Sang Kancil’s adventure brings Khir Rahman back to theatre

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After nearly a decade away from the theatre stage, renowned actor and director Khir Rahman is returning to his ‘roots’ through the children’s musical theatre production Pengembaraan Sang Kancil, which will be staged at Istana Budaya next month.

Khir, 53, whose real name is Khairulizam Abdul Rahman, will play the King of the Jungle in the production, which is scheduled to run for three days at Panggung Sari, beginning November 13.

Khir said the opportunity to return through a children’s musical theatre production held a special appeal as it was closely connected to his artistic roots, which began on stage, while also fulfilling his desire to engage with the younger generation.

“Those who have followed my career from the beginning would know that I started in theatre, on stage, taking part in festivals, competitions and various other activities from a young age. In other words, the stage is where I belong, and this feels like a return to my original arena.

“I am particularly happy to return through a children’s theatre production. This is very much my forte, as I was previously involved in Uda dan Dara,” he told Bernama after a press conference for the production at Istana Budaya here recently.

Recalling his involvement in theatre, Khir said his last production was Semerah Padi, staged at Istana Budaya about 10 years ago, before a busy schedule and acting offers in film drew his attention away from theatre.

He said working alongside young actors was a rewarding experience, allowing him to witness their efforts in memorising lines and attending rehearsals, while also appreciating the opportunity to expose them to the arts at an early age, an experience he himself did not have during his school years.

Meanwhile, young actor Ahmad Zaid Ahmad Zaha, who plays Sang Kancil, said the character’s courage had inspired him to speak up with greater confidence despite his small stature.

“Although Sang Kancil is small, he is brave. That motivates me because I am considered small compared with other pupils at my school. I want to be like Sang Kancil — small but brave enough to speak up — and I am trying to be like that,” he said.

The Year Six pupil of Sekolah Kebangsaan Seksyen 9 Kota Damansara in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, who began acting in theatre in late 2024, said he was selected through an audition for his fifth production and faced the challenge of performing numerous scenes with limited breaks on stage.

The theatre production follows Sang Kancil and his new-found friends on a journey to find their way home, using their wit and wisdom to help oppressed animals and protect his family from the threat posed by Taring.

Istana Budaya Production Director Hanida Mohamed Yusof said the production, themed ‘Magika Nusantara’, combines Malay and Nusantara folk tales, music, dance and humour to bring the younger generation closer to the performing arts and local heritage.

She said the production features 46 child actors and 16 new songs, performed live by 36 musicians from the Malaysian Traditional Orchestra and the string section of the National Symphony Orchestra.

“We believe that introducing the arts at a young age can nurture appreciation for and a love of the arts and culture among our children,” she said.

Istana Budaya last produced a children’s theatre production in 2020 with Siti di Alam Fantasi. However, the show had to be cancelled during its preview following movement restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pengembaraan Sang Kancil, directed by Nawfal Zamri with a script by Siti Jasmina Ibrahim, will be staged on November 13 at 8.30 pm; November 14 at 2.30 pm and 8.30 pm; and November 15 at 2.30 pm. Children aged three and above are welcome to attend.

Those interested can book tickets through Istana Budaya’s official social media channels or obtain further information by calling 03-4026 5555 or emailing [email protected]. – BERNAMA

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