For the 30-year-old who grew up in Kuala Lumpur, it was a surprising discovery as he had not previously given much thought to those who were unable to read or write.
But then again, Azmi grew up in a markedly different world from Khairi – in a Felda settlement in Negeri Sembilan – and was hardly encouraged to envision a life beyond its borders.
Without much interest in studying, Azmi failed his SPM examinations three times, and it was only after he moved to KL that he realised the importance of education. So, at the encouragement of a mentor, he re-took the exam at the age of 22 and finally passed it.
This was the story that inspired Khairi to write his acclaimed play “IQ.ROCK”, which was previously staged, twice, in 2018. Loosely based on Azmi’s story, the work is aimed at illustrating the reality of education inequality in Malaysia through the lenses of a Felda boy.
Set to the backdrop of a tranquil rubber plantation, it explores and unearths deeply rooted issues, from disparity of access to lack of quality educational resources.
Actor Fimie Don plays Azim – a cheeky play on Azmi’s name – who is part of the younger generation of largely illiterate Felda settlers. A studious SPM candidate, he stands out from the rest of his rowdy classmates, who appear resigned to the predetermined estate life ahead of them.
Things begin to change, however, with the arrival of a veteran English teacher named Mary (Ranessa Theyakaraja), who is determined to challenge the education system and make a difference, one student at a time.
The bilingual play, in English and Malay with surtitles, provides a glimpse at life on the settlement, where youths are not only educationally marginalised but are denied the facilities enjoyed by their urban counterparts.
Without exposure and guidance, they consequently get involved in ills such as illegal motorbike racing, substance abuse, and unsafe underage sex.
“The title is a play on an Arabic word, ‘iqra’, which loosely translates as ‘read’,” Khairi told FMT.
“When I saw how Azmi valued education, it made me see it in a different way. Likewise, I hope the play will send a message for the audience to get education for their own benefit, and not for just the grades.
“I believe that when many of us get older, we realise that a string of ‘A’s do not guarantee anything if we do not put in any effort or hard work into what we do.”
Curiously, “IQ.ROCK” is again being produced during an election year. Just a coincidence? “Yes, and an interesting one,” Khairi shared with a smile, explaining that he had initially thought elections would be held next year.
Accolades and awareness
After its acclaimed runs in April and September 2018, the new production comes after a two-year hiatus for his theatre company, Anomalist Production.
In 2020, “IQ.ROCK” also drew the attention of more than 1,500 people via a virtual script read. Last year, the script was translated into Cantonese in Hong Kong, where it was presented in a live reading.
Actor Megat ‘Adli is once again set to play the character of Shahar, Azim’s best friend – a role that bagged him the Best Supporting Actor prize in the 16th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards in 2019.
That year, the play also received nominations for Best Original Script and “Best of 2018”.
For the 31-year-old, the story hits close to home, quite literally: Megat’s school was only approximately 20 minutes away from Serting, a small town in Negeri Sembilan.
Growing up, he had friends who were similar to Azim and Shahar – an experience that helped him relate closely to his role. “To prepare for my character, I even contacted my friends from school and listened to how they talk,” he revealed.
He had not been aware of these real-life similarities when he first auditioned for the part. Much like the timing of an election year, Megat calls it an “interesting coincidence”.
“Most of the things I went through in my school days are reflected in the script,” he said, explaining that he, too, has observed discrepancies in how schools and students in different parts of the country are treated.
“I hope ‘IQ.ROCK’ will create some awareness about what needs to be done with the current education system, so that future generations can get the best out of it.”
‘IQ.ROCK’ will be staged at the Blackbox, Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC) in Empire Damansara, Petaling Jaya, from Dec 1-4. Ticket prices range from RM55 to RM75, depending on the seating, and can be purchased here.
Learn more about Anomalist Production via its Facebook and Instagram profiles.