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sense of. The Sofia Jane debuts one-woman show o Jodi Gray’s play explores childhood, memory, identity

soundscape surrounding it. Sofia describes the process as an opportunity to explore the material alongside audiences, with the experience unfolding as the production develops. For Yap, the play’s title reflects the moments in life when people find themselves entering circumstances they did not choose. He sees the transition from childhood to adulthood as one such turning point, with experiences from that period continuing to influence the people we become. The idea connects with themes that have appeared throughout Yap’s work, including memory, grief, inheritance and loss. His recent theatre projects include Fork It: One Man’s Journey Through Food and Memories and Eurydice , while his film work includes Revenge of the Pontianak (2019) and Geng Kubur (2024). With Thrown , he turns his attention to the ways early experiences remain embedded in adult life, even when their influence is not immediately apparent. Presented by Jeffrey Cheah Performing Arts Centre (JCPAC) and produced by Superbear Productions, the play runs from Nov 20-22 and Nov 27-29 at The Studio, JCPAC in Sunway City Kuala Lumpur. Performances are scheduled at 8.30pm, with 3pm shows also listed for the run.

production combines humour with more unsettling emotional moments, using an immersive soundscape to place the audience within the character’s increasingly disorienting experience. With Sofia alone on stage, the performance places particular emphasis on voice, movement and the shifts in perspective that emerge as the story unfolds. For Sofia, Thrown represents a departure from the screen roles that have defined much of her career. She rose to prominence through films such as Harry Boy (1992), Kekasih Awal dan Akhir (1993) and Cinta Kita (1995), and was named Most Popular Artiste at the 1993 Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian . In recent years, she has continued to take on varied roles, including the manipulative Ibu Zara in Astro’s crime thriller series One Cent Thief . Her more recent screen work includes Malam Terlarang (2025), while her theatre credits include the 2025 revival of the dark comedy Visits at JitFest. In Thrown , the absence of fellow performers means she must sustain the production through a single character’s shifting emotional landscape. The format also creates a different relationship with the audience, who follow the story through her performance and the

M ALAYSIAN actress Datin Sofia Jane takes on a new theatrical challenge in Thrown , a solo production that examines how childhood experiences shape the people we become. Written by Jodi Gray and directed by Gavin Yap, it marks Sofia’s first one-woman show after more than three decades in film, television and theatre. Thrown follows a child psychologist who revisits audio recordings of her own childhood alongside recordings connected to one of her patients. What begins as an attempt to understand herself gradually becomes more complicated as the voices and memories become difficult to separate. The play explores the uncertain relationship between memory and identity, asking how much of the past remains with us as we move into adulthood. Its central character must confront the possibility that understanding another person’s experiences may also mean revisiting parts of herself she has yet to make

The play offers audiences a theatrical exploration of the memories, relationships and formative experiences that continue to shape adult identity. – HANDOUT PIC Top five nominations emerge as win for Andy Teh, Idan Aedan at FFM35

Idan (left) says he remains surprised that he was selected for the Top Five.

THE film Abah Saya, Uncle Mike, which explores cross-cultural love and affection, has earned eight Top Five nominations at the 35th Malaysia Film Festival (FFM35). The achievement highlights the strength of the film and marks a personal victory for its two actors, Andy Teh and Idan Aedan, who are now competing alongside seasoned performers. Teh, 40, was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Michael Tong Wai Siong, also known as Uncle Mike. He described his selection among the Top Five nominees as a meaningful recognition after participating in the FFM for many years. “I am very grateful to be nominated in the Top Five. I have been participating in the FFM for years, but this is the first time I have received a nomination. For me, being shortlisted alongside these actors is already a win. “Of course, winning a trophy would make me even happier but even if I don’t win, I am still very grateful,” he told reporters after the launch and announcement of the FFM35 Top Five nominees recently. Besides Teh, the Best Supporting Actor category also features Wan Hanafi Su for Badak , Aedy Ashraf (Tarung: Unforgiven) , Kuben Mahadevan (Macai) and Sky Iskandar (The Furious: Pertaruhan Maruah) . Teh said he had not set his sights on winning an award when he accepted the role of Uncle Mike but instead viewed it as an

Teh (right) says even if he goes home empty handed, he is grateful for the nomination nonetheless. – PICS FROM BERNAMA

In another development, Idan described the opportunity to act alongside Indonesian actress Dian Sastrowardoyo in The Fox King (Semusim Lara) as a dream come true, while also providing him with the chance to gain experience and learn from her guidance in the acting profession. “She is very humble and open to working with others. Even on set, she would ask for our opinions on how a particular scene should be performed,” he said. – Bernama

grateful for the nomination and feel recognised by the local film industry,” he said. The nomination marks Idan’s second at the FFM, following his appearance in the Best Promising Actor category at FFM32 for the film Anak Rimau The Movie. The FFM35 Best Actor category also sees competition from Datuk Eman Manan for 3 Hajat , Shaheizy Sam (Badak) , Beto Kusyairy (Gayong 2) and Amerul Affendi (Libang Libu) .

name is Muhammad Shahidan Abdullah, 22, was nominated for Best Actor for his portrayal of Rafei. He described the nomination as one of the biggest achievements of his career so far. “I was quite surprised to be selected for the Top Five. I never set a target to win. “Just being alongside these actors is already a win for me because they are all outstanding. I never had any expectations or targets for the award but I am

opportunity to challenge himself by exploring a different side of his acting, beyond the antagonist and action roles he often portrays. “I hope through this Top Five nomination, people will see that Teh is not just someone who plays antagonists or fights, but can also portray characters like this,” he said, expressing his appreciation to Astro Shaw, the producer and the scriptwriter for placing their trust in him. Meanwhile, Idan, whose real