The lead character is a young man named Azim (Fimie Don), an SPM candidate who goes to school at SMK Sri Serting, where he has been placed in a classroom with rowdy students. Although most of them are resigned to a rubber-tapping life ahead of them, Azim dreams of more.
The arrival of a veteran English teacher from the city named Mary (Raneesa Theyakaraja) brings about change. She is determined to make a difference in the school even though she, too, bears a secret burden.
Realising Azim is different from the rest, she offers to teach him tuition after school at her house, while hoping he will reach out to the other students. However, Mary’s relationship with the boy does not sit well with Azim’s best friend Shahar (Megat ˈAdli). Suffice to say, conflict ensues.
Written and directed by Khairi Anwar, “IQ.ROCK” runs for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes with a 10-minute intermission, and is loosely based on the life of his best friend, Azmi Hud.
Other members of the ensemble include Maza Maamor, Safia Azman, Tharwa Karina, Khayrisyah Kemal, and Husnul Hadi.
Does it make the grade?
There is a lot to like with “IQ.ROCK”. For one, the costumes and set design are simple with minimal props used – perhaps an apt reflection of how life is like on the settlement.
This also allows for strong performances from Fimie and Megat to truly shine without any distracting bells and whistles.
Fimie tackles the role of the smart and inquisitive Azim with ease, and his boyish looks certainly help the audience to resonate with his character.
Megat, too, is charming in his role as Shahar. Though rather rowdy at the start, one can’t help but find him endearing and wonder if there is more to his story that leads him to behave the way he does. True enough, the audience later learns he doesn’t exactly come from a happy home.
Shahar primarily speaks in a Negeri Sembilan dialect but, thankfully, English surtitles are provided for those who are unfamiliar. Still, it is good exposure for those living in the Klang Valley to hear how the national language is spoken in other parts of the country.
The duo have good chemistry as best mates, keeping the audience tickled during the funny scenes and riveted during emotional ones, and one can’t help but cheer for their friendship.
Meanwhile, Raneesa shines in her role as Mary – a character who, despite being in the profession for more than two decades, remains passionate about her job.
In one particularly memorable and emotionally charged classroom scene, Shahar is rude to the teacher, ostensibly feeling threatened by her blossoming relationship with Azim and worried he will lose his best friend.
When Azim sticks up for their teacher and the duo get into a fight, it reveals the first cracks in their friendship.
Hurt by this, Shahar shouts at Mary, who responds with grace. Later, she accepts his apology, telling him she sees him as a leader and asking him to guide his friends in the right direction.
To see the potential within a young and reckless teenager instead of dismissing him as someone who can’t be helped is truly a touching moment. This is a scene that just might remind the audience of their own teachers who have made an impact – the ones who have walked the extra mile, beyond working hours.
If there are any complaints, it’s that the long runtime of the play could prove laborious for some, especially those who attend the night performances after a long day at work. It may be beneficial for the team to consider certain scenes that could be shortened or cut to keep the attention of the audience.
Also, in some scenes, parts of the dialogue couldn’t be heard clearly even by someone sitting in the middle of the auditorium. This was especially noticeable with Mary, which is a shame as her portrayer’s performance, on the whole, is commendable.
The audience must also be prepared for scenes that include strong language and characters smoking, as the cigarette fumes may be uncomfortable for some.
Nevertheless, “IQ.ROCK” is a heartwarming production with a poignant and eye-opening message about disparities in the Malaysian education system.
Students such as Azim, Shahar, and their classmates are lucky to have a teacher who is determined to make a difference. And, given that this is based on a true story, as one leaves the theatre, it is hard not to wonder about those out there who have fallen through the cracks.
‘IQ.ROCK’ runs at the Blackbox, Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC) @ Empire Damansara, Petaling Jaya, until Sunday. Tickets, ranging from RM55 to RM75 depending on the seating, can be purchased here.
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