This is one of the themes explored in “Dreams We Tell Ourselves”, a solo theatre performance presented by Howls Theatre Co. in collaboration with M Gallery in Bandar Sunway, Selangor.
Through the lenses of the protagonist known as “the Dreamer”, the 60-minute production aims to explore the emotional turmoil that comes with leaving behind the familiarity of home and embarking on an uncertain journey.
Performed and directed by Wyman Wai, the play is written by Malaysian arts practitioners Olivier Kipp and Murasaki Haru.
Kipp, who is making his debut as a playwright, said he was inspired by his experience of living on his own in Manchester in the United Kingdom. He told FMT that during his time there, he encountered a harrowing incident where he was assaulted and threatened with stabbing.
“I found myself isolated and cut off from the social support system around me. I had just started making new friends and joined a few societies, but the university strongly advised me not to stay out past sunset for my safety,” the 25-year-old shared.
With sunset starting as early as 4pm during the winter, Kipp was unable to attend social and university-related activities that typically start after 7pm. He also recalled having to stay at the library overnight when his classes ended after dark.
“As much as I have always wanted to experience living in the UK and eventually settle there, the lack of a support network made me hesitant to stay. I still wish to return to the UK someday but, admittedly, fear is a mental barrier,” Kipp said.
“That mental conflict sparked the birth of ‘Dreams We Tell Ourselves’.”
The production features a combination of multimedia such as audio, visual, text, and the digital art movement known as “corecore”. This is a style of video editing often featuring seemingly random clips that are edited together at various speeds, with sombre music in the background.
Haru told FMT that audience members at the first three shows from Wednesday to yesterday were moved by the performance. “They enjoyed the flow of the narrative and were drawn in as the story progressed.
“Some found the highs and lows of the Dreamer’s friendship with someone who inspired him to be really interesting, while others were drawn to his evolving take on societal expectations,” said the 25-year-old artistic director of Howls Theatre Co.
Asked what he hopes audiences take away from the production, Kipp added: “I believe all of us have dreams we are too afraid to pursue.
“I hope people will leave asking themselves, ‘Can I do the work of keeping my dream alive?'”
The production contains descriptions of physical violence, bodily harm, and death. Audience discretion is advised.
‘Dreams We Tell Ourselves’
- Tonight (April 1) at 8.30pm
- Wednesday-Saturday (April 5-8) at 8.30pm
Venue: M Gallery, 8, First Floor, Jalan PJS 11/5, Bandar Sunway, 46150 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Ticket price: RM40
Bookings:
- Fill in the Google Form or send an Instagram message to Howls Theatre Co.
- Student bookings with free theatre workshops are available. Email [email protected] for more information.