(Melaka, 29th Jan) Social worker Datuk Jiang Xuexia, in response to the “Knowledge Sharing • Transmitting Artistic Hearts” initiative by MUKA Space, has called upon the public to donate 2 copies each to 62 independent Chinese schools and 81 national-type Chinese primary schools across the nation. The book in question is “Seeking Duke of Saxe-Meiningen: Interviews with Outstanding Contemporary Chinese Theatre Directors in Malaysia,” authored by Dr. Deric Gan, the Artistic Director of MUKA Space.
Dr. Deric Gan, a doctoral advisor at New Era University College, is also a renowned theatre director. He expressed his sentiment about the lack of monographs on theatre directors in Malaysia’s hundred-year-old Chinese theatre. To address this, he interviewed 22 exceptional Chinese theatre directors, compiling their insights into a book, allowing readers to step into the world of theatre directors. Malaysian theatre luminaries like Leong Chi Cheng and co-founder of the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre, Dr. Faridah Merican, and director Joe Hasham OAM, have contributed forewords to the book.
The 22 interviewed theatre directors come from various parts of Malaysia, including Chairman of ASLI Mr. Hor Shiping, Chairman of the Penang Performing Arts League Mr.Wang Hanyi, former head of the Drama and Film Department at New Era University College Mrs. Soon Chunmei, singer-songwriter Yang Wei Han, musical theatre director Ho Lin Huay, Butoh artist Lee Swee Keong, and visual artist Charles Jong, among others. Each director’s aesthetic principles and practical experiences are unique, reflecting their thoughts and innovations in theatre, artistic heritage, and prospects, collectively presenting a vivid image of contemporary Chinese theatre in Malaysia and outlining the clear contours of contemporary drama.
With around 240,000 words, “Seeking Duke of Saxe-Meiningen” is the first work in Malaysia that focuses on introducing contemporary Chinese theatre directors. Particularly noteworthy is the local theatre director history authored by Dr.Deric Gan in the preface, which contains precious information.
Datuk Jiang Xuexia recognizes the dearth of theatre-related professional books, especially those focusing on theatre directors. Touched by Dr.Deric Gan’s determination to write and promote books about local theatre directors, she calls on people to donate the books to secondary school libraries nationwide. This initiative aims to encourage more talented students to bravely pursue theatre arts, nurturing outstanding theatre artists and showcasing Malaysia’s cultural arts to the world.
Apart from Jiang Xuexia, individuals and companies participating in the donation include Pang Yik Hsiung, Wong Yew Choy, Lee Sin Kun, Shen Guixiang, Lee Xin Xi, Kuan Zhi Jun, and AMTF RESOURCES SDN BHD.
Students and teachers from the 62 independent Chinese schools and 81 national-type Chinese primary schools can borrow the books from their school libraries after the Chinese New Year. Due to limited stock, individuals interested in purchasing “Seeking Duke of Saxe-Meiningen” can find more details on MukaSpace’s Facebook page.
Source: Malaysia Sin Chew Daily
29th January 2022
Online Report: https://bit.ly/3NnOEW5