Inclusive Cast Brings Script To Life

By Atira Khalisha Nor Adnan and Siti Nur Athirah Abdullah

KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- The theatre production ‘Impian di Ambang Waktu’ has brought a new dimension to the performing arts scene by requiring the original script to be reworked and adapted to showcase the exceptional talents of trainee teachers with disabilities.

Scriptwriter and director Subroto Katimin said the challenge began when Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Ilmu Khas (IPGKIK) proposed involving its students in the theatre production concerned, although the original script only revolved around two chronically ill patients and did not feature characters with disabilities.

“In the original script, the character ‘Karim’ was not portrayed as having speech and mobility difficulties. However, the actual condition of the performer with disabilities was turned into a strength, making the character more distinctive and unique.

“Similarly, the character ‘Adib’, who is visually impaired, was a new character I created later. I was amazed because the performer with visual impairment only needed a very short time to memorise the script,” Subroto told Bernama after the theatre performance here last night.

He said several characters were created or modified to suit the physical conditions of the performers. The cast included Ahmad Aman Mohd Hatta Sambina, who played a diabetes patient (Zali) with an amputated arm; and Muhammad Amirul Syafiq Shahrul Azhar (Karim).

Subroto said the rehearsal process also required a different approach as each performer had their own abilities and needs that had to be understood to ensure their characters were portrayed effectively.

“Our challenge was learning how to guide them. For example, the character Karim has his own unique style, so we had to ensure that his portrayal did not become excessive. We needed to adapt according to the actors’ individual circumstances,” he said.

Commenting on the production, Subroto said the play explores the conflict between modern and traditional medicine through the story of two patients struggling to choose the best treatment option.

The play also highlights social realities surrounding traditional healing practices, which remain an option for some people when they face a dead end or lose hope in managing their illnesses. Subroto said the script was completed within a month.

Meanwhile, production coordinator Haslinaz Hanapi described the inclusive trainee teachers as the “heartbeat” of the production due to their ability to immerse themselves in their roles and memorise the scripts quickly.

“Some of them only needed about two days to memorise their scripts and were even able to improvise their dialogue spontaneously on stage.

“The main challenge was adjusting the rehearsal schedule as they also had to attend lectures. We also had to consider their levels of fatigue and emotional well-being, but their commitment was truly admirable,” she said.

The venue for the two-day performance, on July 17 and 18, is Dewan Dato’ Razali Ismail, IPGKIK here.

-- BERNAMA

Inclusive Cast Brings Script To Life

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