When we asked Melissa Aslam, a producer for 4 years at the Music & Drama Company (MDC) about the scope that her job entails, she paused, having to ponder how she can best compact her multi-faceted role in a succinct manner.
Not only does the team of producers and her serve as the bridge between clients and her internal stakeholders, they also oversee large-scale events such as the MINDEF National Day Observance Ceremony, BMTC Recruits’ Night, international delegate welcome dinners, National Day related events and many more.
We speak to this resilient go-getter to better understand the demands of her job as well as the inspirations that have steered her creative output.
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree
In simpler times not too long ago, without digital devices, people had to be more creative about how they spent their time. “To fill my afternoons as a child, my grandmother and I would watch ballet on TV, read books and even roleplay as characters from storybooks!” Melissa shares, fondly recalling her childhood.
Her grandmother was her creative muse and greatest supporter. “We created props and costumes from whatever we could find at home. We even recorded our voices on her cassette tape recorder for the shows that we staged at home. I would act as the star and my grandmother was my director!” she reminisces.
When they were not indulging their creative endeavours, Melissa would be listening intently as her grandmother narrated anecdotes, which included a vivid illustration of a very different Singapore. “My grandmother was a wartime survivor, having witnessed both the British and Japanese occupation of our little red dot. Just imagine the captivating stories that she had!” she recalls.
While she did not know it then, Melissa’s time with her grandmother would play a pivotal role in shaping her future ventures. “In school, I joined the music club, art club, band; I participated in all of them! By the time I sat for my O-Levels, I already knew I wanted to pursue studies in the performing arts,” she shares.
Years later, her pursuits have led her to many interesting ventures, not least of which being her current role as a producer at MDC.
Telling stories that are otherwise left untold
Prior to her time at MDC, Melissa had the privilege of imparting her wisdom to young learners at the Institute of Technical Education and Republic Polytechnic as an arts lecturer. “My four years as an educator remain one of the best periods of my life,” she reflects. As passionate as she was about teaching, Melissa did not expect to learn so much from her students. “I remember guiding some of my final-year students through a multi-sensory production that was inspired by the voices of our differently abled communities, be it individuals with autism, sensory sensitivities and many more. We even had the chance to perform it for Rohingya refugees in Malaysia,” she says, describing the experience as “transformative”.
Until today, Melissa still draws inspiration from that project in her work at MDC. When tasked with conceptualising a new show, she would contemplate its thematic functions relative to the experience she wants her audiences to have. “I would ask myself – how can my audience be part of the experience, with their own narratives fitting into the performance? Are there ways we can stretch our narratives to extend beyond the physical limitations of the stage?” she questions, continuing how “fortunate we are to have the freedom to experiment and push boundaries (within reason) at MDC.”
This extends to her interactions with NSmen, whom she works very closely with through her collaborations with MINDEF. “It is so important that we remember that there’s a person behind the badge and uniform,” she reminds, “they are our neighbours, our friends and family members. When narrating their stories, I often remind myself that they, like all Singaporeans, appreciate content that is relatable and close to home.”
Not always smooth-sailing
Melissa’s life has come a long way since being a fresh graduate from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) looking to make her mark in the industry. Starting out as a freelancer, she understood uncertainty as a way of life. “Looking back, I’m not sure how I managed,” she reflected, “it was always nerve-wracking waiting for the next offer.” When opportunities did come her way, Melissa recalled taking on as many shows as possible to cope with the fear of obscurity in the months ahead. Long gone are her freelancing days, but Melissa remains grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have been afforded to her.
Today, as a producer at MDC, Melissa’s learning journey continues. “I’ve come to truly understand that every role, no matter how big or small, is integral to making a production work,” she introspects, detailing how everything is built from the ground up. Together with team mates from MDC, every production starts with multiple brainstorming sessions, before it goes to processes like music production, choreography, costume styling and technical planning before it is even ready to be presented to an audience.
That said, to Melissa, the sweat and tears are always worth it when the audience responds with a roaring ovation – a fitting culmination of her hard work and indomitable drive. “Personally, I find immense joy in seeing three things come together: performers on stage enjoying themselves, the audience having a great time, and the creative and production teams behind it all feeling proud of the work they’ve accomplished,” she says.
The positively chaotic nature of her job has taught her the wisdom of gratitude and self-love.
“It starts with being kind to yourself. If the to-do list can’t be completed today, it’s okay – just pick it up tomorrow. What matters is that you are healthy and are mentally well-prepared to take on the day!”
Read more about the team of talents who work with Melissa Aslam at MDC, including senior sound designer Guo Ningru and senior lead technician Nur Amirah.
Follow MDC socials for the latest updates: Instagram @musicanddramacompany, TikTok @musicanddramacomp, Facebook @musicanddramacompany and YouTube @musicdramacompany
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