Meet the SIAPA Team
SIAPA Theatre Company was founded in 2019 by theatre directors/performers/educators, Helena Foo and Malin Faisal. As a contemporary puppet theatre company that produces performances showcasing the magic of puppetry and object theatre, SIAPA aspires to revive puppetry arts in our local education system and are currently in collaboration with the Ministry of Education as well as CENDANA to bring that to light. Helena and Malin also conduct puppetry classes as well as other theatrical performance workshops with kids of all ages (and adults) to inspire their young minds through the art of storytelling, object theatre and drama.
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SIAPA Theatre also dabbles in other sorts of performance such as scripted and devised stage work, movement/physical theatre and circus arts.
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HELENA FOO
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER OF SIAPA THEATRE
Seasoned theatre practitioner Helena Foo ignited her passion for the stage at the tender age of 18. Graduating from Sunway University College with a Diploma in Performing Arts, she immersed herself in the world of theatre under the guidance of legendary figures such as Jo Kukathas, Bernice & Bernard Chauly, Zahim Al-Bakri, Anne James, Leow Puay Tin, Joe Hasham, and Faridah Merican.
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With over two decades of professional experience, Helena's journey has been marked by significant milestones. In 2007, she served as a Resident Director at Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac) for 3 years, honing her skills and contributing to the vibrant theatre scene of Malaysia. Her talent extended beyond the stage, as she created shows at Sunway Lost World of Tambun and was instrumental in developing the narrative of the Malayana Universe at the theme park.
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Driven by her unwavering love for storytelling and her desire to share the magic of theatre, Helena co-founded SIAPA Theatre. Through this platform, she continues to inspire and empower aspiring performers, fostering a thriving community of passionate individuals.
MALIN FAISAL
PUPPET CREATOR, COSTUME DESIGNER & CO-FOUNDER OF SIAPA THEATRE
Malin is a dynamic artist who seamlessly blends object manipulation, flow arts, and costume design. Her performances, a captivating fusion of puppetry, physical theatre, and flow arts, have graced stages across Malaysia, including IM Entertainment's "The Human Exhibit: Mental Health," Suna Productions' "In A Different Light," and "Fajar & Senja" at Iskarnival, Johor.
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Beyond the spotlight, Malin is passionate about nurturing the next generation of artists. As a co-founder of SIAPA Theatre, she's dedicated to pushing the boundaries of theatre. She shares her expertise through puppet-making workshops, training aspiring puppeteers, and designing stunning costumes for productions like Pan Production's "Rhymba," KLSP's "Othello," and A Hen-Made Tale. She also collaborates with schools, inspiring both teachers and students with memorable prop and puppet-making workshops.
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Malin's goal is to inspire and empower. Whether she's performing, designing, or teaching, she brings a unique energy and creativity to every project.