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Backstage Pass: Director
What is a director of theatre productions? Explore more!
This is Hafidz. He’s a director!
There are many different types of directors. Specifically, Hafidz is a director of theatre productions, which means he directs live performances that are presented on a stage. Let's follow Hafidz as he takes us through his experience directing a production for the stage.
This is how it all begins. With a script!
Every theatre production starts with a script. The script is what Hafidz analyzes and figures out so that he understands what the story is about and what is required to tell this story.
He then works with his actors so that they can all get the same understanding of the script. Hafidz also helps each actor to understand their character so that they know how to portray them.
This time around, Hafidz worked with a cast—the people who act in the production—made up of young actors for Ceria! Sang Kanchil dan Buaya. The stories of Sang Kanchil are traditional fables from Malaysia and Indonesia about a clever mouse-deer. The show, by dance group Artistari Gentari, was presented at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre for Pesta Raya 2022. Pesta Raya is a yearly arts festival that celebrates Malay arts.
Next step—the rehearsals!
Once everyone has got the script figured out, Hafidz will lead many sessions of rehearsals and help his actors to work on the delivery of their lines and also with their blocking.
Blocking refers to the position of the actors and their precise movements while on stage. Blocking is one of the most important parts of the rehearsal process and it is Hafidz's job to know where each actor should be at all times and their movements. Blocking ensures that nobody moves randomly, causing a whole lot of chaos and confusion!
Sometimes a dance number is involved! Here, the cast rehearses their dance routine. Not only do the cast have to remember their lines and blocking, they also have to remember their dance steps. This is no mean feat, but with plenty of rehearsals and help from Hafidz, practice makes perfect!
It's almost show day...
Besides rehearsing in their own space, Hafidz and the cast will also get to rehearse at the Esplanade too in order to get a feel of the actual performance space. This is where Hafidz will make changes if needed and to get the cast familiar with the space as it is different from where they usually rehearse.
Sometimes a dance number is involved! Here, the cast rehearses their dance routine. Not only do the cast have to remember their lines and blocking, they also have to remember their dance steps. This is no mean feat, but with plenty of rehearsals and help from Hafidz, practice makes perfect!
The big day arrives!
When show day arrives, Hafidz goes beyond the usual job scope of a director! He helps his actors to get dressed and put on their microphones.
When everyone is ready, it is show time!
Show day in pictures!
