Johan, portraying Uda, and Zera Hariz as Dara, in a scene from the 'Uda Dan Dara Musical Theatre', running at The Playhouse Theatre, The Campus Ampang, Selangor, until Nov 23. Photo: Bernama
After more than a decade away from large-scale theatre, actor Johan As’ari is returning to the stage in a more demanding role, singing live in Uda Dan Dara Musical Theatre, running at The Playhouse Theatre, The Campus Ampang, Selangor, until Nov 23.
Admitting the challenge has made him nervous despite 15 years in the entertainment industry, the Penang-born actor said he “did not want to waste the opportunity.”
Johan, 39, said the classic work by the late National Laureate Datuk Usman Awang motivated his return, while also giving him a chance to sharpen his skills in other performing arts.
To get back on stage, Johan - who first gained attention as ‘Botak’ in the drama series Juvana - turned down all other job offers over the past month to fully focus on daily rehearsals for the production.
"I miss performing in theatre. The last time I was on a large-scale theatre stage was Bahayanya Wanita at Panggung Sari, Istana Budaya, in 2014. I see singing as a challenge,” said Johan.
The musical, supported by the Artistana Istana Budaya ensemble, is a classic tale of forbidden love between Uda, a village youth, and Dara, a noblewoman. Photo: Bernama
"I won’t deny it - I’ve been drinking bottles of water just to calm my nerves. It has been so long since I performed in theatre, and now I have to sing too. God willing, I’ll improve as I go along,” he added.
Expressing his gratitude to the instructors and fellow cast members guiding him through rehearsals, Johan said they have taught him not only vocals but also dance techniques, sembah silat, and stage positioning.
Meanwhile, Nik Nizam Jaafar, musical director of Uda Dan Dara, said a total of 14 new songs were specially composed by Istana Budaya musicians, including Syafiq Al Gambus, Ude Sitar and Izzwan, fully adapting the poetic language of Usman Awang's legendary work.
Among the songs featured are Dara, Senja, Menanti, Mengemping, Berbalas Senda, Uda dan Dara, Ke Kota, Aku Kaya, Rampas, Pulang, Orang Alang Bakhil and Uda dan Dara II, all composed within a month and based on the characters and narrative of the musical.
'Uda Dan Dara Musical Theatre' is showing at The Playhouse Theatre, The Campus Ampang, Selangor until Nov 23. Photo: Bernama
"All the melodies were shaped according to the characters. I need to ensure each melody fits the scene, mood and movement of the story. For instance, if a character is fierce or arrogant like Alang Bakhil, then the musical delivery must reflect that," said Nik Nizam, who is also a senior musician with Orkestra Tradisional Malaysia (OTM).
"The challenge is ensuring each actor can adapt to the songs, as most of them are not professional singers,” he added.
Running through the weekend, the musical - in Bahasa Malaysia - directed by Nik Muhammad Faiszulikhwan and Dr Marlenny Deenerwan, also features Zera Hariz (Dara), Jay Iswazir (Alang Bakhil), Farah Ahmad (Mak Dara), Amerul Affendi (Utih), Azaman Hassan (Pak Long), and Sara Sulaiman (Mak Long).
Supported by the Artistana Istana Budaya troupe, the musical is a classic retelling of the forbidden love between Uda, a village youth, and Dara, a noblewoman. - Bernama
