Fahad Iman on stage as a film buff recovering from losing his partner on the opening night of 'Love Is A Motion Picture', a new play by Main Theatre. Photo: AIMANNZR
Actor Fahad Iman is doing his best to stay composed on stage as he portrays a film enthusiast grappling with the heartbreak of losing his partner.
He truly found his element, performing in English, during the opening night performance (July 24) in Main Theatre's new show Love Is A Motion Picture at Studio Ramli Hassan in Bukit Tunku, Kuala Lumpur.
Running through July 28, this one-man play is an intimate experience, tracing the poignant journey of a man who seeks solace in his favourite romantic films.
Throughout the 75-minute show, Fahad's character is absorbed in the dialogue from two TV screens on set, allowing the audience to catch some familiar movie lines.
"The character that I’m playing is someone who is still dealing with the process of grief ... struggling alone in his room," says Fahad, 31, who usually works in the local TV drama scene.
It is a new challenge for him to take on this role – a solo theatrical performance – where he navigates a complex playbook of emotions, notably sadness, despair, and pain.
"The show relies heavily on 'interacting' with the actors (on the TV screens) and their film dialogue, so my character has to embody their emotions and intentions," he explains.
Like running through a playlist, Fahad has to switch between dialogue in English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Bahasa Indonesia films.
'Living in a movie'
Directed by Nawfal Zamri and written by Arshad Adam, Love Is A Motion Picture blends fiction and non-fiction to highlight the parallels between art and life.
"I draw inspiration from repeatedly watching movies and memorising dialogues that have profoundly impacted my life," says Nawfal, 37.
"By combining film and theatre, we aim to give audiences a novel experience. At times, it feels like we're living in a movie, surrounded by drama and a scripted life," he adds.
Nawfal reveals that he repeatedly watches Nobody Knows and Shoplifters, two intensely tragic films by Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda, known for his dark themes.
"These movies' great storylines inspired me to adapt and express my creativity in a stage production. I also find visual inspiration in their set design and lighting, which I try to recreate in this production," he says.
Arshad, 35, the production's writer, believes audiences at Studio Ramli Hassan will relate to the character on stage (referred to as "Lelaki"), as seeing one's life mirrored on screen is a familiar experience, especially as a coping mechanism.
"The concept arose from the feeling that everyone has seen a movie scene that seems to be about their own life. It blends real characters interacting with fictional ones, offering a fresh storytelling perspective," says Arshad.
"We want to blur the lines between what's on stage and what the audience sees, making it as immersive as possible. By following the character's journey and obsession with films, we aim to create a personal attachment with the audience, making them feel part of the story," he explains.
Love Is A Motion Picture is supported by Dana Kreatif Perak and PORT, made in collaboration with Masa Kini Theatre and Bleenk Media.
