Radio Teater Nasional (RTN), an audio project of local Malaysian theatre company Manamana debuted an audio adaptation of the theatre piece ‘Dato Seri’ on Wednesday.
Through RTN, Manamana seeks to revive the art of the radio play by adapting selected Malaysian plays into episodic radio dramas, which will be available for free on the project’s website.
A Malay adaptation of William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy Of Macbeth, Dato’ Seri is adapted by father-and-son duo, the late Muhammad Ali Hashim and Omar Ali.
The radio play version was adapted and directed by Omar, who also voices the titular Dato’ Seri DiKijang.
Set in the 1960s, the critically acclaimed play takes place in a reimagined, never-colonised, Malaya called Pertiwi which weaves Nusantara culture, society and stylings. The plot follows Dato’ Seri DiKijang as he navigates political intrigue in his ascent to the family throne, as prophesied by three witches.
The list of voice talents includes Sheena Baharudin as Datin Seri DiKajang; Na’a Murad as Dato’ D’Hul; and Nadia Aqilah, Ruzana Ibrahim and Siti Farrah Abdullah as the ‘Tiga Nasib’ witches.
The rest of the cast comprise Fatin Syazwanie, Radhi Khalid, Naque Ariffin, Faez Malek, Zul Zamir, Yusman Mokhtar, Kamini Senthilathiban, Nabil Musawir, Endee Ahmad, Amanda Ang, and Coebar Abel.
RTN aims to increase arts accessibility across Malaysia to various communities including the visually impaired, the mobility challenged, B40 income group, those residing in rural parts of the country and students.
A statement from Manamana Productions said: “Malaysian Arts has often failed to cater to and include marginalised groups, due to content, cost or accessible venues.”
“By using a radio drama model, Radio Teater Nasional will allow for previously marginalised groups to access the Arts.
“Radio Teater Nasional’s curated Malaysian plays will be adapted into an episodic audio format, performed by experienced local talent to create fully immersive radio dramas and stored as digital plays accessible to all.
“Our long- term goal is to curate and produce plays in a diverse array of Malaysian languages.
“We hope to also reach out to schools and school literature clubs, to encourage pickup by the younger generation, for them to develop Arts appreciation and development.”
Originally set to launch in 2020, the project was delayed due to the pandemic.
The Dato’ Seri radio play can be streamed for free with new episodes available every Wednesday until July 20 via www.radioteaternasional.com.my.