don't look back

As I walked through dark tunnels of the Underworld, where the soul goes to upon death, I felt sad and at the same time excited. I was sad because it invoked certain memories of the beloved departed. Somehow along the journey, I realise that I was excited because I was experiencing my own demise!

I know, this is pretty gloomy and no one wants to die. But tonight, at what was formerly known as the Majestic Hotel situated near the old railway station, an experiencial play was being staged. It was not strictly about death, but the fear of losing someone we love and how we wish we could negotiate for their immortality with whoever is in-charged. And thus, inspired from the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, a broken hearted husband (Orpheus) took the challenge to retrive the soul of his wife who died on their wedding day. And so he embarked on this forbidden journey to the Underworld.

This is where two other audience and I participated in this role-playing-theatre performance. At each session, 3 persons are allowed to enter the four-storey building to watch the play. Each room is dimly lit, film and pictures were flashed on the wall at certain areas and actors would interact with us when needed. All of these to get us directly involved in the story and emotions. We had to physically walk through the play and not just sit to watch it. We could pause if we wanted to pay attention to little details, all at our own pace. Of course, Majestic Hotel is a worn down colonial building that was already spooky enough!

At times, I wasn't sure if I was the bereaved husband or the poor wife or a detached spectator. It was indeed a good time to reflect on what my purpose in life was. If tonight was my death, it would be meaningful, I guess.

In the Greek myth, Orpheus was granted his wish of bringing Eurydice's soul with him but on one condition. On their journey home, he is not to look back under whatever circumstances. However, Orpheus couldn't tolerate not knowing if his wife was following behind and so he turned. Immediately, right before his eyes, his wife's soul was sucked back into the Underworld. They were seperated forever.

This reveals to us that we always live in the past, holding on to memories and images of yesterdays. To the other extreme, we aspire to a future that is yet to come. But life is now, this very moment and we very often miss the living moment. Just like Orpheus who had to look back and he did so by paying a huge price.

I would strongly recommend everyone to experience this play. Well, it can be quite spooky but nothing horrific will ever happen. If you are scared, perhaps it shows as to how you have been living life. If you are bold and cocky, perhaps this is the way you handle every situation in your life, with much pride and arrogance. If you don't feel anything, then...

But whatever it is, don't look back.

Details about the play:

This play was first shown in the UK and has been on tour in the UK itself for eight times. This is the first stop outside its native country and also the first show in Asia.

Price of ticket:

RM30 and RM15 for senior citizens

Please book in advance. Call the British Council at 03 2723 7988.

The play runs from Feb 2nd, 2007 - Feb 11th, 2007 @ 8pm - 10pm.