Senang Beriningin Sendirian Berhad (SBSB) is the brainchild of writer-director Jamly Bahrulddin, a USM theatre graduate currently serving as a teacher in Penang. This play was first staged during the Festival Teater Pulau Pinang at Auditorium P.Ramlee in July of 2007. Initially, it was presented in a realistic fashion by an amateur theatre group from Belia 4B Cawangan Tasek, Penang. Visual artist & costume designer M.Hanif was intrigued with the message in SBSB and this prompted him to approach Jamly. The two decided to restage the play in an experimental setting, and presented the new SBSB at The Actors Studio Greenhall, Penang.
They decided to reduce the number of cast of the play and rewrote the script. M.Hanif redesigned the play to become more visual-oriented, and based the mood of the play on the writings of Euripides. Thus, the new SBSB became a rather dark, serious play that addresses a pressing, world-wide issue. This "heavy" play introduced elaborate costumes never before seen in Malay plays, a concept that M.Hanif wanted to experiment on. Jamly's brilliant directing style gave the play its life, and together, they were poised to make waves on the Malay theatre scene.
The story
The play is centered around Integriti, a young, idealistic nationalist wanting to fight for the rights of his heritage and culture. He is opposed by Autoriti, an imposing, authoritative figure who represented modernization and a corrupt, capitalist government. Integriti's peaceful demonstration was cut short by Autoriti, who used terror tactics to bring Integiriti to his knees.
The story starts in a jail cell, where Integriti was captured and tortured. He recounts the events that had led to his incarceration, during which he lamented over his father, and revisits memories of his beloved Lina. Lina was also Identiti, who represented culture and heritage, and was a powerful image in the play.
In his state of semi-consciousness, he is approached by Memori, the Spirit of the Times. Memori attempts to enlighten Integriti on the futility of his cause, but the young fighter refused to listen to the experienced character. Memori then persuades Integriti to tell him of the occurrences that led to his imprisonment.
Integriti illustrated what had transpired to him to Memori. He was approached by the imposing Autoriti during his demosntration. Autoriti attempted various tactics to make him yield, but to no avail. In the end, he resorted to terror tactics by kidnapping and threatening to harm Integriti's mother. Integriti had no choice but to surrender, lest he risks endangering his mother's life.
Apparently, Integriti fell asleep while relating the events to Memori. He was then awakened by an unmasked Autoriti, revealing that underneath the cold exterior he was but a man. Perplexed, Integriti asked if there was another prisoner with him that night. Autoriti responded with a smirk, thinking that Integriti had lost it. Nonetheless, on his way out of the cell, he hears a familiar voice expressing his support for Integriti's cause.
