The show had me laughing right from the beginning as Cik Zakaria, played by Norman Ishak was singing and dancing to the song 'Cek Mek Molek' by M Daud Kilau. With his awkward movements and out-of-tune singing, he was believable as an elderly man who loves to joke around with his equally elderly wife, Cik Rahimah played by Izyan Mellyna.
For someone who was a first-time performer for theatre, it was a job well done for Norman Ishak. There were just a few faltering moments when there was mild inconsistency in his characterisation. When he got too excited, he sometimes went back to being himself and not Cik Zakaria but this was just for a few fleeting seconds before he realised it and then he will start transforming back to Cik Zakaria again.
If not for Laki Bini #3, many would not have known that Izyan Mellyna has such an powerful and beautiful singing voice. Now that we know, I look forward to seeing her in a musical next! Her comic timing throughout the show was too perfect. If you ever need someone for an anti-climax moment, she should be your first choice!
Hafidz Rahman who is most commonly known for his online persona, Bonda Bedah, played multiple characters in the show. His primary character was Hasif, the adopted son of Zakaria and Rahimah. He plays his multiple roles very distinctly and it was especially heartwarming during the scene when Hasif was in a tense argument with his father but when his father suffered a heart attack, he immediately dropped everything and rushed to get a glass of plain water and medicine for him. The unconditional love of a son towards his father despite being in the tense situation reminds us to be respectful of our parents no matter the circumstances.
After downloading the programme booklet through scanning the QR code on their publicity flyer, I realised that Hafidz Rahman was also the playwright for the show. I love how issues such as dementia and Alzheimer's Disease are discussed in the play. The set includes having post-it-notes around the house to remind Rahimah on simple routine activities that she might forget, such as turning off the stove when she is done cooking. The climax was when Rahimah went missing one day and Zakaria frantically searches for his wife. It was then that he opened up to his son regarding his biggest fear. He prayed that if they were to leave this world, may they leave it together as he cannot bear going through life without her or wondering how she was going to go through life without him. There would be no one to accompany him for his weekly dialysis sessions if she were to leave this world before him. And if he were to die first, there will be no one to look after her well-being and bear with her forgetfulness.
The play presents the reality of life as an elderly couple who has to support one another while struggling with their health issues. It is a story of growing old together and the never-ending ups and downs of family life. It also touches lightly on sensitive issues like infertility, homosexuality, interracial dating and civil marriage.
The light design by M Fadlin M Saffri was also beautiful. The lights added dimension and feel to the show as the space transformed into a fantasy concert for Cik Rahimah and then back to their simple home. Another element that had me captivated throughout the show was the live music and sound effects by the live band stationed at the back centre stage. The sounds of Rahimah cooking in her kitchen or accidentally dropping her pots and pans were made live by Musicians of Orkestra Sri Temasek and brings the audience closer to the show as if we were right there in their home, witnessing the episodes in their lives.
Laki Bini #3 has a nice blend of laughter, tears and tension. I dare to say that this is the best one in the Laki Bini series. Thank you Izad Omar, Noor Rahim and the production team of Laki Bini #3 for producing theatre plays that appeal to the masses. It is no wonder that both shows were completely sold out! I look forward to the next production by KreatiV OutBox.
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| Zakaria comforting Rahimah as she gets upset about her infertility issues Photo Credits: KreatiV OutBoX |
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| Post-it-notes to remind Rahimah Photo Credits: KreatiV OutBoX |
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| Rahimah in her fantasy solo performance concert Photo Credits: KreatiV OutBoX |
