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REPORT ON THEATER IN TESL: LAYLA MAJNUN

PROTOCOL UNIT

Theater in TESL is a Bachelor of Education TESL elective subject in which the learning objective of this course is to immerse students in the experience of managing their own theatrical production. This theatrical production had been successfully conducted on Saturday, 19^th February 2011 with a mesmerizing performance entitled ‘Layla Majnun’. One of the most important departments established to help make the play a success, was the Protocol Unit which comprised 12 members altogether.

In the first week, the protocol team had started our duty by taking attendance for every rehearsal. However, I had decided to collaborate with Othello’s protocol team. Most of the meetings were held in the girl’s hostel and anything that regarded to protocol policies, were refered to Major Hadzrie. I divided the tasks to every protocol members and they performed their respective duties accordingly. We had to prepare the attentive program, produce invitation cards, passes, posters, banners and booklets. One week before the play, we provided each and everyone of the LaylaMajnun crew members their name tags but it seems like there were quite a number of errors in typing the crew’s name and matrix no. Then, protocol was also given the responsibility of finding sponsorship. After our secretary prepared the letter required, we finally obtained sponsorship from two companies that were willing to support the play; K-Link International and Qausar Heritage Trading. Another two persons who also contributed in sponsoring this theater were Harlina Dato’ Hj Ahmad as well as Brig Jen Dato’ Hj Khlir B. Mohd Nor. A very big thank you to certain members of the Layla Majnun crew as well; Shaidatul Nabila, Sivaranjini and Patmasri, for sponsoring chocolate for the VIP’s and mineral water for the rest of the crew. Their kind assistance in making this theater a reality is really appreciated.

Some of my crew had been assigned to take charge in finding transportation and since we were provided two busses to take our crew to the place, it was easier for us to control the crew members and ensure their safety. For all three days of rehearsal in KL, we provided breakfast, lunch and dinner for every crew member. However, not every protocol members were at DBKL as some had been appointed to distribute the invitation card to the lecturers and some went around Kuala Lumpur to deliver invitation cards to the VIP’s. We went to see the Director of DBKL, Director of Istana Budaya, Deputy Director of Management of DBKL and etc. A few days before the play, our crew went to Unisel Shah Alam to collect goody bags for the VIP’s, we cashed the money for sponsorship at Jalan Pudu, and looked for catering at Jalan Ipoh. Basically, the protocol members were required to go out a lot to do their work and so people never really saw their efforts but still, those who did see it appreciated it a lot and it was a great experience though.

The day the theatrical performance took place, was a great event and this was when the protocol team felt the real heat and encounter a bit chaos. Seat arrangement for VIP was the toughest part as not every VIP responded to their invitations. Plus, we were told to consider parking spaces for guest and VIP’s as the Dataran Merdeka was to be closed on Saturday night. Then, some of our VIP’s came earlier and people had started to mingle around the building. We have no boys on our team to help us. Luckily, everyone carried out their duties extremely well. We learnt how to usher and greet people. One of my crew was an MC and obviously, we learnt so many things, encounter good and bad experience along the way.

Fundamentally, protocol unit spent around RM 3821 which comprised food and tent for VIP, breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as muffins and tarts for the crew members, name tags, certificates, invitation cards, passes, banner and booklets.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone especially to the higher committees; Madam Zarihan, Madam Zainon, and Major Hadzrie for their guidance and advice. To my protocol members who have never given-up, and always carried out their duties responsibly, thanks you as well. You made me proud. And to everyone who have made contributions directly or indirectly to make this theater a success, well done.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Nur Shafiqah Mohamad Shukri

Head of Protocol