Stonton James and Ken Michael are household names among the Iban community, thanks to their long-running radio show about a fictional village called ‘Tembawai Kanyuk’.
The duo have adapted ‘Tembawai Kanyuk’ into Malaysia’s first-ever Iban language sitcom that will debut during Gawai on TV Sarawak (Astro channel 122) and MYTV.
Directed by actor and comedian Rashid Salleh, ‘Tembawai Kanyuk’ is not your typical comedy series, as it is a “reality television-style” production, set in a longhouse.
“The show has been on the radio for 10 years. We have built up quite a following and have over 70,000 fans on Facebook,” said Stonton.
“People know our voices, but no one knows what the characters look like. Some may be shocked when they finally see us on screen!”
“There are many new elements – it is not just a sound studio and microphones. We are shooting outside. We have to be aware of the surroundings and of our facial expressions,” said Ken.
“Also, the writing style is different.”
Stonton said, unlike radio, filming was hard work, with many days starting at 5am, and ending only after midnight.
Being perfectionists, Stonton, Ken, and Rashid, wanted to ensure that they captured the authentic atmosphere of a longhouse.
“It was stressful at times, but also enjoyable. I certainly have no complaints about the long hours. It is for our benefit,” said Stonton.
The show is now in post-production, after wrapping up its 13-episode, first season.
Rashid, a Melanau, said although primarily in Iban, the show also features actors and crew from several other ethnic groups in Sarawak.
“There is plenty of talent out there, and I feel ‘Tembawai Kanyuk’ can help revolutionise local television the way ‘Kopitiam’ did, 20-odd years ago,” said Rashid, a cast member of the ground-breaking sitcom.
“Although nearly everyone involved in this project has no television experience, once they knew how to write for television, we had 13 scripts in three weeks.
“I am a little nervous, but confident that we can get the numbers in. For one of our behind-the-scenes clips, we received more than 100,000 views.”
Asked if there were plans for more seasons, Rashid said: “Let’s see how the first season goes.
“We hope this show will open doors to more Sarawakian talents. It is not like a normal local sitcom, and we do not know how it will be received.”
Tembawai Kanyuk
Directed by: Rashid Salleh and Chai Koh Khai
Produced by: The Scope
Starring:
Stonton James as Mujap
Ken Michael as Bunyau
Jed Mallin as Jaboh
Edwin Nanggah as Penghulu Sating
Mereni Liben as Tuai Rumah
Giddell Ginsit as Apak
Joseph Dresa as Kapitan Kin Chong
