Questioning the “Y” in “Y Sebuah Muzikal”

Have you ever wondered why some names of plays or movies are so weird?

Some of these titles don’t add up to the story being told.  Is it going to be the same for Y Sebuah Muzikal or not? Let’s find out.

Y Sebuah Muzikal starts with a convocation in a university and a fresh graduate named Haikal.

Instead of going out of town to work or continuing his studies abroad, Haikal decides to return to his hometown. Going back home wasn’t as pleasing due the fact that a majority of people left in his hometown were the ones that have grown old.

During a “Persatuan Gerak Belia” meeting, it was decided that someone new and capable was needed to take over the group. However, there was only Haikal and a few other young folks.

In the end Haikal was chosen, but committee member Pak Jahim decided that the age limit should be increased. Haikal disagrees to Pak Jahim’s decision and this is where the story really begins.

Before Y Sebuah Muzikal was launched, it had another name. But the name wasn’t catchy enough, so “Y” was set to be its temporary title but it stuck. Guess what we later found out about the name?

The title was kept because it is based on the Y generation, your “Generation Y”. It was also to make the younger generation – with the title as such – come watch the musical. Brilliantly played.

If this play is done for Gen-Y, who love reality TV more than history, would it still attract the attention show organisers were expecting? Not if generation Y found out all about it first.

It is said that Y Sebuah Muzikal is almost similar to teen-oriented television musicals High School Musical and Glee. Despite that though, it looks like Y Sebuah Muzikal isn’t really keeping up with these comparisons.

No offence, but why compete with million-dollar shows instead of building a better (read: your own) story?

Y Sebuah Muzikal was also said to create awareness about the country and build patriotism among the Ys. That is a noble plan, but will the population fall for that title, which most probably isn’t as attractive as the organisers think it is? Will it be a motivation for the Ys to watch the show, or will they see it as a travesty?

The name of the musical doesn’t quite match the story which will be played on stage.

A better title would have caught much more attention instead; now it’s being questioned by many. Although it’s debatable, not everyone will decide to watch it solely based on that fact.

I am still asking myself, why “Y”?

---

* Y Sebuah Muzikal will run from August 22 to 30 at Panggung Sari, Istana Budaya. All shows start at 8:30pm. Starring are Fathia Latiff, Aiman Hakim Redza and Sarah Hildebrand.