Kam-edy
Special!
Joanne Kam:
No shrinking violet

“In this production, cabaret has evolved to be slightly more intellectual, with a lot more substance... but it retains cabaret’s sexy spirit, and is still very ‘in your face’—everyone will be able to ‘get it’”. - Joanne Kam Po Po

It’s one of those typically hot, sunny afternoons when I head to Bangsar Shopping Centre—home to The Actors Studio, one of KL’s most respected and established theatre companies—to interview the cast of ‘Kam… in Your Face’.

Several of the actors are already lounging around a table at La Bodega when I arrive, among them Joanne Kam Po Po, the artistic director, writer and general tai kar jie (big sister) behind the production, the decidedly risqué title of which is a tongue-in-cheek play on her surname.

Many will remember Joanne from her reign as the Queen of the burlesque-themed Boom Boom Room in the ‘90s. Her brand of acerbic, yet sexy and spicy humour has earned her a reputation as one of the most notoriously funny people in Malaysia. On top of appearances on radio, television and in various theatre productions, this busy comedienne also runs ToniQ Creative Management, an events and entertainment company, and is a single mum of two-year old daughter, Jade.

The requisite introductions are made and I meet some well-established names in Malaysian showbiz: Eurasian actress Susan Lankester, comedy actor Douglas Lim and of course, the inimitable Ms Kam. A few more of the cast soon join us: Ho Soon Yoon, Ina Fabregas and Malik Taufiq. The rest of the cast are Gavin Yap, an up-and-coming thespian and director; Fang Chyi, a strong vocalist and very active performer; and sizzling Malaysian Idol runner-up, Ash Nair.

The atmosphere is very relaxed; the actors all greet each other like old friends and the camaraderie is palpable. Over lunch and sangria, they talk about their involvement and experiences during this production.

Joanne is clearly very enthusiastic about ‘Kam… in Your Face’, her first theatrical cabaret show, for which she writes, directs, produces and stars. Gavin Yap also lends the production his skills in directing and writing.

“It’s quite different working on a stage production rather than in a burlesque club/ cabaret like I used to. I’ve been writing a bit over the last two years, but this is my first piece for theatre. I take it as a personal challenge. But there’s still some familiar ground: I do what I do best: sex,” says Joanne matter-of-factly.

“‘Kam… in Your Face’ is not a play; it is a musical comedy cabaret. Cabaret differs from musicals and Broadway plays in that you can mix in different elements—such as skits, comedy, Bollywood, etc—as long as people are entertained. And it is always sensual and spicy,” she adds. “In this production, cabaret has evolved to be slightly more intellectual, with a lot more substance compared to what it was 15 years ago. But it still retains cabaret’s sexy spirit, and is still very ‘in your face’—everyone will be able to ‘get it’.”

Some of the things audiences can look forward to include a localised parody of a certain popular crime investigation TV series, a hip-swivelling flashback to the disco era and a rip-roaring 80s rock ‘n’ roll fable.

‘Kam… in Your Face’ is the first production of its kind in KL. “No one else would have the guts to initiate and pull off such a show; it has to be me!” chuckles Joanne. There are also plans in the pipeline to bring the production to other parts of the country.

And it’s not all Liza Minnelli-esque cabaret. You’ll get to see a mix of different styles, such as Vegas, Motown’s ‘Dreamgirls’, Pussycat Dolls and even a taste of edgy industrial and fetish. Many of the segments will feature professional dancers as well.

This compels me to ask about something that most seem especially interested in: KL’s latest exercise craze, pole dancing, which is one of the production’s unofficial highlights. This titillating dance will be performed by a toned Susan Lankester, who’s taking classes in it. She will also be singing while executing the dance’s physically demanding moves—the first time
she’s taking on such a role. Joanne confides that it is a very challenging song to sing, even when one isn’t twisting oneself around a pole. As all the songs are being sung live, Susan and others in the cast are being coached for their vocal parts by the crystal-voiced singeractress, Doreen Tang.



“Having a great cast around me helps my confidence, as does Doreen’s classes,” says Susan, who is a familiar face on TV, having starred in numerous Malay films, sitcoms and dramas before moving on to theatre. “Doreen teaches us how to harmonise, do backup for each other and coaches us with our solos as well. But singing and pole dancing is another thing altogether!”

“Ya-lah, it’s tantamount to suicide,” interjects Douglas Lim, who is as deadpan and amusing in person as he is when performing. Best known for his breakthrough role in TV sitcom, ‘Kopitiam’, Douglas has been very active on stage, having starred in productions such as the award-winning musical, ‘Broken Bridges’ and ‘Broadway Parodies Lah!’ “Everyone in the cast comes from a different background, has a different style and performing skills,” says Joanne. “I like to help people uncover and showcase their hidden talents. The parts in this production were customised for each actor.”

Touted as the new Lea Salonga, pretty young Filipina Ina Fabregas has been active in the theatre and music scenes since arriving in KL 10 years ago. “Ina is very talented and has a lot of potential as a performer. I aim to help make her more confident onstage, and urge her to try things she’s not used to doing. She’s in diva training with me,” Joanne laughs.

“I’m learning how to be more versatile and professional… I wasn’t comfortable initially with my role—which is quite sensual—but I wanted to challenge myself,” says Ina, who will perform in a Bollywood-style number. Spearheading the retro segment is Ho Soon Yoon, who first worked with Joanne and Douglas in ‘Broken Bridges’. Banker by day and
stage performer by night, Soon Yoon’s career in the arts began in 1994 when he joined the Philharmonic Society of Selangor. “It’s hard to balance two professions, but acting is my passion,” he says earnestly.

Malik Taufiq, who is very much into improvisational theatre, considers singing and dancing his main challenges in ‘Kam… in Your Face’. The good-looking actor, who appeared in the controversial ‘That Was The Year’ and ‘4.48 Psychosis’ says, “The whole cast likes to try out new things and we’re comfortable enough with each other to do so. The synergy between the cast members is very important, and we have that in this production.”

“There’s a mixture of veterans and newbies in this show, but there’s chemistry—we complement each other. The energy and commitment of the whole cast is incredible. Plus, we’re all really having a ball, and we hope you have as much fun as we do,” says Susan with a smile.

When asked what sort of audience they think the show will attract, Douglas answers: “There will most likely be many people expecting to watch Joanne Kam’s signature performances…and young people hoping to see what they had to fake IDs for, back in the Boom Boom Room days.”

“Douglas will be wearing PVC, so it will be a bit R-rated,” Joanne hints with a wink. “Kids are welcome, but not encouraged,” Douglas quips with a poker face. It’s clear that these two get along like a house on fire.

“It’s a show you can bring anyone to and they will enjoy themselves. There’s something for everyone. Anyone from handphone dealers to diplomats can and will enjoy it!” plugs Joanne. P/S: There may be a surprise for the

audience sometime during the show… but I’ve been sworn to secrecy, so attend the show to find out!