Dato' Dr. Faridah Merican

Recipient of Outstanding Contribution to Education and Community 2024

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Dato' Professor Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman

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Something that is worth doing is often tough, but the rewards can be big.

Early Career and Rise to Fame

Faridah’s journey in the performing arts began during a time when Malaysia’s theatre scene was still in its nascent stages.

Her early roles in iconic plays such as Lela Mayang, Tok Perak, Uda dan Dara, and Alang Rentak Seribu during the 1960s and 70s set the stage for her future contributions.

These performances were not just acts of entertainment; they were instrumental in addressing and encouraging discourse on racial, political, and social issues.

Faridah’s ability to portray a wide range of characters with depth and authenticity earned her widespread acclaim, establishing her as a versatile and powerful force in Malaysian theatre.

1972, Faridah as Dara d.

The Actors Studio: A Beacon of Malaysian Theatre

In 1989, Faridah co-founded The Actors Studio (TAS), a move that would significantly advance Malaysia’s performing arts industry.

TAS quickly became a cornerstone for contemporary theatre in the country, providing a platform for actors, directors, and playwrights to showcase their skills and foster artistic innovation. Over the years, TAS has hosted nearly 600 productions, attracting almost 1 million patrons. Its mission to educate individuals of all ages in various art forms has been pivotal in enriching the nation’s cultural landscape.

The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac): A Platform for Cultural Exchange

The devastating flash floods of 2003, which destroyed TAS’s underground complex, could have marked the end of an era.

Instead, it led to the creation of the The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac) in 2005, driven by Faridah’s determination and vision. klpac, a non-profit organisation, has since become a hub for artistic expression, hosting over 2,500 shows and events and welcoming more than 800,000 visitors.

The centre’s dedication to inclusivity and diversity is evident in its wide range of performances, from Cantonese Opera to Mak Yong, and from Shakespeare in Bahasa Malaysia to contemporary experimental works.

2012 KLPAC Fundraising feature in News Straits Times.

Expanding the Reach: penangpac and Nationwide Impact

Faridah’s vision for theatre extended beyond Kuala Lumpur.

In 2011, she co-founded the Performing Arts Centre of Penang (penangpac), which played a crucial role in fostering creativity and the arts in the northern region of Malaysia. Penangpac provided a platform for local artists to showcase their talents and for the community to engage with diverse cultural experiences. Although penangpac closed its doors in 2022 due to financial pressures exacerbated by the pandemic, its legacy lives on in the countless artists and audiences it touched during its decade of service.

2015, Uda Dan Dara Performance, directed by Dato’ Faridah.

2018, Dato' Faridah in Adam The Musical, directed by Joe Hasham OAM.

Mentorship and Advocacy

Faridah’s influence extends far beyond her roles as an actor, director, and producer.

She is widely recognized as a mentor who has provided numerous Malaysian performing artists with their initial breakthroughs in the industry. Through klpac and other initiatives, she has created nurturing grounds for budding thespians, underscoring her commitment to the growth and development of talent within the Malaysian performing arts community.

Her advocacy for the arts is equally commendable. Faridah has actively championed educational initiatives aimed at fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of the performing arts among the Malaysian public. Through workshops, seminars, and outreach programs, she engages audiences of all ages and backgrounds, instilling a passion for theatre and cultivating future generations of theatre enthusiasts.c

Tackling Social Issues Through Theatre

Faridah has never shied away from using theatre as a platform to address pressing social issues.

Her groundbreaking Life Sdn Bhd series has fearlessly delved into topics such as abuse, mental health, and refugee plights. In 2016, Life Sdn Bhd: Human Trafficking shed light on the urgent issue of human trafficking in Malaysia, featuring the participation of both non-actors and actors. Faridah’s collaboration with the Malaysian AIDS Council to produce Adam The Musical in 2010 was another significant effort, using the arts to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS, breaking down stigmas, and fostering a deeper understanding of these health issues within the community.

Leadership and Legacy

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted the performing arts industry, Faridah’s resilience shone through.

She continued to produce, direct, and act in plays, including one in a Chinese dialect, bringing joy to theatre enthusiasts even in difficult times. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of Malaysian theatre, inspiring countless individuals to pursue careers in the performing arts. In 2020, Faridah took on the role of Adjunct Professor and Programme Development Director of TUTAS, Malaysia’s first performing arts conservatory degree programme. Through this role, she continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of actors and artists, ensuring that her legacy will endure for years to come. The play Thunderstorm she directed in Chinese dialect (Hokkien & Cantonese) was in 2019 before the pandemic. During the pandemic, she directed Bollywood Dreams (March 2021) – the first live show after five months, staged just 2 weeks after the official announcement by MKN which is a feat after transnational / online rehearsals.

Achievements and Recognition

For nearly seven decades, Dato’ Dr. Faridah Merican’s illustrious career has been a testament to a lifetime dedicated to the arts.

Her impressive portfolio includes approximately 1,500 productions and performances, spanning various genres and showcasing both existing classics and innovative original works.

Among her many accolades, she has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Elite@ UM Fellow in 2023, the Honorary Doctorate of the Arts from Taylor’s University in 2018, and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Boh Cameronian Arts Award ceremony in 2004.

2005, Dato’ Dr. Faridah was conferred the ‘Darjah Dato’ Paduka Tuanku Ja’afar by the Yang Di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan on the occasion of His Highness’ 83rd Birthday.

A Lasting Contribution

Dato’ Faridah Merican’s unwavering commitment has shaped Malaysia’s performing arts landscape, providing Malaysians with invaluable access and exposure to the arts.

Her unique blend of cultural influence, advocacy, leadership, and mentorship distinguishes her as a highly respected and influential figure in Malaysia. Her contributions to the arts make her deserving of the Merdeka Award in the Education and Community category, recognizing a lifetime of dedication to the enrichment of Malaysian culture.

Disclaimer:
The information in this award recipient's profile is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the time the award was presented. Any subsequent changes, updates, or developments in the individual's life or achievements may not be reflected in this profile.

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