Theatre Production 'Entourage' A Dark Comedy

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 10 (Bernama) -- Theatre production ‘ENTOURAGE’, directed by Zahim Albakri, revisits the social world of 1990s writers, performers and filmmakers through a theatrical ‘whodunit’ centred on the death of an artist during a house gathering.

Written by the late Jit Murad, the play follows a group of friends whose long-standing tensions resurface after their host Ghani is found dead in the kitchen. The production blends mystery storytelling with observations on friendship, ambition and the emotional distance within creative communities.

Ghani, played by Ghafir Akhbar, is portrayed as a successful painter returning from abroad whose charisma attracts a familiar circle of admirers. His strained relationship with longtime partner Lala, who is expecting a child while involved with another man, forms part of the emotional backdrop of the narrative.

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The storyline shifts when Ghani is killed with a granite rolling pin, triggering confusion and unease among those present. The second half intensifies as rivalries, grievances and hidden motives begin to surface within the group.

Sonia, played by Mae Elliessa, is presented as the assistant who manages Ghani’s documents and assets, including a discreet transfer of his property into her name. Sam, Ghani’s expatriate friend, becomes drawn into the aftermath as alliances shift and suspicions mount.

Wan, portrayed by Nabil Zakaria, introduces lighter moments through his expressive demeanour, while film director Mafuz, played by Engku Armand, brings a more restrained but influential presence. Their unresolved friction over a prized keris collection adds another layer of tension to the unfolding events.

Ade, played by Mia Sara, appears as a newcomer who observes the group from the margins, offering intermittent framing for the audience without being directly involved in the conflict.

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The production carries the humour and structural clarity associated with Jit’s writing, especially in the latter half when character interactions become more defined. Zahim’s direction preserves the tone envisioned by the playwright, with whom he collaborated for more than three decades.

‘Entourage’ runs from Dec 5-11 at Robert’s Theatre @ The Campus in Ampang, Selangor.

(This article is adapted from a review by Cyril Pereira.)

-- BERNAMA