Johan Takes On Live Singing In Uda Dan Dara

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- After more than a decade away from large-scale theatre, actor Johan As’ari is returning to the stage — but this time in a more challenging role, as he is required to sing live in the Uda dan Dara Musical Theatre.

Admitting that the challenge has made him nervous despite his 15 years in the entertainment industry, the Bukit Mertajam-born actor said he did not want to waste the opportunity.

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Johan, 39, said that the classic work by the late National Laureate Datuk Usman Awang served as the motivation for him to return to theatre, in addition to being a chance to sharpen his skills in other performing arts.

Because of this, Johan — whose real name is Johan Ariff As’ari and who first gained attention as ‘Botak’ in the drama series Juvana — was willing to turn down all other job offers over the past month to fully focus on the daily rehearsals for the production.

“I miss performing in theatre. The last time I was on a large-scale theatre stage was Bahayanya Wanita at Panggung Sari, Istana Budaya, in 2014. I see singing as a challenge.”

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“I won’t deny it — I’ve been drinking bottles of water just to calm my nerves. It has been so long since I performed in theatre, and now I have to sing too. God willing, I’ll improve as I go along,” he told reporters after the media preview of the musical last night.

Expressing his appreciation to the instructors and fellow cast members who have guided him throughout rehearsals, Johan said they have taught him not only vocals but also dance techniques, sembah silat, and proper positioning on stage.

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Meanwhile, Johan — who previously said that he would avoid physical contact scenes, especially after returning from umrah in 2013 — explained that such scenes in this production are merely fantasy representations and carried out respectfully as required by the script.

“It is a fantasy scene and nothing excessive — just enough to convey what needs to be conveyed,” he said.

Meanwhile, Musical Director of Uda dan Dara, Nik Nizam Jaafar, said a total of 14 new songs were specially composed by talented Istana Budaya musicians, including Syafiq Al Gambus, Ude Sitar and Izzwan, fully adapting the poetic language of the National Laureate’s legendary work.

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Among the songs featured are Dara, Senja, Menanti, Mengemping, Berbalas Senda, Uda dan Dara, Ke Kota, Aku Kaya, Rampas, Pulang, Orang Alang Bakhil and Uda dan Dara II, all composed within a month and based on the characters and narrative of the musical.

“All the melodies were shaped according to the characters. I need to ensure each melody fits the scene, mood and movement of the story. For instance, if a character is fierce or arrogant like Alang Bakhil, then the musical delivery must reflect that.

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“The challenge is ensuring each actor can adapt to the songs, as most of them are not professional singers,” said Nik Nizam, who is also a Senior Musician with Orkestra Tradisional Malaysia (OTM). 

Running from today at The Playhouse Theatre @ The Campus Ampang, the musical directed by Nik Muhammad Faiszulikhwan and Dr Marlenny Deenerwan will continue until Nov 23, featuring a cast that includes Zera Hariz (Dara), Jay Iswazir (Alang Bakhil), Farah Ahmad (Mak Dara), Amerul Affendi (Utih), Azaman Hassan (Pak Long), and Sara Sulaiman (Mak Long).

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Supported by the Artistana Istana Budaya troupe, the musical is a classic retelling of the forbidden love between Uda, a village youth, and Dara, a noblewoman.

Their difference in social status and the oppression of the wealthy and greedy Alang Bakhil eventually lead to a tragic struggle that claims Uda’s life, leaving Dara in grief and regret.

— BERNAMA