Vale V Wong (left) and Izen Kong performing the song ‘Phoenix’ in the musical ‘Life Is…’ (Moganraj Villavan@FMT Lifestyle)
PETALING JAYA: Medical science has been a powerful force for those living with HIV, turning what was once a fatal diagnosis into a more manageable condition today.
Despite advancements in research, care and treatment that have helped improve their quality of life, a stigma still exists about people with the disease, with many still believing in the misconceptions about the disease.
New local musical “Life Is…” hopes to dispel these myths, and foster understanding, awareness and empathy with people living with HIV.
Directed, written and produced by Tomos Nicholls and Vale V Wong of the Kuala Lumpur Men’s Chorus (KLMC), the musical is staged in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERIA) through a grant from the International AIDS Society (IAS).
The two-hour show stars 18 talented KLMC members, whose ages range between 24-60, as well as Wong, Izen Kong, Lee Sher Maine and Veronica Boh.
‘Life Is…’ tells four interconnected stories of The Guy (played by Kevin Yii), whose life is suddenly turned upside down after receiving a life-changing medical diagnosis. To navigate his shame and fears, he crafts musical tales to help him discover self-acceptance.
The cast of ‘Life Is…’ during a rehearsal in Petaling Jaya. (Moganraj Villavan@FMT Lifestyle)
“I wrote it by thinking what would happen if this situation had happened to me. It was the best way to keep it honest and truthful. I imagined what I would go through: the first month I would be overcompensating, then move into a deep depression, before going into hope and then acceptance,” said Wong.
“It’s a much happier ending that might probably happen in real life. But I think we all need a bit of idealism sometimes.”
Wong, who plays the antagonistic character Snow, contributed 16 songs to the show. While HIV can be a heavy topic, Wong said the musical also featured moments of hope and humour.
One light-hearted number, “It’s Doggy Time”, features characters visiting a dog park: this gave the KLMC members the opportunity to portray charming canines.
The fun number ‘It’s Doggy Time’ sees cast members portray playful pups. (Moganraj Villavan@FMT Lifestyle)
“I must give a shoutout to our choreographer Kenny Shim. He really pushed our cast, I never imagined ‘dogs’ could move like that, I love it. And he’s given each dog life histories and stories. It’s so cute and fun to rehearse,” Wong laughed.
Performer Izen Kong, who plays one of The Guy’s doctors, said a strength of the show was it explored important matters in a subtle manner, instead of being preachy.
“I love the story Vale has written, how it takes you on a journey. It’s not a lecture. But you learn a lot of things about HIV as you watch it. And if we can use this fun and cute musical to raise more awareness, it would be great,” Kong said.
Look out for “Phoenix,” a heart-rending ballad performed by Kong and Wong. “Come watch Izen Kong cry his heart out on stage, it will be worth it,” Wong quipped.
The musical ‘Life Is…’ will be performed on Dec 7 & 8 at the Damansara Performing Arts Centre.
He added that while KLMC was a community choir, with some members having little prior stage experience, each had gamely taken up the challenge of performing in this full-length musical.
Both he and Kong said they hoped audience members would watch the musical with open hearts.
Wong recalled an experience he once had with a personal trainer: when he had heard a member had HIV, he wanted to ban him from his gym, afraid he would spread it to others.
“The thing is, he was actually a good guy. But fear and lack of understanding can lead to very cruel actions. This musical touches on a lot of things I wish I had known earlier,” Wong concluded.
“I hope the musical ultimately lives up to the goal of our grant, and helps to destigmatise people with HIV. Hopefully those who watch it won’t be afraid to do things like share a meal with them. If we can do that, then I know we’ve done some good.”
‘Life Is…’
When:
Dec 7 & 8 @ 3pm and 8pm
Where:
Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC),
H-01, Empire Damansara,
Jalan PJU 8/8, Damansara Perdana,
47820 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tickets: RM100
Get your tickets here. Also follow the KL Men’s Chorus on Instagram.
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