While many musicals or dance performances in Jakarta tend to be too serious, too Western or maybe “too traditional”, Jakarta Love Riot succeeds in making a light and entertaining show that is somehow grounded in the daily life of the city.
It tells the story of a common phenomenon in Jakarta — a love affair between people from two different social classes — amid violence and riots. The musical succeeds in a superb presentation of music and wardrobe and portrays Jakarta as melting pot of people from different cultural and social backgrounds.
The unique atmosphere of Jakarta is palpable as Jakarta Love Riot was staged in conjunction with the city’s 483rd anniversary. A number of television personalities such as Sarah Sechan, Bayu Oktara, Uli Herdinansyah, Arie Dagienk and Ira Duaty lent their acting talents to the show, which was staged from July 2-4. The play, a production of EKI Dance Company, was presented at the Jakarta Playhouse (GKJ).
EKI Dance Company agreed to stage the show after a personal request from the director of GKJ, Bambang Subekti, who asked the company to contribute something to the anniversary of Jakarta. There was one hitch: The dance company had only three months to prepare.
“Every year we are always eager to hold at least one performance, but requests from clients and other projects have distracted us from making our own production for three years,” said Aiko Senosoenoto, executive producer of EKI.
EKI was founded in 1996 by Aiko Senosoenoto and Rusdy Rukmarata as Eksotika Karmawibhangga Indonesia or the EKI Dance Company for short. What motivated them was the urban phenomena of young people whose self-destructive tendencies typically manifest in drug abuse, vandalism or casual sex.
These young people suffer from an identity crisis and Aiko and Rusdy tried to help them by giving them home away from home. As choreographer, Rusdy started teaching the young people basic body movement. In 1998, Sujiwo Tejo joined the company and added drama and vocal training to the program. Using performing arts as method, the troubled kids could be healed emotionally and physically.
The program gave the kids a sense of direction. Some of them are now professional artists — mostly dancers — and others have become actors and musicians.
The idea for Jakarta Love Riot was inspired by one of the dancer’s personal experiences, Aiko said.
The play opened with a screening of video depicting Jakarta at its most boring and monotonous, people going in and out of office buildings. The story then shifted to a teenage romance — between Nala, played by Felicia Citraningtyas, and Toto, played by Ari Prajanegara. Nala comes from a wealthy and well-respected family while Toto comes from a poor family. Toto is the son of a street vendor in a bus stop in Manggarai, South Jakarta.
It should have been a naïve and honest love story but material wealth trumps their feelings. Friends and family on both sides disapprove of their relationship and conflict ensues.
“What is most enjoyable about the play is the drama. There is always drama involved in a love story.
How cute these teenagers look when they are dating, although this is unacceptable by their families. EKI manages to deliver its message in a humorous way. Humor is one of the best ways to deliver a message to people,” cast member Sarah said.
Sarah is spot-on in her observation. The drama is fresh and full of light humor, including a swipe at local celebrities who are currently embroiled in scandal.
Sarah and other actors did not confine themselves to acting in the show. They also sing and dance, despite a lack of experience.
“This is the first time I have ever danced and sang on stage. It’s difficult. I have to do a lot of catching up during the rehearsal. I play a transvestite and it has been a challenging role. It isn’t a stereotypical transgendered role, you know, he’s a gay,” said Arie Dagienk.
These actors are adroit in acting, singing, and dancing. Their dancing blends nicely with that of EKI’s professional dancers. Although these celebrities don’t do pirouettes or splits like the pros, they made scores of beautiful moves.
Music was also an inseparable part of the show. The opening video montage had an electro-pop soundtrack composed by by Oni Krisnerwinto, the show’s music director. All the background music for Jakarta Love Riot — electronic, pop, and even dangdut — blend in seamlessly and reflect the city’s diversity.
Great music was followed by great wardrobe. The performers wore stylish outfits adopting current trends such as tops with statement shoulders, lacy material, colorful leggings and many other stylish items.
Samuel Wattimena, the noted Indonesian designer, created a look that matches Jakarta’s style.
“It was not an easy undertaking, combining all those elements into a performance that would please audiences. The biggest problem for Jakarta Love Riot was to make the performance young and fresh since the story revolves around the life of teenagers,” Rudy said.
“When a performance is made with all the heart and full dedication, it will give something meaningful for the audiences,” he added.
Executive producer Aiko Senosoenoto said that a week before the performance all tickets were sold out and the wait list was full.
Aiko said the play had one moral lesson: “Open up your heart and respect the differences in our society.”
