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As MUD KL finally closes the curtain on stage, we get together with the main cast to separate their ‘real’ and ‘reel’ life personalities.
MUD : The story of Kuala Lumpur showcaes the KL of the 1880's when it was still a mining town.
For many, the mention of Kuala Lumpur brings to mind an image of a harried urban metropolitan the skyline of which is dominated by the Petronas Twin Towers. Yet, the city that today is aiming to be a global leader has unimaginably humble beginnings.
MUD- The story of Kuala Lumpur staged by Enfiniti (M) Sdn Bhd tells the tale of Kuala Lumpur when it was still a lowly mining town and revolves around three friends Mamat, Meng and Muthiah who come to this frontier town in search of opportunities.
The musical that showcases the city’s unity in diversity, has staged over 2000 performances at the iconic Panggung Bandaraya in the past three years and is finally coming to end!
Curious to know the what happens next, we sit together with Prem Sagar, Dana Lee and Chris Chalmers a.k.a Muthiah, Xiao Yen and Meng, respectively to get to know who they really are, what they plan to do next and what kept them animated throughout their journey with MUD KL.
Unveiling the cast : Who they are
Prem, who has played Muthiah ever since the inception of MUD KL, is trained in Indian Classical Dance from the Temple of Fine Arts, KL and has given performances in Perth, Singapore, India and Malaysia.
Dana, who plays Xiao Yen on the other hand studied film-making and just happened to stumble toward acting as a career option. Determined to make a name for herself, this young beauty has even spent a few years in Hollywood and has acted in popular dramas like ‘How I Met Your Mother’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ before returning to Malaysia; a journey her colleagues lovingly refer to as ‘Dana’s La La Land story.’
Chris studied performing arts in the United Kingdom and is a music enthusiast. He has even taken to writing his own music in his spare time.
An actor makes the show, the show makes an actor : What has MUD KL given them?
“Mud KL has given me a new family.” Says Prem. “The bond that we, as co-stars, have shared with each other in the past years and months means a lot to me.”
Dana on the other hand considers the musical to be a blessing in disguise. “I never thought I would be a part of Malaysia’s longest running musical,”she adds, who after her return from Hollywood was working as an administrator at the Enfiniti Media office.
On a very similar note, for Chris, MUD KL is his renewal kick! “Also we are a bunch of practical jokers and not a day goes by without us cracking up at something ridiculous. Those are the memories I take back with me.”
An empty auditorium, a disinterested audience and repeated performances: What keeps them going?
“Fortunately for us, we are all very passionate about our acting,” Says Prem, who believes that it’s a misconception when people think they get bored with giving repetitive performances.
“With MUD KL we get a chance to evolve and become better actors. We often exchange roles, make changes in the script and add our own impromptu dialogues to keep things spiced up. Once, I even played the Chinese character Meng,” laughs the musical’s so called group leader, Prem.
For Chris, who is the most playful of the lot, it’s the on-stage goof ups and inside jokes that keeps him excited to keep performing with his co-stars. “There was once a time, when our co-actor tore his pajamas on stage and froze out of sheer helplessness. That was hilarious!”
After three years and 2000 plus performances, the show has finally come to an end: What’s next in store for the MUD KL gang?
While all three agree that they will miss the daily routine of waking up, rushing to the theatre and getting their act together, they are also excited with the prospect of what the future holds.
Dana who also jumps in as vocalist for a local music ensemble has started teaching performing acts to children, a field very novel to her.
While Chris is working with a recording studio to produce his original work and knows that with the entertainment industry, something new is bound to come up.
Prem on the other hand, is already in Perth for the month acting in a Ramayana recreation.
History and a musical is like seafood and cheese : How did MUD KL become such a success?
“That’s the beauty of musicals. They enchant you,” figures Dana.
While Prem acknowledges the fact that history is not everyone’s cup of tea, he says that the producers of MUD KL have put in a piece of their soul while creating the musical. “Also as performers we believe in the story. It just makes you proud, of how our ancestors, coming from different races, have contributed to the progress of KL and that simply reflects in our performances.”
“Doing a show that talks about unity and about Malaysians as opposed to their origins is a very refreshing take on how we perceive our own history. It carries with it a feel good factor.” says Chris who sees this as one of the reasons of why the musical has received positive reviews.
Not everyone encourages ‘Arts’ as a career: What do you think is the future of performing arts in Malaysia?
“As long as there are people like Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina in the Malaysian arts industry we are good,” Says Chris without a moment’s hesitation.
“Definitely,” agrees his co-star Prem. “Tiara is a visionary who wants to produce shows and musicals that takes the art industry one step ahead and she really stands up for what she believes.”
Commenting on her motivation and support that they have received throughout the show, the three reach the conclusion that due to the effort of such industrious individuals, they spot a change in the Arts industry on the horizon.
“I feel we are at cross roads. Some people understand Art, some people don’t.” adds Prem.
“I see more art galleries, artists, DJs, local music bands, comedians as compared to 10 years ago,” says Chris. “At the end of the day, we are going to need artists and performers simply because I cannot see robots dancing on stage or playing the violin.” Finishes Chris with a hearty laugh.
(Photos: MUD KL)
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