About the Project
In the days before The Actors Studio, KLPac, Istana Budaya and the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas—to name a few—the Experimental Theatre (E.T.) in the University of Malaya was a bastion of sorts for the arts scene in Malaysia. Many legends of Malaysian theatre and performing arts cut their teeth there—greats like Syed Alwi, Rahim Razali, Kee Thuan Chye, Ahmad Yatim, Faridah Merican, Mano Maniam, Che Shamsuddin Othman (Dinsman), director Chin San Sooi, filmmaker Dr Anuar Nor Arai and dancer Datin Azanin Ezane Ahmad.
That was in the 1970s. Renovations on the E.T. were undertaken circa 1999, but these works were never completed beyond a modification of the ultrastructure. For some 10 years the E.T. lay in disrepair, abandoned in the heart of an otherwise vibrant University. In early 2009 the E.T. was declared a National Heritage, and later that same year restoration works on the E.T. were finally resumed. At press time, the refurbished E.T. is nearly complete.
Shortly before restoration works commenced, a team of students conducted a shoot of the E.T. in its bare and primal glory; they also took photographs as the renovations were underway, documenting the recent transformation of the E.T.
“Operation Resurrection” is the result of these efforts—a photographic tribute to this great cultural icon, and a hearty ‘welcome back’ to a much-needed dedicated venue for the performing arts. It is our hope that the E.T. will uphold its legacy and continue to nurture budding talents who will go on and make the nation proud.
The launch of the exhibition is at 10.00 a.m. on 9 March 2011, at the Ground Floor of the Main Library, University of Malaya. This launch is open to staff and students of the University, as well as the general public.
The exhibition itself will continue, 9th March 2011 onwards.
All staff and students of U.M., as well as members of the public are welcome to attend the exhibition.
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[edit 28.4.11]
Operation Resurrection has recently concluded its run at the U.M. Library, but we'll be back soon! Thank you for your continuing support.
If you would like to be included in our mailing list for future updates, please email Benjamin at benjamin@dimanajua.com
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[edit 27.10.11]
Operation Resurrection is back, for a very limited time only! A selection of photographs from the original exhibition will be featured in the foyer of the Experimental Theatre, U.M., during the three-day Eco Film Fest, happening at the Experimental Theatre, 28-30 October 2011.
For more info on the Eco Film Fest, visit www.ecofilmfest.my.
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