By Aliff Ikhwan
Edited by Nur Najia Nazri
‘Checkmate’ Official Poster
“Abang, cacat tu apa? Cacat tu jahat ke?”
In a world full of normal people, the people with disability or also known as ‘Orang Kurang Upaya (OKU)’ keep getting bullied for the way they are as they are seen as ‘different.’ From a legal perspective, an autistic person is classified as disabled despite the fact that most people would not recognise them as one since Autism is a non-visible disability. To explain, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition characterized by social interaction difficulties, communication difficulties, and atypical behavior patterns. ASD impacts people in many ways, ranging from moderate to severe. Some of them might be able to live independently, some may require lifelong care, and some may be impacted in education, employment, and family support. Early characteristics of ASD might be exhibited, yet diagnosis often remains delayed. Co-occurring conditions like epilepsy, depression, anxiety, and ADHD can also occur in Autistic people. Additionally, ASD individuals also have a wide variety of intellectual functioning.
Jurangan Pentas Official Instagram
Jurangan Pentas is a production house co-founded by Mustakim Mazlan, the director of “Checkmate.” Through years of producing plays, Jurangan Pentas successfully brings up various theatrical plays that touch our emotions through all of our senses. It can be said that “Checkmate” is one of the masterpieces that undoubtedly gives the audience the catharsis they deserve.
“Checkmate” showcases the stigma faced by the Autistic people. The story delves into Iki’s life, a student who frequently becomes the bully victim of Zaid and is mistreated by his teacher, Cikgu Puteh. To add to his suffering, his biological sister treated him harshly at home, a place that should be his safe space. This theatrical play tackles the themes of ‘view and acceptance of one in a community’ and ‘family relationship and conflicts’. These themes somehow give us a broader context that can be related to our lives. If you are somewhat different from others, will they accept you? If your family is having a conflict, will it lead to separation?
Official Poster of the Casts (Visit @juranganpentas for more posters)
‘Checkmate’ is also full of actors and actresses who will give you a rollercoaster of emotions. ‘Iki,’ the main character, will be played by Khairul Dudu alongside Amirul Atar as ‘Abang’. Veteran thespians in this play are Ahmad Zulhusni (Zaid) and Baem (Pak Kassim) who will light up the mood. On top of that, fresh faces such as Afifah Azli (Ibu), Uzma (Kakak), Tuah (Tajul), and Mad Sahak (Kamal) will also definitely give an impactful performance. Not to forget, the extras, Hani Rashid, Nisa Nash, Humaira, Tengku Abduh, and Ikhwan as the students. One unique feature of this theatre is th ethe students from Sekolah Rendah Islam Al-Amin who will give you lots of laughter.
So, what ending do you expect? Joyful or Sorrowful? To find out the ending, you must come to the theater which will take place from 28 until 30 December 2023. ‘Checkmate’ is suitable to be watched with the whole family. The play full of laughter, anger, and sadness will certainly provide the best theater experience for you. To purchase the ticket, please go to the poster above. Let's end your 2023 on a high note with this event.
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