Tropicana Nov-Dec 2020 #133 The Festive Issue

COVID-19
THE ART
Come
what may
Despite challenges posed by the
pandemic, founders of The Actors
Studio continue to nurture the
performing arts in Malaysia.
Text by Ann Marie Chandy
Photos courtesy of The Actors Studio
has had a significant impact on the
arts and culture industry, and many dance,
theatre and music exponents the world over
are still reeling from its devastating blow.
Despite falling on hard times, these
same artists have continued to passionately
champion, document and sustain their art, adapting, trying
out new ways of presentation, creating and collaborating
online.
For local theatre company The Actors Studio, which
celebrated its 30 th anniversary in 2019, the past seven months
have been some of the most challenging it has faced. Founders
Dato’ Dr Faridah Merican and Joe Hasham have time and
again demonstrated their commitment to contribute to the
performing arts sector in Malaysia, but the 2020 pandemic
almost knocked the wind out of their sails.
Hasham who is also Artistic Director (for The Actors
Studio, klpac and penangpac) admits to being devastated that
their theatres had to be closed for a total of 105 days.
All for one: The team back at work
TM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020
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