“I actually believe that in the case of plural societies such as Malaysian and Singapore, and even certain parts of India, multiculturalism is in one body.

We tend to think of it as a negotiation between one body and another, but I actually think it is in one body and in many ways I have been trying to excavate that in one way or another.”

Krishen Jit, interview with Charlene Rajendran, 2004

Krishen Jit (1939-2005) was one of Southeast Asia’s most influential theatre practitioners, a pioneer in shaping the identity of post-colonial theatre in Malaysia, and a founder member of Five Arts Centre. Trained as a historian and renowned for his eclectic, experimental style of theatre which fused traditional with contemporary forms, Krishen created performances that emphasised the politics of staging difference in multicultural Malaysia. His directorial career spanned over 35 years, during which he formed valuable creative partnerships with leading Malaysian and Singaporean playwrights such as Usman Awang, Syed Alwi, Dinsman, K.S. Maniam, Kee Thuan Chye, Leow Puay Tin, David Henry Hwang, Dick Lee, Kuo Pao Kun, Lloyd Fernando, Jit Murad, Huzir Sulaiman, and Stella Kon.

Krishen’s productions were performed internationally, touring to the Philippines, Japan, Hong Kong, Egypt, Germany, Australia, and the UK. In later years, Krishen also became very active in Singaporean theatre, working with companies such as TheatreWorks, Practice Performing Arts, W!ld Rice, and Action Theatre.

As a scholar, cultural critic, and public intellectual, Krishen Jit defied the boundaries of language, genre, and discipline - making his body of writings on theatre and performance an indispensable resource in the historicising and structuring of arts practice in Malaysia and the region. His weekly column Talking Drama with Utih ran for 22 years in the New Straits Times, and his writings have been compiled in two collections - Membesar Bersama Teater and Krishen Jit: An Uncommon Position. In 2003, Krishen was honoured with the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award at the first BOH Cameronian Arts Awards in Kuala Lumpur.

Read more about Krishen Jit here.