by Darwina Natasha
Edited by Izyan Nazihah
The performers performed at TESL Theatre Day | Credit: Darwina Natasha
GOMBAK, 17th December 2023: The long-awaited TESL Theatre Day (TTD) finally unfolded its enchanting curtains at the IIUM Gombak's Main Auditorium on 17th December 2023, from the early hours of 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. This captivating event took the audience into the realms of imagination through three amazing plays: 'Mahsuri and the Tale of Baghdad,' 'Tale of King Mahmud,' and 'The Adventures of Moana: Beyond the Reef.'
TESL Theatre Day is a regular event that happens every semester to showcase the creative talents of TESL students. The reason for TTD is that theatre evaluations are part of the assessment for literary courses for the 1st year 2nd second-semester and 3rd year 2nd semester students.
The stage is set for these students to shine as performers and behind-the-scenes organisers, with TESL Students’ Society (TESS) members leading the way in making each theatre day a success.
Unlike the previous semester, this semester's TTD has become a competition for all plays involved.
Assistant Professor Dr. Haziqah Zulaikha, the advisor of TESS, stated in her opening remarks, “This year, to add more fun to it, we include all of you to be part of the judges. So, each of you can vote for the best play that you think can win first place, second place and third place.”
“Mahsuri and the Tale of Baghdad” captured audiences with its humorous appeal, setting a lively tone for TESL Theatre Day. The play was followed by “Tale of King Mahmud and the Conditions," which attracted audiences with its rich visual and narrative elements.
The roles that the cast in “Mahsuri and the Tale of Baghdad” portrayed were very great | Credit: Darwina Natasha
“Tale of King Mahmud and the Conditions” cast members gave great performances | Credit: Darwina Natasha
The audience was treated to a musical interlude that showcased the outstanding performances of Nur Syahmeen with the violin and Nurfayadh with the piano before the curtains lifted for the third play.
Special performance 1 by Nurfayadh and Nur Syahmeen | Credit: Darwina Natasha
The fascinating production of "The Adventures of Moana: Beyond the Reef" brought the theatre day to an end. The audience was taken to far-off and magical worlds as the stage came to life with the colourful narration.
'The Adventures of Moana: Beyond the Reef' cast ended their performance with a lively song | Credit: Darwina Natasha
Then, Team Andeka Caklempong IIUM took the spotlight for another special performance, infusing the event with the traditional rhythms and melodies of Caklempong, creating a harmonious blend of contemporary and cultural expressions.
Performance 2 by Team Andeka Caklempong IIUM | Credit: Darwina Natasha
As TESL Theatre Day came to an end, audiences had the chance to vote for their favourite play out of the three plays. After a lot of thought, “The Adventures of Moana: Beyond the Reef” was declared the winner, earning the desired first place.
“The Adventures of Moana: Beyond the Reef” cast were happy after receiving the 1st place prize | Credit: Darwina Natasha
“It felt surreal and emotional at the same time. All the struggles we faced and the efforts my team put in finally paid off. It's like the culmination of countless hours of hard work, perseverance, and dedication paying off in the most rewarding way possible,” said Farah Irdina, one of the cast members of “The Adventures of Moana: Beyond the Reef.”
Overall, TESL Theatre Day ended successfully, leaving the audience with immense satisfaction and smiles on their faces.
All performers and committees take the photo together after TTD ends | Credit: Publication and promotion team of TESL Theatre Day
“It's not confirmed yet, but if we are going to have another TTD next semester, I am hoping that we can still get as much audience as this semester's,” said Nur Dini Hannani, Programme Coordinator of Tesl Theater Day.***
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