In a multi-cultural country like Malaysia, what’s the one thing that everybody is aware of, but nobody really likes to talk about? It’s one of the most ‘sensitive’ topics according to the powers that be. So, naturally, Rather Peculiar Theatre has produced a play named after it. Race is directed by Kimmy Kiew and Soefira Jaafar, and is a combination of short plays all about the subject by Fauzuly Hamdan Tahir (D’boy), Kimmy Kiew, Ridzwan Othman and Shanon Shah. The directors tell us all about the show, with a little masuk campur-ing by Ridzwan.

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Tell us about yourselves.

Kimmy: I am not important, lah! I wish what I did was important, though.

Ridzwan: I’m in my late thirties. I write for -- and help to run -- a PR firm. Also part of Instant Café Theatre’s FIRSTWoRKS writing programme. Married. Going on holiday in June. Cutting down on sugar. Eagerly awaiting the fourth Indiana Jones movie.

Soefira: I'm allergic to cats. Secretly envy them.

Tell us about your respective plays in Race.

S: Angsa is about a Scrabble game. Up & Down, Satu Mini Muzikal is about a Snakes and Ladders game. Ask Kimmy about her Pop and One In A Billion.

K: Delicious gossip & competition!

Where did the idea for Race come from?

S: It was the first word I scribbled down when I was trying to think of the next  RPT project. I drew five matchstick men (and women) next to it. I can show it to you. It's in the British Council notebook we were given at the Boh Cameronian Arts Awards.

K: For my first time writing, I wanted to do something closely related to our lives. I took instantly to Soefira’s theme -- race -- because, frankly, until I was 25 years old, I didn’t have Malaysian friends of other races. We knew we stereotyped each other behind each others’ backs back then, but nowadays, we outwardly point things out and laugh at each other. Isn’t this a great step forward to real understanding?

List the first five words that immediately come to mind when you hear the word 'race'.

S: Chase, colour, win, fall down, flags.

K: Racer bike, competition, colour, politics, independence.

Where did each your inspirations come from?

K: For me, the project started a year ago, when I was in Korea. In Korea, I saw many young men in army suits, which reminded me of marching, and when I was a girl guide in school. The concept and philosophy of a marching team includes discipline, obeying absolute order and command. Sounds like our G ... O ... V ...

What's it been like, sharing the limelight with another director?

S: Awful. I'm a closet diva. Divas can't share the limelight with another. Especially when she's also quite good.

K: It’s like sharing a husband in a polygamous marriage. We love him (i.e. the production) a lot. Each of us has our own ego to deal with, but we’re willing to compromise and help each other out.

What do you think would happen if you guys swapped plays?

S: Nothing.

K: Just swap the script and notes lah!

Have the writers had much input in the direction?

R: I tak terima apa-apa panggilan pun.

What's the cast been like?

S: Awful. Awfully wonderful.

Give us a breakdown of a regular rehearsal.

S: Lots of whipping, screaming and shouting. And then the Stockholm Syndrome happens, and everybody's crying and hugging each other and not wanting to go home.

Tell us a really bad joke you heard during rehearsals.

S: It was probably mine. So, sorry, no comment. Divas don't divulge their bad jokes.

What are your greatest hopes for the production?

K: I’m always hoping the audience enjoy it and take home something, be it a message we wish to voice up, or some form of society feedback.

S: That I not lose money?

What are your greatest fears for the production?

K: I’m always prepared for the pain of banging into a wall, but I always hope I’ll pass through it.

S: That I lose my money.

R: The audience may expect this to be the last word on the word race. Of course it won't be!

Any drama/gossip from behind the scenes you care to share?

K: You want the naked and transparent gossip? After the production lah!

S: All will be revealed in a bootleg DVD, The Making of RACE: the Tears, the Pain, and the Smuggled Biscuit Tin.

Give us one good reason to come watch Race.

S: It’s all about you, lah!

Who are your secret superhero alter-egos?

K: Doraemon! Think of all the equipment he has. He could actually control the world if he wanted. Scary shit!

S: Prof X. He doesn't have hair. I have lots of it.

If your superhero alter-egos had to face off, who would win?

S: D-uh. Not me, lah. Prof X is in a wheelchair. Like, a five year old kid could just push him off his chair and win.

K: Doraeman is the hero of forever! He’s full of power, but never abuses it!

What's the most productive thing you could do in 60 seconds?

S: Stretch and yawn.

K: Imagine money falling from the sky.

What's next for you?

K: Too many things! It might take all night to tell you!

R: I’m currently working on a longer play, but I don't know what it's about yet.

S: Sleep.

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Yasmin Zetti Martin writes for Kakiseni.

Race runs at Pentas 2, KLPac, Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan (off Jalan Ipoh), Kuala Lumpur, from Wed 23 – Sun 27 Apr 2008 (Wed-Sat: 8.30pm; Sat & Sun: 3pm). Tickets cost RM35/ RM25 (students, sr. citizens & the disabled). For more information, click here.