Faridah Merican on theatre, her childhood, and directing Usman Awang’s ‘Uda Dan Dara’

Offstage: KL Performing Arts Centre founders Faridah and Hasham relaxing in one of the gardens at the centre. Photo: S.S. KANESAN/The Star

Before she became Malaysian theatre’s First Lady, Faridah Merican was a school teacher, newsreader and radio talk show host.

"Come and join us,” Datuk Faridah Merican cordially invites me, beckoning me to her table with a reassuring smile.