Dato’ Baha Zain, one of Malaysia’s Gods of Poetry, serves as the patron saint of Sanggar Teater Fauziah Nawi’s newest production, Topeng-Topeng. Directed by Fauziah Nawi, the play takes its title from the poem of the same name that won Baha Zain the national Literary Award for Poetry in 1977. Wan Yuzaini Wan Yahya tells us about her role in Topeng-Topeng, her growing respect for the poet, and the curse that is the mask of human nature.

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Tell us a bit about yourself.

I've been with Stefani (the short name for Sanggar Teater Fauziah Nawi) since 2003, and Topeng-Topeng is my third production with them so far. I’m an architect by trade, however theatre is a big part of my life, and I’m having an absolute blast working with everyone in Topeng-Topeng!

Tell us about Topeng-Topeng.

Topeng-Topeng is a compilation of poems by Dato' Baha Zain. It consists of the award-winning poems he wrote in the 1970's, during the time of the Vietnam War. The poems have been adapted and compiled together to tell the story of Gito -- a bistro owner. When his sister arrives at his bistro, trouble brews. She announces Gito's betrayal to his patrons, including his girlfriend. Conflicts arise as the characters unveil their true natures, thus revealing the masks they wear. It is not until Gito and his sister are faced with the news of their mother's death that everyone realizes the order of life, and that inevitably, it is to The Almighty that we will all return.

Explain to our Melayu celup readers what "Topeng-Topeng" means.

Well, a direct translation would be the word “masks”, which represents the different personas that everyone puts on. Everyone wears masks for different reasons, perhaps to hide from the truth, to conceal pain, to ‘jaga hati’, or even to manipulate.

Tell us about your role in Topeng-Topeng.

I play the role of the singer and Gito's girlfriend. It’s a fun role to play, as I get to play with different emotions and do a lot of singing, which is a big plus point for me!

Be honest -- how familiar are you with Baha Zain's work?

In the beginning, I was not familiar at all with his work, which is a shame. But the more I read and learn about his work, the more I begin to enjoy and appreciate his genius. The issues he speaks of and stand for are universal, poignant, deep and cynical, a bit in your face at times, but honest to the core. Everyone everywhere can relate to his poems.

Who inspires you?

I’m deeply inspired by strong women, so, as cliché as it may seem, the women from my family are my biggest inspiration. My mom is a superwoman. She’s strong, wise and intelligent, as are my two sisters, and my late grandmother too. In spite of their amazing inner strengths, they have the kindest of hearts. Oh, and not forgetting Ibu Fauziah Nawi, whom is a rock for so many, a true artist, and a great mentor.

Give us a breakdown of a regular rehearsal.

Rehearsals are held everyday except Monday. On weekdays they start at six, and often end around eleven-ish (if we’re lucky!). On weekends rehearsals start at two, and end between ten and eleven in the evening, depending on the director. It’s very taxing both mentally and physically, and everyone has been amazing in their commitment and perseverance.

What is the first thing a woman should do if she finds out her man is a-cheatin’?

I’m not very good with hiding behind a mask, so I believe that if a woman has been cheated on, the best thing to do is to confront the truth. Get to the core of the problem. Talk it out with your man, and find the best solution to any problems you may be facing. If you feel that the relationship is worth saving, then save it by all means. But if its not, and it turns out to be a one-way road, well, what are you waiting for?

Give us something juicy from behind the scenes.

You must be kidding! Sorry, but what happens behind the scenes stays behind the scenes … do you want me to get killed?

What's the biggest challenge you have faced as an actor in Topeng-Topeng.

Number one: memorising 30 pages of poems (yes, all 30).

Number two: understanding all 30 pages of poems (yes, all 30).

What are your greatest hopes for the production?

I’m so proud to be a part of this play, and my greatest hope is that people will come and watch it with an open heart and an open mind. I urge the audience discard all those stereotypical ideas that poems are boring, or Malay theatre is pointless. There is so much to learn from and enjoy in this production. The poems are genius, and the songs are just fabulous (to me lah especially). We hope you will enjoy watching it as much as we will enjoy performing it to you!

What are your greatest fears for the production?

That people will judge it before watching, and unfairly dismiss it before even giving us a chance to show them what it’s all about. And, of course, I’m afraid of falling flat on my face while performing.

Give the readers one good reason to go watch Topeng-Topeng.

Baha Zain’s poems, Fauziah Nawi’s directing, and Abang Mul’s songs. Oh wait, that’s three reasons. But all great reasons anyway.

Tell us a funny story.

During one of the really long rehearsals that felt like forever, our music director suddenly asked us, “Ok semua, ayam ape yang tak boleh berkokok?” To which we all answered “ayam mati”, “ayamas” and “ayam goreng” in unison. And the answer was, well, all of ‘em. Har har.

If you had a secret superhero alter-ego, who would it be?

I like male superheroes. The women superheroes mostly just prance around in tight leotard-like clothing. That’s not my kind of superhero. I think Batman is cool, always going around and saving the world in his batmobile, living in a grand castle, and being so darn mysterious. Even his villains are cool.

What Batman’s (as your secret superhero alter-ego) one and only weakness?

Well, I have the worst-ever-encountered navigational skills, so I suppose if I was batman, most of the time I’d either be really late to a scene of crime, or not show up at all, because there’s a ninety per cent chance I’ll get lost.

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

Not much kot, 60 seconds is pretty short. Maybe masak maggi mee?

What's next for you?

I’ll get back to concentrating on my day job for the next couple of months. I’ve got lots of new projects that I’m really looking forward to, and hopefully many more productions with Stefani in the near future … God willing!

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Yasmin Zetti Martin writes for Kakiseni.

Topeng-Topeng runs at Stor Teater DBP, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, Menara DBP, Jalan Dewan Bahasa from Wed 23 - Wed 30 Apr 2008 (8.30pm). Tickets cost RM30/ RM20/ RM10 (students).