Kee Thuan Chye Explained

Kee Thuan Chye
Birth Date:1954 5, df=yes
Birth Place:Penang, Federation of Malaya
Occupation:Journalist, editor, author, playwright, actor, and civil liberty advocate
Spouse:Lim Choy Wan
Children:Soraya Sunitra Kee Xiang Yin (daughter), and Jebat Arjuna Kee Jia Liang (son)
Awards:
  • The Annexe Heroes Freedom of Expression Awards 2008 [1]
Module:
Child:yes
T:紀傳財
S:纪传财
Poj:Kí Thoân-châi
Tl:Kí Thuân-tsâi
J:Gei2 Cyun4 Coi4

Kee Thuan Chye (born 25 May 1954) is a Malaysian actor, dramatist, poet and journalist. Acting in theatre, films, and on television for more than 40 years, he continues to do so. In 1981, Kee co-founded the theatre group, KAMI, in Kuala Lumpur. A noted civil rights activist, he would express in his plays whatever he could not express through the newspapers under Malaysia's repressive Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA). For speaking out without fear or favour, Kee was among the first recipients of The Annexe Heroes Freedom of Expression Awards when it was launched in 2008.[1]

Although social reengineering under the New Economic Policy had already begun after the 13 May Incident of 1969, it became more pronounced after Mahathir Mohamad became Prime Minister in 1981. At the New Straits Times, Kee Thuan Chye received numerous memos from his editor-in-chief for trying to push the parameters and opening up public discourse on what was deemed 'sensitive' issues. Firmly believing that the responsibility of a journalist to the public is to inform them of the truth, he had to battle with his superiors and as a consequence, he was often punished, marginalised, and shut out. In 1988, Kee received his master's degree in drama from the University of Essex, after being awarded a British Council Fellowship for postgraduate studies in England.

In 2001, Kee Thuan Chye became an Associate Editor of The Star in Kuala Lumpur, creating and editing the English column, Mind Our English, until retirement in May 2009.[2] His Sunday Star column, Playing The Fool, which he began in April 2007, ran for only two instalments before it was cancelled. In his inaugural article, Kee had written that he would be speaking out frankly on social and political issues, without fear or favour. His second article, hitting out at racial discrimination in Malaysia, was published but when it came to his third article, the editors got jittery and suppressed it. The Star finally decided to terminate the column after Kee submitted his fourth article.

Civil rights advocacy

Kee Thuan Chye's political awakening began when he could not afford to pursue his master's degree unless he had a tutor's position. He applied for the post at Universiti Sains Malaysia, his alma mater, and although he was the top student in his class, the job was given to someone else.[3] Kee then joined the now-defunct National Echo as literary editor where he created the page Culture Scene and wrote editorials on political and other issues. Moving from Penang to Kuala Lumpur to join the New Straits Times in the late 1970s, he saw more clearly how race had been politicised to divide the people.

What Kee Thuan Chye could not express through the newspaper, he eventually expressed in his plays. 1984 Here and Now which spoke out frankly against Big Brother and institutionalised racial discrimination, played to full houses in 1985,.

In the aftermath of the 2008 general elections, Kee Thuan Chye rushed out his book March 8: The Day Malaysia Woke Up in a record three months, due to the topicality of the subject matter. This was followed by March 8: Time for Real Change in 2010.

Between 2008 and 2018, Kee wrote a total of 10 books about the Malaysian political scene, as part of his attempts to create awareness among Malaysians of the need for political change and a better Malaysia.

He finally realised the fruits of his struggle at Malaysia’s 14th general election on May 9, 2018, when the seemingly invincible incumbent coalition, Barisan Nasional, was voted out after having held power for 61 years. It was a historic phenomenon that few people expected. But it happened largely because of the efforts put in by Malaysians who wanted change and worked hard to make it come about.

To commemorate this historic event and also pay tribute to the efforts of everyday Malaysians who had endured the oppressive rule of Barisan Nasional for many years and struggled to kick it out, Kee threw himself into writing a thoroughly researched book that captures the drama of their struggle starting from the time of the 13th general election and building up to the climax of the 14th general election. From despair to hope to euphoria.

He also wrote a narrative entitled The People’s Victory.

Filmography

Films

Year Title Role Remarks
2015FoundationFatherShort film made for Cine 65 Singapore competition
2008Sell Out!CEO 1Directed by Yeo Joon Han (Amok Films)
20071957 Hati MalayaTan Cheng LockDirected by Shuhaimi Baba (Pesona Pictures)
2004Char Koay TeowDirected by Anwardi Jamil
2001SnipersMr. TanWritten and directed by James Lee
2000Lips to LipsScrabble ManWritten and directed by Amir Muhammad
1999Anna and the KingSecond JudgeDirected by Andy Tennant, starring Jodie Foster (Twentieth Century Fox)
EntrapmentTrader #1Directed by Jon Amiel, starring Sean Connery (Twentieth Century Fox)

Television

Kee Thuan Chye has appeared in many television dramas, including:

Year Title Role Remarks
2018The Fifth FloorWong Meng TeckSingapore TV series
2017B R ASenior DoctorSingapore TV series
My Mother's StoryFather-in-lawSingapore TV miniseries
2016Fine TuneRoger WongSingapore TV series
2015Code of Law (Season 3)Justice Peter LohSingapore TV series
The Circle HouseTan Hock Chuan[4] Singapore TV-movie
2014Mata Mata (Season 2)Tan Eng ChyeSingapore TV series
2013Code of Law (Season 2)Justice Peter LohSingapore TV series
2012Code of Law (Season 1)Justice Peter LohSingapore TV series
2011The Pupil (Season 2)Justice Peter LohSingapore TV series
200910 (Sepuluh)Liew8-episode TV drama series
Mr Siao's Mandarin ClassRobert TohTV sitcom
2008Marcus OwyangLead role in Singapore TV-movie, shot in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Secrets of the Forbidden CityXia YuanjiRole of Minister of Revenue to Emperor Yongle, in the dramatised documentary for the BBC and the History Channel
Bilik No. 13Ah KeongLead role in one episode of Malay miniseries
2007Marco Polo: Discovery of the WorldHallmark TV-movie
Sadiq and CoJudgeGuest role in Malay TV series
Gol & Gincu (Season 2)Mr WeeGuest role in TV series
2006RealitiDavid YeohTV series
Impian IlyanaIlyana's bossGuest role in Malay TV series
2004Singapore ShakesDavid Setoh'Seventh Month' episode of the Singapore series
PerceptionsVictor WongMain-cast member in the 13-episode Singapore series
2003 Each OtherRonnie NgSemi-regular role in the 13-episode drama series
2002KopitiamKok HuiGuest role in one episode of the 3rd season
Love Matters: The Marriage FactorDaddySingapore telemovie
2001Phua Chu Kang Pte LtdLim Pek KongGuest role in one episode of the Singapore sitcom
2000Teh Tarik Dot ComVinceMain cast member of the 13-episode sitcom
1999KopitiamMajor LimGuest role in one episode of sitcom (2nd season)
City of the RichHan LeeMain cast member in the 200-episode series
1984MariaPeterMalay TV-movie
1977Bailey's BirdMing HoGuest role in German-Australian TV series

Plays

Writing and Directing for Theatre

Year Title Role Remarks
2017Swordfish + Concubinealign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" Producer, writer-cum-directorKuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac)
2016The Swordfish, Then the Concubinealign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" WriterTranslated into Mandarin, directed by Loh Kok Man
1984 Here and Nowalign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" WriterTranslated into Mandarin, directed by Loh Kok Man
2011
The Fall of Singapura
align=center style="padding:3px 12px;" WriterDirected by Jonathan Lim, Young 'n' Wild, Singapore
2008The Swordfish, Then the Concubinealign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" WriterDirected by Ivan Heng, premiered as the opening play of the Singapore Theatre Festival 2008, organised by Wild Rice Productions.
2006The Swordfish, Then the Concubinealign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" WriterThe play made it to the Top 5 out of over 600 entries to the International Playwriting Festival, organised by the Warehouse Theatre in Croydon, United Kingdom, with excerpts presented at the festival in November 2006
2005The Big Purgealign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" WriterSelected for Typhoon 4, a playreading festival organised by the Yellow Earth Theatre and presented in Soho Theatre, London
1995We Could **** You Mr. Birchalign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" Writer-cum-directorThe play was invited to the Festival of Asian Performing Arts in Singapore (performances on 5 and 6 June at the World Trade Centre Auditorium).
1994We Could **** You Mr. BirchWriter-cum-directorPerformed for two seasons in June and December.
1993The Birch and the Rodalign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" DirectorA play written by K.S. Maniam, which premiered at the Australasian Drama Studies Association Conference in Perth, Western Australia
1992Macbethalign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" DirectorA Shakespearean play
1990Madame Mao's Memoriesalign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" DirectorA play written by Henry Ong
1988The Big Purgealign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" Writer-cum-directorStaged at Essex University Theatre, UK
19841984 Here and Nowalign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" WriterStaged in 1985 by Five Arts Centre, directed by Krishen Jit
1981Narukamialign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" DirectorAdapted from the Kabuki theatre
1977Eyeballs, Leper, and a Very Dead Spideralign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" Writer-cum-director-
The Battles of Coxingaalign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" DirectorA play adapted from the Bunraku theatre
1976Narukamialign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" DirectorAdapted from the Kabuki theatre
1975Rhinocerosalign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" DirectorA play written by Eugene Ionesco
1974The Situation of the Man who Stabbed a Dummy or a Woman and was Disarmed by the Members of the Club for a Reason Yet Obscure, If There Was Onealign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" Writer-cum-director-
1973An Old Man Died Todayalign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" Writer-cum-director-

Acting in Theatre

Year Title Role Remarks
2015Public Enemyalign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" Actor (as Martin Kwek)Play written by Henrik Ibsen, directed by Glen Goei, and staged at W!ld Rice Productions at Victoria Theatre, Singapore
20142 Housesalign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" Actor (as Heah)Directed by Lim Yubeng, premiered/commissioned at George Town Festival
2012The Flight of the Jade Birdalign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" Actor (as The Narrator)Directed by Mark Chan, premiered and opening show for the Singapore Arts Festival 2012, staged at Esplanade Concert Hall
2011The Baling Talksalign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" Actor
(as Chin Peng)
Played at the Singapore Arts Festival 2011 for Five Arts Centre
2008The Baling Talksalign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" Actor (as Tunku Abdul Rahman)Played for Five Arts Centre at the Annexe Gallery, Kuala Lumpur
2002Beautifully Readalign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" Actor (as one of the readers)A performance sponsored by the US Embassy, directed by Karin delaPena, Artistic Director of Speaking of Stories, based in Santa Barbara, California
1999Expat Comes to TownActor (as multiple roles)A cross-cultural comedy, performed in Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, and Penang
1998A dinner-theatre murder mysteryActor (as Datuk)Played at the KL Ritz-Carlton Hotel
1997HonourActor (as Gus)Play written by Joanna Murray-Smith
1991A Man for All Seasonsalign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" Actor (as Cromwell)Play written by Robert Bolt
1990Gullsalign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" Lead actor (as Bill)Written and directed by Robert Hewett
The Proposalalign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" Actor
(as Chubukhov)
Play written by Anton Chekhov
1989Death of a Salesmanalign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" Actor (as Willy Loman)Play written by American playwright Arthur Miller
1988The Big Purgealign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" Actor (as Father)Also wrote and directed
1987Anak Tanjungalign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" Actor
(as Ah Heng)
A Malay play written by Noordin Hassan
1986The Cordalign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" Actor (as Muthiah)Played at The Drama Festival, Singapore
The Coffin Is Too Big for the Holealign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" Actor (one-man performance)Play written by Kuo Pao Kun
19851984 Here and Nowalign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" Actor (as various roles)Also wrote. Staged in 1985 by Five Arts Centre, directed by Krishen Jit
Yap Ah Loy - The Playalign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" Actor
(various roles)
Play written by Chin San Sooi
1984Long Day's Journey Into Nightalign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" Actor
(as Jamie Tyrone)
Play written by Eugene O'Neill
The Cordalign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" Actor (as Muthiah)Play written by K.S. Maniam
1981Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Deadalign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" Actor
(as Claudius)
Play written by Tom Stoppard
Narukamialign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" Actor (as Danjo)Also directed the play
1977Antigonealign=center style="padding:3px 12px;" Actor
(as Creon)
Play written by Jean Anouilh

Scriptwriting for television

Published books

Other publications

Notes and References

  1. http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/12/28/hero-worship/ Lim Kit Siang.com: Hero worship
  2. News: Goodbye and thank you . The Star . 22 May 2009 . 13 August 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090525085052/http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=%2F2009%2F5%2F22%2Flifefocus%2F3733723&sec=lifefocus . 25 May 2009 .
  3. http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2010/08/07/kee-thuan-chye-unmasked/ Lim Kit Siang.com: Kee Thuan Chye unmasked
  4. Web site: Kee Thuan Chye. IMDB. 4 April 2016.