07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: When the world says 'no'
THE idea that the grass is greener on the other side always sits at the back of our minds, says director Chris Ling.
He is directing the play "Let Me Go", which will be staged at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre over the weekend of July 11.
"Only when we experience firsthand what it's like to be on the other side, do we truly know whether that new way of living suits us, or if the dream even fits.
"Not tenaciously pursuing our dreams or passions is seen as failure, at least in the eyes of today's youth."
Ling, the associate artistic director at The Actors Studio Malaysia, is directing the graduation play of Dhakshayni Jegatheeswaran.
She is from the Tutas Conservatory of Performing Arts, a collaboration between The Actors Studio and Taylor's University.
Co-written by Mark Beau de Silva and Dhakshayni, "Let Me Go" tells the story of Nira. She has always dreamed of going to Hollywood.
A multiple Boh Cameronian Arts Award winner, Ling says that the best part of directing this play has been working with a dedicated ensemble of four young actors.
"They're ready to deliver at every rehearsal.
"They bring their artistry and imagination to the rehearsal studio along with a deep understanding of the characters that Mark and Dhakshayni have envisioned."
Dhakshayni, a graduating student of the Bachelor's in Performing Arts at Tutas , says her love for the arts began at the age of 6.
"The TV was always on, and there were always movies playing. But my real connection to the arts happened when I was 12.
"I got cast in my first stage production, 'Sand the Musical', 10 years ago. That's where I fell in love with acting."
Dhakshayni is not just an actor on screen and stage, but also a dancer.
Steeped in kathak and bharatanatyam lessons from a young age, she later explored contemporary styles through independent projects.
"In many ways, the arts have healed me. Dance, especially, has been like medicine for my soul, keeping me sane through everything life throws my way."
In a world driven by social media, some may consider live theatre outdated.
But Dhakshayni feels theatre allows her to be herself.
"Unlike a film set where there are cuts, breaks and chances to reset, live theatre demands presence, stamina and full awareness from start to finish.
"You don't get a second take, so if anything goes wrong, you learn to adapt and cover it up in the moment. It tests your resilience in a way that film doesn't.
"I owe everything to theatre — it's where my foundation in acting was built. Without it, I don't think I would've grown into the actor I am today."
She adds that the idea for "Let Me Go" came from her childhood experiences growing up with a dream to pursue the arts.
"I was lucky to have supportive parents, but the voices around me always seemed to say the opposite.
"There was this constant noise from relatives, neighbours and even teachers, all echoing the same outdated mindset that anything in the arts is a losing path."
The play also explores the racism that exists in the Asian community, says Dhakshayni.
"If you're Asian, you've likely felt it, whether it's the subtle looks, the 'preferences' in casting, or the way colourism plays out in who gets seen and heard."
"Let Me Go" asks the audience if a young Malaysian woman can chase her dream in a world that often tells her that she shouldn't.
It stars Dhakshayni herself, Lakshmi Ahrunagiry, Perassath and Tania Ashwini.
The play will be staged at 8pm on July 11 and 12, and at 3pm on July 13.
