Educational theatre seen as effective bridge between corporate organisations and public

SHAH ALAM – Educational theatre should be given wider exposure and greater consideration by corporate organisations, as it offers a powerful way to connect with audiences and the public while presenting an organisation’s work and values in a relatable and engaging manner.

Singer Mimi Fly, whose real name is Shamimi Amalina Norhisham said theatre has long been used to pass down stories and history, making it a natural medium for organisations to explain their purpose and contributions to society.

“Before civilisation as we know it, people were already telling stories through theatre.

“Even in ancient times, history and messages were delivered in theatrical form, so this medium has always been part of how humans communicate,” she said.

For corporate organisations, she said theatre offers a meaningful way to share the story behind how a company was built and the collective services it provides.

“I think all of us want to know the story behind a company and how it contributes to society. Theatre is the best platform to bring organisations closer to audiences and the public,” she added.

Mimi also expressed strong support for inclusive theatre, particularly productions that involve persons with disabilities and highlight lives that are often unseen.

She said theatre allows audiences to better understand essential yet overlooked work, noting that many people only begin to appreciate sanitation workers and public services after seeing their stories presented creatively on stage.

She added that theatre offers an approach that is informative without being overly technical.

“It becomes infotainment. You receive information, but it is delivered in a way that is engaging and accessible and I think that is very good,” she said.

Touching on her preparation for the theatre performance staged in collaboration with Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd (IWK), Mimi said she felt nervous due to limited rehearsal time.

She said she only had three days to prepare because of earlier time constraints, but the production team was supportive and understanding.

“I really wanted to do this theatre because it involves persons with disabilities and highlights collaboration between IWK and the deaf association.

“It aligns strongly with what I stand for, so even with only three days, the team helped me and never put too much pressure on me,” she said.

When asked whether she plans to pursue theatre more seriously, Mimi said her focus remains on music for now, as she is an independent artiste with ongoing projects.

However, she expressed interest in returning to theatre if the opportunity arises.

“If I get the chance and need a short escape from my usual work, theatre is definitely something I want to explore,” she added.

Meanwhile, singer, executive producer and actress Atilia Haron also described educational theatre as a strong initiative, saying she was initially surprised that a corporate-focused script could be so engaging.

She said this marked her second collaboration with IWK, following a theatre production staged during the company’s 30th anniversary last year.

“We did not expect it to turn out so well, but even the bosses loved it. We sold tickets for two nights and it was full,” she said, adding that the latest performance was staged exclusively for invited guests.

Atilia said theatre helped make complex topics such as sewerage systems more understandable and enjoyable.

“Who wants to learn about sewage?

“But when it is presented in a fun way, suddenly you understand. I learned about bacteria and treatment processes that I never knew before,” she said.

She added that theatre encourages appreciation for basic services often taken for granted.

“We use water every day and rarely think about it. Imagine if it did not exist. Theatre is a great way for IWK to educate the public about sewerage and public health,” she said.

Sharing behind-the-scenes details, Atilia said the first production required extensive rehearsal, while the latest run took about a week to 10 days due to familiarity with the script. She also stated that acting was more challenging than singing, especially when memorising technical dialogue.

“For a 52-year-old brain, memorising scripts with scientific terms is difficult. In theatre, there is no second take. If one person makes a mistake, it affects everyone else and that is what makes it challenging and exciting,” she added.

Atilia stressed that theatre differs greatly from television or film acting, noting that live performance demands precision and discipline. She said productions such as P. Ramlee The Musical and Lat The Musical had given her a deep appreciation for theatre and its unique challenges.

The performers were speaking in relation to “Najis Jadi Teman”, an educational charity theatre production staged at IWK Eco Park, which uses music, storytelling and inclusive casting to explain how sewerage systems work.

The production transforms a rarely discussed topic into an engaging experience, using humour and imaginative scenes to highlight responsible waste management and public health.

The show places strong emphasis on inclusivity by featuring members of the deaf community, children from Yayasan Chow Kit and artworks by individuals from the National Autism Society of Malaysia, reinforcing the message that everyone has value and a role in society.

At its core, “Najis Jadi Teman” highlights dignity, empathy and the human effort behind essential services, while supporting IWK’s Sahabat Istimewa IWK initiative, which focuses on empowerment, skills development and long-term opportunities for persons with disabilities.