Growing Theatre Together

A Malay-language play called “Pokok” brings together two big names for the first time; the play is written by media veteran, writer, and arts commentator Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, and directed by U-Wei HajiSaari, who is renowned for his films like “Kaki Bakar”, “Jogho”, and “Hanyut”. “Pokok” revolves around the lives of four very different people, and while it takes a realist approach to its story, offers up layers that reflect on contemporary life in Malaysia. We speak to U-Wei and producer Syahid Johan about the show and the process of bringing it to life.