To whom it may concern….
Dear Friend,
I don’t expect that you would be able to stumble across this entry by your own knowledge but here it goes anyway.
I have been involved in Malaysian theatre since 2003 with the sold-out production of ‘The Pimple Years’, followed by ‘Dangerous Children’ in 2004 (which was staged at both TAS @ Greenhall Penang and TAS @ BSC Kuala Lumpur), ‘Krismas in Kulim’ also in 2004, Executive Producer for ‘Teacher’ which had several sold-outs, an encore, and a staging at BSC in 2005, Executive Producer for ‘Cheet Chat’ in 2006, also staged at Greenhall and BSC.
Now, all of the above productions were of my brother Mark Beau de Silva’s. Whom prior to the staging of "The Pimple Years" in Penang, received 5 nominations for the Cameronian Arts Awards for his play "Stories for Amah", directed by Joe Hasham with Executive Producer Dato’ Faridah Merican.
I have recently staged my directorial debut and I must say that the response and feedback was better than I had anticipated. I am also pleased to announce that NEWS FOR YOU shall be making its way to Kuala Lumpur in 2008 to be staged at Pentas 2, KLPac (the venue is yet to be confirmed).
Now to come to the real reason behind this entry.
I have recently been told that YOU have informed a former cast member of my show during its pre-production stage not to be involved in any of the "de Silva boys’ shows…it’s theatre suicide"
It is unlike me to respond to here-say, but just in case it were true, I’d like you to ponder upon your actions. You are a highly decorated, and admired member of the performing arts scene. I have every respect for you in that sense.
If it is indeed a fatal decision to be involved in a de Silva production, please explain why are de Silva plays still being produced till this day in both Penang and Kuala Lumpur. If it is suicide, why are former cast members of de Silva productions still active actors?
If our works are not your cup of tea, so be it. Or if we have unintentionally offended you in the past, please accept our sincerest apologies. However, Performing arts is not intended to be presented in just what academics wish it to be. I think you should know that don’t you?
Anyway, I can only hope that what I heard WAS made up. Looking forward to have the privilege of working with you in the near future.
Thank you.
JOHN SHEBAT de SILVA
