Impressive, innovative, challenging ----- the descriptive terms could carry on ad infinitum about this group of actors (Akshen) presenting ‘Lebih Kecoh’ as a kind of whirlwind experience.

Akshen, was originally part of ARTicle 19, which gained itself a reputation for hard-hitting productions dealing with pertinent issues. They may be smaller in numbers but are no less positive in attitude and see themselves addressing issues relevant to Malaysian youth. However, the audience they attract, despite being dominated numerically by the under thirties, is nevertheless composed of all age groups. It is gratifying to see the racial, cultural mix of all the people who live here --- plus a fair sprinkling of overseas visitors in the audience.

This very young group, who are all around twenty, is surprisingly sophisticated in its ideas and presentation. They have known each other for many years, and the ease with which they carry out their performance is proof of the confidence that they have in one another’s ability. What they offer is the kind of mature, perceptive thought more often produced by people several decades older. For this group to be so wise yet so youthful is impressive, and much of the credit has to be given to Mark Teh. As the writer, Mark explores the development of Malaysian history and shows how the nation was formed and grew.

The stage setting is minimalist, with the props and the clothing worn, in stark white. The only colour is created by the vibrant shades with which Akshen have dyed their hair. The colours are there to represent the Malaysian flag, but do more. They underline what is behind this show ---- the great passion these young people have for this country of their birth.

In this production Akshen challenges the audience to think and reflect on what has been and what could be. One of the most powerful effects of this was the sensation, by the end of the performance, that the audience was united in a special bond. The show finished by individuals in the audience being encouraged to vocalise about what they felt concerning identity and culture. It was a unique way of learning how others view this world, and reassuring to discover most have the same hopes and fears.

Much of the dialogue was in English but a fair proportion was in Bahasa Malaysia. This did not prevent emotions being understood but what Mark wrote was just too good to not be understood in its entirety.

No one can doubt that Akshen (composing of Mark Teh as writer/actor, Kitrhona Ramday as director, Fahmi Fadzil, actor, Kubbhaer T Jethwani, actor and Gabrielle Low, actor)will have a bright future if they continue as an acting body. However, these highly intelligent individuals are mostly involved in university studies so Akshen may not always be available for the world to witness. That being the case, I strongly advise that you take the opportunity to see them perform now. Talents like this are a delight to witness, and we should not waste the opportunity to enjoy them while they are here.

By the time the show ended, the intimate theatre that is ‘The Actors Studio Box’, resonated with the excitement they had generated and the heady feeling of witnessing something optimistic, vibrant and strong, persisted long after the players left the stage. Akshen left everyone with their own personal thoughts about what they had seen and listened to and no one wanted those moments to end, or leave that special feeling behind. Malaysia should be proud if these young people are representative of our future.