English Drama Competition
Competition
Information
On 8 May, 2014, the Kota Belud District held an
English Drama Competition. The venue was SMK Taun Gusi II. Six schools from the
District participated by preparing a 20-minute long play, completely spoken in
English. The productions were graded by a panel of judges who marked the
performances on the use of English, the depth of the play’s storyline, the level
of acting, the costumes, and the props.
SMK Taun Gusi’s
Production: Paduka Mat Salleh
SMK
Taun Gusi prepared a written production of Paduka
Mat Salleh, a story of love, betrayal, and greed set during the Malaysian
Independence. Mrs. Hasanah Hassim was the Coach, the Director, and the Team
Manager and began preparations at the start of the first semester of 2014. Fifteen
students participated in a number of ways: actors, lighting and sound
designers, costume designers, and scenery designers. These students included
thirteen form 5 students, one form 4 student, and one form 6 student.
SMK
Taun Gusi students had quite a number of practices and rehearsals to prepare
for this difficult competition; all actors were required to memorize their
lines. The costumes included traditional
British soldier costumes as well as traditional Malaysian costumes. The scenery
and music was adjusted per scene to create an immersive experience.
The
play tells the story of Paduka Mat Salleh, his wife Dang Bandang, his friend
Jati, and Mr. Smith, the commander of the British Army. Paduka Mat Salleh was
known as an extremely powerful soldier who could not be defeated in battle. He
had immense trust in his comrade Jati, whom he fought alongside with, and
likewise in his wife, Dang Bandang, whom he tries to protect. Dang Bandang
wishes to stay with Paduka Mat Salleh, but Paduka Mat Salleh does not want her
to get hurt. However, Dang Bandang is firm in her love with Paduka Mat Salleh
and continues to be by his side. During the war, Paduka Mat Salleh encounters
Mr. Smith in a battle. Luckily, Paduka Mat Salleh is able to overpower Mr.
Smith’s army. On Jati’s recommendation, Paduka Mat Salleh has a celebration
after the battle. However, Jati was secretly on the British army’s side, wooed
by their wealth and promise of power. That night, the British Army returned and
destroyed the Malaysian army. They discover Paduka Mat Salleh’s secret, that
his wife’s bare foot cannot touch the ground, and force Dang Bandang’s foot to
the ground whereby Paduka Mat Salleh loses his invincibility.
Student Achievements
SMK
Taun Gusi won 2nd place overall in the 2014 Kota Belud District
English Drama Competition. The school also won the Best Supporting Actor Award
(Mohd Shafiq Dulamid, form 5 ICT), the Best Costume Award, and the Best Prop
Award among all the schools participating in the competition.
Reported by Mrs. Hasanah Hassim