Now, its very first batch of students are mounting their maiden production based on Khalil Gibran’s “The Prophet” at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac).

The play is part of the Production practicum module helmed by adjunct professor Joe Hasham, who is the co-founder and artistic director of The Actors Studio.

“My parents used to read to me the works of Khalil Gibran, Lebanon’s most celebrated poet, in Arabic, and I was blown away by the beauty and simplicity of his writing,” Hasham said in a statement.

“This is an extremely difficult piece to stage, especially considering the language and the raw truths that are Gibran’s trademark. I expect the students to give ‘The Prophet’ the respect it deserves.

“I also hope they will utilise their collective creative juices to present a stage production worthy of their combined talents. Easier said than done, because ‘The Prophet’ was never intended to be a stage play,” he added.

“The Prophet”, published 98 years ago, is a book of 26 poems. It is one of the bestselling books of all time and has been translated into over 100 languages.

The play will chart the journey of Al Mustafa’s turbulent life, beginning with the “Coming of the Ship” before continuing with “Love”, “Marriage”, “Joy” and “Sorrow”, before ending with “Departure” and “Friendship”.

“The Prophet” is directed by three students of Tutas’ Bachelor of Performing Arts programme and features six principal performers, five ensemble members, and a guitarist – all of whom represent the next generation of theatremakers in Malaysia.

‘The Prophet’ runs from Thursday to Sunday at klpac. Tickets are priced at RM24 and can be booked here. For enquiries, contact 03-40479000 or send a WhatsApp message to 018-2277212.