MULTI-talented actor, writer, theatre director, and filmmaker Gavin Yap is stepping out from behind the camera and onto the stage for his first-ever one-man show, 'Fork It'.
This comedic and heartfelt performance will take place at Bobo KL, Jalan Bangkung, Bukit Bandaraya, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur at 8.30pm on Nov 30 and 5pm on Dec 1.
In a recent interview, Yap said that 'Fork It' was a hilarious and heartwarming rollercoaster ride through his personal story, where each story and memory was inspired by a different milestone food dish.
From childhood cravings to adult indulgences to questionable career paths, Yap uses food to explore the uniqueness of growing up in Malaysia, as well as the oddly personal relationship Malaysians share with food culture.
He said: "So much of my relationship with myself as a person and ultimately, a Malaysian is connected to food. It connects the dots from me not responding to the food when I first moved here as a child to it now being an indispensable part of my life and who I am as a person.
"The show is a chance to share these stories in a way that's both funny and relatable, reminding us all that the greatest meals are often served with a side of laughter and nostalgia."
BOBO KL
Yap said: "I have always wanted to do a show in Bobo KL, or at least I always thought it would be cool to perform there.
"I love Bobo as a venue, it's got a great vibe —laid back and intimate but classy at the same time.
"The moment you walk in there, you just know you're in for a good night.
So when my co-writer Honey and I started seriously talking about doing this, Bobo was the only place I considered."
SEAN GHAZI
Yap and Bobo founder Sean Ghazi have been involved in the same productions before, performing with the Instant Cafe Theatre Company and an animated pilot years ago but they have never performed together on a large scale or closely collaborated with each other.
"But we've talked about it many times. I'm a big fan of Sean, I think he's great, and I would love to work with him on something."
Yap said that 'Fork It' was, as the title suggested, a collection of stories and memories from his experiences, but each story was inspired by food.
"So I use food to explore ideas and themes such as identity, family and childhood and to delve into the hilarious absurdity of it all.
"In writing this show, Honey and I discovered that some of the things I've been through are pretty insane and could be connected quite seamlessly to a certain food that was important to me and that really excited us.
"And because I'm mixed (race), my taste is food is equally a mixed bag, which provides very fertile ground to talk about.
"So audiences can expect a wide range of stories and anecdotes, both funny and heart-warming, and relatable."
NERVOUS
Yap said that he was definitely nervous while awaiting his debut one-man show.
"I think it's good to be a bit nervous. I'd be nervous if I wasn't nervous."
Yap is happy to have his show in December, the holiday season of the year.
Furthermore, it is Christmas — his favourite time of the year.
"It really came down to scheduling, trying to figure out a decent timeline to complete the development and writing and making sure I had enough time to rehearse the material, and there was also Bobo's schedule to take into consideration as well.
"It wasn't because of the Christmas season — the reasons were purely practical.
"But having it near Christmas is cool."
ROAD
Yap would love to take 'Fork It' on the road later.
"But for right now, I'm just focusing on getting this first show right."
Come January, Yap will be heading to Singapore for a TV shoot and he will be acting in a restating of 'Someone Who'll Watch Over Me' in August.
"I'll also be directing my next feature later in the year."
As an actor, Yap has graced the stage and screen in numerous productions, including 'The Fifth Floor', 'The Bridge', 'Lion Mums Season 3', 'Invisible Stories', 'Last Madame: Sisters Of The Night', and most recently, the second season of 'Spy'.
Beyond acting, Yap has established himself as a successful writer, theatre director, and filmmaker.
His feature film directorial debut, 'Take Me To Dinner', captivated audiences in 2014.
JOGJAKARTA
He has received critical acclaim for his short films, winning the prestigious Blencong Award at the Jogjakarta International Film Festival for 'The Incredibly Strange Tale Of The Man Who Lost His Love But Bought It Back With A Packet Of Duck Rice'.
Yap's collaboration with Singaporean filmmaker Glen Goei on 'Revenge Of The Pontianak' garnered further international recognition.
His latest directorial effort, 'Geng Kubur', premiered at the Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival and found its home on Netflix SEA after its theatrical release in Malaysia.