Krishen Jit (1939-2006)

Krishen Jit was a pioneer in shaping the identity of post-colonial theatre in Malaysia.

A founder member of Five Arts Centre, he was one of Southeast Asia’s most influential theatre practitioners. Renowned for his experimental style of theatre and for fusing traditional with contemporary forms, he created works that reflected a fast-changing psyche, particularly in urban contexts. Krishen’s career as a director covered a span of over 35 years, during which he formed valuable creative partnerships with 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 also became very engaged in Singaporean theatre in his later years, particularly with TheatreWorks, Practice Performing Arts, Wild Rice and Action Theatre. Recently, he was nominated posthumously as 'Best Director' for Everything But The Brain at The Straits Times' 6th Life! Theatre Awards. The Action Theatre production was also nominated in four other categories, including 'Production of the Year', 'Best Original Script', 'Best Actor' and 'Best Actress'.

Krishen’s directorial works have also played internationally; among them are Manchester United and the Malay Warrior (Commonwealth Games Cultural Festival, Manchester, 2002), Family (co-directed with Wong Hoy Cheong, Festival der Geister, Berlin, 1999), Emily of Emerald Hill, (Hong Kong Fringe Festival, 2000, Melbourne Arts Festival, 2002), US: Actions and Images (5th International Experimental Theatre Festival, Cairo, 1993), Nagraland, (toured five cities in Japan and Hong Kong, 1992), Three Children, (co-directed with Ong Keng Sen, toured two cities in Japan, 1991), and Matinya Seorang Pahlawan (1st Third World Theatre Conference and Festival, Manila, 1972).

In his role as a critic and scholar, Krishen defied the boundaries of language, genre and discipline, making his body of writings an indispensable resource in the structuring and historicising of arts practice in Malaysia and the region. His essays and articles have been published in several publications, including two collections - Membesar Bersama Teater and Krishen Jit: An Uncommon Position.

In 2003, Krishen was honoured with the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' at the inaugural Boh Cameronian Arts Awards in Kuala Lumpur. Two years later, and a week before his passing, Krishen received the 'Best Director' award at the 3rd Boh Cameronian Arts Awards.