Theatre pushes Atilia further, testing focus and precision

Atilia returned to the stage recently in 'Najis Jadi Teman', a charity musical show in Kuala Lumpur by IWK where audiences play new Indah Water engineers, learning teamwork, responsibility and commitment to a cleaner future. Photo: Bernama

Versatile singer and actress Atilia Haron has shown no signs of slowing down as she continues to embrace new challenges.

Her latest comes in the form of the musical theatre production Najis Jadi Teman, which she describes as the most mentally and physically demanding experience of her career.

An Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) outreach production first staged in 2024, Najis Jadi Teman invites audiences into the world of sewage treatment through an immersive, educational theatrical experience.

Set at IWK Eco Park Pantai Dalam in Kuala Lumpur, the charity production marked the national sewerage company’s 30th anniversary and was produced in collaboration with Wayang Kitchen and Yayasan Chow Kit, under the direction of Razif Hashim.

Atilia says performing 'Najis Jadi Teman' is challenging, as it combines entertainment with a thought-provoking look at sewage treatment and its role in a healthy environment. Photo: Bernama

The musical was recently restaged, with Atilia back on board, at the same venue in conjunction with the launch of the "Sahabat Istimewa IWK" initiative, aimed at empowering persons with disabilities through skills development and sustainable opportunities.

Atilia says performing in a musical with a complex script and technical terminology is far more challenging than singing, as it requires intense concentration and precision.

“I find it more demanding than singing because music has rhythm and rhyme, but theatre demands accuracy. On stage, you have to remember your lines and technical terms, including specific names. At 52, that is truly challenging,” says Atilia.

For Atilia, staying active in the arts is key to her mental and physical well-being. Photo: Bernama

“If you get a line wrong, the entire performance can be affected because there is no ‘take two’ in a live show,” she adds.

For her, remaining active in various artistic pursuits is essential to maintaining her mental and physical well-being as she grows older.

“I have to keep moving and exercising. If I don’t, I feel lethargic and just want to stay at home. I can’t afford to be sedentary – I have to push myself to stay active,” she says.

Atilia, who also runs a yoga studio, adds that staying busy and embracing new challenges help sustain a positive mindset.

She also reveals that she is working on her fourth solo album this year, which will feature a collaboration with singer MimiFly. – Bernama