(From left) Kee, Poh, Looi, designer Khang Nanyao, Chin and cast member Kirsten Wong at the launch of ‘Water: A Musical’ . — Photos: MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
VETERAN playwright Chin San Sooi has been portraying Malaysia’s legacy onstage for decades through works such as Refugee: Images, Yap Ah Loy and Lady White.
His latest work, Water: A Musical is just as thought-provoking with its environmental message.
Chin was inspired after reading about deforestation in Taman Negara.
He initially struggled to put pen to paper but finally found his muse during the movement control order period.
“To my surprise, I was able to write eight scripts in four months compared to my earlier works like Lady White which took 10 years to finalise,” he said.
The play is supported by Environmental Protection Society Malaysia which advocates for conservation of rivers and seas.
The 60-minute musical will feature seven animal characters.
Masks designed by Khang for the cast.
Among the actors are Kevin Wong, who will play a tiger, as well as Hilda Looi and Ricky Kee, who will depict a mother and son elephant duo.
There will be eight songs composed by Joanne Poh, who had the demanding task of realising Chin’s vision.
Poh admitted that it was a challenge to compose songs that would appeal to both adults and children.
Though the play touches on pressing issues such as the environment and wildlife, Chin and Poh said they decided to keep the musical light and interactive.
Audience members are encouraged to dance during the show and will be able to influence certain scenes by taking part as animal characters.
The musical will be held at Black Box, Damansara Performing Arts Centre in Petaling Jaya from Sept 21 to 25.
Showtimes are 8.30pm (Wednesday to Saturday) and 3pm (Sunday).
Tickets are priced at RM48 (adults) and RM38 (students, senior citizens and disabled).
For details, call 03-4065 0001/0002 or visit www.dpac.com.my
