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A brief history of the Dramatic Art Society
1. The Dramatic Art Society was formed on March
15, 1963 by a small group of young but enthusiastic people who
happened to be broadcasters, journalists, musicians, drama lovers
and writers. Tuan Haji Ibrahim Ma, also an enthusiast in performing
arts, was elected the first President of the Society.
2. The Society made its debut performance at the former Kuala Lumpur
Town Hall in 1965, barely two years after its birth. That first
stage shows “The Thunderstorm” is a famous classic and a household
word among the Chinese-educated. The performance received thunderous
applause from the audience, signalizing a new chapter was about to
unveil after the storm and the flash of lightning.
3. The Society’s role was further expanded. Besides scouting for
more talents and staging more shows, including the much appreciated
musical “Princess Han Li Bao”- the Society has also been successful
in facilitating the entry of other cultural groups into the circle
of performing arts. By combined efforts, the teams (including those
from China, Singapore and Taiwan) have been able to provide the
audience with a unique blend of entertainment – be it drama,
Cantonese opera, radio/TV show, dance performance or the art of
“cross- talk”.
4. In line with the government’s call to promote healthy cultural
activities, the Society in 1980s initiated a move to celebrate
National Day by holding a “Drama Festival”. The call received an
all-round support from many organizations which were also
co-sponsors of this grand event. The Society has also been
participating in a lot of charity events organized by other groups.
5. Home is where the heart is. The Society’s dream came to fruition
when it acquired the “D.A. Theater” late last year, costing RM
350,000, a step closer to one of its aims to set up its own modern,
well-equipped theatre to accommodate and serve to the performing
artists. However, due to financial constrain, the Society still
needs a substantial sum of money to update the theatre’s equipments
and facilities. The Society is confident that with the generous
assistance from the government and well-wishers, it will be able to
make a more valuable contribution to the local arts and cultural
scene.
6.The Dramatic Art Society had once owned a fully-equipped "Dramatic
Arts Theater", in short we called it D.A. theater . It has held no
less than 300 activities since November 2003 to December 2007;
however, due to the recovery by the premise owner for further
development, we left with no other choices but to cease operations
of the said theater.
7.Today, the 8th
of August 2009, is a very special day for The Dramatic Art Society.
A brand new theater called “Dramatic Arts Experimental Theater” is
completed. Although it is smaller than the earlier theater, it is
still another place to call "Home" for the drama artistes!
8.The
Dramatic Art Society does not wish to emphasis on the role for
promoting and developing of drama over the past 46 years. More
importantly, one is to understand the drivers or motivating factors
that keep us moving. That is the “BELIEF” - to believe that drama
shall be promoted and shall be developed. Therefore, the Dramatic
Art Society will continue in promoting and developing of drama so
that it shines in everyone’s heart.
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