02/07/2025

LYFE WEDNESDAY | JULY 2, 2025

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Fanning flames of extraordinary success

F OLLOWING the success of the duet Raya Pum Pang with Syasya Rizal, which gained popularity even in Indonesia, actress-entrepreneur Fazura is back with a new single titled Luar Biasa . What makes this song interesting is that it carries a message of strength and personal resurgence. A collaboration between Fazura Studios and Universal Music Malaysia, the song is composed entirely by Indonesian singer songwriter Ade Govinda. The 41-year-old singer, whose full name is Nur Fazura Sharifuddin, said the collaboration began after a brief online discussion that led to a creative process that took less than a week. “Through a Zoom session, I immediately explained the concept of the song I wanted. I wanted something that could uplift – not a heartbreak song. Something suitable to listen to in the morning while driving, something inspirational,” she told reporters at the recent launch of her song’s music video. According to Fazura, what pleased her most was the lyrics, written by Ade along with Veron Savanoah, required no changes as they conveyed the message she wanted to deliver. The core theme of the song is “Failing is normal, but o Actress-singer Fazura continues building momentum with new single teachings, and it highlights love that exalts the glory of God, which is something relevant to today’s society. This story does not just showcase folklore, it also serves to introduce and cultivate an understanding of Malay culture among the younger generation, many of whom are unfamiliar with or disconnected from their cultural roots,” she said after the musical theatre’s opening performance last Friday. The three-night musical was staged at the Shah Alam City Council auditorium at 8.30pm by Persona Mentera Theatre Association and the National Department of Culture and Arts, Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, in collaboration with UiTM’s Faculty of Theatre, Film and Animation and the city council. In addition to UiTM students, school pupils and the National Department of Culture and Arts dancers, the production also features actress Didi Astillah as Rubiah and Noorkhiriah as Mak Alang. The play was previously staged at Istana Budaya in 2005 under the direction of Datuk Ahmad Tarmimi Siregar and featured actress Fauziah Latif among others.

Theatre dream come true for Didi Astillah, Noorkhiriah THE opportunity to star in the musical theatre production huge challenge,” she said. The cast takes in the plaudits after the opening show last Friday.

The younger sister of actress Bella Astillah, Didi did not see the limited rehearsal time as a constraint but rather a learning experience that opened her eyes to the unique demands of the theatre world. “We only had about a week of rehearsals, but everyone gave their full commitment. I learnet a lot, especially working alongside younger actors and also Kak Khiriah, who I really admire,” she said, adding that she would not hesitate to pursue more theatre opportunities in the future. For versatile actress Noorkhiriah, Rubiah holds a special place in her heart as it was the first theatre production she acted in, back when it was staged at Istana Budaya in 1999. Noorkhiriah admitted feeling pressured to take on a role previously played by such an iconic actress, Datuk Fauziah Nawi, but approached the challenge in her own way. The Seribu Tahun drama actress

Rubiah felt like a dream come true for its two main actresses Didi Astillah and Noorkhiriah. For Didi, whose full name is Dayang Nazilah Awang Astillah, her long-held dream of performing and showcasing her talent in a stage production finally came true when she was offered the lead role of Rubiah – marking her debut in the world of theatre. “I just never had the chance before, so I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity. It is something very valuable and rare. I truly see this as a great blessing from God, allowing me to realise my dream and show everyone the talent I possess,” she said. Although she has experience acting in dramas and singing on stage in Leha, Leya, Lawa , the actress admitted theatre presented new challenges that pushed her beyond her comfort zone. “When acting in a (TV) drama, you can cut and redo scenes. But with theatre, you have to memorise all your lines from start to finish. In Rubiah , I have to dance, sing and, the most challenging part, perform silat ! I had no experience with silat before this. So, it was definitely a THE staging of the classic musical theatre production Rubiah serves as an important medium to educate the younger generation about Malay Islamic cultural and moral values, which are increasingly eroding in the wave of modernisation. Its director Associate Prof Dr Aminah Abd Rhapor, a lecturer at the College of Creative Arts Studies,

The singer reveals the song took less than a week to complete. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @MISSFAZURA

our own emotions,” she said. Meanwhile, Ade

rising is extraordinary”. The Pendekar Awang: Darah Indera Gajah actress also admitted to leaning more toward songs that empower, although heartbreak songs usually receive more attention. “As a woman, I think it is important for us to listen to songs that lift our spirits. If we listen to too many sad songs, we can get lost in

described

Fazura approachable, professional and easy to work with in any situation. “She is very down-to-earth and when she is working, her mood quickly turns positive. She is punctual, quick and easy to manage,” he said. – Bernama as

added that besides being drawn to the strength of the theatre production’s script, the chance to work under the direction of Associate Prof Dr Aminah Abd Rhapor was also a major factor in accepting the role. – Bernama Rubiah offers valuable learning tool

Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), said the decision to revive the legendary folklore of Selangor was timely and in line with the current need to strengthen cultural identity and instill noble values in society. “ Rubiah carries an important message about the boundaries of interaction between men and women according to Islamic

Rubiah is a musical about re-discovering a person’s religious upbringing and traditions. – PICS FROM BERNAMA

that the fresh perspective and approach taken this time received positive feedback from the audience. “My approach was a little different and I had never seen the previous versions myself, which allowed me to build a fresher interpretation without being constrained by past portrayals. We did not change much. We just adapted it through our own lens. If a piece is already good, there is no need to alter it drastically,” she said. She also said guiding the lead cast was quite challenging too as most of them were young students with no experience in acting. – Bernama

It relates the story of Rubiah , a young religious woman who faces a dilemma in choosing between romantic love and a higher love – one that not only brings happiness in this world but also brings divine blessings. “The love in Rubiah is a love that glorifies God. It teaches morality, social boundaries and purity... values that are increasingly forgotten today,” the director said. Aminah admitted facing significant challenges in restaging Rubiah , which had been staged twice before but expressed her gratitude

Rubiah tells a story of a young religious woman who faces a dilemma in choosing between romantic love and a higher love.