Ola Bola: A superb performance by a brilliant cast

“Ola Bola, The Musical” was much better and more entertaining than the movie version which came out a few years ago. (Facebook pic)

Istana Budaya on Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, has, from now until March 10, been transformed into a scene from the early 1980s by Tiara Jacquelina in the form of “Ola Bola, The Musical”.

As the story unfolds, Malaysia, reflecting the situation in the late 1970s and the beginning of the 1980s, seems to be more racially united, culturally richer and possessed of highly relevant nationalistic values compared with today.

Less “sophisticated lifestyles” such as rubber tapping, coconut trading, “kopitiam” operations and football commentaries are brought into focus in the lives of the characters who are also inspired to play football at the highest level.

Caught in their daily work and chores, these simple characters also try very hard to bring fame to an emerging nation under the name of “Harimau Malaya”.

Sadly, after tasting success and glory in defeating South Korea in the final of a football tournament, they are let down by none other than politicians and their decisions. How apt and typical can that be?

It was a fantastic performance, from start to end. To be honest, it was much better and more entertaining than the movie version which came out a few years ago.

Rahman, the lead character, was superb and funny as an aspiring football commentator. I imagine that Iedil Putra, who plays Rahman, must have lived, breathed and slept as a football commentator as he immersed himself in the character. He seemed very comfortable in the role.

Iedil’s strength lies in the fact that he is a seasoned actor, very comfortable on stage. He moves well and speaks very clearly, and he has the ability to make the audience laugh.

My wife felt that the show was very well choreographed. She said this would have been the most challenging part of the show and that it was handled well by the choreographer and the artistic director. And of course, the cast had rehearsed well and did their best to display true professionalism.

Credit should go to the stage designer, too, for creating an impressive set and believable props.

What struck me the most about the show was that life seemed simpler but definitely better in those days. The relationship between the three main racial groups in Malaysia was much closer and more genuine than it is now. Where did we go wrong in our race relations?

On this score alone, perhaps the entire Cabinet, MPs and state assemblymen should go and watch “Ola Bola”. Perhaps they could learn a thing or two about race relations in this country and not use race and religious cards any longer in Malaysian politics.

“Ola Bola” obviously benefited from good direction as well. Presumably, the director also had a hand in selecting the talents and cast them in their respective roles to produce a seamless play.

I was equally impressed by the talents who displayed their prowess in singing, dancing and acting.

One thing is for sure, the cast seemed to enjoy what they were doing, which translated well into a good stage production.

The scene that I liked the most was what I would refer to as the “kebaya” episode, which showed several ladies working in an office setting using typewriters, a tool of a bygone era.

I think a strong fashion statement was made in this particular episode about “original” Malaysian fashion, the “kebaya” which has been discarded by society today.

Certainly, there is a need to revive this form of dressing among Malaysian women, minus the head scarf, as they look good in them and the design and materials used are beautiful reflections of what Malaysia can offer the fashion world.

Well done “Ola Bola” Team!

“Ola Bola, The Musical” opened last night and will run daily until March 10 at Istana Budaya, KL. - FMT