On the 9th December to 12th December 2021, Taylor's University & The Actors Studio (TUTAS) Conservatory showcased their very first production, The Prophet under the Production Practicum module which was based on the work of the world-renowned poet, Kahlil Gibran. The Play was shown in Pentas 2 at Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre. The play was directed by three students of the first cohort of TUTAS - Charity Yong, Daniel Hussin & Kristy Chee for their final year project with the help and guidance from Joe Hasham, Artistic Director and co-Founder of The Actors Studio (TAS), Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac) and Adjunct Professor, Taylor's University. The three were assigned to work together to envision the beauty of the words of Kahlil Gibran.
The adaptation piece consists of 6 different scenes in which each Student Director was assigned to direct. The number of scenes were chosen with the idea of the story to highlight some of the text from the book. Some of the scenes include, The Coming of the Ship, directed by all three; Love, directed by Daniel Hussin; Marriage, directed by Charity Yong; Joy & Sorrow, directed by Kristy Chee; and few more scenes working collaboratively among all Directors.
Throughout the process, the three Student Directors were fortunate to have help from three of Malaysia’s bests as their consultants. They are Bebe Chan, Stage Management Advisor; Yusman Mokhtar, Scenographer; and, Chris Higgs, Sound Designer. The Directors also received help from many other students and lecturers who are currently studying with TUTAS. The main single character, Al-Mustafa was divided into four different interpretations led by each Director. The cast also included in a big ensemble, characters with different costumes, personalities and backstories that the actors have come up with themselves. This sold-out performance received five shows attended by various industry players, practitioners, academicians, parents and public.
