Jit Murad

Tonight in the studio, we’ve had the celebrated Malaysian actor playwright who is affectionately known as our own version of Oscar Wilde, Jit Murad!

For a man whose name is now synonymous with Malaysian theater’s growth, Jit never did any theater before and during his university days. It is only after that degree in Urban Sociology, Jit stepped in the limelight and never looked back. His first appearance was in Thor Kah Hoong’s Caught In The Middle in 1988.

The man was hooked on performing and by 1989, with Jo Kukathas, Andrew Leci and Zahim Albakri, the Instant Cafe Theater was born. Growing 26 years strong, Jit is still in it with productions and acting roles. In 1993, he founded the DramaLab with Zahim. Their first production, Gold Rain & Hailstones is also Jit’s first written string of successful plays throughout his career. Received accolades from everywhere and won grants from the Japanese Foundation, British Council and the Australian Arts Council.

Jit’s second play, The Storyteller in 1996 featuring Afdlin Shauki, Ning Baizura, Sean Ghazi and Paula Malai Ali. The play was sold out for it’s entire run. When 2002 came by, Spilt Gravy On Rice was written, sold out venues in Malaysia and Singapore, won two Cammy Awards for Best Playwright and Best Play.

Currently, Jit is still around and about with plays. Watching and educating the next batch of talented playwrights of Malaysia.

For the record, Jit scored 16!

If you've liked what you've heard from the podcast, catch more via the website here! That Time Of Night