R

enowned theater group Teater Koma is set to perform Republik Cangik (Cangik'€™s Republic), the fourth act of its Republik series, at Gedung Kesenian Jakarta playhouse on Nov. 13-22.

The troupe previously staged Republik Bagong, Republik Togog and Republik Petruk '€” each referring to Javanese clown-servant characters Bagong, Togog and Petruk. Republik Cangik centers on the clown-servant Cangik.

The group'€™s director and scriptwriter, Nano Riantiarno, said each play highlighted social and political issues.

'€œIn Republik Bagong, we talked about [the late former president] Abdurrahman '€˜Gus Dur'€™ Wahid and how he was left alone in the political arena. Republik Petruk centered on the hypocrisy of our politicians and Togog highlighted our paranoia toward everything that is foreign,'€ he said.

With Cangik as the only female clown-servant out of the four, the play, Teater Koma'€™s 136th production, centers on feminism.

'€œThe main character, Cangik, is a female and through this we want to encourage women to speak up more on political and social issues,'€ said Nano during a press conference at Galeri Indonesia Kaya at Grand Indonesia shopping mall, Central Jakarta.

'€œRecent political developments have also suggested that women have been given bigger roles in society. At least eight women were appointed to the latest Cabinet, the most in our history.'€

Republik Cangik tells the story of the land of Suranesia, which has become leaderless after the death of its king, Maharaja Surasena. Cangik, a clown-servant from the Mandura Kingdom, is tasked with choosing Suranesia'€™s next leader.

She has to choose from six candidates '€” all of them believe they have what it takes to lead Suranesia.

Using a mythical amulet left by Suranesia'€™s late king, Cangik summons legendary figures from Javanese puppet show mythology to assist her in choosing the new king.

These figures are senior clown-servant Semar, devil queen Betari Permoni, the ambassador of the Gods Betara Narada, warrior king Raden Gatotkaca, Kurawa representative Raden Lesmono and Riri Patri, princess of the Kediri Kingdom.

'€œIn this production, we also want the audience to think about what would happen if the responsibility of choosing a leader fell into the hands of a clown-servant? Would it be a disaster or a blessing? This is a question for all of us,'€ Nano says.

Republik Cangik'€™s script was written about five months ago and Nano hoped the audience could find a connection between the play and current political conditions.

'€œOur country held a presidential election this year and I wanted to interpret this event in the Javanese puppet doll realm.'€

Republik Cangik, which is supported by the Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation, features Teater Koma'€™s veteran actors and actresses, such as Rita Matu Mona, Budi Ros, Subarkah Hadisarjana and Anneke Sihombing, as well as young actors and actresses.

The actors will perform songs based on a musical score composed by composer Idrus Madani and arranged by Fero A. Stefanus. Dance numbers were choreographed Elly Luthan.