The Malaysian Insight

PLAYWRIGHT and theatre director Fa Abdul, who was earlier this week forced to change the name of her play, lodged a police report yesterday after she continued to be attacked and accused of producing an “obscene film”.

In a statement, she said she lodged a police report in Penang yesterday afternoon after she and her production were slandered.

Fa’s play “Sex in Georgetown City” – a comedy that starts its run at the Performing Arts Centre of Penang (Penangpac) in Straits Quay from tomorrow to Sunday to mark Valentine’s Day – was retitled “Love in Georgetown City” this week after some quarters became upset with the original title. 

Some social media users on Facebook had accused Fa of showing an obscene production.

Despite apologising for the misleading title and renaming the play, the attacks against her have continued, with a local Muslim group planning to stage a protest at Straits Quay tomorrow.

Fa said she also lodged the police report to protect herself, members of the production, staff of the penangpac and the audience, she said, after learning about the protest.

“Many have attacked my production with allegations without first checking. They accused me of showing an ‘obscene film‘ that promotes vice.

“This is not a film, but a theatre production. The story is meant to be educational and touch on social issues. Entertainment is also a way to reach out to local youth.

“It is a pity that good intentions are met with such strong opposition by people who do not check first,” she said.

Earlier this week, Fa had explained she never meant to offend religious or cultural sensitivities through her play, which is made up of 10 eight-minute skits that aimed to educate the public on social issues through entertainment.

She said the skits addressed social issues like inter-racial relationships, racism, paedophilia and infidelity. 

“They are not deviant nor exploitative, instead they reflect our challenges and cultural idiosyncrasies,” she had said. – February 13, 2019.