Ismail - the Last Days Musical

This musical production is loosely based on the final years of Tun Dr Ismail the deputy to Tun Razak and is performed at KL Pac until the 2nd September. The life of Doc Ismail (as he is referred to in the past by his mates) is documented in a book "The Reluctant Politician")

I went to watch this production because I think Doc's life and his passion is someone that all Malaysians should know and learn from. His non-ethnic approach to politics is what we need today as well.

Quote from Wikipedia: Ismail was particularly known for his non-ethnic approach to political issues. Expressing concern over racial polarisation in the country, he once asked:

“

Why did we fight for Merdeka? So that the different races can be divided? That can't be the way, right? That can't be why all these great Malay and Umno leaders fought for this ... Something is wrong... I hope the new discussions will start. Why are we building Malaysia? What Malaysia are we building? What kind of symbol is Malaysia supposed to be?

After watching the performance, I have to say that I wish that it had a bit more drama and story and less singing! So what if its a musical, it can't be all singing. Definitely not repetitive singing!

Some plus points however can be found - the lead actor Malik Taufik was for me the saving grace. He sang well, spoke clearly and was the more polish of actors. The other cast were average and bordering on amateurish at times - what do one expect as a few were in fact part time actors!

Some songs were interesting but most of them were rather sedate. I loved the selection of Malay songs. At some point, the singing becomes irrelevant and self-indulgent. The song by Doc's Aussie girlfriend near the end was totally irrelevant and poorly delivered.

The poems were good but suffered for poor rendition.

The story wasn't fully developed as one would have loved. Given that its a musical perhaps that was an impediment. However, if the songs were short and sharp, there would have been more time for a bit more bite on a few potential dramatic moments.

The addition of a villain or two in this story would have added a new dimension not explored in this musical.

There was a lack of clarity in the conflict that play out between Tun Razak & Doc, leaving the uninformed rather confuse as to why they disagree in the first place.

No one cried, few laughed, no one got angry. In fact a few yawned. In fact, a few orchestra members actually looked bored!

It is just unfortunate that a great hero like Tun Dr Ismail story was not given its due dramatic treatment.

His perspective on Malaysian politics and nation building is truly what we need to hear at such a time as this.

All in all a 7/10 for a local act. Under broadway standards, it would score rather poorly.

Technorati Tags: Tun Dr Ismail, Malaysia, Merdeka, May 13, Musical, KL Pac, Malaysian Performing Arts, Ismail - the last days,