What makes Faridah stand out is that she uses the stage as a platform to raise awareness about gender equality, human rights and environmental conservation.
Known as the First Lady of Malaysian theatre, Datuk Dr Faridah Merican recently received the 2024 Merdeka Award in Education and Community for pioneering Malaysia’s performing arts scene and driving social-cultural awareness.
“As long as I have strength in my body and will in my heart, I’ll continue to teach, produce, direct and act, in the hope that one day, Malaysia can stand proud alongside its neighbours in the world of education and arts,” pledges the 85-year-old Faridah, who has almost seven decades’ experience in acting, directing and production.
Faridah receiving the 2024 Merdeka Award in Education and Community. Photo: Merdeka Award Trust
Faridah’s journey started in 1989 when she co-founded The Actors Studio (TAS) with her husband Joe Hasham.
“My best memory was when we built our Little Theatre at Plaza Putra underneath Dataran Merdeka because we wanted to have our own space,” says the adjunct professor and programme development director of Tutas (Taylor’s University and The Actors Studio), which offers Malaysia’s first performing arts conservatory degree programme.
When the 2003 flash floods destroyed TAS, Faridah didn’t give up but built The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac) – Malaysia’s first fully-integrated arts centre – in 2005.
“Although it was devastating losing our theatre in the floods, there was a silver lining because we managed to build KLPac,” she says.
Faridah and husband Australian-Lebanese actor-director Joe Hasham. Photo: Merdeka Award Trust/Kelab Shashin Fotografi KL
“The arts play an important role in shaping who we are as a nation. Our goals are to create a cultured society and this isn’t just about the arts, it’s in all that we do and say, and the lives we touch. We want to impart this to our children so that we become a better people. And we still have a long way to go.
“Fostering a culture of excellence involves all Malaysians. It means being human, gracious and kind, which should be an integral part of our lives and cultivated from young,” she says.
Faridah as Dara in Uda Dan Dara, in 1972. Photo: Merdeka Award Trust
Faridah is known for her wide acting repertoire, and has acted in iconic plays such as Lela Mayang, Tok Perak, Uda Dan Dara, and Alang Rentak Seribu. But, what makes her stand out is that her stage is a platform to raise awareness about gender equality, human rights and environmental conservation.
In collaboration with the Malaysian Aids Council, she produced Adam The Musical in 2010, raising awareness about HIV and Aids, breaking down stigma, and fostering a deeper understanding of these issues.
Her Life Sdn Bhd series delved into topics such as abuse, mental health and refugee plights. In 2016, Life Sdn Bhd: Human Trafficking shed light on the human trafficking issue in Malaysia.
Since 2020, through Tutas, she mentors and inspires the next generation of actors and artists.
Faridah’s message to young Malaysians is to keep on learning and being good people.Her message to young Malaysians is “keep on learning and being good people”.
“Your parents are the most important people there for you, setting you on the right path. When you hear of parents who don’t have time for their children or vice versa, it’s a huge worry. But then, you hear of parents who handle their kids well, teach them the right things, read them the right books, and you know it’s going to be alright.”
Faridah’s illustrious career comprises 1,500 productions and performances. She has received many prestigious awards, including the Elite@UM Fellow (2023); Taylor’s University Honorary Doctorate of the Arts (2018); and Boh Cameronian Arts Lifetime Achievement Award (2004).
Faridah directed Uda Dan Dara in 2015. Photo: Merdeka Award Trust
“I’ll not rest until I see a theatre – or at least something relating to performing arts – at every street corner in Malaysia. Currently, it's just in major cities but I want to see it developing throughout Malaysia.
“There’s a lot of talent in the country, and many willing to share the joy of performing with the people, but we need to make it happen,” she concludes.
