Monday, June 25, 2007

of acting again...

I was called for an acting gig last night. It was a minor role in a malay serial drama to be aired over Astro Ria. It has been a year and a half since my last stint in front of the camera, and although I felt a bit rusty, I realized that career-wise, I truly belong on a set. That’s where I feel something, I’m happy and I know what I’m doing. Not to say that I’m a good actor, but the intense passion that I feel for this industry makes all the difference. However, this time around, something was missing. It was nothing like my previous acting stints. He wasn’t there. I thought of him the whole time I was on the set. The support that I got from him made all the hardships and insanity of the entertainment field bearable. I have a lot of people supporting me in this field, but he was, and will always be my sense of completion. All I had to do was think of the sacrifices he has made for me when it comes to my career in the past and I feel like I can do anything. The love he gave me is something that no fame or fortune could ever measure up to. He believed in me and I’d like to think that he still does and that is my strength. I know the gig I got was really small, but knowing how proud I used to make him makes me feel better than winning an Oscar. I love acting and in this crazy business, it’s really hard to get a break, especially without the right looks or the right connection. So I cherish whatever small part I get and I know that, to him, no part I get is small. He’s always been there, from shooting locations to attending the premiere, and that is what I hang on to. The love and support that comes from someone who believes in you whole-heartedly without a word of complain or discouragement. Some actors go through their entire careers trying to seek the approval of the audience and their fans, but for me, knowing that at one point of my life, I had someone who was immensely proud of me no matter how silly my gig was, is all the approval I’ll ever need. And I know that he will always be proud of my career choice. Truly, the support that I get from him and my family are the vines I cling to in order to survive in this entertainment industry. Life hands you some sour lemons sometimes, but once you’ve tasted the sweet, you’ll never forget how marvelous it tasted like. And in this industry that hands out sour lemons most of the time, the sweet is the support that comes from someone who truly believes that one day you will make it, and make it big. Thank you, you know who you are…

Sunday, June 24, 2007

of literature and controversy....

I just purchased a copy of D.H. Lawrence's most famous novel Lady Chatterley's Lover... in KL! Ever since I heard about this particular controversial piece of classic literature, I've been searching high and low for it in Malaysia, but to no avail. The book was banned in the USA and Britain at one point but it was lifted later on. I suppose it is still banned in Malaysia, but a trip to a warehouse book sale in Damansara today proved to be fruitful. I bought the book for a mere RM12.90!
It is rather odd how MPH, Borders and Kinokuniya don't seem to carry this title, but a warehouse sale is selling it. Actually what's even more odd is that the book is not sold openly here. If they're going to ban Lady Chatterley's Lover, they should impose the same law on all those books in the Mill's & Boon's series.
Anyway, I shall post a review of it and what I think of sexual openness (or the lack of it) in society when I'm done reading the book.
To fellow booklovers out there, you should really check this sale out. The prices are really cheap and they have quite a range. Here are the details:
Venue: Level 1, Atria Damansara, Damansara Jaya
Time : Shopping mall hours
Payment mode: Cash and Credit Card (for purchases above RM30.00)
Do make your way there. You won't be disappointed. Need directions? If you know me, gimme a buzz on my cellphone and I'll be more than happy to direct you. If you don't know me, well... I guess that's what maps are for :-)

Thursday, June 14, 2007

of shakespeare and bamboo sticks......


I was invited to attend the premiere of Sabera Sheik's latest play, Urmi, by a friend. Urmi translates to 'wave' in Javanese, thus alluding to the essence of the play which is a reinvention of William Shakespeare's revered Tempest. After agonizing over what to wear to such an event, I agreed on this kebaya nyonya. Nawar was a heck of a lot more excited than I am about the outfit! Anyway, the turn of events that night was something I was not expecting at all, but suffice to say I wouldn't have had it any other way. I can't say the same thing about the play though. Let's just say that Shakespeare died a million deaths in his grave that night! Apart from that, it was a good effort at a balinese dance theatre, I just thought it would have been better if the story was something original instead of converting a Bard masterpiece. The actors were good, especially Mano Maniam, and the dances were beautiful. The set was remarkable as well. But then again, putting aside the play, that night was a great night...after a long time, for that one night, I felt happy again......even if it was just for a couple of hours, I honestly would not have had it any other way. We were late for the play though, and honest to God, being late made the night what it was for me... happy...

.

Friday, June 01, 2007

a funny limerick...

This limerick was forwarded to me by my Dad. I would love to credit the author, if only I knew who he/she is. Anyway, to anon (as anonymous greek writers used to sign their writings), I'd just like to say that this is really funny and so true! Have a good laugh, folks!

Bocor teruk kata Samy
Wiring lama kata Ramli
Bangunan tua kata Nazri
Najib said it's PWD
Semua ada alasan sendiri
But where you all spend the money?
RM90 juta untuk cantikkan lobby
So that it looks luxury
Nice décor and nice settee
But now you kena letak baldi
Bocor teruk when it rains heavily
MP yang busuk pun boleh mandi
The floor is wet and slippery
The luxury lobby now looks untidy
Inilah dia third class mentality
Luar cantik tapi dalam very shoddy
Structure work should get priority
And now whose responsibility
JKR or Parliament Committee
While you all gaduh sama sendiri
Rakyat want an answer immediately
Otherwise kita tak bagi you undi
Sebab you spent money unnecessarily
You know it is taxpayers' money
So please spend the money wisely.