Opening ‘The Secret Drawer’ to hidden stories of the past

A compelling piece of Malaysian documentary theatre, "The Secret Drawer" brings to life two real-life stories about secrets, family, and memory. Co-written and directed by stage veteran Jo Kukathas, the show draws on the lived experiences of performers Ling Tang and Tiong Wooi. Ling Tang's father had been expelled from university for his involvement in social activism, while Tiong Wooi's father was jailed for his theatre work and activism, later staging a play while behind bars.

The show debuted at last year's theatre festival, "What Our Elders Left Us". Jo Kukathas expressed her fascination with old drawers and boxes, stating that opening them could reveal hidden pieces of family history and the potential for a great true story. The play revolves around two acts of curiosity - one involving a secret drawer belonging to a father who tells his daughter it cannot be opened, and the other involving an archive of nearly 60 official documents and application letters.

The archive holds little interest for the daughter until she is compelled to open it, after which Tiong Wooi returns to the stage after a 10-year absence. The production aims to inspire people to be curious about their own families and histories, with Jo believing that the family is a building block of the nation, and understanding one's roots can illuminate the larger story of the country.