For a life shaped by decades of triumphs, setbacks and reinvention – both on and off the stage – Datuk Dr Faridah Merican’s memoir Me, Mamak is remarkably concise.
Yet within its modest length, the memoir captures vivid moments from the formative years of Malaysian theatre, offering personal reflections and behind-the-scenes anecdotes from one of the country’s defining cultural pioneers.
In a recent interview, Faridah, 86, said she finally felt ready to publish a memoir after years of being asked to tell her story.
The result is both a deeply personal account and a first-hand chronicle of a life devoted to the stage.
“I was asked that question again and again until I couldn’t say no anymore,” says Faridah with a laugh.
“Then, during the pandemic, Ee Lai Cheng of Kakiseni suggested the idea, and I thought, ‘That sounds quite delicious!’ So I decided to give it a go.”
What began as a long-standing request from friends and admirers eventually became an opportunity for reflection, with the pandemic providing the pause needed to look back.
Faridah hadn’t intended to keep the book short, but says that was simply how it turned out.
“It felt like the right amount to say about myself at this stage of my life. Looking back, I realise I could probably have written more, shared more stories, or even unearthed a little more dirt. But this is what I felt comfortable putting into the book.
“I wasn’t trying to write a memoir to impress anyone. I simply wanted to preserve the memories of my life as I remember them, and to leave behind an honest account of how I would like to be known,” she says.
Me, Mamak begins in Ayer Itam, Penang, where Faridah was born, tracing her remarkable journey from a schoolgirl who discovered a passion for acting to her varied careers in education, broadcasting and advertising – all while remaining deeply committed to the theatre.
As co-founder of The Actors Studio Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac), Faridah has been a steadfast advocate for Malaysia’s performing arts. Several chapters of the memoir reflect this lifelong commitment, exploring both her frustrations with the challenges facing the local arts ecosystem and her enduring hopes for its future.
Beyond her professional achievements, Faridah also confronts the more difficult aspects of her personal journey, including her first marriage and eventual divorce from fellow theatre veteran Leslie Dawson, as well as the complexities and emotional weight of her relationship with her late son, Feroz Faisal Dawson.
Midway through the memoir, readers will find a collection of photographs from Faridah’s family albums, capturing different chapters of her life – from her childhood years and performances on stage to tender moments with Joe Hasham, her lifelong partner in both love and theatre.
“I am a storyteller, so I simply told my stories to Joe, and he helped transcribe them for me. It may sound odd, but my memories have remained quite fresh, from the time I was a child until now,” says Faridah.
“It wasn’t difficult to recall the things I wanted to say about myself. Some memories were more emotional than others, but they were all part of my story, and I wanted to tell them honestly,” she adds.
For Faridah, the memoir offers readers a glimpse into the experiences that have defined her and the passions she has pursued throughout her life – particularly her enduring devotion to theatre and the arts.
Alongside the release of her book, Faridah has had a busy start to the year, returning to the stage in January with God’s Waiting Room and marking KLPac’s 21st anniversary with a Mini Open Day in May.
She also continues to nurture emerging creative voices as festival director of Short+Sweet Malaysia, which celebrates its 19th year in September and October with a showcase of 10-minute works spanning various artistic disciplines.
Decades after first stepping onto the stage, theatre remains an enduring presence in her life – a passion that continues to define and inspire her.
“I especially hope young people will read this book and find inspiration in it. It tells the story of my journey – from being a young and naive girl to becoming the person I am today.
“Along the way, I made many choices, and I hope young readers will realise that they, too, have the courage to shape their own paths. It does not matter where you come from, whether it is a kampung or somewhere at the foothills of Penang. You should never be afraid to dream, make your own choices and pursue your passions,” she concludes.
And who knows, perhaps she has more to say yet.
Faridah Merican’s Me, Mamak, published by The Actors Studio, is available via Cloudjoi.
