Latest news with #Aswara
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Dharma Harun's son disappointed, offered indecent work for RM1k
PETALING JAYA: The second son of veteran actor Dharma Harun, Muhammad Al Syafiq, 36, revealed he once considered dropping out of the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (Aswara) to find stable employment. However, Syafiq said he abandoned that idea because he was unwilling to work with only his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) qualifications, and also due to moral support from various parties urging him to complete his studies. "Honestly, I thought about quitting my studies many times. But the dean, lecturers, and everyone else told me the same thing. They said I was different, that there was value in being at Aswara, which made me hesitate to quit. "My friends also told me it would only take a short while more, and if I quit, I'd be earning an SPM-level salary. I've managed to support my family by working while studying all this time," he said. Syafiq admitted he was embarrassed to publicly discuss his family's financial struggles. But he was desperate as his earnings from part-time work while studying were insufficient to support them. "Do you want to know the sad story about why I shared the post? The landlord told us to move out. The landlord was kind, but there were debts. "My salary was small. I truly hope the 'Deko Ibadah' programme could be aired on TV so we'll have financial resources. "Because things weren't going well, the landlord asked me to vacate within a month. I tried to find another house. But when they heard we'd be paying with help from Baitulmal, people weren't interested. "Whether I liked it or not, I decided to tell the public about our hardships. Thank God, after that, some aid came in, and the landlord said as long as I could pay, we could stay. I could use any donations for that purpose, but I did not stop working," he said. Earlier, Syafiq expressed his displeasure at criticism from netizens who accused him of being idle and hoping for his 69-year-old father, Dharma, to return to work to support the family. Syafiq clarified that he had undertaken numerous part-time jobs as a barista, model, and actor to support his family all this time. However, his monthly income of less than RM1,000 was simply not enough. Syafiq also revealed that he had received various indecent job offers that compromised his self-respect. Among them was an individual who brazenly offered RM1,000 for sexual favours. "I received all sorts of offers. For example, someone wanted to 'rent' my body for RM1,000. I just got that message early this July. There were even worse offers, but I don't think it's appropriate to share them publicly," he said. He admitted he wasn't surprised by such an offer, given his work as a model. According to him, the offer might have stemmed from posting photos from his portfolio on social media. Yesterday, producer Richard Ung organised a special screening of the action film 'Felai Fx', starring both Dharma and Syafiq, while also channeling donations to their family. Ung said that the event, held at the National Film Development Corporation (Finas), was primarily to help collect donations for Dharma due to their difficulties, rather than to promote the 'Felai Fx' film.
New Straits Times
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Individual breaks promise to help Dharma Harun Al-Rashid, says son
KUALA LUMPUR: The son of actor Dharma Harun Al-Rashid, Muhammad Al Syafiq, 36, has expressed his disappointment with a person who questioned why he and his sister, Siti Qurratu Aini, 37, were still studying while their father was ill and without an income. This individual had even promised to help them but then chastised Syafiq when he recently reached out. "This person had visited my father before and gave us his phone number, telling us to contact him if we had any problems," Syafiq told Harian Metro yesterday. "So, when our situation became desperate and we were told to move out of our rented house, I contacted him. But he scolded me, saying I should be working to earn money, not studying. I was really surprised." Syafiq explained that he and his sister are determined to continue their studies and secure good jobs to support their father. "I'm only in my first year at the Faculty of Creative Writing and Film at Aswara, and I've completed semesters one and two. After this, I'll finish semesters three to five," he said. "My sister is also a student at the Faculty of Creative Writing at Aswara. She has only one more semester left, semester five. She'll start working next year—there's only a little over three months left." He added that his academic performance at Aswara has been strong, and it would be a significant setback if he were to stop studying now. Popular 1980s actor Dharma, 69, is experiencing a decline in his physical health. He has had difficulty speaking fluently since suffering a stroke in 2019. This condition also affects his memory, making it challenging for him to recall information and preventing him from being active in his artistic career, whether as a director or actor. He currently relies on medication and memory-strengthening exercises recommended by his doctor. His predicament has garnered attention from various arts associations across the country, as well as from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister's political secretary, Ahmad Farhan Fauzi, visited Dharma last year as part of the Ziarah Madani Programme.
New Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Ailing actor Dharma getting thinner, weighing only 45kg
KUALA LUMPUR: Popular 1980s actor Dharma Harun Al-Rashid, 69, is reportedly experiencing a deterioration in his physical condition. The news was shared by his son, Muhammad Al Syafiq, on his Instagram Story yesterday. Syafiq posted a picture of Dharma performing prayers while seated, along with a heartfelt caption. "It's okay... wife is not around, but there's God, alright as long as can still pray," Syafiq wrote. He continued, expressing concern for his father's diminishing weight: "My dad is getting skinnier. But this is the challenges with all sorts of problems to face. But it doesn't matter as every problem is a test to succeed and continue to work hard to get excellent results in my studies so that one day I can get a proper job." Syafiq also acknowledged the public's support, saying, "The support of many and the prayers of people are what allows us to still breathe in this confined space." He concluded with a message of resilience: "What good does it do to just be sad, this chalenge is just a small one, many others are struggling harder out there. Have to be grateful and persevere." When contacted via WhatsApp, Dharma, known for his roles in films like Adik Manja and Sikit Punya Gila, confirmed his current weight is only 45kg. He further revealed that he is suffering from several health issues, including gastritis, asthma, swelling of the heart and lungs, and a thyroid condition. Dharma's health struggles are not new. He has had difficulty speaking fluently since suffering a stroke in 2019. This condition also affects his memory, making it challenging for him to recall information and prevents him from being active in his artistic career, whether as a director or actor. He currently relies on medication and memory-strengthening exercises recommended by his doctor. His plight has garnered attention from various arts associations across the country, as well as from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister's political secretary, Ahmad Farhan Fauzi, visited Dharma last year as part of the Ziarah Madani Programme. Dharma currently lives with his son Syafiq, 36, and daughter Siti Qurratu Aini, 37. Both are still students at the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (Aswara).
New Straits Times
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: When Macbeth wears a 'tengkolok'
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.
The Star
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
'Cammies' spotlight Malaysia's evolving, genre-blurring arts productions
A fusion of one of William Shakespeare's most iconic plays with Minangkabau traditions, and a minimalist yet powerful Bahasa Malaysia theatre piece exploring the struggles of an actor, were among the recipients named "Best of 2024" at the recent 20th Boh Cameronian Arts Awards (BCAA or fondly known as the "Cammies") held at PJPac's main theatre hall in Petaling Jaya on Sunday night. In the theatre category, Randai Macbeth, a production by Pusat Seni Pentas Tradisional, Aswara, won eight awards on the night, including Best Director (Dr Norzizi Zulkifli), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Juhara Ayob), Best Actor in a Leading Role (Che Kem) and Best Ensemble / Group Performance. 'We're happy that traditional theatre can stand alongside contemporary productions and be recognised on the same stage,' said Norzizi, who directed Randai Macbeth. 'It's not easy these days to stage something of this scale, but acknowledgements like this give us the motivation to keep working with traditional art forms – especially those that are often overlooked or undervalued,' she added. Meanwhile, Persiapan Seorang Aktor by Studio Sedar Ruang proved that Jerzy Grotowski's concept of "poor theatre" still has the power to stretch the limits of creativity and resourcefulness. The production took home two awards, including Best Original Script for playwright Saat Omar, who described the work as a tribute to all theatre students and struggling actors. 'The script explores the joy and meaning of becoming an actor, as well as the quiet, often invisible struggle to have that journey and craft taken seriously,' said Saat. 'It was written from a deeply personal place, and I hope it offers encouragement to others who are still fighting to be seen,' he added. Orang Orang Drum Theatre's production 'Kaka-Lala' picked up four awards. The title, drawn from a Cantonese phrase, loosely translates to 'every little corner of the world.' Photo: OODT Syahrul Musa, director of the Persiapan Seorang Aktor production, described the recognition as 'deeply humbling,' adding that being named Best of 2024 was an unexpected but meaningful affirmation of their work. 'This award isn't just for me – it's for all the small-scale (theatre) makers, the independent groups, the ones creating with heart despite the odds,' said Syahrul. 'I hope this moment inspires more courage, more experimentation, and a stronger belief that intimate, alternative theatre truly matters.' In the Dance category, Orang-Orang Drum Theatre's ambitious Kaka-Lala swept four awards, including Best Choreographer In A Feature Length Work and Best Music and Sound Design. Geetha Shankaran-Lam was named Best Featured/Lead Performer for her powerful traditional Indian dance piece Samskara – Past Reflections, Present Expressions, presented by GSD Performing Arts Studio. 'It's predominantly bharatanatyam, but I've added my own 'Geetha' touches - including elements of freestyle - because that's the only way I can tell stories the way I intend to,' said Geetha. 'At this stage in life, there are no more boundaries.' The stage setup for 'Handpan Music Concert', presented by FrhythmS Percussion, earned Vasflow the award for Best Visual Presentation in the Music category. Photo: FrhythmS Percussion In the Music category, Kuala Lumpur City Opera's kebaya-inspired Opera Si La Bohemia and FrhythmS Percussion's Handpan Music Concert each claimed two awards. Opera Si La Bohemia's wins for Best Group Performance – Vocal and Best Musical Direction highlighted the production's artistic depth and vocal excellence, while Handpan Music Concert impressed with its mainstream appeal, earning Best Group Performance – Instrumental and Best Visual Presentation. New media artist Mohamad Nazrin Mohammad, also known as Vasflow, was thrilled to receive an award in his debut nomination for Best Visual Presentation. 'The entire set, draped in white fabric, became a perfect canvas for my visual projections,' said Vastflow. 'Using real-time rendering software, each frame was generated through unique mathematical processes, making the visuals feel organic and ever-evolving—beautifully aligning with the theme of the show,' he added. Stefano Chen, representing Masakini Theatre Company, won Best Solo Performance – Vocal for his soulful delivery in the Charm Of Keroncong Repertoire show. In Musical Theatre, Teater Muzikal Sakti Merong Mahawangsa by Persatuan Alumni Aswara took home four awards, including Best Costume Design, Styling & Makeup (Akma Suriati and Suhaib Daud), Best Lighting (Yusman Mokhtar), Best Original Book (Sidang Penulis Teater Muzikal Sakti Merong Mahawangsa), and Best Choreographer (Naim Syahrazad). Zhafir Muzani, choreographer of The Young KL Singers' 'Spice, Magic And Mystique', led one of the three productions honoured with the coveted 'Best of 2024' award. Photo: KLPac Meanwhile, the Kuala Lumpur Men's Chorus's Life Is... and Kult Productions' The Working Dead each took home three awards. In the latter, Ronnie, who portrayed the main main Edwin, won Best Performance in a Leading Role. 'This award holds even deeper significance for me, as I accept it in memory of my beloved father, who passed during the production,' said Ronnie, who uses a single-name moniker. 'It wasn't the smoothest experience, but my passion for the craft runs deep. I'm incredibly honoured, thankful, and gratified to receive this accolade.' The 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award honoured Prof Dr Tan Sooi Beng, 70, a Penangite who has dedicated her life to the study and revitalisation of traditional and contemporary performing arts in Malaysia and South-East Asia. Her legacy includes a rich body of publications, innovative community theatre projects, and tireless advocacy for cultural sustainability. 'I felt that I had to give something back to the society from which I was enriched. I studied Chinese Opera and puppet theatre in Penang, learning so much about my own culture. It was important for me to localise and decolonise music education,' said Tan. 'I feel very strongly that there is a need to cross borders, rather than just promote Malay, Chinese, and Indian. We need to find spaces because the convergence of our cultures is what makes us Malaysian,' she concluded. Hosted by Sean Ghazi and Yon Lynn Tan, this year's 'Cammies' marked 20 years of celebrating the performing arts, carrying the theme "Igniting Inspiration For Tomorrow." A total of 42 awards were presented, with RM58,000 in cash prizes distributed to performing arts practitioners across a range of disciplines - including dance, music, musical theatre, and theatre. The awards were organised by Kakiseni and sponsored by Boh Plantations Sdn Bhd.
