Theatre Takeover 2024 kicks off with “Forget Me Not”

Amberjade Arts kicks off its Week One production for Theatre Takeover: Cosmic ‘24 with an evocative play titled Forget Me Not. Co-directed by Joshua Inberaj and Jazzie Lee Jin Jye, the 60-minute performance runs from October 2 to October 6 at the Cosmic Theatre Hub in Phileo Damansara 1. The production takes audiences on a nostalgic journey, exploring the intersection of childhood innocence and the complexities of adult life.

A Journey Through Memories and Play

Forget Me Not centers on personal stories from its three-member cast, each exploring moments from their childhood that blend joy with emotional growth. From learning to ride a bicycle to spending afternoons at grandma’s house, the play intertwines familiar childhood experiences with the reflections of adulthood. Co-director Joshua drew inspiration from an impromptu game of tag played in an empty car park, a reminder of how reconnecting with one’s inner child can reignite a sense of freedom and spontaneity.

The play’s immersive setup in a black box theatre allows audiences to participate in household childhood games, creating a shared experience that blurs the line between audience and performer. As the scenes unfold across multiple stations, viewers are invited to reflect on how reconnecting with the simplicity of the past might transform their present lives.

Navigating Adulthood with Childlike Wonder

What sets Forget Me Not apart is its collaborative spirit between directors and cast, all of whom are navigating early adulthood. The production takes a playful yet introspective look at life just beyond the quarter-life crisis, inviting participants to rediscover the instinctive confidence and joy that comes with childhood decision-making. Despite having only two weeks of rehearsal time, the team embraces the challenges of devising a piece that mirrors the themes of spontaneity and discovery.

In line with the play’s themes, the directors and actors sought to break away from traditional theatre structures, opting for an experience that encourages the audience to reflect on how the innocence of childhood can coexist with the emotional complexities of adult life.

Cast and Creatives Behind the Production

The diverse cast of Forget Me Not includes Mia Sabrina Mahadir, a multidisciplinary artist known for her work in Doa Untuk Mak and Mixtape for Maz, who brings a nostalgic depth to her performance. Joining her is Melisha, rediscovering her passion for acting after a hiatus to pursue business studies. Dexter Zhen rounds out the trio with his experience in movement and acting, offering a raw exploration of the human psyche.

Co-directors Joshua Inberaj and Jazzie Lee Jin Jye both bring rich backgrounds in the Malaysian performing arts scene. Joshua’s experience stems from his days as a student of drama in Klang, while Jazzie, a co-founder of lowercase laboratories, has worked in various multidisciplinary roles within theatre.

Dates, Tickets, and Immersive Experience

Forget Me Not will run for five days, from October 2 to October 6, at the Cosmic Theatre Hub, with performances starting at 8:00 PM each night. Standard tickets are priced at RM40, with concessions available for RM35. Audiences are encouraged to book their tickets early through Cloudjoi.com to take advantage of promotional rates.

The performance is 60 minutes long, without an intermission, and promises a unique, immersive experience that challenges the audience to revisit the joys of childhood while confronting the emotional intricacies that come with growing up.