October 12, 2011 – The aptly named production Life Sdn Bhd returns to The Actors Studio @ Lot 10 in its seventh iteration from 26th till 30th October. Directed by Dato’ Faridah Merican, Life Sdn
Bhd 7:
Refugees invites the audience to experience the honest and compelling stories of refugees in Malaysia that often go unheard.
Produced by The Actors Studio in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees Malaysia (UNHCR), Life Sdn Bhd 7: Refugees features seven courageous men and women from Myanmar, Somalia and Sri Lanka. Life Sdn Bhd 7: Refugees will showcase stories about the refugees’ lives here in Malaysia, the feeling of having to leave one’s home country and making a perilous journey to Malaysia, and how being here has changed their lives. The Malaysian story is about the strength of refugees who are far from helpless despite their circumstances.
Deborah Priya Henry, Miss Universe Malaysia 2011 and refugee rights advocate will be joining the ensemble to share her experiences in working with refugees. To add spice to this bite of life production, singer-songwriters Ian Chow and Ariff Akhir will perform original compositions commissioned especially for this production that capture the essence of the struggles of refugees from a musical perspective.
A brainchild of Dato’ Faridah Merican, the popular Life Sdn Bhd series has grown from strength to strength since its first staging in 2004. Once again, Dato’ Faridah brings to the centre of public discourse an issue which is often left in the peripheries of society. Dato’ Faridah Merican says, “The beauty of the series lies in its stripped down format where actors as well as non-actors share true stories on stage on issues that affect us living in Malaysia. Ranging from social, political, family, love and love lost.”
“The refugee community has long been invisible, it is time we hear what they have to say. Theirs is a heartwrenching story of detention, abuse, fear, neglect, and humiliation. But there are stories of resilience, courage, hope and love as well. They are after all normal human beings, of flesh and blood, hopes and dreams, like you and me,” she added.
Over 95,000 refugees and asylum-seekers are registered with UNHCR in Malaysia, yet their stories are often unheard by the public. “People often misunderstand who a refugee is, thinking that they are migrants looking for economic opportunities. The truth is that refugees have been forced to leave their countries because of persecution and armed conflict,” said Alan Vernon, UNHCR Representative. “Life Sdn Bhd 7: Refugees provides an opportunity for the public to understand better what refugees experience as they seek safety, and the challenges of their day to day survival.
“UNHCR is pleased to collaborate with The Actors Studio on this production which we hope will inspire the audience to think how they, in their own individual capacities, can help refugees as they seek to rebuild their lives in safety.”
Part of the proceeds from Life Sdn Bhd 7: Refugees will go towards the Refugee Welfare Fund that provides emergency medical and welfare assistance for refugees in Malaysia.
About The Actors Studio
The Actors Studio was set up in April of 1989 by husband and wife team Joe Hasham OAM and Dato’ Faridah Merican with the following objectives; to stage meaningful theatre, to nurture the performing arts and to provide training to all those interested to learn. It is one of the foremost theatre companies in the country and its experience in the arts is unparalleled. For more information, visit www.theactorsstudio.com.my
About UNHCR Malaysia
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), or the UN Refugee Agency, is mandated to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees and asylum-seekers worldwide. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum in another country and rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.
The UN Refugee Agency has been working to protect and assist refugees in Malaysia since 1975. As there are currently no legislative or administrative provisions in place for dealing with the situation of refugees in the country, UNHCR conducts all activities related to the reception, registration, documentation and status determination of asylum-seekers and refugees.
UNHCR seeks long term solutions for refugees including finding them new homes in third countries or helping them return home voluntarily when it is safe to do so. While they are seeking temporary protection in Malaysia, UNHCR strives to create a safe and secure environment for them where their basic needs are met. UNHCR cooperates with its Government and civil society partners in humanitarian support for refugees including in education, healthcare and community support.
Life Sdn Bhd 7: REFUGEES Show Details
Presenter: The Actors Studio & UNHCR Malaysia
Date & Time: 26th (preview night) – 29th October 2011 @ 8.30pm,
30th October@3pm
Venue: The Actors Studio @ Lot 10
Ticketing: RM33 (adults) / RM23 (students, disabled & TAS card holders)
Promotion: RM23 flat for preview night
Box office: Call or walk-in | klpac @ Sentul Park (03 4047 9000)
The Actors Studio @ Lot 10 (03 2142 2009/2143 2009)
Walk-in | ILasso Tickets @ A606, Block A, Phileo Damansara II, Petaling Jaya (+603-79576088 – enquiry line only)
Life Sdn Bhd 7: REFUGEES Production Team
Executive Producer & Director: Dato’ Faridah Merican
Artistic Director: Joe Hasham OAM
Original Music: Ariff Akhir & Ian Chow
Cast:
Ahmed, Khampi, Ngun Siang, Raine, Sharifah, Theepika, Trasia (Refugees)
Deborah Henry (Miss Universe Malaysia 2011 and refugee rights advocate)
Susheela Balasundaram (UNHCR)
Source : UNHCR
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