A week ago, I dolled myself up and made it on time for Nights of Drama, which, if you haven’t heard, was an outstanding success. Organized by our very own Monash University Malaysia Performing Arts Club (MUMPAC), 7 plays with the theme of “Contrasts” were directed and performed by members during the 18th and 19th of May—and it was fucking amazing.

The badminton court was transformed, a stage set up at one end, chairs and lights set up infront of it–I was genuinely surprised. I’ve only ever seen it used for badminton, and the entire vibe of the place was completely different. Settled in my seat with caramel popcorn, a projected pastel sky danced across the ceiling as people filed in and the plays began.

What’s on your mind?

We follow Nate and Jess and their brains in a sweet, rom-commy love story. And when I say their brains, I literally mean there were two (very lively) actors playing their brains/minds/subconsciousness. It’s sweet and cute–I’m personally a sucker for romance and comedy, and the chemistry between all four actors? Awesome.

___ is my judge.

This…threw me for a bit of a loop. Following the first, sweet and fluffy romance, it looked like MsBusyBee69 (or Beta) and Aaron’s love story was about to head down the same path–up til he MURDERED her. And then a dude called Ezra, and then, apparently, he was an accomplice to his MOM’s murder. Fortunately for me, I was sitting next to the writer of this play, so I could give her live shocked reactions. Aaron’s story is one of tragedy, men nudged down the wrong path–but there’s an undercurrent of pretty ironic humour throughout the play, too, making it an extremely fun watch. And a very neat dance number.

My Turn

This was just straight up hilarious and dramatic, like a really funny punch to the gut. Pure, beautiful chaos, teetering on the edge of unrealistic–scratch that, it’s pretty unrealistic, but that’s what makes it so good! Comedy makes everything better–especially tragedy, as we watch how two twin brothers cope with their father’s death. There is a lot of tradgedy in these plays. The acting throughout has been phenomenal, but I personally admire greatly the ability to deliver such wacky lines so seriously.

The Truth About My Arrest…

The funniest part about this play is that I had zero clue the main character was Mannah Hontana. It’s surprisingly sweet. There’s something very funny about naming your character after Hannah Montana, even as the dramatic events of the story play out; ultimately, it all comes down to the truth about one heartwarming, touching friendship. I didn’t laugh too hard ‘cause I felt like it’d be taken the wrong way, but it was hilarious to watch her fall to her knees and scream “NOOOOOOOO”. Hilarious.

Mother Knows Best

And then we were treated to a play about generational gaps, which is one of my favourite topics. Owing to my debilitating mommy issues, this play hit me hard. I love stories about mothers and daughters navigating their complicated relationship–I’ve always resonated with how terribly tragic it tends to be, and Mother Knows Best didn’t disappoint. Different, yet alike, the mother-daughter duo find themselves connected only via phone calls from across the world. It’s kind of depressing, kind of bittersweet, and very, very emotional. Have I mentioned how good these actors are??? (Apparently it was a little inspired by Everything Everywhere All At Once, so that also explains why it hit me like an emotional truck.)

Accidents (DON’T) Happen

While most of our plays followed a pretty straightforward timeline, this play’s story is surprisingly simple–a therapist murders her useless son and tricks a patient into thinking his blood is on her hands. But the way it was performed? Had me on the edge of my seat. While each play was good, there’s usually something that might have stood out with their stories; pure starpower, witty dialogue, this was the play of the night that truly blew me away with how it was directed. It’s incredible to watch people utitlize a medium to it’s fullest extent, and only within the span of 15 minutes. And it was extremely sexy, I’m sorry, I had to say it. I love merry murderesses. Happy pride month.

The Book

Lighthearted and kind of wacky, The Book was a great way to end the night. I’m not going to lie, I was worried our main character would end up being a murderer again. Our final play had songs in it and I am a huge musical theatre nerd–my jaw dropped when he started singing, in a good way. A nerdy boy swaps bodies with a popular girl–and they learn to live in each other bodies, which sounds weird when I put it that way, but it was actually very wholesome–you should always be able to be you. Even if you’ve been hit with a magical book that literally puts you into a different body…

Now, I could tell you about the audience’s reaction. Clapping, cheering, screaming as the cast and crew bowed during the curtain call–incredible support, I love a good audience (maybe that was narcissistic). But what really stood out to me–warmed me from tip to toe–was watching the elated grins and laughs from the MUMPAC members after such a successful event. Everyone cheered as one for a brief night, giddy exhaustion and hugs exchanged as they congratulated one another on making it through. I left the venue extremely satisfied and full of awe.

So, TLDR; MUMPAC’s Night of Drama was awesome, and I can’t wait for more.

Written by Erika; Photos by Shawn & Nancy