzy Alzeeq (front) and Aloeng Silalahiplay two colleagues desperate to impress their boss to secure a better future. Photo: JDEV Studios
This bilingual double bill offers two compact plays back-to-back, each with its own characters, mood, and rhythm. Designed to be fast-paced yet layered, both plays run about 30 minutes.
Borong, performed in Bahasa Malaysia, features Aloeng Silalahi and Hazzy Alzeeq under the direction of Qiu Qatina. It follows two colleagues caught in the push and pull of ambition as they scramble to impress their boss.
Meanwhile, Encyclopedia, staged in English, stars Aniq Durar and Megat Adli, directed by Jazzie Lee Jin Jye.
It playfully explores cross-cultural encounters, poking fun at awkward conversations and the tension between politeness and honesty. Both pieces resonate with everyday realities while sparking deeper reflection.
Humour, Adriana explained, is a deliberate entry point.
“I think humour can be very effective in opening the door and inviting people of different backgrounds to realise how much more similar we are than different. And how we’re all shaped by colonialism, capitalism, hustle culture – the forces that govern our lives more than we’d like to admit,” said Adriana.
“It might not bring world peace, but the arts give us space to be ourselves and see our struggles with gentleness. That, in its own way, helps build social cohesion,” she added.
Reflecting on her creative journey, Adriana described the project as both reassuring and liberating.
“I’m comforted knowing I can be a playwright of different kinds of plays. There’s no one way to write for theatre, and I can embrace this diversity while growing my craft,” she said.
“I also want to take myself a bit less seriously and experiment more. Documentary theatre is one form I’m especially keen to dive into, while working with collaborators who share the same broad vision. Theatre has given me plenty of transferable skills, which I’ll apply in future pivots and reroutes – of which I foresee many!”
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