An act of courage, a show of leadership

Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Aung San Suu Kyi – these freedom fighters and human rights defenders are an inspiration to actor Mano Maniam.

In them he sees courage, selflessness, integrity and leadership – and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit.

“They are my muses when I try to personify the human spirit – the strength of character and the self-confidence in their belief for a better world for their fellow human beings. Their fervour and passion for the greater good of their people – in the struggle for justice, democracy and human rights – they inspire me,” said the Malaysian actor, who will stage a solo performance titled Freedom at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, UK, on 10 December 2008, which is International Human Rights Day.

Freedom will debut at a multicultural celebration organised by the Secretariat to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“Freedom is a blend of mime and monologue that captures the salient moments of different journeys towards freedom that key individuals have taken in the past six decades. It explores their quests for the same ideals of freedom – from racism, prejudice, discrimination, tyranny, torment, torture; freedom from fear, from want; freedom to lead a decent life,” said Mr Maniam.

“Issues of colour, caste, class, culture – and how they have clashed and crushed the lives of many people – these are the issues that King, Gandhi, Mandela and Suu Kyi have been championing through the ages ­in their quests for justice, equality and respect for humanity. They strove hard to end the persecution of those with opposing views and the segregation of peoples of different races and ethnicities – particularly minorities – that have led to domination by one individual over another or by one community over another. These leaders called for respect for the individual and the diversity of the human race. Because in essence, it is the character of a person that is most important, not the colour of their skin, their eyes, their hair but the purity of their soul, the generosity of their spirit, the integrity of their being, the strength of their convictions and the warmth of their emotions,” explained Mr Maniam.

Freedom portrays the aspirations of the individual to be free from the shackles that inhibit progress. It examines the human condition – the incarceration of the body but the freedom of the spirit; the weakness of the physical being but the strength of character – in standing up for values and principles that they hold dear.

“We all share a dream of living in a world of freedom and equality, where our rights as human beings are respected, where we can all live in harmony – many peoples, but one humanity, one big community. This is what the Commonwealth stands for and what it advocates ­– peaceful co-existence so that all of us can grow and prosper together in a climate of stability and security in our global village,” said Mr Maniam.

“I am very pleased to be involved in the commemoration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – it has been in existence for 60 years, but many people have yet to be free to enjoy their basic rights. On 10 December, I dedicate my performance to the people who have struggled for freedom and human rights, and to those who had given up their lives so that others could be free.”

Mr Maniam has performed in Shakespearean plays such as Macbeth, Othello, Julius Caesar, King Lear, Tempest and Twelfth Night and his musical appearances include King and I, Camelot, Sound of Music, Showboat, Alice in Wonderland and Fantastiks. The actor-director has staged plays by Henrik Ibsen, Anton Chekov, Jean-Paul Sartre and Peter Shaffer.

Key Links:

• Human Rights