WATER is a musical. Tiger calls the animals for a meeting to discuss man’s act of deforestation which leads to the pollution of rivers. All seven animals affirm the sacredness of Mother Earth. The musical is interactive. The audience are invited to sing and dance!

A collaboration between playwright/director Chin San Sooi with music by Joanne Poh of Somerset Music, the audience can look forward to 60 minutes of memorable engagement with the cast.

San Sooi said at the official media launch of WATER at Warung Old China in Kuala Lumpur: “I was contemplating writing a play on the topic of conservation when I read of the deforestation that was taking place at the National Park in Pahang many years ago. I was too earnest and the muse eluded me, till now.”

When the Covid lockdown began, San Sooi spent four very productive months occupied, with the end result of finishing eight scripts: two satires, three musicals, two monologues, and an operetta.

And that is how WATER: A Musical is flowing out to the Malaysian audience in this post-covid environment.

San Sooi said: “A musical is more difficult to realise as it is very challenging to compose a piece of music to lyrics written by another person.

“I approached Joanne to compose the music. Joanne in her own right is a piano teacher, runs a music school, and has sung in choirs and performed on stage. I gave her a year to work on the music. I am glad that Joanne Poh took up the gauntlet with our three musicians.

“WATER is a combined effort by us in an act of creativity with the members of the cast. The oldest is 61-year-old Hilda Looi going on to 16, and the youngest is school girl Kirsten Wong, 13.

“Together with designer Khang Nanyao, we have set the stage with the different cast of characters through specially created headwear for Mousedeer, Tiger, Elephant, Monkey, and Wild boar!

“In a small but significant way, we hope that WATER: A Musical would make people be more aware of the environment and treat it with respect and concern. The play could lead to larger issues like conservation of the seas and oceans,” said San Sooi.

The Environmental Protection Society Malaysia (EPSM) is excited about this musical which highlights the growing consciousness in Malaysia and worldwide on the protection of the environment and is pleased to support raising the realisation in a creative form.

The musical is also proudly supported by Warong Old China, GTM Art, and Stationery Suppliers, Yudimama, and Little Heritage House.

The musical debuts Wednesday 21 Sept with shows daily till Sunday 25 Sept 2022 at DPAC in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. Purchase tickets here. 

Submit your press releases here to reach our 10,000 monthly readers.

People are also reading these articles:

3 Insightful Tips To Create Good Musicals According To Terence Toh

Liver & Lung’s ‘Clinic’ Is The First Malaysian Musical To Stage At Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Jazz Band Celebrates Malaysia’s Musical Inheritance Through ‘Purnama’

Fame the Musical: Finger snapping and feet tapping good!

Cover image supplied by Kit Ong.