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 2^nd 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