 THEATRE METHODS 04
Master Class
Assoc. Prof. Dr.Haji Zainal Abdul Latiff (Malaysia)
Pencak Silat in the training of theatre practitioners.
WHAT IS SENI PENCAK SILAT? 
Seni Pencak Silat (SPS) is the art of self defense of the Malays who inhabit Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Southern Philippines and Thailand. In Malaysia alone there are more than thirty types of SPS being practiced. Seni can mean ‘art’ or ‘knowledge’, Pencak carries the meaning of ‘systematic trained body movements’, and Silat connotes ‘the application of the systematically-trained body movements in a fighting situation’. Therefore, in short, SPS means the Art or Knowledge of Systemetically-Trained Movements in Self-Defense.
But it is sad to say that nowadays, the Seni and sometimes the Pencak is neglected by the young, and a lot of emphasis is being put on the Silat, for they are only interested in ‘fighting’. The Seni, which contains the philosophy, the way of life and the beautiful fluid form of bodymind movements, has lost its importance. The beauty and the relevance of the ‘bunga’ (flower) is not being comprehended by the Malay youths of today. They missed to see the meaning of the Malay old saying:
In the move, lies the dance
In the dance, lies the flower
In the flower, lies the fruit
In the fruit, lies the punch
In the punch, lies the crunch
Since the sixties, the notion of “martial arts for actors” has gone from being the alternative to being mainstream. As early as 1954, at the University of Wisconsin, Professor A.C. Scott had introduced Tai Chi for his Acting class. Phillip Zarilli utilized Kalaripayattu, an Indian martial arts for actor-training. Other martial arts were then roped in, like Chi Kung, Karate, Kendo, Aikido, Judo, Taekwando,and Jeet Kune Do (to name a few). A lot has been written on the use of martial arts in theatre training.
Joining the list today is Seni Pencak Silat (SPS), the martial arts of the Malays. Dr.Zainal started to introduce SPS in 1979 when he graduated from the University of Hawaii. At the university where he is teaching, SPS were introduced in Acting, Directing and Children’s Theatre classes. His approach raised several eye-brows and he received resistance. Only after twenty years of persistence in doing it his way, theatre practitioners are beginning to accept the idea, and could see the connection and the relevance of SPS. Like any other martial arts and movement training, training in the SPS mode helps the actor or director achieve, among other things:
1) Awareness – of one self, other selves, space and tempo
2) Concentration and Focus
3) Bodymind coordination
4) Precision and Intensity
5) Body Posture, Body Control, and Body Balance
6) Grounded and Aligned Bodies
7) Self Confidence and Agility
In the Workshop, participants will be introduced the basic SPS movements. Tentatively there will be five sections:
Section 1 -- Basic Warm-Up movements
Section 2 -- Basic Hand movements called the Flower
Section 3 -- First, Second and Third ‘JURUS’ (movement patterns) Section 4 -- ‘Silat Tari’ or the Warrior Dance
Section 5 – Creative Project. Dr.Zainal would like to show how the SPS is in a short scene from a Malay script “Death of A Warrior”, a famous Malay legend. This section will demonstrate the vocal pattern, texture and energy, suitable to the kind of movements they have gone through. ‘Pantuns’ will also be introduced; this may also be exposed to RANDAI, the Martial Arts Theatre of the Minangkabau Malays.
Biography of Dr.Haji Zainal Abdul Latiff
Present Status:  Associate Professor (Retired and On Contract), School of Arts, Universiti Sains Malaysia; Adjunct Lecturer, National Arts Academy, Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism; Part-Time Lecturer, Cultural Centre University of Malaysia.
Education:
1983–1988 Ph.D. & MSc.Ed. from Indiana University @ Bloomington. Major: Instructional Systems Technology (Instructional Development). Minor: Drama and Theatre.
1977–1979 Masters from University of Hawaii @ Manoa. Major: Drama & Asian Theatre. Minor: Children’s Theatre
1971–1974 Bachelor of Arts from Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Major: Performing Arts. Minor: Literature
1967–1968 Certificate in Education from Teachers’ Language Institute Major: Bahasa Melayu. Minor: Music
Positions Held:
1999–2001: Director, Cultural Centre, Universiti Sains Malaysia.
1989–1993: Deputy Director (Production), Centre for Distance Education. 1988-1989: Acting Co-ordinator for Counselling and Continuing Education, Centre for Distance Education
1979–1983: Lecturer School of Humanities
Teaching Experience:
2000-2004: Teaching the following courses: Drama and Educational Theatre I (Creative Dramatics); Priciples of Acting; Directing I; Directing II; Asian Theatre; History of Western Theater; Aesthetics and Appreciation of the Arts.
2001-2004: Adjunct staff to the National Academy of Arts in Kuala Lumpur and teaches the following courses: Movement for Theatre; Advanced movement for theatre; Introduction to theatre; Acting Styles and Techniques
2002-2003 Part-time lecturer at University Of Malaya, teaching: Acting II; Directing II
Administrative Positions:
2000: Outside University
• Committee Member of Penang Symphony Orchestra.
• Committee Member of Penang Arts in Eduation.
• Committee Member of the Penang State Cultural Council.
• Member of the Action Committee on Penang State Arts.
• Committee Member for the Malaysian Arts Festival.
• Committee Member of Penang Theatre Festival
University Level:
• Chairman of the IMT-GT UNINET Colloquium.
• Member of the Interviewing Board for admission into the Bachelor of Music.
• Committee Member for the celebration of Prophet Muahmmad’s Birthday.
• Committee Member for the Journal of School of Fine of Fine Arts. Advisor to the “Silat Gayung Fatani” . Instructor for the Kelab Pendekar Dewan Budaya.
Publications:
“Pemikiran Melayu Tentang Alam dan Hakikat Diri” bersama beberapa orang penulis, terbitan Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, 2004. Modul “Penghantar Seni Lakon” (Have sent for publication to Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka). “Istillah Drama dan Teater” with Rahmah Bujang and Hatta Azad Khan, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka. “Antologi Drama Kanak-Kanak”, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka. Transition in Perceptions: Key Elements in the Facilitation of Distance Education. (Co-author Saw Kim Guan and friends). The Malaysian Journal of Distance Education 1(1): 17-26 (1999). Educational Transition of East Malaysian Distance Learners (with Saw Kim Guan, Mohd Naim Awang, Rozhan Mohd Idrus, Hanafi ATAn Nazariah Ahmad, Ibrahim Jaafar and Zuraidah Abdul Rahman. Open Learning, Vol. 14,No.3, pp.24-36. “Continuing Education for Teachers via the Distance Education Mode: A Malaysian Expereince” in Teacher Education: The Challenges of the 21st. Century, 1992. (Co-author Prof. Mohd. Khalid Taib). Drama script “Antara” in Journal Dewan Sastera, September 1996.
Research:
USM short term research grant 2001/2002. “Randai: The traditonal theatre of Negeri Sembilan". Presently doing research on “The Usage of Martial Arts Movement In Asian Traditional Theare”. “ The Use of Silat in Randai “. Research done in West Sumatera from Nov. 2000- Jan. 2001 under the IMTGT grant. Research on “The development of Moden Japanese Theatre: A Case Study of Subaru Theatre Company” at Tokyo for three months sponsored by Japan Foundation, 1998. Grant IRPA, 7th Malaysia Plan (190/9603/2402) 1997 “Educational Transition Characteristics of Distance Education Students in Higher Education in Malaysia”. USM Short Term Research Grant, 1997 The Process of Directing from Script to Stage: “Visitors at Kenny Hill” by Usman Awang.
-Effectiveness of Theatre Workshops. Organised by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism. Finished in year 1992 (Short Term Research Grant, USM). “Factors That Contribute To Students Dropping Out Of The Off-Campus System”. Finished in year 1992. (USM Short Term Research Grant, together with Dr. Rashid and Dr. Mustafa). “Role Conflict, Role Ambiguity & Job Satisfaction Among Faculty Members In A Distance Education System: A Case Study At USM. (Ph.D. thesis at Indiana University, 1988).
Papers:
2004: Will present a paper on “Delimma of the Malay Directors in Malaysia” at the International Federation of Theatre Research, in
St. Petersburg Russia, May 22-27 2004.
2003: Presented a paper for a Master Class in Acting during the Malaysian Theatre Festival 2003, entitled “ Pencak Sialt for Actors”.
2002: Presented a paper on “Silat As Dance’ at Battersea Arts Centre, London 12, 15 and 16 October.
“Lakon dan Pencak” paper presented in a ‘master class’ at the MalaysianTheatre Festival in Kuala Lumpur, 5 August.
2000: “Identifying Malays and their Thinking Through Martial Arts” at the 2nd Colloquium on Malay/Indonesia Language.
“Educational Transition Characteristics of Female Distance Learners” at the International Forum on Women and ICT – Women in the New Era: Challenges and Opportunities, Crown Princess Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. (Paper co-authored with Rozhan M. Idrus and others).
1999: “Educational Transition Characteristics of Distance Education Students in Higher Education in Malysia” Workshop on Achievement of IRPA RM 7 Research at USM, Hotel City Bayview, Kuah, Langkawi. (Paper co-authoured with Rozhan M. Idrus and others).
“ The Educational Characteristics of Female Distance Learners at USM, Malaysia. The Sixth International Literacy and Educational Research Network (LERN) Conference, Bayview Beach Resort, Batu Ferringhi, Penang. (Paper co-authored with Nazirah Ahmad Azli and Others).
1997: “Drama Studies in Malay Lecture for Forms IV and V: Views and Guide” Centre of Curriculum Development, at APDC, Kuala Lumpur, 5 June.
“A Disucssion on T. Pinkie’s Floor” at the Literature Discussion Council , USM, 21 February.
“Appraisal and Appreciation of Drama” for form 6 teachers, organised by the Malaysian Examination Board, in conjunction with the Malay Literature new syllabus, STPM level: 2 April - Kuching, Sarawak . 30 March - Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. 15 March - Pulau Pinang.
“Malaysian Theatre: Problems and Prospects” at the Drama in Education Seminar, organised by the Sultan Idris Teachers Institute, Tanjung Malim, 26 February.
1996: “Improving Language Proficiency and Character Building Through Drama”, at Language Conference, organised by the Language Institute, 26 November.
1995: “Theatre In Education in Malaysia: Why Not” at the 2nd Drama in Education Conference at Brisbane, Australia.
1993: Presented a talk on “Teaching English Through Theater” to PELTA (Penang English Teachers’ Asso.) members at the Music Camp in Malacca organised by the Malaysian Curriculum Development Centre. Presented a paper entitled “Training An Actor Through Martial Arts” at a theatre Seminar, organised by the School of Fine Arts, USM 9 August. Presented a paper on “Resistance To Innovation” at the Asia Pacific Educational Technology Convention, Penang, 28 June.
Delivered a talk on “Teaching English Through Theater” to teachers from the TESL program at Maktab Perguruan Pulau Pinang.
1992: Presented a paper on “The Use of Drama in Teaching Music” to teachers at the Curriculum Development Centre.
1991: Presented a paper on “Prospects and Problems of Children’s Theater in Malaysia” at a Theatre Seminar in Terengganu, 27 October. 1990: Presented a paper on “Creating A Suitable Chidren’s Theatre for Malaysia” at the National Seminar for Education, organised by the Faculty of Education, UPM, Serdang.
Presented a talk on “The Preparation of A Lecturer via the Preparation of an Actor” to new lecturers of USM.
Presented a paper on “Training of an Islamic Actor” at UIAM, Kuala Lumpur.
Delivered a talk on “The Rudiments of Producing A Play” to trainee teachers at the Maktab Perguruan Pulau Pinang.
Represented Malaysia and presented a country report on “Theatre for Young Audiences in Malaysia” at the Asean Theater Symposium, in Tokyo.
Workshop/Seminars
2003: Conducted a Four-day workshop in Kota Kinabalu “ Writing Poems via Creative Dramatics”, for Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Sabah.
2002: Participated in a performance entitled “SILAT: Dance of the Warriors” at Batteresea Arts Centre, in London from 9-12, and 16-19 October. Gave three seminars on “Silat As Dance” to the audience at the Silat Performance. Conducted a workshop for participants of the Malaysian Theatre Festival on the utilization of the Malay Martial Arts in Actor Training’, April 15. Attended an International Acting Workshop on Suzuki Acting Method in Brisbane, Australia. 20-30 January invited by Frank Theatre Company of Australia.
2001: Panel-member in the forum and delivered a talk on Theatre for Children at the Children’s Theatre Workshop organised by the Malaysian Theatre Council, Hotel 1226, Penang, 13-17 July.
2000: Four-day workshop on “How to Produce A Children’s Theatre Play” at Johore Bharu. -Second Colloquium on Language and Thinking of Malay/Indonesia (participant) “Recognising Malays and its Thoughts Through Martial Arts”.
1999: Seminar (presenter) “Keris: Antara Darjat dan Kudrat” organised by the Malaysia Handicraft Council.
Seminar (participant) on the Preservation of the Malay Bangsawan organised by the National Theatre.
Seminar (presenter) Technical Theatre with Sato Makoto from Japan at National Theater, organised by Japan Foundation, from 2 December – 8 December 2000. Gave lectures on Malaysia and its culture to students from America on board S.S. Universe from Ho Chi Minh and from Madras to Pulau Pinang in the Semester-At-Sea Program.
1997: Conducted 5-day workshop on “Module Writing: Steps to Teaching Drama In Malay Literature for Forms IV & V”, for 50 Literature teachers at Langkawi, 25-30 Ogos. Conducted one-day workshop on “Teaching and Learning Drama” to 70 Literature teachers from Sabah, at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
1996: Conducted 4-day workshop on “Creativity In Teaching Malay Language” to Language and Malay Literature officers from the Curriculum Development Centre, at Pulau Tioman. Conducted 2-day workshop “Writing Drama Script” to officers and Literature teachers, organised by the Curriculum Development Centre at Port Dickson.
1995: Attended a ten-day workshop on Avanced Directing for the Theater in London, sponsered by the British Council.
1994: Attended three Seminar couses in DRAMA IN EDUCATION at the University of Central England, Birmingham, for nine months.
1993: Conducted a workshop on Traditional Movements to music teachers at the Corrivulum Development Centre, 24 October.
1992: Conducted a ten-day workshop for Drama Instructors in Acting, for the Ministry of Culture, 2-12 May.
1991: Conducted a ten-day workshop on “Bangsawan “ with Pak Alias and Mak Minah, in Sarawak, for Kementerian Pembangunan Sosial, 3-13 November. Chief Facilitator for the Acting workshop for participants of the Pekan Teater, at UM, 15-23 November.
1990’s: Conducted several sessions on “Movement for Awareness” to youth under the BINA ILMU and BINA INSAN programmes . Conducted a National Acting Workshop for actors from Sabah and Sarawak, at Santubung for two weeks. Conducted an Acting Workshop for the Northern Region, for twelve days, in Sungei Petani. Conducted an Acting Workshop for the Southern region, in Malacca For twelve days. Conducted a seven-day workshop on Children’s Theatre for the Ministry of Culture. Conducted a two-day workshop on Chidren’s Theatre at Port Dickson, for the Ministry of Culture.
Graduate Supervison
2003: Main supervisor for Masters candidate, Wisran Hadi from Indonesia. Thesis title, “ Kaba sebagai sumber penulisan skrip drama pentas: satu kajian kes tentang Sabai Nan Alui.”
Co-Supervisor for Masters candidate Aminah Rhafor, thesis on “Improvisation in Children’s Theatre”.
2000: Co-supervisor for Masters candidate Sotoru, from Japan. Thesis title, “ Silat – its social and cultural funtions.”
1999: Co-supervisor for Masters candidate, Abdul Rahman. Thesis title, “ Silat- perkembangan dan peranannya daripada sumber sastera.”
1997: Main supervisor for Masters candidate Balakrishnan. Thesis title, “ The Development of Modules for the Arts at USM.”
Consultancy/Professional Service
2003: Chairman Panel of Judges for Johor’s Childrens Theatre Festival organised by Yayasan Warisan Johor.
2002: Chairman Panel of Judges for Johor Childrens Theatre Festival in Johore Bharu from 30 –31 October. Member Panel of Judges for the Malaysian Theatre Festival from 2 – 11 August in Kuala Lumpur.
2001: Member Panel of Judges for the Malaysian Theatre Festival covering five zones in Malaysia. (June-September).
National Arts Academy 7 – 12 May 2001 External Assessor for final year students in Drama &Theatre.
Instructor for Workshop on Children’s Theatre from 12-17 February 2001 at Johor Heritage Foundation (Yayasan Warisan Johor).
2000: Instructor for Workshop on Children’s Theatre from 21-26 August 2000 at Johor Heritage Foundation (Yayasan Warisan Johor).
1990–2004: National Arts Academy. External Assessor in Drama and Creative Writing, Malaysia Examination Board. Prepared examination questions for STPM in short stories, novel, poetry and drama. Involved in reviewing the new syllabus in Malay literature. Gave briefing to form 6 Literature teachers in the whole country. Examiner for the Malay literature paper. Centre for Curriculum Develpment, Ministry of Education. Involved in two sections, i.e. Section in Education – Music and Recreation /Section in Language and Literature . Involved in reviewing music syllabus for secondary schools. Conducted drama, music and movement workshops for the two sections. Malaysian National Theatre Council. Panel member of Films’ script, Luncai Emas & Company. “Independent Reader” for The World Encyclopedia of Contemporary Theatre, Canada (1997). Evaluate the book on “Sandiwara As Modern Drama” for Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (April 1997).
Productions. Directing/Producing:
2003: Directed “KERUSI” a play by Hatta Azad Khan for MAKUM Festival Theatre, at Universiti Malaya. Won five awards- Best Production, Best Directing, Best Technique, Best Music and Supporting Actress.
2002: Adapted and Directed “Kerusi” for Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Wilayah Utara and toured Penang, Ipoh, Alor Setar and Kangar.
2001: 15-24 June : Directed a play for the National Theatre and played for 10 night at the National Theatre (Istana Budaya) – “ANTARA” 18 March : Producer for shadow play and Malay dances for students from America in the SAS program 11 February: Produced “Malam Bintang” at Dewan Budaya, USM.
2000: Concieved and directed a production entitled “Words and Movement” for the IMT- GT Colloquium.
1999: Directed a play “The Prophet via the Arts” for Islamic Centre in conjunction with Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday, on 25 Jun 1999. Producer for USM Jazz Band Concert on 15 & 20 July 1999. Producer for the Brass Band Concert from Wales on 26 & 27 July 1999. Producer for the Dance Appreciation Night fro three Asean countries – 2nd. August. Producer for thetre performance “Malang” from UPSI, 28 August. Producer for theatre performance of “Mayat” by Gulbakawali Teater Grup , 2 October. Producer for Bangsawan show “Sri Sarawak” by PERAWAN Bangsawan troupe. Producer for Wayang Kulit and Malay Traditinal Dances for American students under the Semester At Sea program, 21 October. Producer for “Cultural Nite” in conjunction with the International Day, 12 November. Producer for a cultural performance in conjunction with Senior Executive Meeting, 14 November. Producer for the play “Malam Jahanam”, 5-7 December.
1996: Directed “Antara” to represent Malaysia at the Asean Theatre Festival in Brunei.
1995: Directed an improvised play “Antara” and toured six major cities of Malaysia.
1992: Directed and produced “Kitaran” a theatre presentation for Balai Islam in conjunction with Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday, 12 September. Directed and produced a sketch “Your Deeds In Mind” in conjunction With the retirement of the Registrar , Datuk N.A. Ogle, at Bukit Jambul Country Club, 17 May. During university days directed several productions for the campus audience, for example: “Cadaver” a play by Albert S. Florentino. “Membujur Lalu Melintang Patah” by Kala Dewata. “Sang Kancil” a Children’s Theatre production. “Teater Pak Pandir” a Children’s Theatre production. “Mayat” by Hatta Azad Khan. “Matinya Seorang Pahlawan” by Usman Awang.
Acting:
2002: Special appearance as the sub-conscious of Macbeth in the production of “Tale of Macbeth: Crown of Blood” at Visy Theatre in Brisbane, Australia from 5-7 February.
1999: Acted as Mr. Ogle in play “Jasamu Di Kenang” and “Malam Sirih Pulang Ke Gagang”. Acted in several university productions at University of Hawaii : “Jebat In Hawaii”,directed by Zainal Abd. Latiff “ Grandfather’s Chair”, directed by Tamarra Hunt “Adventures In A Garden “ directed by Kermit Love and “ Chusingura- the 47 Loyal Retainers” a Kabuki play directed by Prof. James Brandon. At USM acted in the following productions: “The World Is An Apple”, directed by Shuib Khalid “Kapai-Kapai”, directed by Roger Long “ Hello Out There “ directed by Roger Long “ Naga-Naga Di Mana Kau” directed by Prof. Tone Brulin.
Theatre Reviews:
” Theatre Seminar at Malacca – Not Much To be Gained”, Utusan Malaysia,1991. “The Performance of “Juara”: A Critique”, Mingguan Malaysia, 1989. ” The National Drama and Dance Competition In Malaysia”, Dewan Budaya, 1981. ” Seminar in Educational Theatre at Terengganu”, Mingguan Malaysia, 1981. ” The Impact of the Drama Competition in Malaysia”, Nada Minggu, 1980. “Good Acting by the Befrienders”, Berita Minggu, 1979. “Theatre for Children’s Theatre”, Mingguan Malaysia, 1979.
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