Trilling flight of Persian poetry

Which bodes well for Johan Othman, musical director for the operatic performance of The Conference Of The Birds for, though he is very well spoken, his language of choice is music.

“Always,” says the 40-year-old head of the Music Department at USM’s School of Arts.

The Conference Of The Birds has often been misbilled as an opera. It’s better described as a more refined version of musical theatre.

“The Conference has been three years in the making,” says Johan, who composed the score.

The production involves a multinational collaboration between librettist William Radice of the School of Oriental and African Studies, London, director Chee Sek Thim of Five Arts Centre Kuala Lumpur and Johan of Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Growing up in Kuala Lumpur, Johan was always musically inclined, writing songs for plays and singing in musicals for his family and friends from young.

He opted to study music and composition at The Conservatory of Music, Oberlin College Ohio and then moved on to Yale University to do his masters before returning to Malaysia, working with USM since 1999.

Johan’s body of work includes a number of compositions for the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra including Topeng II and the musical theatre performances Reunion and Oh, Brickfields which saw good runs in KL.

Internationally, he has written compositions for the Cleveland Chamber Orchestra and the Yale Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as The Dancing Mouse, where he again worked with William Radice, writing a composition for soprano and the harp.

Preferring pieces with a high level of spiritual connection and respect for people, his interests are focused on “epic cultural works, deeply rooted in tradition, but applicable to all races and cultures”.

“Art transcends nationality” says Johan. “It belongs to no one.”
The Conference Of The Birds is a perfect example of such a piece.
Withstanding the test of time, this 12th century poem written by Farid ud-Din Attar chronicles a flock of birds on their journey of self-discovery, while in pursuit of a leader.

The upcoming modern-day version, involves a cast of eight “birds” representing the flock. Says Johan: “The birds are concepts, rather than actual birds” which undergo many challenges while searching for a leader.

The poem represents real life, so the birds have distinct character traits that mirror those in all of us. Some birds are cocky and egotistical while others are mellow and kind. Some are flighty and foolish while others are wise. Some give up along the way, while others opt to continue the journey.

The cast involves members with varying degrees of musical experience. For many, this level of theatre involvement is a first. The production team has taken a minimalist approach to the set and costume design — no stage, no feathers.

“The musical score was done entirely electronically and is semi-modern and experimental. This captures the individual personalities of the birds while remaining true to the composer himself.”

The cross-cultural style of music reflects the balance between Johan’s international influences and his Malaysian heritage while staying true to the poem, which was originally written in Persian.

“We are here to tell a story. We must keep it humble,” adds Johan.

The Conference Of The Birds runs Nov 20-22 at Wawasan Open University Penang. For details, contact Mark Teh : 012-2073744