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In 1989, two people joined hands to pursue a dream. Unbeknownst to them, this dream of theirs became a phenomenal driving force that has and continues to redefine the arts in Malaysia.

The duo is none other than husband-and-wife team Dato’ Dr. Faridah Merican and Joe Hasham OAM, Founders of The Actors Studio (Malaysia).

Armed with a mission to nurture the arts in Malaysia, they have groomed countless of artistes, created a string of theatre spaces and enriched lives by improving access to the arts.

Seven venues on, hundreds of award-winning productions later, The Actors Studio’s expertise remains unrivaled. It has presented almost 600 productions and over a million people have passed through the doors of its theatres.

Joe and Faridah found each other and gave birth to The Actors Studio Malaysia in 1989; since then the road has been filled with much joy, some sorrow, and an eclectic mix of wishing, hoping, and fulfillment.

Through necessity, the early years saw performances being staged in venues like the experimental theatre University Malaya, The Old Town Hall, and Auditorium DBKL.

In fact, anywhere they could hang a couple of lights and plonk in a set. For two people whose lives were totally consumed by the performing arts, this was a frustrating and unacceptable situation.

However, history tells us that Joe and Faridah went on to become the undisputable Daddy and Mummy of Malaysian theatre, making history by building the first privately owned and operated theatre space, culminating in a string of theatres.

Over the years, The Actors Studio has been responsible for the nurturing and enabling of countless performing arts companies and individuals and is in no small way, responsible for the continuing growth of the Malaysian Performing Arts scene.

For Joe and Faridah, this is still the beginning of the journey. The end is nowhere in sight, not until there are dedicated performing arts venues in every state of the country.

This is their dream – and their hope.

the journey

1989
Joe and Faridah set up The Actors Studio in April 1989.
1995
On 9 August, they established The Actors Studio @ Plaza Putra theatre space below Dataran Merdeka.
1998
The Actors Studio Academy found a permanent home in Plaza Putra with four new studios in 1998, after running arts courses since 1992.
2001
Its second theatre, The Actors Studio @ BSC, opened on 20 January.
2002
An old advertising friend offered Faridah and Joe a space at Lebuh Light in Penang and on August 9, The Actors Studio @ Greenhall opened its doors.
2003
On 10 June, floods destroyed the whole Plaza Putra complex. A month later, a fundraising event called Banjir in aid of The Actors Studio was held.
2004
With plans of a third space sealed, The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre’s (klpac) media launch was held on 21 May.

In recognition of her lifelong contribution to the arts, Faridah was awarded the BOH Cameronian Lifetime Achievement Award.
2005
In May 9, klpac opened its doors to the public.
2008
In October, they were told that the Bangsar theatre had to be closed down.
2009
After two weeks of Gala Farewell performances, The Actors Studio @ BSC closed its doors on 28 February. On 10 October, The Actors Studio @ Lot 10 with its unique Hanamichi-thrust stage began operations.

Joe was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the performing arts.

The Actors Studio @ Greenhall up in Penang closed its doors.
2011
On 11.11.11, The Actors Studio opened the Performing Arts Centre of Penang (penangpac), the Northern region’s first arts centre.
2014
KuAsh Theatre, designed and started by The Actors Studio, opened its doors (the venue is now under a different management).
2016
The Actors Studio mounted a year-long Shakespeare 400 season to commemorate the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s passing.
2017
The Actors Studio launched TAS30, a 2-year celebration to commemorate its 30th anniversary, from 2018 to 2019.
2018
The Actors Studio signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Taylor’s University to kickstart a conservatory-style Bachelor of Performing Arts programme.

Faridah was awarded a Doctorate of the Arts by Taylor’s University.
2019
15 April 2019, TAS turns 30.