Dramatic show ends on a high note

The staging of ‘Les Miserables’ in Seremban was accompanied by a student orchestra featuring both Western and Chinese classical instruments.

AS SOON as the curtains were raised, the audience were mesmerised by the vivid display before them.

They were instantly transported to 19th century France, and in this scene, prisoners in chains were mourning their lot in life – in song.

With that dramatic opening, Les Misérables, one of the most popular literary works of the 19th century, was re-enacted by students from University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC).

Based on the novel by French literary great Victor Hugo, Les Misérables tells the story of Jean Valjean who is imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread.

Valjean soon escapes his captors and makes good, but then, an encounter with a suspicious police officer threatens his new life.

Organised by Negri Sembilan Women’s Organisation (NSWO), state Culture and Arts Department (JKKNS), and state Education Department (JPNS), the performance involved a cast and crew of 125 including several students from the university’s China and UK campuses.

The performance at the D’Sury Auditorium at the state’s culture and arts complex in Seremban was the university’s third production here.

UNMC performing arts director Dr Sergio Camacho, who directed all three productions, said Les Misérables was chosen because the story was still relevant today.

“The story charts the journey of a man who turns his life around after being shown compassion. It explores social justice and has a positive message that still resonates with audiences today.

“It took us a month of rehearsals to fine-tune the production, and a unique feature is the accompanying orchestra, which incorporates both Western and Chinese instruments,” he said.

Camacho expressed gratitude to the state government for supporting the performances, which not only showcased UNMC’s performing arts platform, Uni Per Arts, but also introduced local audiences to great works of literature.

“The production was first performed on campus, but we decided to bring it to Seremban after the successful staging of One Thousand and One Nights in 2016 and Don Quixote last year.

“By staging off-campus, the students gain exposure and are able to engage with the local communities too,” he said.

NSWO president Datin Seri Raja Salbiah Tengku Nujumudin said while it was essential to appreciate local culture and arts, the staging of works of literature such as Les Misérables would help enrich the knowledge of local audiences.

“Les Misérables is so popular that the play is still staged in theatres in London and New York. Through this staging, the local community has the opportunity to watch Les Misérables right here in their hometown.

“It is also enlightening to note that the performers are not just from the arts faculty, but also the business, engineering and social sciences departments.

“Culture and arts is enriching and should be appreciated and enjoyed by all,” she said.

The production was staged in two showings with the first dedicated to students and teachers from across the state.

The first showing also allowed the students and teachers to engage and interact with the performers.

Raja Salbiah said such interactions would help the students enrich their knowledge and appreciate literature and the arts.

“As the Malaysian education system includes the study of language, arts and literature in the syllabus of both primary and secondary schools, I was happy to learn that over 500 students and teachers from the state were able to catch the performance.

“Exposure to works of literature will certainly help the students enhance their knowledge. Plays staged in English will also help students polish their language skills, which will be advantageous to them in future,” she added.