'Id' has completed both Penang and Kuala Lumpur runs.
We would like to thank everyone who came and supported the production. It has indeed been a long learning process...but it was fun =)
Check back soon for photos and updates regarding The Ministry of Truth's next production.
Thanks much! =)
John de Silva
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Kakiseni Comments
Hi guys,
here are some of the comments posted by some audience members and myself. The whole good, bad, and ugly la.
regards,
John de Silva
posted by Disapointed Audience In Penang, Sat 18.10.2008 22:15:25 PM
The show was quite disappointing as the show has a bad ending that doesn't make any sense where the character Raj dies and the narrator is suppose to be GOD...the costume was awfully bad as the reaper wears white...i seriously think that the show was a waste of money even my wife was confused all the way!!! Two thumbs down for the director Mr. John, Thumbs up for the actors!!!
posted by Wish I Have My Money Back, Sat 18.10.2008 22:48:10 PM
I have to agree with the comment from "disappointed audience" as i personally think that the show was all over the place but the casting was good..the story was just like a high school play and i wish i hadn't waste my money in watching this show. This show is not worth watching!!
posted by Jo, Sun 19.10.2008 21:43:18 PM
I enjoyed every minute of the play! Was really mesmerized and completely pulled into the story. The actors were amazing and talented. Totally worth my ticket money. The story was amusing and also sad. But most of the credit should be given to the actors!
posted by Christopher Hamilton, Mon 20.10.2008 00:59:21 AM
Amusing show, the actors did a rather fantastic job, watching the father on stage was a treat, the way Kumar swaggered and menaced on stag with his quick barbs reminded me of my dad. Had to stop for a second and remind my self that I wasn’t 13 and that wasn’t my dad :)
posted by John Shebat de Silva, Mon 20.10.2008 01:37:20 AM
Hi guys, here are some of my thoughts and responses to the above comments. First of all, THANK YOU, JO! I'm glad you enjoyed the show =)
To 'Dissapointed Audience in Penang' and 'Wish I Have my Money Back', thank you for your honest comments.The plot of the play is based on the general sociological process of a human being's life. Hence, If you recall the beginning of the play, it kicks off with the birth of Raj and ends with his death. The unofficial tagline of the play was 'Life...in fast forward'. 'Cause really, translating every detail of one's life to the stage in a 1 hr 30 mins play is probably not possible. Therefore, the passing of time is done mainly by narration in Act One, and of course the intermission.
Why God? Again, 'Id' is a sociological process-based show. And religion, or at least the belief in God plays a vital role. It is my way of showing that God and an afterlife exists. Hence, the 'Adam and Eve' bit as the introduction.
As for the costumes, regular day to day outfits were used. The grim reaper wears white simply because after some research, we discovered that the 'regular' skeleton donning a dark black hood is just ONE interpretation of the angel of death's appearance. There are are actually numerous versions. The typical skeleton or faceless figure in black is just the Western interpretation.
You probably felt that the show was 'all over' because there is not just one character to follow, but all 6. Life does not just surround one person. It was intentional to show how everybody was in one way or another linked to each other. And I had to do this with as little stereotyping as possible. Therefore, every character's behaviour was justified somewhere within the play.
The process of the show was done in a somewhat chronological order - Birth till Death.
Regarding the story being 'High School'...I'll say one thing la. Freud's concepts of Id, Ego, and Superego are rather deep. If you have the chance, read the synopsis again, I have explained that the story is only a simple and humble one that is based on the foundations of one heck of a complex theory.
The show is mainly aimed at the regular joe and theatre goers who just wants to have a good time and be reminded of how simple and hard life could be. So, whether you know what Freud's Id, Ego, Superego is or not, it doesnt really matter. The complexity of the show lies in its simplicity.
And yes, thank you for crediting my actors. They have all worked very hard (and still are) for this show.To those who are coming for the KL show, I hope you enjoyed it as much as Jo did =)Thanks guys :)
posted by John Shebat de Silva, Mon 20.10.2008 01:39:10 AM
Thanks Christopher! =)
here are some of the comments posted by some audience members and myself. The whole good, bad, and ugly la.
regards,
John de Silva
posted by Disapointed Audience In Penang, Sat 18.10.2008 22:15:25 PM
The show was quite disappointing as the show has a bad ending that doesn't make any sense where the character Raj dies and the narrator is suppose to be GOD...the costume was awfully bad as the reaper wears white...i seriously think that the show was a waste of money even my wife was confused all the way!!! Two thumbs down for the director Mr. John, Thumbs up for the actors!!!
posted by Wish I Have My Money Back, Sat 18.10.2008 22:48:10 PM
I have to agree with the comment from "disappointed audience" as i personally think that the show was all over the place but the casting was good..the story was just like a high school play and i wish i hadn't waste my money in watching this show. This show is not worth watching!!
posted by Jo, Sun 19.10.2008 21:43:18 PM
I enjoyed every minute of the play! Was really mesmerized and completely pulled into the story. The actors were amazing and talented. Totally worth my ticket money. The story was amusing and also sad. But most of the credit should be given to the actors!
posted by Christopher Hamilton, Mon 20.10.2008 00:59:21 AM
Amusing show, the actors did a rather fantastic job, watching the father on stage was a treat, the way Kumar swaggered and menaced on stag with his quick barbs reminded me of my dad. Had to stop for a second and remind my self that I wasn’t 13 and that wasn’t my dad :)
posted by John Shebat de Silva, Mon 20.10.2008 01:37:20 AM
Hi guys, here are some of my thoughts and responses to the above comments. First of all, THANK YOU, JO! I'm glad you enjoyed the show =)
To 'Dissapointed Audience in Penang' and 'Wish I Have my Money Back', thank you for your honest comments.The plot of the play is based on the general sociological process of a human being's life. Hence, If you recall the beginning of the play, it kicks off with the birth of Raj and ends with his death. The unofficial tagline of the play was 'Life...in fast forward'. 'Cause really, translating every detail of one's life to the stage in a 1 hr 30 mins play is probably not possible. Therefore, the passing of time is done mainly by narration in Act One, and of course the intermission.
Why God? Again, 'Id' is a sociological process-based show. And religion, or at least the belief in God plays a vital role. It is my way of showing that God and an afterlife exists. Hence, the 'Adam and Eve' bit as the introduction.
As for the costumes, regular day to day outfits were used. The grim reaper wears white simply because after some research, we discovered that the 'regular' skeleton donning a dark black hood is just ONE interpretation of the angel of death's appearance. There are are actually numerous versions. The typical skeleton or faceless figure in black is just the Western interpretation.
You probably felt that the show was 'all over' because there is not just one character to follow, but all 6. Life does not just surround one person. It was intentional to show how everybody was in one way or another linked to each other. And I had to do this with as little stereotyping as possible. Therefore, every character's behaviour was justified somewhere within the play.
The process of the show was done in a somewhat chronological order - Birth till Death.
Regarding the story being 'High School'...I'll say one thing la. Freud's concepts of Id, Ego, and Superego are rather deep. If you have the chance, read the synopsis again, I have explained that the story is only a simple and humble one that is based on the foundations of one heck of a complex theory.
The show is mainly aimed at the regular joe and theatre goers who just wants to have a good time and be reminded of how simple and hard life could be. So, whether you know what Freud's Id, Ego, Superego is or not, it doesnt really matter. The complexity of the show lies in its simplicity.
And yes, thank you for crediting my actors. They have all worked very hard (and still are) for this show.To those who are coming for the KL show, I hope you enjoyed it as much as Jo did =)Thanks guys :)
posted by John Shebat de Silva, Mon 20.10.2008 01:39:10 AM
Thanks Christopher! =)
End of Penang run
Our Penang run has come to an end. We had 5 shows and most of them were great!
The audience from Saturday night...really, you guys were awesome! So much energy and participation!
We've got 2 full days to rest and it's ROAD TRIP for the KL show! Really looking forward to it!
Bangsar, here we come! =)
The audience from Saturday night...really, you guys were awesome! So much energy and participation!
We've got 2 full days to rest and it's ROAD TRIP for the KL show! Really looking forward to it!
Bangsar, here we come! =)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
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Sunday, September 21, 2008
25 Days to Opening Night
'Id' opens in Penang on
FRIDAY
FRIDAY
17th October
8.30pm
that's just another
25 DAYS
make reservations now!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Welcome Bill
The 'Id' team and myself would like to welcome BILL REITBERGER on board! Welcome Bill! and we hope you'll have fun in the process of this production.
'Id' opens at The Actors Studio GreenHall in Penang on 17th October at 8.30pm. With more shows on the 18th and 19th at 3.00pm and 8.30pm.
It will be subsequently staged at The Actors Studio Bangsar Shopping Centre in Kuala Lumpur on 24th October at 8.30pm. With more shows on the 25th at 3.00pm and 8.30pm, and on the 26th at 3.00pm.
Admission is by a donation of RM20.00 (adults), RM15.00 (students, senior citizens, disabled)
For more info and reservations, call: 04 - 263 5400 / 012 - 451 9304.
Thank you for Supporting Malaysian Theatre.
'Id' opens at The Actors Studio GreenHall in Penang on 17th October at 8.30pm. With more shows on the 18th and 19th at 3.00pm and 8.30pm.
It will be subsequently staged at The Actors Studio Bangsar Shopping Centre in Kuala Lumpur on 24th October at 8.30pm. With more shows on the 25th at 3.00pm and 8.30pm, and on the 26th at 3.00pm.
Admission is by a donation of RM20.00 (adults), RM15.00 (students, senior citizens, disabled)
For more info and reservations, call: 04 - 263 5400 / 012 - 451 9304.
Thank you for Supporting Malaysian Theatre.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Press Release
“Life…in Fast Forward”
The Actors Studio and The Ministry of Truth shall be raising the curtain to their latest original play ‘Id’ come 17th October at The Actors Studio Greenhall in Penang. This shall be the second play John Shebat de Silva has written and directed under The Actors Studio and The Ministry of Truth, after the successful staging of ‘News for You: Termination of the Teenage Population’ in Penang and Kuala Lumpur. After serving as Stage Manager and Producer under his brother – Mark Beau de Silva for some years, the 21 year old has decided to go for the ultimate challenge and assume the seat of both writer and director.
“Directing ‘Id’ has been a real roller-coaster ride”, said de Silva. “It was exciting because I had my closest friends working with me as my actors. However, having to work with your best friends also mean a bigger and tougher challenge, especially when it comes to the matter of discipline during rehearsals.” But, the team embraced these challenges and are now pumping up all the enthusiasm for opening night.
John finds ‘Id’ a piece of work that he holds very close to his heart. “I recently learned that it is important to know who your closest friends are. It is even more important to know how to keep them close.” ‘Id’ focuses heavily on the values of friendship and has based the story on what goes on in his campus. “Of course it’s not told with hundred percent accuracy. This is theatre! And what is theatre without a bit of exageration here and there?”
‘Id’ has 6 characters. All of which the audience will be able to witness the mechanics of the id, ego, and superego within them as the play progresses. “You will see what is desire and how the characters encounter them.” “But don’t be afraid. The show is not going to be some Psychology lecture with a script full of sociological jargons. The story is down to earth, simple, and easy to comprehend and relate to.”
From start to finish, ‘Id’ features innocently hillarious takes on the issues we encounter everyday – copying your friend’s homework, putting on an act so that the teacher would not punish you for handing in your book late, discussing puberty with your closest friend, accidentally discovering a ‘dirty’ video, and so much more. ‘Id’ also faintly highlights how some people take certain things too seriously.
‘Id’ shall be staged at The Actors Studio Greenhall, Light Street, Penang from the 17th to 19th of October 2008. With shows at 8.30pm from Friday to Sunday, and an additional 3.00pm show on Saturday and Sunday.
The show shall also be staged at The Actors Studio Bangsar Shopping Centre, Kuala Lumpur from the 24th to 26th of October 2008. With shows at 8.30pm on Friday and Saturday, and at 3.00pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Admission is by a donation of RM15.00 for students, senior citizens and the disabled, and RM20.00 for adults.
Supported by Vistana Hotel Kuala Lumpur and NICE Executive Express.
For more information, log on to http://www.iddiaries.blogspot.com/ or contact 012-451 9304
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
27th Aug rehearsal
Dasha: warming up before rehearsals
The warming up session and a sneak peek of half the 'Id' set. Koh's portrait is not being featured in the show though.
Alvin
Benjamin missing the ball during warm ups
Nic having a ball!
! ...or else...!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
rehearsal shots
here are some shots taken from rehearsals...
The Actors Studio & The Ministry of Truth's 'Id' opens at TAS@GreenHall on 17th October 2008 and at TAS@BSC on 24th October 2008.
The Actors Studio & The Ministry of Truth's 'Id' opens at TAS@GreenHall on 17th October 2008 and at TAS@BSC on 24th October 2008.more changes
Hi all,
please take note that due to certain technicalities, Id's Opening Night at TAS@GreenHall, Penang has now been changed to 17th October 2008.
Showdates and times are now as follows:
Friday, 17th Oct @ 8.30pm
Saturday, 18th Oct @ 3.00pm & 8.30pm
Sunday, 19th Oct @ 3.00pm & 8.30pm
cast line up:
Ben Singh, Alvin Dan, Dasha Logan, Nicholas Chong, Christyna Fong, Imran Osman
sponsors and supporters:
The Vistana Hotel Kuala Lumpur
please take note that due to certain technicalities, Id's Opening Night at TAS@GreenHall, Penang has now been changed to 17th October 2008.
Showdates and times are now as follows:
Friday, 17th Oct @ 8.30pm
Saturday, 18th Oct @ 3.00pm & 8.30pm
Sunday, 19th Oct @ 3.00pm & 8.30pm
cast line up:
Ben Singh, Alvin Dan, Dasha Logan, Nicholas Chong, Christyna Fong, Imran Osman
sponsors and supporters:
The Vistana Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Saturday, August 2, 2008
MOT's 2nd Production
THE ACTORS STUDIO & THE MINISTRY OF TRUTH
presents
Id
Written & Directed by
JOHN SHEBAT de SILVA
Featuring
BEN SINGH
ALVIN DAN
DASHA LOGAN
NICHOLAS CHONG
CHRISTYNA FONG
IMRAN OSMAN
The Actors Studio @ GreenHall
OCT 17 - 19
The Actors Studio @ Bangsar Shopping Centre
OCT 24 - 26
Admission
RM 20.00 (adults) RM 15.00 (students, senior citizens, disabled)
presents
Id
Written & Directed by
JOHN SHEBAT de SILVA
Featuring
BEN SINGH
ALVIN DAN
DASHA LOGAN
NICHOLAS CHONG
CHRISTYNA FONG
IMRAN OSMAN
The Actors Studio @ GreenHall
OCT 17 - 19
The Actors Studio @ Bangsar Shopping Centre
OCT 24 - 26
Admission
RM 20.00 (adults) RM 15.00 (students, senior citizens, disabled)
Friday, January 25, 2008
News for You PHOTOS
The night before leaving for KL: Portrait of a dysfunctional family
KTM Sentul: Malaysia's latest Boy-band sensation
premier night: The cast of News for You with Dato' Faridah
At Kapitans Penang: Yogi and Alvin...The Tramp and the Tramp! Or is it The Lady and the Lady
KLPac's Pentas 2: Dasha and Bill
Greenhall...
Heroes!
Ben savouring his roti canai...
hmm?
Alvin taking a couple of zzzs during the roadtrip
Friday, January 4, 2008
John de Silva and Dasha Logan on NTV7's The Breakfast Show (Arts Segment)
NTV7's The Breakfast Show, hosted by Daphne Iking and Naz, had John Shebat de Silva and Dasha Logan of NEWS FOR YOU as guests for the Arts segment of the 4th January 2008 show.
Many thanks to the publicity team at The Actors Studio and KLPac. Special thanks to Matthew, Daphne, and Naz of NTV7.
NEWS FOR YOU: Termination of the Teenage Population will be staged at PENTAS 2, The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre on January 19th at 8.30pm and January 20th at 3.00pm. Tickets are sold at RM 10.00 flat.
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