It is the sea which unites different continents of the world. Inside, that sea, lived a mermaid. Hence, the birth of PRISM. PRISM, the brainchild of Yamasaki Yasuaki, was conceived based on an ancient landmark in Hong Kong and also on the idea of linking different ASEAN countries together on a theatrical platform. This idea, which began in 2001, combines a cast from six ASEAN countries – Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia-.
PRISM, a play about one city which is under constant development, hopes to convey a simple message that touches on multi-collaboration between ASEAN countries. It also aims to portray the differences of these countries in terms of economy, religion, family and sex. Prism is about different colours of Asia merging into one.
“PRISM is Asian artistry, Asian identity, Asian history and Asian life story”. – Raul Alfonso, one of the performers
It took Kageboushi Theatre and the rest of its ASEAN counterparts two years to finally put the production on different platforms across Asia. A 2-day intensive camp, followed by months of grueling preparation, was held at a country-side near Tokyo during the primary stage of the production. It was through this camp that all language barriers were removed amongst the cast members, who later, in subsequent rehearsals were able to communicate with one another through simple English and body language.
The cast for PRISM are Ryouichi Fukuzawa (Japan), Ryuji Mori (Japan), Tomoyuki Motomura (Japan), Gani Karim (Singapore), Chia Sin Chiat (Singapore), Toh Yiling (Singapore), Ponthep Palkavong Na Ayudhaya (Thailand), Hirunsri Duangjai (Thailand), Raul Alfonso (Philippines), Maria Gallardo (Philippines), Farah Ashikin (Malaysia), Teo Wee Ping (Malaysia), Naomi Srikandi (lndonesia) and Jamaluddin Latif (Indonesia).
This play is presented in multiple languages, with 80% in Japanese, while the rest in the languages used by the cast in their own respective countries. There will be English subtitles so members of the audience need not feel too alienated while watching the play.
First Published: 03.12.2003 on Kakiseni