THE Oral Stage, or TOS as it’s known for short, is the product of a group of theatre-curious youth (headed by Kelvin Wong) that decided to put their dreams to work. Four years on, after a series of productions (notably The Illusion, for which Azmir Abdullah received a nomination at the Boh Cameronian Arts Awards for Best Supporting Actor) the company presents Paula Vogel’s How I Learned To Drive, directed by Kelvin, the founder himself. Kelvin utilises 60 seconds of his time to tell us about the play, The Oral Stage, and all about what’s in a name.

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Tell us about yourself.

I'm a psychology major. I can't wait to graduate, and I hope to do more theatre for the next few decades or so. How I Learned To Drive will be my second attempt at directing a full-length play.

You are the founder of "The Oral Stage", and the Executive Director. How did The Oral Stage come about?

University. I switched colleges at one point, and found that I wanted to do theatre, so a couple of friends and I got together to put up a show for fun. They wrote and starred in their own pieces, and trusted me to direct them. I thought I was going to move on to other things afterwards, but the itch came back again, and again. It's been four years now. Doreen Loo opened The Oral Stage’s first show with her monologue at The Actors Studio back, and she's still with us, playing one of the Greek chorus members for How I Learned To Drive.

Tell us about the name, "The Oral Stage". Phallic or symbolic?

The name is derived from Sigmund Freud's infamous concept of psychosexual development. “Symphallic”, if you like.

What first sparked your interest in theatre?

Watching people on stage when I was little. Also, remember the kindergarten concerts we all were forced into? I secretly thought it was kick-ass. But don't tell anyone.

If you weren't doing theatre you'd be…

Basking under the sun by the beach, doing laps in the sea and managing a bar-cum-eatery nearby for a living.

Sounds like the life we’d choose over theatre. Tell us about your latest production, How I Learned To Drive. Is it a subtle poke at Malaysia's infamous driving education system? Please say yes.

How I Learned To Drive tells the story of a woman who was sexualized by her uncle when she was a minor. This happened in his car, while he was teaching her how to drive. The entire play consists of a sequence of flashbacks, and deals with heavy subject matter, but it's also given a light, humorous touch. And you'll discover a thing or two about good driving, or at least be reminded of. That's a subtle-enough poke, yes?

Yes. Now tell us about the cast.

The cast and crew of How I Learned To Drive are a bright, crazy, driven bunch of young people who bring forth their talent on a pro-bono basis. It’s got to mean something when you become part of a production expecting anything but cash in return. They've taught me a lot from day one of rehearsals -- everyone's come a long way and I couldn’t be any prouder of them.

Any gossip you care to share?

What don't you know already?

All right then! Give us a rundown of a typical day in rehearsal.

Warm-ups, improvisation, character work, scene work (eventually becoming full runs), notes and discussion, repeat from 3rd phase if necessary, reflection exercises, wrap up, all eventually leading to ... the mamak!

Any superstitions you adhere strictly to?

I’m not particularly superstitious, but I don't eat until after rehearsals, even if I'm really hungry -- i concentrate better on an empty stomach. Or so i believe.

Give us 5 reasons people should watch the play.

The text is brilliant; the cast and crew will blow you away; the set is awesome; tickets are bloody cheap; and you'll have a good time, for sure.

What inspires you?

The people around me -- friends, family, colleagues, acquaintances, and strangers.

What's the one local production you wish you could take credit for?

Why would I take credit for something I wasn't involved in? Is this a trick question?

It was a test of character. You passed! What is your greatest hope for How I Learned To Drive?

For the entire creative team to very simply tell the amazing story that Paula Vogel wrote as honestly as possible. Everything else will follow through.

What is your greatest fear?

Creativity. Not a lack thereof, but the abundance of it.

What's the most productive thing you can do in 60 seconds?

Floss.

What's next for you and The Oral Stage?

Rehearsals for the Celebrate Drama! festival in Singapore in August, followed by a full-length play by a group of young, up-and-coming playwrights in October.

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Yasmin Zetti Martin writes for Kakiseni.

How I Learned To Drive runs at The Actors Studio @ BSC from Wed 4 - Sun 8 Jun 2008 (Wed - Sat: 8.30pm; Sat & Sun: 3pm). Tickets cost RM33/ RM22 (Students, senior citizens & the disabled). For more information, click here.