One for all:  (from left to right) Akbar, Cak Lontong and Arie Kriting are our dynamic trio, settling in Jakarta in the hope of gleaming opportunities.

Komedi Tali Jodo is a tale of love and friendship caught in the middle of the political maelstrom in Jakarta today.

The Indonesia Kita cultural forum opened the season with a lively show titled Komedi Tali Jodo on May 27-28 at the Taman Ismail Marzuki art center in Central Jakarta.

Komedi Tali Jodo took the form of Lenong Betawi — a traditional form of theater performed among the Betawi people of Jakarta. The show triggered no end of laughter as actors slipped in a slew of clever jabs at the political, social and cultural issues that so often graze our national headlines.

Approval: Arie Kriting (left) and Akbar (second left) are face-to-face with Tali and Jodo's mother, played by Maudy Koesnaedi, and uncle, played by Mandra (center).

The curtains opened to expose a backdrop of Jakarta and three silhouettes, the main contenders played by comedians Cak Lontong, Arie Kriting and Akbar. The trio find themselves in Jakarta, searching for better opportunities. Inspired by The Three Musketeers, they incorporate the infamous slogan “all for one and one for all”, promise to make their lives better and to carry the spirit of friendship.

The three best friends encounter two beautiful women, Tali and Jodo, whom they try to impress. The sisters’ mother, played by Maudy Koesnaedi, and uncle, played by renowned comedian Mandra Naih, question the trio’s capability to provide a good life for Tali and Jodo.   

Watching the show, one will see that a successful life in Jakarta is not achieved in an instant. With the capital currently shrouded by political tension and abuse of power, honesty seems to resemble a needle in a haystack of tricks.

Will the comedic trio be tempted by all that the Big Durian has to offer?

Unexpected anecdotes were tastefully laid out by Cak Lontong mixed with an equal amount of humor and occasional slapstick comedy that was anything but excessive by Akbar and Arie Kriting. They nailed their performances, offering a smooth flow to the show even when improvising.

Adding to the fun, stand-up comedian Arie Kriting portrayed a sheepish and unadorned young man that is teased by his friends.

Scapegoat: Cak Lontong finds himself in prison, not knowing the real dirt behind the dark intentions of Miing Bagito.

First pampered with a collection of pantun (poetic quatrains) by Maudy, her animated performance when paired with the soft-spoken ways of Mandra, create an endearing and witty Betawi family.

Satirical figures of authority played by notable comedians such as Miing Bagito, Didin Bagito and Marwoto, appoint comedians Trio GAM to carry out a mission to claim land inhabited by locals — the area where Tali and Jodo run a simple food-stall.

Despite his friends’ concern, Cak Lontong chooses to back the locals and fight. This violent choice leads Mandra and Maudy to choose Akbar and Arie as the more eligible suitors for Tali and Jodo.

Upset, Cak Lontong is lured into a shady business deal offered by Miing and his group.

During those final minutes, a message of hope is delivered by the cast about what it means to stay true and honest to ourselves and our mission in life.

“We are waiting, waiting for the good to come,” Maudy said in her final remarks.  

Renditions of late Betawi artist Benyamin Sueb’s songs were also a highlight of the night, as were the modern dance and music performances presented by Teater Abang None and Jakarta Street Music.

When the curtains closed, this two and a half hour show left the audience wanting more.

Following Komedi Tali Jodo, Indonesia Kita, supported by the Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation, have scheduled three more shows for 2016 with Dua Tanda Cinta — a keroncong musical, La Galigo, and Jejak dan Warisan Para Maestro.

Cemara Dinda is an intern at The Jakarta Post.

— Photos by JP/Cemara Dinda

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