Manchester United
and the Malay Warrior

Written by Rani Moorthy
Directed by Krishen Jit

Co-produced with Five Arts Centre (Kuala Lumpur)
and in partnership with Contact (Manchester)

An ancient malay hero time-travels to contemporary Manchester.

This multi-lingual, multi-media action-adventure saw an ancient Malay hero pitting his wits against the forces of United. An international collaboration, the play was produced for Cultureshock (Commonwealth Games Cultural Festival 2002). Kicking-off in Kuala Lumpur in May 2002, the production transferred to Manchester's Contact that June.

Juxtaposing the Malaysian Hang Tuah legends (similar to the Arthurian myths) with Manchester 2002, the production fused the energetic martial art of Silat and colourful Bangsawan theatre, with western theatre and video. It also boasted a diverse creative team/cast of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Eurasian and European origins.

Taking its cue from the British view of Malaysia as a land of ancient tradition, and the Malaysian view of Manchester as the United football team, Rani Moorthy's play explored themes of disaffection and spiritual unrest. Examining the comic tensions between tradition and modernity, youth and old age, machismo and feminism, the piece asked if the globalisation of culture and sport unites or colonises?

Malaysian student Kamal and English widow Alice have both lost hope and harmony. Their chance meeting in a cyber cafe triggers memories, fears and magically, the appearance of the Malay warriors...

Hang Tuah is depressed. His magic dagger is losing its power and the Sultan has vanished. When the Jin appears mischief and confusion reigns in the palace. What is Old Trafford? Can the Malay warriors get there across time and space? Will they rescue the Sultan from United's Red Devils?

Embarking on a quest into the unknown, all is turned upside down when cyber-travel lands the warriors in Manchester. The English widow challenges their ancient powers, the Malay student restores the dagger's magic, and in the final play-off against the Red Devils, a new hero preserves the warrior honour.

The Press on Manchester United and the Malay Warrior

"energetic, disjointed, surreal, witty, poignant, insightful, daft...but genuinely trying something new" Metro

"An ambitious piece...the six young Malay actors bring acrobatic energy to the production, which is enhanced by Arthur Smith's multi-screen video projection". Manchester Evening News

"An ambitious work that attempts to build bridges instead of barriers. This fast moving...innovative production contains terrific martial arts." The Stage

The production received support from the British Council (Malaysia), the Regional Arts Lottery Programme and Cultureshock, and was sponsored by Malaysia Airlines.