Jalan Yang Kalsom musical entertains theatre-goers

Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), in collaboration with the state’s Department of Broadcasting, Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) Pahang, recently presented a solid musical performance on “Jalan Yang Kalsom: Sebuah Muzikal” (JYKSM) on April 14, 2019 – which revolves around the lives of multi-racial residents at Jalan Yang Kalsom in Ipoh, Perak, circa 1970s.

The performance saw 60 production crew from the Senandika Theatre Group and Kencana Pawana Dance Troupe of UMP Arts & Culture Secretariat, put up an interesting and entertaining show on the harmonious atmosphere of a multi-racial society in the 1970s, and how such ambience can be a present-day example and guideline to all.

According to Production Advisor, Noor Afiza Mohd Asmi, the original script was written by Syafiq Ziazan, and was edited into a musical performance by Theatre Director, Rizal Ali, who is a junior (Year 3 undergraduate) at the Faculty of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering (FKMP).

“All the actors, dancers and even coordinators behind the curtain were UMP undergraduates, while Pahang FM disc jockeys (DJs) Izzul, Ain, Hanum and Fatin shouldered the master of ceremony and background voice-over tasks,” said Noor Afiza, adding that RTM Producer, Mohd Sharfaril Izwan Md Nor Shahar, was also on hand to ensure the successful production of JYKSM.

As for the musical arrangements throughout the show, they were jointly performed by UMP Culture Division (PSK) and RTM Pahang Combo, headed by the latter’s Music Director, Anuar Chacho. The staging of JYKSM saw successful rendering of two new songs called “Sendiri” and “Rasa”, as well as an Original Sound Track (OST). 

Noor Afiza remarked that all the participating undergraduates showed high-level of commitment, having to practise and rehearse for almost five months – in terms of editing the original theatric scripts into a musical performance, role-plays of characters, preparation of props and selections of wardrobe, among others.

“Actors also took on a challenging task in their selected characters and nurturing their roles, as well as ensuring that all songs are played appropriately according to the story line.

“On this note, we truly appreciate the support from UMP residents and the commitment displayed by several other departments, especially Center for Sports & Culture, Department of Student Affairs & Alumni, Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Department of Facilities Development & Management, Centre of Information Technology & Communications, Security Division and Bursary,” she emphasized.

According to Aznorizamin Ismail, who presently shoulder the responsibilities of the Director of Center for Sports & Culture, he was impressed with the talents and capabilities of the undergraduates to put up a two-hour performance, especially when none came from neither acting nor theatre background.

“They are undergraduates pursuing studies in engineering and technology, and yet, they can also stage an impactful performance and deliver effective stage management,” he said. 

Over 500 people attended the musical performance – including students from Sekolah Kebangsaan Seri Mahkota Kuantan. The collection of entrance fees is charitably contributed to Casa Harapan Women & Children Nursing Centre.

Also present were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), Professor Dato’ Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin; Pro-Registrar, Abd Rahman Safie; RTM Pahang Deputy Director, Rida Suziwati Muda; and RTM Head of Channel, Jaya Brabu Balasubramaniam.  

One of the theatre-goers, Al-Zahari Awang Samah, who is also an activist from Anggun Performing Arts in Temerloh, commended that UMP staged an impactful performance, with strong acting, interesting props and a story line that matches well with the songs. “As a theatre-goer, I was satisfyingly entertained.”

By: Noor Afiza Mohd Asmi, Centre For Sports & Culture