The Great Dictatorship (2014)

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Malaysian premiere performances 13-15 June  2014. Robert B Gaw Theater, International School of Kuala Lumpur. Devised and directed by Timothy Howe. Featuring original music, lyrics and musical arrangements by Nick Choo

This propaganda-style play-within-a-play uses the words of "infamous" figures, thinkers and historical texts to take the audience on a captivating journey from a 21st-century political rally to ancient Egypt and back. The show was first presented as Peace, Land, Bread in March 2014, before being reworked into The Great Dictatorship in June that year.  

From the programme notes: Through the device of "documentary theatre", words from some of the greatest leaders, thinkers, historical texts and composers are reimagined to create the text and world of The Great Dictatorship. The National Anthem, “City of the Horizon”, “The One, the Chosen” and “On to the Streets to the Light” are original works by Choo. Lyrics for “City of the Horizon” are inspired by the French, North Korean, Azerbaijan and Chinese national anthems.

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

12th BOH CAMERONIAN ARTS AWARDS (MALAYSIA), 2015

NOMINATED for Best Original Production, Junior Cammies category

“The Great Dictatorship is a beautifully realised, historically epic world that possesses intricately detailed design elements and iconic imagery" ~ Mark Charney, Kennedy Center

12-28 Dec 2008, Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre. Based on the adaptation by John Mortimer. Original music, musical direction & musical arrangement by Nick Choo. Directed by Christopher Ling
 

One of Charles Dickens’ most best-loved tales saw its Malaysian debut in this production featuring the adaptation by Mortimer, which was first staged by the internationally renowned Royal Shakespeare Company in 1994 to critical acclaim.

The old, bitter but extremely wealthy Ebenezer Scrooge is taken on a journey through past, present and future by three ghosts on Christmas Eve. As Scrooge enters the lives of Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit and the Fezziwigs, he comes to know the meaning of kindness, charity and goodwill, and finally remembers the true spirit of Christmas.

The haunting musical score featured a blend of rearranged Christmas classics and original songs by Nick.
 
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
7TH BOH CAMERONIAN ARTS AWARDS (MALAYSIA), 2009

NOMINATED for Best Music/Sound Design (Nick Choo)