Things To Do

arts

It is difficult to avoid the myths about women’s beauty perpetuated by the cosmetics industry. Indonesian women are constantly reminded of the importance of straight hair and white skin. Some beauticians are rejecting cultural misconceptions by supporting concepts that endorse reality. These “pioneers” including Tatang BSp, AS Kurnia, Wayan Suja and Gede Puja, who will showcase their works in an exhibition called “Mitos Kecantikan” (Beauty Myths) at the Green Artspace between Oct. 1 and Oct. 29 on Jl. Abdul Majid Raya No. 46 A, South Cipete, Jakarta. Ph: 021-7692778.

 piano gig

It takes tremendous dexterity for an artist to win the “Queen of Toy Piano” title. A consummate piano player, American artist Margaret Tan Hee Leng could have easily made her name on the music scene by playing classic piano, but instead she chose the toy piano, despite the instrument’s limitations. Tan has collaborated with big names on the avant-garde scene, including Michael Nyman and John Cage. Tan worked with Cage during the last 11 years of his life, earning her the reputation of Cage’s most authoritative interpreter. Tan is slated to perform on Oct. 5 as part of the month-long Salihara Festival.  Tickets are available at the box office, or log on to salihara.org. Doors open at 8 p.m.

movies

The documentary Das Herz Von Jenin follows the story of Ismael Khatib, a Palestinian whose son Ahmed fell into a coma and died after being shot by an Isreali soldier. Rather than seeking vengeance on the Israeli authorities, Ismael decided to donate his son’s organs to desperately ill Israeli children. This heart-wrenching yet liberating film records Ismael’s journey to visit organ recipients. German cultural center Goethe Haus plans to screen the film on Oct. 5 as part of the regular screenDocs! program. Screening starts at 6:30 p.m., but will be preceded by a local documentary titled The First Step, directed by Aryo Danusiri.

festival

The Taman Ismail Marzuki Art Center in Cikini is holding the Indonesian Art Summit 2010 throughout October. The festival has been held once every three years since 1995. Programs scheduled on Oct. 5 include a dance performance entitled Madonna! My Darling, staged by South Korean choreographer Park Hyun -ok and a musical performance by Balinese composer I Made Arnawa. A play by Satu Lampung Theater entitled Kisah-Kisah yang Mengingatkan (Stories to Remind Us) will run on Oct. 8-9. The Sporen dance performance by Dutch dance outfit Leina Roebana will play on Oct. 15-16. The festival will close with a musical performance by the Talea Ensemble from the US on Oct. 20-21. Tickets are available at the box office, or for more information log on to: www.tamanismailmarzuki.com