Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB), in collaboration with Relentless Entertainment and Academy of Performing Arts, will feature a musical titled ‘The InfluencHER’ from August 4 to 6 and from August 11 to 13.
The musical shows will be held at the Jerudong International School Arts Centre Theatre. A part of the proceeds will be given to charity.
Inspired by the books and movie Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella, the ‘InfluencHER’ Musical show will involve 30 cast members.
In a press conference on Thursday, Corporate Communication of BDCB Senior Manager Nur Syukrina binti Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Roselan shared that the musical is organised in conjunction with the National Savings Day (NSD) 2023.
“The musical production promises to entertain and educate on financial literacy through song and dance,” she said.
The NSD, she explained, “is celebrated every May 28 and it’s in the ninth year since its inauguration in 2015.
“The main objective is to promote a savings culture and prudent money management, enhance financial literacy in the Sultanate and increase awareness of financial products and services in the country.
“Previously, NSD celebration included talks and roadshows to educational institutions and government and non-governmental agencies.
“We also hosted several funfairs for the public. This year we are looking at doing something different to innovate our way to reach a different population segment.
“We are pleased to collaborate with Relentless to show our support to the local creative industry.”
Meanwhile, Amy Cheong of Relentless Entertainment and Academy of Performing Arts shared, “The show centres around Aisha Ali, played by Khalisa Mutalib – an aspiring social media influencer as she navigates love, career and her true love – shopping.
“With an eye for fashion and a passion for spending, will Aisha be able to keep up with her fabulous lifestyle or will her bills catch up to her?”
Khalisa Mutalib shared, “This is my first debut as a main character in a musical. I felt overwhelmed and very appreciative of the opportunity by Amy and Mardi. The support and guidance from Amy, Mardi, vocal teacher, cast mates and people around the studio have helped me to grow as an actress, singer, and performer. “I feel more confident and blessed to have their support.”
On the inspiration for playing the character of Aisha, she said, “I got the inspiration from watching the Confessions of a Shopaholic movie as well as other musical performers like Tracy Turnblad of Hairspray. I also took acting exercises to embody the character.”
Lisa Mutalib started her performance on stage in 2018 in a supporting role in Hairspray by Seeds Brunei. – James Kon
