USM sets new record for longest monologue theatre performance

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) set a new record in the Malaysia Book of Records for the longest monologue theatre of 6 hours and 16 minutes and 26 seconds of non-stop performance at Dewan Budaya, USM.

hey beat the old record of 4 hours 52 minutes and 44 seconds set by students from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

The performer, Khairul Azhar Ibrahim, a Master’s student studying Drama and Direction in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), portrayed seven characters and each characterization took 45 minutes to 1 hour.

According to Nurmaizatulhana Othman, the chairman of the USM Anti-Corruption Secretariat said that the title ‘Tiada Ganti’ was not only aimed at breaking the national record but also to provide students and the public with a better understanding to stay away from the practice of corruption.

This was the main reason for the USM Anti-Corruption Secretariat putting up the theatre performance. We wanted to explain to the undergraduates the problem of corruption in the country by combining our ideas with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. At the same time we wanted to take the opportunity to break the current record,” she said at the closing ceremony of the performance.

She added that the artiste, by portraying interesting characters was able to unravel the issue of corruption. “This element would have a deep impact on undergraduates who might be future leaders to remain ‘clean’ and maintain their integrity and excellent work culture for the development of the nation.

Meanwhile, according to the artiste, Khairul Azhar who is actively involved in theatre, he started preparing for the performance two weeks beforehand. Although it was very challenging, he said it gave him a deep sense of satisfaction.

The seven characters he portrayed included a child named Aiman; Azri (Aiman’s father); a Headman (Tok Ketua); an Officer; Ilah (Aiman’s mother and wife to Azri); a Chinese trader; and finally a madman. All the characters showed the twists and turns of life as a result of being corrupt which could ultimately jeopardize the social, political and economic stability of a nation.

Also present at the staging of the Monologue Theatre were Y.B. Tn. Hj. Muhamad Farid Saad, the ADUN of Pulau Betong, Penang and Pn. Marhani Din, the Deputy Director of the Community Education Division of the Malaysain Anti-Curruption Commission, Penang Branch. They confirmed the new record set by Khairul Azhar by in ‘The Malaysia Book of Records’.

Published: 24 Feb 2010

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Universiti Sains Malaysia 11800 Minden Penang

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