How PARAH gave me HOPE

I caught the stage play Parah, at KLPac on Sunday for the 3pm show.

The story of 4 best friends of different races in Malaysia, who shared their pain of being a race as well as struggling to be a collected nation.

The storyline was humorous, thought provoking & emotional, while the acting was captivating. They received 3 standing ovations. I teared-up. Sobs in the theatre was very audible. Nevertheless, the play ended leaving the audience feeling hope instead of despair.

They discussed the issues faced by Malaysians, the sensitivities, fear and misunderstanding that we have for one another. Even simple words which may not seem derogatory to a particular race, could be translated as racist to the intended race.

For example: pariah, keling, and etc.

Essentially, fear arises from our uncertainties. Uncertainties will then allow confusion and misunderstanding.

PARAH spelled backwards is HARAP.
*Parah means “Wounded” (to explain the wounds of a society), and Harap means “Hope”.

They plan to bring the play to schools to foster unity. Hopefully the Govt will allow it. The only challenge is how the subject is taught or addressed to young minds.

Well done.

The characters being high school students reminded me of the time when Malaysians were close to other races: in elementary and high school. When we go to universities and work, we tend to stick to one race for some reason. Very few still maintain their old friends.

Like the time when I travelled to Turkey with Vimales, Ang Eu Swan and Farrah. We were the 1Malaysia poster in Turkey to every Turkish's amazement.

I wonder if any political organization or policy maker saw the play. They should.