KUALA LUMPUR: Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin a.k.a. Dr Maza will soon be marking his debut in a theatre production titled Korupsi Dewan Semandung.
The Bukit Mertajam-born Islamic scholar who plays his preacher self said: “What really attracted me to be part of this production is the word ‘korupsi’ in the title, and I figured this would be a good platform for me to talk further about corruption in the eyes of Islam.”
Mohd Asri said this when met after the press conference to announce the theatre production helmed by Ogy Ventures & Network, at Istana Budaya here today.
He said that he always enjoyed theatre performances, having used to watch quite a number of them while pursuing his fellowship at Oxford University in the UK.
“However, my involvement in this theatre does not mean that I want acting as my career,” added the 49-year-old in jest.
Meanwhile, producer Fauziah Ahmad Daud who enjoyed Mohd Asri’s approach to preaching said she was confident that he would agree to her offer to be involved in the staging.
“I first met him three years ago by chance. I told him how his talks have always enlightened me about the religion.
“So when I presented this production to Istana Budaya, I told its director-general Datuk Mohamed Juhari Shaarani that I want the mufti to be part of this project. My instinct told me that he would respond positively,” shared Fauziah.
Helmed by Khir Rahman, others in the cast of the horror-comedy include comedians Vicha, tauke, Azrul, Chemat, Abam, Mark Adam, Joey Daud, Tapai, Chiwan and Hanna Halim.
The play revolves around an old multi-purpose hall in a village which had long been deserted by the villagers, and now believed to be haunted.
The play will be staged on Feb 28, 29 and March 1 at Istana Budaya.