Sabera Shaik is a well-known Malaysian Theatre figure who has acted in diverse roles in the performing arts in Malaysia, Singapore, Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi and Bali. Shaik is considered one of the most versatile actresses in the country, having performed in a wide range of works.
Following some years of ensemble acting, Sabera Shaik now concentrates on directing major productions, and acting in one-woman plays in which she excels. She has been hailed as a sensitive and mesmerizing actor, expert in a range of emotional roles and situations.
For her 2006 international tour of India and Indonesia, Shaik has chosen a trio of challenging works:
In the Name of Love, by the acclaimed dancer Ramli Ibrahim, is a trilogy of one-woman plays (Sarasa, about Mother Love; Mak Su, about the love of a Mak Yong dancer for her art; and Deena, about her love of Bridge, Chocolate and Toy-Boys!) written especially for her, dealing with obsessive love in its various forms.
Her own theatre company, Masakini Theatre, began by producing some of her own written works which have had a powerful impact on theatre in Malaysia. “Lady Swettenham” (Sabera Shaik) in two separate productions, was hailed as ‘world class’, and “My Bollywood Summer” (Sabera Shaik), which introduced a cast of young experienced actors, dancers and singers into the genre of the “musical”, was acclaimed as a major breakthrough for Malaysian theatre.
Recent productions have been Alan Bennett’s “Habeas Corpus” in which she took the role of Mrs Wicksteed, and “Happy Days”, a joint production with an associate theatre company, and which joined the international celebrations for the Samuel Beckett 100th Anniversary Year in 2006. This was in conjunction with two intense weeks of Beckett Workshops with Irish Beckett expert Sarahjane Scaife, funded by the Irish Embassy.
Other recent works include THE SWAMP DWELLERS (2009) and the Double Bill of solo works directed by directors from the ODIN TEATRET, RUMOR acted by Cinzia Ciaramicoli was directed by Roberta Carreri and LADY SWETTENHAM acted by Sabera herself was directed by Tage Larsen. The play LADY SWETTENHAM was also performed in Holstebro and London in 2009.
Her major productions are sponsored by HSBC and also the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage.
Frequent visits to Europe, America, India and Australia have enabled Shaik to have a rare overview of international theatre activities for creative work, acting, design, lighting, costumes and general mis-en-scene.
