PROJECTS WITHIN THE PROGRAMME
1. Beg Sakti (July 1978)
The first interactive children’s theatre performance involving participants of the KBN Teater Kanak-Kanak Programme, KL; directed by Elizabeth Cardosa. This performance was an adaptation of an original script by Lois Long, entitled ‘Magic Bag, Magic Bag.’ The director set a new tone for Malaysian Children’s Theatre by performing in non-formal spaces.
2. Si Geroda (Dec 1979, Dec 1981)
A 1979 production by young participants of the KBN Teater Kanak-Kanak Programme, KL, and directed by Janet Pillai. This interactive play had elements of drama, poetry, music, mime, and dance; and was a fusion of traditional Malaysian forms and contemporary ideas of children’s theatre. The production toured to several Northern states in 1979, and was then restaged and toured to Southern states (and Singapore) in 1981.
3. Sri Ayu (April 1980)
A modern children’s musical written by Faridah Fung Chui Lin, performed by participants of the KBN Teater Kanak-Kanak Programme, KL; together with cameo roles by two adults from Anak Alam. This production was directed by JP, with music by Zubir Ali, and choreography by Marion D’Cruz. It was staged in Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka and Universiti Malaya.
4. Pieces of Mime (May 1981)
A short medley of Asian folktales, performed at the fringe of the regional cultural festival ‘Mustika Malaysia’ in Genting Highlands. The sketches were developed through improvisation and performed entirely in mime, using the technique of poor theatre. All performers were participants of the KBN Teater Kanak-Kanak Programme, KL; and were directed by Janet Pillai.
5. Kasturi dan Kalung Mas (July 1985)
The Malaysian entry for the 3rd International Workshop on Children’s Theatre in Asia (KL), performed by children from Pustaka Bimbingan (The National Children’s Library in Kuala Lumpur). This improvised piece was based on a Malay legend, and was directed by Janet Pillai. The children were able to learn new techniques at workshops run by the seminar participants, who came from various Asian countries.