ETC. Fest 2025: 'Othman' by Alif Firdaus (Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris & SEGi University)

Othman

A Malaysian tragedy inspired by Shakespeare’s Othello.

Set in 1960s Malaysia, Othman follows a respected Malay police officer whose marriage to De Ling, a Chinese woman, sparks quiet unrest in a town still haunted by racial divisions and historical wounds. As Othman tries to balance love, duty, and loyalty, his closest friend Ishak begins to twist the truth, weaponizing doubt, resentment, and systemic bias.

What begins as celebration spirals into betrayal. Accusations fly. Families fracture. And the kopitiam, once a place of warmth, becomes a battleground for identity, belonging, and power.

Through emotionally charged scenes and intimate monologues, Othman explores the cost of trying to live between two worlds. It asks:

Can love survive the weight of history? Can loyalty exist in a system built on division? And when the line between truth and manipulation blurs. Who do you trust?

A bold reimagining of classical tragedy, Othman blends cultural realism with psychological tension, forcing us to confront the uncomfortable truths that still echo today.

This production contains strong language, racial tension, emotional conflict, and depictions of systemic bias and discrimination.

Viewer discretion is advised.
Recommended for mature audiences.