Kelantan Theatre Needs Structured Direction To Ensure Young Talents Thrive
KOTA BHARU, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- Theatre in Kelantan needs a more structured direction to ensure that the growing pool of young talent is not left adrift without proper guidance or a permanent platform to develop their potential.
Aqil Rozai, director of ‘Di Mana Putra? Kembara Ilusi Merentasi Fantasi dan Realiti’, said helming large-scale performances featuring school students had opened his eyes to the extraordinary talent and confidence of Kelantan’s young performers.
He said the main challenge currently facing the theatre scene in Kelantan is the lack of a permanent platform and regular competitions to sustain young people’s interest and ensure continuous training to consistently produce new talent.
“Even a small performance space would be enough - one that can seat about 100 members of the audience per session and serve as a permanent venue for training and showcasing talent, instead of relying on a single large-scale production each year,” he told Bernama after the theatre performance at the Kelantan National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) Auditorium in Tanjong Chat last night.
Aqil, who has more than 10 years of directing experience, said the theatre production by Anak Seni Pendidikan Kelantan (Aspek) featured a variety of fascinating characters, including Jack Sparrow and Peter Pan, alongside local icons such as Tok Janggut, Sarjan Che Wan and Tok Kenali, in an effort to reintroduce the state’s history to the younger generation.
Aqil said Kelantan has vast theatre potential, with many promising talents emerging from schools and higher learning institutions. However, he said consistent training and performance opportunities are crucial to sustaining their interest.
“They are not only learning to act but also developing discipline, confidence and communication skills. With continuous support, more talents from Kelantan can shine at national and international levels,” he said.
He also urged agencies such as JKKN, the State Education Department and local universities to collaborate with professional theatre groups to organise acting, scriptwriting and directing workshops at the grassroots level.
Meanwhile, Kelantan JKKN director Rohaniza Abdullah said the department remains committed to providing a platform for local artists, particularly young talents, to showcase their creativity through theatre.
“What matters most is having a platform. When there is space for them to stage their work, new talents can be nurtured and the community can also appreciate the beauty of theatre as an art form,” she said.
She added that children’s theatre such as ‘Di Mana Putra?’ have a positive impact as they draw families to enjoy the show together, strengthening family bonds while introducing the world of theatre to the younger generation.
“This is the first step towards bringing theatre back to the community and ensuring that the performing arts continue to thrive in Kelantan. JKKN assesses each production based on the quality and credibility of the director and actors in attracting audiences,” she said.
The theatre production ‘Di Mana Putra?’ tells the story of the spiritual awakening of its main character, Putra - a mischievous 12-year-old boy who loves to fantasise and often takes advantage of others.
Through his journey, Putra ultimately realises his true self and the importance of valuing the people around him.
Last night’s theatre performance drew an overwhelming response, with nearly 1,000 theatre lovers filling the state JKKN Auditorium. A second showing is scheduled to take place tonight at the same venue.
-- BERNAMA
