Brunei's Theatre Art Needs Support
By Wani Gapar

Bandar Seri Begawan - Members of a theatre group at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) have sounded off the need for a government initiative that will further encourage the youth to develop their theistic talents.

It will be best for the government to provide interested youth a place to explore and expand their capabilities in theatre art, members of UBD Theatre Club said in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.

They said Brunei art scene is an uncharted avenue that holds much potential.

"Our mission is to promote what art is all about. We want people to see art and value it. Theatre is not just for display; rather we try to create a strong bond between people and art," said Ahmad Fahmi Nona, club secretary.

"We usually perform for UBD events. We are amateurs but we don't aim to just act, but also hold workshops in schools over our semester holidays," said Ahmad Bohare Mansor, the group's president. "Hopefully this will be a starting point for other people to cultivate an interest in theatre."

The theatre group has had to deal with various challenges, however.

"We'-haven't had a chance to show people everything we have to offer. Most UBD students think we only stage comedy, but we also perform other genres like horror and tragedy," Ahmad Bohare said, adding that they had had a bad experience with the crowd once.

"One of the audience members started shouting in the middle of a production and ruined the whole atmosphere of the play."

While pursuing their interest in theatre, members make sure they do not compromise their academic studies, said the Public Policy & Administration student.

"We have a lack of knowledge in this field, we don't know much about script, lighting and effects. We do have a mentor but there's always more to learn."

Anthropology student Ahmad Fahmi said, "Here in Brunei, families and friends see art (acting, music, so on) as a second class activity. It's something just to have fun with, not to explore. I'm a bit disappointed with the art scene because it is not what it should be. Brunei has a lot of talent".

Ahmad Bohare echoed this sentiment saying that Bruneians could find away to expose themselves to acting and discard the typical Bruneian pemalu (shy) attitude. He added: "It's a shame not to put the talents on stage."

"If Malaysians have the iconic P Ramlee to lookup to, when will new generations in Brunei get to replace the likes of Kudil Sukor?" Ahmad Fahmi said, referring to the local Kedayan comedian.

The group past productions include Duwa Puloh, a comedy that commemorated UBD's 20th anniversary last year and Gugurnya Seorang Patriot, a tragic story of how Bruneian soldiers defended their country during World War II. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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