Bonda Bedah, Mak Temah and The Chamber of Polongs

*I had intended to post this review only after the official review is out on Berita Harian but due to mistiming, the review will not be published on the newspaper.

 

Bonda Bedah and Mak Temah are two characters that have gained immense popularity through their videos posted on YouTube. Their shows candidly explore social issues through parodies. For the first time ever, their comedic acts are brought from YouTube screens to stage by Kreativ Outbox. The show 'Bonda Bedah, Mak Temah and The Chamber of Polongs' which ran from 30th Apr to 3rd May was initially scheduled for three shows but due to the overwhelming ticket sales, two shows were later added. All shows were sold out.

I first heard mentions of ‘Bonda Bedah’ and ‘Mak Temah’ through family gatherings from my nephews and even my mother. As honest as I can be, I have never watched any one of their videos and had just assumed that they were just two males who create slapstick comedy and everything will seem funny due to their crossdressing. My curiosity about them was aroused when I discovered that a play was actually being staged with them as the central characters. Even more so when I heard that all shows were sold out. They must be really good to garner that kind of response.

Rated 'Advisory due to coarse language' by MDA, the show is lighthearted and highly entertaining with colourful characters. Temah had accidentally released all her Polongs to Bedah. Bedah, not knowing the fact that the Polongs are attached to her now, continues with her daily routine. The audience is brought to a journey of how Temah and Bedah resolve their differences on the Polong issues through bantering and disagreements. Bonda Bedah is played by Hafidz Rahman and Mak Temah is played by Zuhairi Idris. Supported by five colourful characters consisting of Orb, Ziana, Azizul, Zain and Awab played by Nur Afiqa, Sunita Chiu, Junaidi, Sultan and Luqmanul Hakim, the show is fun-paced and there is never a moment of boredom when watching.

I was surprised when Izad shared that the supporting characters were mostly newbies and selected from auditions where more than 100 hopefuls turned up. The most outstanding newbie was Nur Afiqah who played the character 'Orb'. She was like a seasoned actress as she pranced around the stage with great confidence and stage presence. Her fluid movements and strong voice character definitely had my attention. I would love to watch more plays with her around.

Afiqa as Oracle

The highlight of the show is when the characters periodically break into song-and dance movements with catchy tunes and lyrics. The play uses popular tunes from songs like ‘All About That Bass’ by Meghan Trainor and lyrics are customized to suit the show. One of the songs, ‘Bonda Bedah Best’, is still an earworm until today. I especially like the fact that there are no major distracting fanciful set changes. The set is simple using platforms of varying heights that optimizes space. I personally love the cocoon-like structures where the ‘polongs’ are kept. 

Orb and Polongs

Much laughter was heard throughout the play and the best thing is that audience need not be theatre-trained to understand and enjoy the show. This is in line with Kreativ Outbox's objective of encouraging family to watch theatre as a family activity. Playwright and producer, Izad Omar had shared that they would like to invite families to exit their comfort zone of watching programmes on television from their couch and to immerse themselves in theatre works as an alternative form of entertainment. Kreativ Outbox also aims to dispel the myth that watching plays are only for the elite and not for the common folks.

The aftermath of watching this show had me realizing that Hafidz Rahman (Bonda Bedah) and Zuhairi Idris (Mak Temah) are not simply slapstick comedians but two hardworking individuals who continuously seek to hone their craft. They have an intimate working relationship due to their strong friendship ties and therefore they are able to understand each other well. This translates to their ability to seek relevant materials on social issues together. For them to develop parodies and send their message out as simply and crudely as they could, they carefully dissect current social issues and present them in their ‘makcik’ (aunty) characters so that audience can relate to them more easily. Their candid and spontaneous nature has won the hearts of their fans. I hope for them to carry on concocting laughing potions while perhaps downplaying their coarse language so that their shows will be more family-friendly.

Crowning Glory

I have been experiencing hair loss post-pregnancy since the birth of my firstborn. I was too lazy to search for hair loss solutions and simply chopped off my long hair to a pixie haircut then. After the birth of my secondborn last year in 2014, I didn't want to chop off my long hair again but have yet to find an appropriate solution to my hair loss problem. I tried a herbal tonic suggested by my hair stylist but that didn't seem to work. My mum then recommended me a herbal shampoo that she bought in Malaysia but after a few months, I am still experiencing hair loss.

I was invited to be one of the guests for the show Mahkota 101 Season 2 by Screenbox Production on 8th Apr. The talkshow allows the guests and viewers to learn on maintaining healthy hair through light-hearted games and tips from the Beijing 101 consultant. I learnt that insufficient sleep, stress, unhealthy diet and other factors can lead to a low immune system for the scalp. The trick to healthy hair is to maintain a healthy scalp. We were also taught on how to make herbal tea that is good for blood circulation. While waiting for the new season to air, you can watch the 1st season of Mahkota 101 here.

Anyway, I have been meaning to go to a hair salon for a hair treatment. It has never occurred to me to go to a hair care centre like Beijing 101 or Yun Nam Hair Care. To me, I would only need to go there when I am much older and after having serious hair problems. After being involved in Mahkota 101 however, I felt that it would actually be better to have my hair treated at a hair care centre than at a hair salon as instead of chemicals, herbs will be used. I booked for an appointment at Beijing 101 North Point branch on 21st Apr. It is conveniently located near my place. Bonus point!

I was won over from the moment I stepped foot into the branch. I received a warm welcome at the reception and was led to a consultation room where a scalp analysis was done. My hair follicles were partially covered in dead cells and my scalp was reddish. I believe this could be due to the hair tonic that I sprayed directly into my scalp earlier before my appointment. A healthy scalp should have open pores and around 3-4 strands on each follicle. The consultant informed me that just by looking with the naked eye, one will not be able to assess a person's hair problem. The person might seem to have normal hair but only upon closer inspection on the scalp using the scanner, then an objective assessment can be made. The strands of hairs are just like plants. My new hair growth was weaker with hairs that had weak roots as compared to my hair that were thick and strong.

After the consultation, I was ushered to start my hair treatment.  The thoughtful consultant, Sisi assigned a private cubicle at the end as she noted that I was in hijab and would want my modesty protected. Hot tea was served and after a hair wash, a cold hair herbal hair mask was applied on my hair. The mask was left on for 20 mins before it was washed off and a relaxing head massage followed. Hair tonic was then applied and I was given a super-shiok head, neck and shoulder acupuncture massage. I was having stiff neck and shoulders so the massage was indeed relieving. This part was definitely the highlight of the treatment! The objective of the massage was to improve blood circulation for better hair follicle development. I was brought into the consultation room again for another scalp analysis to see the difference. I didn't snap a photo after my first session but here's a photo after my 2nd session. Can you see that the pores are open and the scalp is clean without dead cells clouding the hair follicles?

I was more than happy to sign up for a package and booked for my 2nd appointment the following week. I brought along a friend, Mira, who was having slight dandruff problems to have a trial session. Her hair issue was different from my hair loss problem and the scalp analysis certainly reflected it. I shall not disgust you with more photos of anyone's scalp. For Mira's case, she usually has late nights and insufficient sleep. The consultant shared with us that our scalp regenerates around 11pm to 2am and it would be good for us to sleep by 11pm so that our scalp's immune system would be optimal. Mira is still a student so she is still considering on taking up the package. She agreed with me that there was no hard selling and that she will definitely sign up if she had the means.

Mira and little Azeen

Consultation

The Little VIP

"If you want to be popular all the time, you will misgovern."

This picture was snapped by the dental assistant at Orchard Surgery Centre located on the 16th floor of Paragon Medical Suite. She insisted to take a photo of me in the protective cap and scrubs as she found it cute. It was her first time seeing someone in hijab wearing a protective cap. The question now is why was I required to put these on in the first place.

Let's backtrack a little...

I noted some slight discolouration on my firstborn's two front teeth sometime in February. I have been meaning to bring her to the dentist just to familiarise her with the routine of dental check-ups once she has her full set of baby teeth. I made an online appointment request on 23rd Feb 2015 and received a reply two days later. I did a double-take when I saw the appointment date. I need to wait for almost a year for a subsidised dental appointment.

A1

I doubt it would be advisable for me to wait that long so I went ahead to book a dental appointment for myself and Azeen at AMK Hub NTUC Unity Denticare on 25th Mar. As the dentist was not a paediatric dentist, she only helped to check Azeen's teeth by getting her to open her mouth and just did a simple routine check. Her consultation fees amounted to $22.50 but after her CHAS subsidies, I only had to pay $1.50. We were then referred to a specialist in child dentistry located at Mount Elizabeth Hospital.

A rude shock was in store for me on 15 Apr when we visit Dr JA Intarasoot the Paediatric Dentist. A close-up inspection of her teeth showed multiple cavities. Fillings were required to repair around 10 teeth. Plus each tooth might have 2 or 3 affected surfaces. As she is too young, she will not be able to take in the drilling noise and the pain of anaesthetics so she will have to be put to sleep while the procedure is being done. Some might think that since these are baby teeth and will fall off anyway, treatments will be unnecessary. Contrarily, due to the build-up of bacteria on the gums, the child may get a fever and require tooth extraction/s in the case of an infection. The day's bill amounted to $101.65

Close-up of teeth

I used to be very strict with Azeen. No sweet or carbonated drinks and no sweets was allowed. She was introduced to the toothbrush the moment a tooth sprouted. As she hit 2 years old, sometimes I closed an eye or two with well-meaning relatives who sneakily gave her sweets and carbonated drinks. Although these contributed to her tooth decay, I believe the main cause is her bad habit of milk pooling when she drinks milk from the bottle. I have ceased giving her milk from the bottle for around 3 days before her first appointment with Dr JA. She now drinks milk only from the cup. I should have been more firm and stopped her bad habit the moment I noticed her liking for milk pooling and sleeping with her milk bottle. It would have been better to handle her tantrums than fixing her teeth. I also feel that it would have been better to stick my ground on not allowing her sweet sugary stuff and communicating effectively to others on my stand. We are fortunate that she did not have to go through any tooth extraction or worse scenarios.

We had to prepare an estimated $3600 for the dental procedure. A deposit of $1500 (before 7% GST) was required to confirm the procedure. The remaining amount can be paid by CDA (Child Development Account) or Baby Bonus. That was A LOT OF MONEY! I was floating around in a daze that day thinking of the expenses. After going back to discuss with my husband and our family, we managed to gather the amount required to confirm the procedure and it was booked for 28 Apr 2015.

The dental procedure was held at Orchard Surgery Centre @ Paragon Medical Suite at 8.30am. Azeen was required to fast for 6 hours before the procedure. She had to put the gas mask on to put her to sleep. It was heartbreaking seeing her struggle initially and then her body went limp as she goes to sleep. She was then placed on the operating theatre as I was ushered out of the room, only to return after 1.5 hours later. I can imagine her fear as we enter the brightly-lit room full of masked people in operating gowns and not knowing what was about to happen.

The staff were all friendly as they briefed me thoroughly before and after the procedure on what to expect. She was advised to be on a liquid diet and to consume food or drinks at room or low temperature. Her gums will still be numb as there was local anaesthetic used. Dr JA said that her teeth have been much better since the first appointment. She believes it is due to stopping her from drinking milk from the bottle and brushing her teeth in the morning and before sleeping.

Azeen was still groggy after the procedure and I was beside her when she started waking up. She whined a little and calmed down as I hugged her. She was up and about being her usual energetic self within 2 hours after the procedure. I hope we will never have to go through such an expensive emotional lesson again. Total bill for procedure minus deposit: $2313.45

Oral hygiene is very important and good habits need to start young. I will be more firm in my stand with her and to only allow sweets or chocolates occasionally. Most importantly is to cultivate good brushing habits. I hope to be stronger in standing up to well-meaning relatives who gives her a free-flow of carbonated or sweet drinks. It is courteous to always check with a child's parents on what is allowed or what is not as every family adopts different school of thoughts. In the words of the late Lee Kuan Yew, "If you want to be popular all the time, you will misgovern." I strive not to misgovern my children and work towards a healthy happy family. Insya'allah.

No More Cavities

Naked

It has been a long time since I blogged or tweeted.
Being a full-time Mummy is not as how I envisioned it to be.
Yes, I can go for coffee or tea with my friends BUT not without dragging along a huge heavy diaper bag filled with baby necessities AND two babies. A simple outing is like preparing for an excursion.I don't even dare think about packing for holidays! *shudders

Anyway, I managed to be released from my 'work' duties on one Friday to watch a play by Teater Kami. I was excited to watch Dalifah Shahril in action, performing a monologue based on bipolar disorder. 

The first time I heard of this term was a few years ago when my friend jokingly suggested that I should have myself checked for bipolar disorder since I always have insomnia. At that point in time, I asked him what that was but never bothered to research further on it.

The play was performed in a simple black box theatre and began with the actress lying down on the ground, singing out loud obviously lost in her own world.There was a deafening sound as the actress drifted to mania and as an audience, I believe if exposed to such sounds for a prolonged period of time, I would go crazy too. 

I guess that must be how it is like in the minds of those suffering from this disorder. As the play progresses, there were some funny moments when the character behaved out of the ordinary and it made me laugh out loud but I couldn’t help but feel guilty and sympathetic at the same time. I feel that is is wrong for me to laugh at her as she did not ask to be in that state.

Towards the end of the play, images of the real person whom Dalifah is playing was flashed at the projector. At that point of time, I really felt like crying as the reality stared right at me.

This is a real situation that is being faced by an individual and probably many other individuals in similar or different forms. The general public (me included) are ignorant of the situations faced by those facing mental disorders or their caregivers.
Much support needs to be given to the caregivers especially. When the play ended, I did not expect a Q&A session. It surprised me further when the writer, Yohanna Abdullah was introduced. I felt even worse at laughing earlier during the play.

I wondered what she felt when we laughed at the character as I was aware that the play is based on a true story and the character in question is based on her. I was overwhelmed by my strong admiration at her courage to share her story. She looked perfectly normal and  no one could ever guess that she had done all those crazy things like not wearing an underwear under a dress while having her menstruation period or singing at the top of her voice while playing a guitar in public.The images just couldn’t match in my head. There seated in front of me was a calm, composed lady in hijab answering questions posted to her without feeling embarrassed or fearing for the stigma people might have against her.

The play by itself was not very fanciful or theatrical. It was direct, with basic lighting to reflect the mood or to highlight the actress and with sound effects that were necessary for the audience to be immersed in the storytelling.
I applaud Teater Kami and Dalifah Shahril for successfully educating the audience on bipolar disorder. I am now aware and keen to learn more about this illness and other types of mental disorder. 

The play has also dispelled some typical myths on people with mental disorders such as they are not in mania all the time. There is a certain level of consciousness in them but they are just not in control. We may feel sad for them when we see them do things out of the ordinary but the fact is they might just be having the time of their lives. Mental disorders can be treated just like physical illness and should not be stigmatised. Having a mental disorder is just like having cancer or stroke. Caregivers need to be tolerant and patient. They need to attend support group sessions to learn more in handling the challenges. I hope that there will be more programmes to generate awareness on mental conditions.

Here's my review of 'Naked' on Berita Harian: http://beritaharian.sg/gah/realiti-hidup-pesakit-bipolar-ditelanjangkan

Follow their updates on future theatre productions via Teater Kami FB fan page here.