Amid the current complexities of intricate legal, banking and leadership issues in the country, a wayang orang troupe will perform the story, Kalimasada Murca (Petruk Jadi Ratu, or Petruk Becomes the King).
The performance, which will take place on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at the Gedung Kesenian Jakarta by the Wayang Orang Bharata Foundation.
The story centers around deceit and disguise, not unlike real life. Petruk, a clown character usually serving a master in a wayang orang performance, betrays his master's trust to become "king".
The story's moral focuses on leadership. It communicates that a leader should understand the nation's challenges and uphold their country.
In the wayang orang, the dalang (narrator and troupe leader) provides a suluk (prelude) to the story before the performers act out the story through dance and song.
Murca will involve 60 players, consisting of professional and amateur Bharata dancers, including from the younger generation interested in preserving Indonesian culture.
The Bharata Foundation was established on June 30 this year after prominent socialites gave it a funding boost.
Not only did these figures improve the premises of the Bharata Theater, they are taking part in the play at Gedung Kesenian, Jakarta.
The prominent figures include businessman Wiwoho Basuki; antismoking and cultural activist Tuti Roosdiono; noted contemporary artist Astari; well-known interior designer Ted Sulisto and fashion model Enny Sukamto, among others.
They are keen to preserve, develop and spread the wisdom that the wayang orang narrative communicates.
"We want to uphold wayang orang," Wiwoho said, who considers the story's moral pertinent to help society function well.
The plot begins when Mustakaweni, the wayang's master spy, plots to steal the Kalimasada, a document revealing the secret of the Pandawa brother's (the sons of King Pandu) force and supernatural powers.
Mustakaweni disguises herself as Raden Gatotkaca, but is dismantled by Srikandi, one of Arjuna's wives. Fighting Mustakaweni, Srikandi fails to reclaim the Kalimasada.
Help comes from Priyambada, her stepson, who succeeds in rescuing the document but becomes entangled in a fight with Mustakaweni and asks Petruk his servant to keep it. However, Petruk wants to use the document for his own benefit and chaos ensues.
Kalimasada Murca
(Petruk Jadi Ratu, or Petruk Becomes the King).
Gedung Kesenian Jakarta
Jl. Gedung Kesenian No.1
Jakarta 10710 Indonesia
Ticket information:Ayu 081381216883; Cynthia 08179831020, Office 021 25502111.
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