#SHOWBIZ: When Macbeth wears a 'tengkolok'

New Straits Times

14-06-2025

When Dr Norzizi Zulkifli first read 'Macbeth', one of William Shakespeare's most iconic tragedies, she was struck by its parallels to Malay cultural themes.
"The play 'Macbeth' reminded me of a Malay warrior," Norzizi said.
"The witches mirrored our shamans or fortune tellers — that's where the connection began."
This parallel inspired Norzizi to direct 'Randai Macbeth', fusing Shakespeare's narrative with randai, a Minangkabau performance art.
Staged at Blackbox Aswara in October, the production swept eight awards at the 20th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards.
"The production 'Randai Macbeth' was the night's biggest winner, earning Best Director (Norzizi), Best Leading Actor (Kamarulzaman Taib, aka Che Kem), and Best Supporting Actor (Juhara Ayob as Lady Macbeth).
It also won Best Ensemble, Lighting Design, Music & Sound Design, and Costume Design, Styling & Makeup.
It was also one of three recipients of the Best of Nominees award.
"Winning so many awards was unexpected," Norzizi said. "I'd hoped for a few, but the rest surprised us.
"We competed against 77 productions. This was truly humbling."
The production was a collaboration between PuTRA, Aswara and UiTM's College of Creative Arts, where Norzizi heads the Performing Arts Studies.
It culminated months of teamwork.
"I sought input from all departments — music, choreography, set design — while maintaining directorial vision.
"As director, I ensured alignment with our vision. My role was to provide clear direction and ensure everything aligned with the vision."
That vision, Norzizi said, was a complex one: translating a Western tragedy into the language and style of traditional Malay storytelling.
"No one knew what to expect. Like baking an untested recipe, we only knew it worked after seeing the final result."
The creative process was far from easy.
Staging the murder scene became their greatest rehearsal challenge.
"We revised the scene six times. The cast exhausted themselves relearning silat choreography."
Despite these challenges, Norzizi knew these revisions were essential.
"Every movement had to convey the emotional weight of the scene.
"When movements failed, we reworked them until every performer embodied the vision."
Kamarulzaman found playing Macbeth intimidating.
"I never imagined I'd be playing Macbeth, since I'm beyond 50.
"Mastering the role and its character dynamics proved difficult."
The mixed cast of veterans and Aswara/UiTM students created a rewarding dynamic.
"We fused Western classics with traditional forms in this intercultural work.
"It was daunting at first, but once rehearsals began, it became engaging and fun.
"The theatrical experience ultimately matters more than fame or fortune."
Juhara agreed: "The award matters less than participating in this production.
"The creative process became therapeutic — a reconnection with my artistry."
The eight awards 'Randai Macbeth' won celebrate how bold creativity can honour cultural heritage.