Artistic Director
Chris Jacobs
Since discovering, more years ago than he'd like to recall, the works and philosophy of Vsevolod Meyerhold, his interest in abstract physical-theatre, symbolism, and emotional dynamics has evolved and grown over the years— so much so that it now permeates many of his productions which frequently feature abstract, intensely dynamic, anti-realistic and non-representational action, aimed at creating an "independent reality" on stage.
He believes that the elements of Sound, Light, Imagery, and Space, play as important a function as text and actor, in creating this "independent reality". His works are focused on the blending and balancing of all elements into an experience of "Total Theatre".
His involvement in the Malaysian theatre circuit has seen him directing many a stage production, most notably Metamorphosis (2002) featuring Ramli Ibrahim in one of his rare acting roles, Lady Swettenham (2004), an original writing by Sabera Shaik, Rhinoceros (2004) pairing theatre veteran Terence Swampillai with Lim Soon Heng, Moliere's Tartuffe (2005) a venture into absurd theatre with a cast primarily made up of relative newcomers and Alan Bennett's "Habeas Corpus" (2006), his fourth collaboration with the KL Ensemble.
chrisjacobs@klensemble.com