CJMY
The Actors Studio set to premiere a brand-new play titled “You, Me and the Big C” under the direction of Joe Hasham OAM from September 17 to 25 at klpac.
The play is based on the life experiences of the late Dr Aini Hamid, and it comes eight months after her passing.
“The play was her idea. She was a very feisty and spirited woman, passionate about raising awareness for cancer and sharing the story of her life with the world.
Teng Ky-Ga introduced Dr Aini to me in 2018, and we spent all of 2019 writing the play together, said Co-Writer Terence Toh.
“She was amazingly honest about her experiences, which helped us get to the deep heart of this story.
“The main character, Amy, is modelled after her. Amy shares a lot of her personality as well as likes and dislikes.
Terence added that he is delighted that Aini’s story is finally coming to fruition, but it saddens him that she is not alive to see it on stage.
“I hope we do justice to her story,” said Terence.
“You, Me and the Big C” synopsis
The story of “You, Me and the Big C” is about Amy, a modern woman with dreams of being a ballroom dancing champion.
Everything changes, however, after she discovers a lump in her breast.
Her spunky teenage daughter Mia, however, isn’t going to let her face her problems alone.
Together, Amy and Mia face everything life throws at them with humour and grace and discover that not even cancer can destroy their special bond.
Well-known actress Hana Nadira plays the title role of Amy, while Chrystal Foo plays Mia (Amy’s daughter), a fictional character created for the play, and Tin Raman plays Mia’s best friend.
Completing the line-up of characters comprising her work family, medical
family and cancer support group are Carolyn Chow, Chia Sing, Sidharth Joe Dev, Veronica Boh, Omar Ali, Nick Raja Adam, Skylar Lim, and Xavier Chen Wen Xuen.
Dr Aini and “The Big C”
Dr Aini has a PhD in Molecular and Structural Biology from the University of Cambridge.
She was one of the pioneering members of the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Nottingham Malaysia.
Following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2012, she dedicated the next decade of her life to increasing awareness of cancer and tackling its related issues.
She has spearheaded events such as UNM’s Cancer-Checkmate, which provided free cancer screening and War on Cancer Malaysia’s Fun Run.
A tireless advocate and champion, she was invited to speak at the World Cancer Day Forum in 2020. She received the Vice-Chancellor’s Medal 2020 Winner.
“There was no doubt that The Actors Studio would stage the play but we also knew that time was ticking,” said director Joe Hasham OAM.
“Each time the pandemic upended our plans and forced us to postpone it, we were gutted.
“Though Dr Aini is no longer with us, we hope to honour her legacy with this play which brings together many important things about her.
“Her life story, her desire to raise awareness for cancer prevention and, most importantly, her love for life.
“We feel humbled and privileged to be presenting this heart-warming story about a mother and daughter who simply refuse to throw in the towel as they navigate the complicated and long-winding journey of cancer treatment.
It is a story worth sharing – incredibly moving, funny at times and gut-wrenching.
The Actors Studio Team
Working hand in hand with the director to make Dr Aini’s dream a reality are production dramaturg Omar Ali, scenographer/lighting designer and operator Yusman Mokhtar, sound designer and operator Mike Thomas and videographer Coebar Abel.
Many others, including friends and acquaintances such as script dramaturg Teng Ky-Gan, also contributed to the project.
Theatre lovers will witness the premiere of this play and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr Aini Hamid.
The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts support this production
Centre (klpac) and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC).
Date & Time:
17 September 2022, 20 – 24 September 2022 @ 8pm
18 & 25 September 2022 @ 3pm
Venue: Pentas 2, The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac)
Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan, 51100 Kuala Lumpur
Ticket: RM70 flat
RM50 Concession (Students – WhatsApp us at 018 227 7212 for promo code)
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