12 actors, 200 characters and one Malaysian dream

"Once Upon a Malaysian Dream" is a new play by playwright, producer and director Kee Thuan Chye, which has garnered attention for its ambitious nature and large cast. The play is scheduled to run for nearly three hours and features 12 actors who portray 200 characters in a story that spans Malaysian history.

The 36-year-old actor Nabil Zakaria plays about 15 characters and has faced challenges due to the intense rehearsals, which have been eight hours a day, six days a week, over five intensive weeks. Despite the demanding nature of the production, Nabil finds the experience positive, especially in learning from more experienced performers such as Qahar Aqilah and actress, dancer, and theatre director Sabrina Hassan.

Qahar, on the other hand, does not play as many characters as the rest, but he appreciates the opportunity to focus on one role that remains throughout the entire story. Together, the cast has been working intensely to bring Kee's vision to life on stage, which revolves around a central character's pursuit of a Malaysian dream that emphasizes unity and understanding among Malaysians, irrespective of race, religion, and culture.

Kee, the 75-year-old playwright, shares that his dream has been with him for a long time and aims to showcase Malaysians coming together, working together, and living together without politics around race, religion, or culture. He has faced some criticism on social media regarding the absence of Indian Malaysian actors in the cast. Kee explains that the casting decisions were based on suitability for the roles, not race, and emphasizes that the play aims to move away from the chronic fixation on race in Malaysian society.

Nabil hopes that audiences will give the play time to process and not rush to conclusions, while Qahar believes that the arts can create common ground among people by acknowledging its value and unifying elements. Ultimately, Kee hopes that the Malaysian dream presented in the play will continue to inspire and strive for a better future.