Dato Dr Faridah Merican is a highly accomplished and influential figure in the Malaysian
theatre industry. Often referred to as the First Lady of Malaysian Theatre, Faridah has made
significant contributions to the development and growth of theatre in Malaysia. With a
career spanning over several decades, Faridah's early acting credits include iconic plays such as Lela Mayang,Tok Perak, Uda dan Dara,and & Alang Rentak Seribu. These plays not
only showcased her exceptional talent as an actress but also shaped the direction that
Malaysian theatre would take in the following years.
Chief among Faridah's achievements is co-founding The Actors Studio in 1989 alongside her
husband, Joe Hasham. This renowned theatre company has played a crucial role in
promoting and nurturing local talents, as well as fostering the growth of the Malaysian
theatre scene. Despite the many challenges along the way including the devastating flood
that destroyed The Actors Studio complex in 2003, Faridah's determination and passion
have never wavered.
Aside from her impressive acting career, Faridah has also been involved in various other
fields. In the early 1960s, Faridah joined Radio and TV Malaysia, where she honed her skills
in broadcasting. During the same period, she also played a pivotal role in the formative
years of the Malaysian Advertising industry, serving on the board of Ogilvy & Mather for
several years.
Faridah’s many accolades and honorifics include the Ahli Mangku Negara in 1973, the
Darjah Johan Negeri in 2001, the Johan Setia Mahkota in 2004 and the BOH Cameronian
Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2005, Faridah was conferred the ‘Darjah Dato’ Paduka
Tuanku Ja’afar by the Yang Di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan on the occasion of His
Highness’ 83rd Birthday. In 2006, she received an Honorary Master of Letters at University
Sains Malaysia’s 35th Convocation. In 2014, Faridah received the Outstanding Achievement
award under the Arts, Culture and Entertainment category from the Inaugural Malaysian
Women of Excellence Awards. In 2011, she co-founded the Performing Arts Centre of
Penang (penangpac) which operated until 2022.
In 2018, Faridah was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in the Arts by Taylor’s University. She
is currently the Adjunct Professor & Programme Development Director of TUTAS, Malaysia’s first performing arts conservatory degree programme by The Actors Studio and Taylor’s University.
She continues to inspire and make a significant impact on the Malaysian theatre industry.
Негізгі бет Faridah Merican
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