The cast of 'Women of Silk River' (from left) Dawn Cheong, Mien Ly, Prisca Florence Wong and Helena Foo.

SITTING down with Mien LY is like catching up with an old friend – she immediately puts you at ease, makes easy conversation and elaborates on her answers, which always makes a reporter’s job easier.

The 28-year-old filmmaker has directed, written and starred in a few short films, but her role in the upcoming play, Women Of Silk River will be her first time on stage.

“I’m always on the other side (but) I was interested in finding out what its like to act and perform, to understand the psyche of actors,” says Mien, who was due at rehearsal in 30 minutes. “It will help me become a better director.”

The play, which opens tomorrow, is a unique story about the ‘Amahs’ from China, who were maids for rich families in Malaysia long before the influx of Indonesian and Filipino helpers.

The Amahs were the keepers of the household, back in the day. They would carry out household chores and care for the family, and were such a big part of family life that they would have a say in what went on in the household.

“Their stories fascinate me. I like telling women’s stories, and these women were the feminists of their time, a time when women weren’t allowed to work,” says Mien.

For the purpose of research and so that the cast could truly relate to this special group of women, they visited an Amah, who is now 90 years old and is being cared for by the family she served.

Mien Ly

“She showed us her old photos, the clothes she sewed for herself and her very well-maintained ancient sewing machine,” recalls Mien. “Meeting her gave me an idea of how I would shape my character, with elements of her personality.”

“They were a sorority, a sisterhood, they swore off men for life, as man was the symbol of oppression. They became almost like surrogate mothers,” explains Mien.

Somewhat of a feminist herself, Mien has launched a project called Her Story, a website which invites women of all ages to write in with their love stories at herstoryfilmsproject.blogspot.com.

“Many women think their stories aren’t important, aren’t interesting. But everyone has a story, and it’s the diversity of the stories I’m interested in.”

“We will select some of the stories to make into a short film festival,” explains Mien.

Mien also runs training sessions on human rights, gender and sexuality rights, non-racism and video making for communities.

Recently, her documentary Running on refugees in Malaysia was screened in Egypt, Australia and Indonesia.

For the moment, though, she is focussing on the performance and being in the limelight instead of behind-the-scenes.

Women Of Silk River, directed by Kimmy Kiew, will be staged from Feb 4 to 7 at The Actors Studio at Lot 10, Kuala Lumpur. Cast members include Dawn Cheong, Helena Foo, Prisca Wong, Nicole Fuchs and Ben Tan.

Tickets are priced at RM35 (adults), RM28 (seniors) and RM23 (students and the disabled). If you purchase seven tickets in a single receipt you’ll get one free. Call 03-2142 2009/2143 2009 or head to either The Actors Studio or KLpac or any of the Axcess outlets to get your tickets. For more information, visit www.klpac.org or www.axcess.com.my.