A rehearsal session for the upcoming 'The Solace Of Papan' opera show, with actors Cheah and Chaing (right) in their roles of Yoshimura and Sybil respectively. Photo: The Star/Art Chen
The Solace Of Papan, an English opera honouring Sybil Kathigasu's WWII bravery, recounts the gripping tale of the nurse who aided the Malayan resistance against Japanese occupation.
Composed by Lam Siu Chong with a libretto by Chin San Sooi, it will be staged at SEGi University, Kota Damansara in Selangor on July 20 and 21.
Chin, a veteran director and playwright in Malaysian theatre, shares that the inspiration for this opera came from reading Sybil Kathigasu’s story in No Dram Of Mercy during his youth, in the late 1950s.
“I was struck by the story’s violence but also by the strength and courage it depicted,” he says.
The librettist, now in his 80s, has crafted a show that weaves together themes of love, loss, faith and resilience. The opera’s 16 scenes will be brought to life by a 70-member orchestra and nine actors.
Earlier this year, Chin and Lam established ProMuzika, a new theatre company that aims to produce original operas, musicals and more.
The Solace Of Papan marks its inaugural project, a labour of love that took more than two years to finally reach the stage.
A symbol of hope
“The story of Papan will resonate with many Malaysians because it is a narrative of triumph over adversity, about finding solace in the face of hardship,” says Chin.
He highlights Sybil’s story's relevance amid today's global conflicts.
Cellist Kong Jing Teng plays a hymn at Sybil's old house in Papan, Perak during a recent site visit for the opera production. Photo: ProMuzika
“In terms of the story, Papan is very optimistic in its outlook on life. Despite all the tragedy, it encourages people to look at life more positively.”
In real life, Sybil survived three years of torture and was only released after Japan lost the war. She and her husband ran a free clinic dispensing medicine to the locals in Papan town near Ipoh, Perak.
Sybil was awarded the prestigious King George Medal for gallantry shortly before she succumbed to her wounds in 1948, seven months after she was released from the Batu Gajah prison.
Earlier this year, some of the opera production’s cast and crew visited Sybil’s home at 74, Main Street in Papan.
“It was an eye opener to see people still dwelling in the back lanes behind the dilapidated buildings on the main road. It was sad to see the inside of Sybil’s home. There was a still silence that pervaded the starkness of the house.
"We visited St Michael’s Church cemetery and placed some flowers at Sybil’s grave. A solemn atmosphere prevailed while we took photos and played music in remembrance of this brave young woman,” says Chin.
Dramatic storyline
Lam, a seasoned composer and music teacher with a career spanning over four decades, has created a musical composition that captures the shifting emotions and pace of The Solace Of Papan.
The 74-year-old has incorporated Indian, Chinese and Arabic scales into his classical composition.
Chin (left) and Lam, two veterans in the local performing arts scene, who worked together to bring this opera production to the stage. Photo: The Star/Art Chen
“There were many challenges, but the music had to evoke deep emotions. The choice of scales and musical themes were crucial to representing the diverse cultural influences of the time,” says Lam.
He shares that Sybil's character was filled with sadness, making for a dramatic storyline.
"My initial reaction when I saw the script was that it would be good to share this story with the younger generation. It’s important to learn some of the (war) history that is not in the history books.”
The opera begins with a romantic portrayal of Sybil’s love story with her husband Dr Abdon Kathigasu, transitions into the chaos of war, and culminates in her “victory” over her torturer, Eiko Yoshimura.
Sybil is played by YiLing Chaing, Kathigasu by Chang Yow Keong and Yoshimura by Matthias Cheah.
Chaing, a music lecturer in her 30s, reveals the most challenging aspect of preparing for the role of Sybil is portraying a historical figure authentically, while adapting her story for the stage.
Chin says that the inspiration for this opera came from reading Sybil’s story in 'No Dram Of Mercy' during his youth in the late 1950s. Photo: Filepic
“It is essential to maintain the integrity of the role. Reading her book No Dram Of Mercy offered some valuable insights into the war and her remarkable resilience. It is difficult to grasp how she endured such torture while demonstrating immense intelligence ... she was truly a respectable heroine,” she says.
Chaing, who is active in opera and concert singing, says that her first practice with the orchestra was a most memorable experience.
“The music composed by Lam was so precise that you could literally hear the firing of rifles, war sirens, bombings and the menacing march of the Japanese military police," she recalls.
“These sounds, typically experienced only in movies, were brought to life on stage right in front of me. It evoked the fear of war.”
Music student Cheah, 20, plays the menacing character of Yoshimura.
“I only have a short span of time to portray a convincing villain, and my training as a musician makes it difficult for me to stay still on stage the rest of the time," he says.
Multiple roles
Chang, 50, plays multiple roles, including Abdon Kathigasu, a Japanese soldier and an Indian villager.
“I am not a trained singer like some of the others. For me, every practice was important as we all had a responsibility towards each other, to rehearse, improve and do our best.”
Music teacher Kellvin Loo, 23, plays both a Malay villager and Japanese soldier. Interestingly, he was not originally part of this production.
At the Catholic cemetery beside St Michael's church in Ipoh, clarinetist: Amelia Foo Ming Choo pays tribute to Sybil. Photo: ProMuzika
“I attended a rehearsal with YiLing one day. I found myself deeply moved by Sybil’s story and the music. Tears started welling up during the aria that YiLing performed. I was struck by its beauty. I enquired about joining the chorus and unexpectedly found myself later cast in not one but two roles!" says Loo.
The production of The Solace of Papan is a testament to the dedication and talent of the local team behind it. Conductor Lily Woo, leading the PJ Philharmonic Orchestra (PJPO), which performs all the music, has been diligently working with the musicians since last year.
“We’ve been practising since October, meeting every Sunday for at least three hours each week,” says Woo.
In this opera’s line-up, there are musicians as young as 11 (Clement Tan, the trumpet player) and some who are senior citizens.
“Getting all the musicians, cast and extras to work as one cohesive piece for the opera has been a significant challenge,” concludes Woo, who has been with the PJPO for over 20 years.
The Solace Of Papan will be staged at SEGi University, Multi Purpose Hall, Kota Damansara in Selangor on July 20 (8.30pm) and 21 (3pm and 8.30pm).
