CALLING all women and fans of the female human variety -- F for Female wants you to understand your position in society. Theatre activist Fariza Ariffin gives us a double bill that is all about ... well, females. What does it take to be a woman in modern society? Are women prejudiced against women? Fariza submits to the Plug, and tells us about sisterly love, boobs, and the most glorious of all God’s creations!

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Tell us about yourself.

I was born half Benggali half Indian Muslim, and raised in Penang. Currently, I’m a fulltime Laboratory Analyst.

Ever since I was young, I’ve been passionate about the performing arts, but I never got the opportunity to pursue my passion. I was an active theatre activist in Penang, and that led me to win the Best Actress Award at the Penang Theatre Festival, in 2004. My first play was The Pimple Years, in 2004. The year after that I acted in Mustika, Miss Julie, Dangerous Children and Antara. In 2005, I produced my first play, The Gamesmanship, which ran at the Actors Studio Bangsar and Greenhall. I also acted Teacher in 2005. In 2006 and 2007, I was involved in Anike by Cape Poetics Production. Tunku was my first musical play. Then, last year I acted in Dramalab's production, Tarap Man.

Tell us about F for Female.

Everyone involved in the production have different backgrounds, religions, beliefs, personality, professions and cultures. But they work together to achieve a common goal, to make a statement. To show that women’s rights in Malaysia can only be achieved when everyone, including women, start respecting each other for who they really are without prejudice or discrimination.

Why not W for Woman?

I like F for Female because the term “female” encompasses all statuses and types. You could be a little girl, a lady, or a woman. You could be at any of the stages, and still be female.

Name five words off the top of your head that start with ‘F’.

Female, Feeling, Felicity, Fool, Free.

Where did the inspiration for F for Female come from?

My day to day encounters with people in general. Plus, I wanted to do something in conjunction with Women’s Day (8th of March), but unfortunately there was a problem with the venue. So I had no choice but to push it to the end of month.

What do you feel is the most un-represented women’s issue in modern Malaysian society?

Our presence in society.

What’s it like working with your sisters (Farina and Fadzrina Ariffin)? Any clumps of blood and hair?

It’s difficult, because in essence we are all different people with different feelings. Of course, there were times where we had misunderstandings and, yes, arguments -- but at the same time we are also very professional. I must say I am glad that I was able to do this with my sisters. We had a lot of fun, and I hope in future there will be even more opportunities for us to work together.

Tell us a really bad feminist joke you heard in rehearsals.

Maybe if we show off our boobs, we’ll make a hit!

What is ‘Woman’ to you?

The inner beauty of this creation is surpassed by no other of Gods creations. This wonderful gift which God gave the Earth is caring, sweet, compassionate, loving, kind, and understanding. But don't let the softness fool you ... this creation is strong, and has the ability to do anything. She can be firm, when needed, to get the job done! This magnificent wonder can even bring new life into the world! This amazing creation can calm cries of sorrow with little hugs, and ease pain with a simple kiss. Of all of God's creations ... this is by far the best!

Name one male historical figure that is most likely to have been a woman in disguise.

Mahatma Gandhi.

What have rehearsals been like?

Interesting, and very challenging since most of us have different backgrounds.

What are your greatest hopes for the production?

That our message reaches all the females out there, and not to misunderstood. Plus, that the production will in the end provide more opportunities for my fellow actors (and me!).

What are your greatest fears for the production?

That my actors don’t have a good time, and are misunderstood.

Who is your secret super-hero alter-ego?

Mystique in X-Men, because she has the ability to switch characters as often as she pleases!

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

Take off my Lab Analyst cap and switch into Fariza.

What’s next for you?

M for Male … just kidding. I guess more scripts and plays about social problems or issues that are difficult to confront.

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Yasmin Zetti Martin writes for Kakiseni.

F for Female runs at The Actors Studio Sdn Bhd, T116, Level 3, West Wing, Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285, Jalan Maarof, Bukit Bandar Raya, Kuala Lumpur, from Thu 27 - Sun 30 Mar 2008 (Thu - Sat: 8.30pm; Sat & Sun: 3pm). Tix cost RM20 / RM10 (students, the elderly & the disabled).