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The Solace Of Papan, an English opera honouring Sybil Kathigasu's WWII bravery, recounts the gripping tale of the nurse who aided the Malayan resistance against Japanese occupation. Composed by Lam Siu Chong with a libretto by Chin San Sooi, it will be staged at SEGi University, Kota Damansara in Selangor on July 20 and 21. Chin, a veteran director and playwright in Malaysian theatre, shares that the inspiration for this opera came from reading Sybil Kathigasu’s story in No Dram Of Mercy during his youth, in the late 1950s.

“I was struck by the story’s violence but also by the strength and courage it depicted,” he says. The librettist, now in his 80s, has crafted a show that weaves together themes of love, loss, faith and resilience. The opera’s 16 scenes will be brought to life by a 70-member orchestra and nine actors.



Earlier this year, Chin and Lam established ProMuzika, a new theatre company that aims to produce original operas, musicals and more. The Solace Of Papan marks its inaugural project, a labour of love that took more than two years to finally reach the stage. A symbol of hope “The story of Papan will resonate with many Malaysians because it is a narrative of triumph over adversity, about finding solace in the face of hardship,” says Chin.

He highlights Sybil’s story's relevance amid today's global conflicts. Cellist Kong Jing Teng plays a hymn at Sybil's old house in Papan, Perak during a recent site visit for the opera production. Photo: ProMuzi.

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