Playwright drops ‘sex’ from play title after backlash
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DIRECTOR and playwright Fa Abdul has replaced the word “sex” with “love” in the title of her latest play after backlash from social media users.
The play by Big Nose Productions will now be known as Love in Georgetown City, which will be shown at Penang’s Performing Arts Centre (penangpac) this Valentine’s Day weekend from February 14 to 17 for audiences aged 16 and above.
The title change comes after the original title upset some quarters, leading to criticism on social media.
In a statement late yesterday, Fa apologised to Penangites and Malaysians for her “oversight with regard to the misleading title”.
She said it was never her intention to offend religious or cultural sensitivities but in the creative industry and that such incidents were inevitable.
“The play consists of 10 skits, with each skit lasting up to eight minutes. As with all my previous plays performed at penangpac over the last four years, my intent is to educate the public on social issues in an entertaining and informative manner,” Fa said.
“The skits address social issues that impact our society and nation, including interracial relationships, racism, paedophilia and infidelity.
Fa said her previous shows had received “overwhelmingly positive” feedback, and had “resulted in healthy conversations and debates”.
She hoped the issue with her latest play would be resolved by the title change and that she would also reach out to Deputy Chief Minister Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, who is also Islamic affairs exco, ahead of any future performances in Penang for guidance.
Her comedy, originally titled Sex in Georgetown City, had already sold out for some slots on the first two days, according to posts on penangpac’s Facebook page.
Despite its popularity, however, social media users had slammed the production, calling it “disgusting” and “obscene”, with others dragging Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mujahid Yusof Rawa into the debate.
The Facebook page Kelantan News wrote: “Where is YB ‘Rahmatan Lil alamin’? Is this in line with maqasid shariah? (Have you) forgotten that Malaysia was once hit by disaster and a tsunami?
“Let’s ask Penangites. Do you like watching obscene films? Looks like they purposely want to promote Valentine’s Day and this can make the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) gang even more arrogant.”
A Muslim women’s group, Perikatan Wanita Antarabangsa untuk Institusi Keluarga dan Pendidikan Berkualiti (Wafiq), also commented on the play on its Facebook page.
“Wafiq strongly objects to Sex in Georgetown City this February 14-17.
“There is absolutely no need for such theatre to be promoted in public, especially when Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Swift action must be taken by authorities to stop such event.”
Facebook user Sri Pah Zab Idah said a police report had been lodged last night at the Jalan Patani police station in Penang over the play.
“What is happening to the government now? Is this a kafir (infidel) country or a Muslim nation? Have they no fear of God’s wrath?” the social media user added.
Two years ago, penangpac had run into trouble with a local Islamist group for wanting to screen the Vietnamese movie Lost in Paradise, which contained homosexual elements.
Following accusations of insulting Islam, the theatre had axed the free screening. – February 12, 2019.