Teater Koma presents Durrenmatt's 'The Visit' at TIM

The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Sun, 01/21/2007 3:28 PM

A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Teater Koma, one of the leading theater groups in the country, is presenting Kunjungan Cinta (The Visit) at Graha Bhakti Budaya, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Central Jakarta, from Jan. 12 through 28. The independent, not-for-profit drama group celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

The play is an adaptation of Der Besuch der alten Dame by acclaimed Swiss-born playwright Friedrich Durrenmatt by Teater Koma's director, senior poet and playwright Nano Riantiarno.

""The story is very relevant to our situation today. It could be related to our huge foreign debt, which could badly influence our life, our local wisdom,"" Nano told The Jakarta Post during a backstage interview prior to Thursday's performance.

The play, which was written in 1956, tells about multimillionaire philanthropist Klara Zakanasian (played by Nano's wife, actress Ratna Riantiarno) who returns to her hometown of Goela.

The residents of Goela ask Klara to help the city, which is drowning in poverty. The woman is willing to give away Rp 1 trillion, but in exchange she demands the death of her former lover Ilak Alipredi (played by noted actor and comedian Butet Kartaredjasa).

""As an artist, I just wanted to express my concern regarding the debt problem. I do not suggest that we should reject the debt, but I hope that the country's leaders can settle the problem with dignity,"" Nano said.

With the support of several major international and national corporations, including Honda, Canon, Djarum Super and cosmetics giants Shiseido and Martha Tilaar's PAC, as well as private donors, the costumes and set have been designed to reflect the 1950s.

The stage is split into three: a luxury house on the right and a slum on the left, between which a railroad track runs in center stage, symbolizing the gap between rich and poor.

Unlike previous productions, Teater Koma fans will not find the improvised comedy and spontaneous humor for which the group is known, as Nano has asked all his players to stick to the script.

""It's a serious play. You may not laugh, but you will be enlightened,"" said the 58-year-old director.

Nano has especially reined-in Butet, who is known for his comic timing and improvisation.

Nano lauded Butet as ""the best actor in the country, based on (his recent performance in) the monologue, Matinya Toekang Kritik (Death of a critic), and in this play"".

Since its founding in 1977, Teater Koma has staged at least 110 productions, including plays by theater greats, such as Bertolt Brecht, Aristophanes, William Shakespeare and George Orwell.

The theater group is highly regarded in the country for its use of art as sociopolitical commentary, as well as in its educational efforts in developing arts appreciation.

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