The Actors Studio takes on history with Sybil, the tale of Sybil Kathigasu who fell into the hands of the Japanese Military Police to be tortured and interrogated on suspicion of being a Resistance Spy. Doppo Narita hails from Japan to take on the challenge of portraying Sgt. Yoshimura, the head of the district Kempetai, while Darius Taraporvala, the Chief Operating Officer with Astro Awani portrays Sybil’s husband Dr. A.C. Kathigasu.

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Tell us about yourselves.

Doppo Narita: I am not a violent man. I am usually very kind, and I hope I have a beautiful mind. My biggest hope is that the audience feels that I have succeeded in transforming into a super-evil character on stage for Sybil.

Darius Taraporvala: I first got involved in theatre in 1977 as an amateur. Since then, I have been involved in two to three plays a year, until about two years ago as I got busy with work.

Tell us about your upcoming show, Sybil.

DN: My first impression of the script actually wasn’t good. I felt there was too much violence in it -- a lot of beating and abuse. However, I’ve learnt to deal with the violence, and allow it to play a part in enhancing my character and his story. As an actor, I have to gain the confidence to improve my character. And also tell the audience that there was once this crazy Japanese guy during the war…

DT: In times of war, unsung heroes are born, and we are only now discovering them. Sybil is an important play for Malaysians as it is about bravery during the war. It is like living history, the story of this bravery being told. At first I was a bit skeptical as well, because of the violence involved. But Faridah and Joe’s treatment of the play gives it passion. They bring in emotions and passion -- that makes the play watch able. I am very glad to be a part of it.

We’ve been told that you play completely opposite characters in the play.

DT: Our parts are obviously different. Doppo is the Japanese Kempeitai that tortures Sybil, and I play Dr. A. C. Kathigasu, a highly educated, gentle doctor.

DN: Just like me!

DT: But then emotion comes out, and Sgt. Yoshimura’s compassionate side surfaces.

DN: He is faced with two sides: his duty towards the country and his love for his family.

DT: Yes, at one point he asks what the hell is he doing in this country. A question lots of people ask!

Any of the on-stage conflicts rub off into real life?

DT: No drama. But after rehearsals Doppo always walks over to me and pats my back, wondering if he’s injured me. [grins at Doppo]

DN: I believe in the Japanese tradition that respect for the elderly is very important. [grins back at Darius]

How’d you guys get involved in the play? Was there a gruelling audition process?

DT: When I was posted to Kuala Lumpur, a charming Australian lady showed me around, and we came across KLPac. She explained that it was the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre, and I insisted on going in. She introduced me to Joe (Hasham, the Artistic Director) and he said to me, “You are Dr. A.C. Kathigasu!”

DN: A friend of mine, Mr. Shimada from the Japanese Foundation, called and asked me to play the part of Sergeant Yoshimura, but I refused as I had obligations to teach in an elementary school. A month later my best friend Ken Takiguchi called about the play. Ken and I had worked in Pulau Antara by Jo Kukathas before, and I trust him very much. So because we have a good relationship, and I trust him, I said yes to the part.

Tell us about working with Dato’ Faridah Merican.

DT: For me working with her is very good. She, as an actor, knows what it means and feels like to act. She doesn’t only have a director’s insight, but also an actor’s. So her direction becomes more meaningful, and what she says make sense to me.

DN: I am very pleased to work with her, because she listens very carefully to what I have to say. She is curious about Japan and I very much want to help her. She likes me, and that makes me want to help her even more. She makes me feel very comfortable.

What first sparked your interests in theatre?

DT: In 1975 I was sitting all romantically with my girlfriend. Her brother directed plays, and the lead actor of his play at that time had come down with mumps. When he saw me with his sister he said “You better learn this part in one day!” That was the start of my involvement with theatre, and the end with the girl!

DN: After graduating from the Japanese University, I went to America to study theatre. At first I was interested in movies, and wanted to become a movie star. But in Tennessee the scripts were very family, farmer based, and I had a language problem. I learned contemporary dance, because there was no talking. I learned lighting and sound, but did not get a chance to go on stage. I almost gave up. But when I got my first opportunity to be on stage, I knew it was definitely for me.

So it’s the Second World War, and the bad guys are banging down your door. What’s the first thing you hide?

DT: My Austin 7 1935 -- a pre-war car which I still keep back home in India

DN: My beer.

What’s the second thing you hide?

DN: The girl with me!

DT: I’d just make sure my fly is done.

At which point do you run/surrender/hide under a bed?

DT: When someone kicks me (as Doppo does as Sgt Yoshimura).

[Doppo nods in agreement]

Why do Malaysians need to know this story?

DT: Malaysians must watch this show because Sybil is an unsung hero, and is very much a part of Malaysian history.

DN: Because it’s about you, about your country. And everyone needs to know their history.

Care to rat on each other’s quirks?

DN: Darius eats a puff with a pair of pliers. He doesn’t use his fingers for anything!

DT: This Japanese boy refuses to go anywhere in a car. He walks everywhere he goes. Sometimes I wish I had his stamina. He’s a compulsive walker!

Should we bring tissue when we come watch ‘Sybil’?

DT: It can get very emotional, so yes. One would find tears in one’s eye more than once.

DN: It is about the close relationship between Sybil and Sgt Yoshimura. Sybil has children. So does Sgt Yoshimura. But he has to kill. He is faced with the conflict of service to his country, and compassion.

If every play had an evil subliminal message, what do you guys think Sybil’s would be?

DT: It is about bravery. I can’t look at it in a negative way. It is very rare that any human being would put up with that sort of torture.

What’s the most productive thing each of you can do in 60 seconds?

DT: Clean my cars carburetor. Or kiss 60 girls and make them cry!

DN: Finish my beer!

What’s next for you?

DT: I don’t normally go looking for plays to act in. The plays normally find me.

DN: I have two more productions. One in August, and one in November. Both are about the war as well.

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Yasmin Zetti Martin writes for Kakiseni.

Sybil runs at The Actors Studio @ BSC from Thu 12 - Sun 22 Jun 2008 (Tue - Sat: 8.30pm; Sun: 3pm). Tickets cost RM40/ RM20 (Students).