Before launching a hybrid audition, Indonesia Kaya held an online audition from Jan. 14 until Mar.13. It welcomed 250 candidates aged 18 and up with the ability to act, sing, dance and play musical instruments (non-mandatory). From the online process, Indonesia Kaya selected 100 participants to proceed in a hybrid audition in April in Jakarta.

The next stage of the audition process was attended by a panel of judges, which included Indonesia Kaya program director Renitasari Adrian, executive producer Garin Nugroho, TEMAN representative Chriskevin Adefrid and more. It was held under strict health protocols, such as requiring participants to have had at least two vaccine shots of COVID-19, dividing the number of participants at a time and giving antigen swabs to candidates before the audition.

For two days the judges assessed the abilities of each candidate. They were asked to read lines from the script, dance parts of the choreography and sing two of Ismail Marzuki’s compositions. Finally, they selected 29 names to take part in a series of sessions and offline rehearsals in Jakarta.

“For these past few months, we have found so many talented young artists in acting, singing, dancing and music. This production, www.indonesiakaya.co and BOOW Live, is giving the opportunity for the younger generation to continue showcasing their work and abilities in the world of performing arts. I hope the search for “Maing” and “Djoewita” will give birth to new stars as part of our mission in regenerating stage performers,” said Garin Nugroho.

The young actors starring in Mentjari Bang Maing & Djoewita are Ajeng Dwi Nur Apriliasih, Aldafi Adnan Hutomo, Andhika Firman Agung, Bayu Ageng Reswandha, Bayu Agustian, Bima Zeno Pooroe, Claudya Christina, Daniel Immanuel Ongkowidjojo, Donny Destiano Hassiddiqie, Fitri Muliati, Galabby Thahira Pahlevi, Gerardo Cristopher Jonathan Tanor, Gina Umayati Dewi, Gusty Pratama, Iman Affandi, Kathrine Permatasari, Kenja Hizkia, Louise Monique, Mohammad “Thulo” Rohmatullah, Mohammed Nabil Harmoun, Ni Made Ayu Raharsini Gurnitha, Nicholas Benito, Nurwulan Laksmi Utami, Putri Indam Kamila, Rahma Sekar Savitri, Reno Krisna, Robertus Darren Radyan, Stephanie Mariska Setiawan and Vicky Achmad.

The musical will also be referencing Seabad Ismail Marzuki: Senandung Melintas Zaman (A Century of Ismail Marzuki: Serenading through the Ages) by Ninok Leksono. “Ismail Marzuki was an artist, composer and a national hero who dedicated his craft to the world of art, especially in music. Breathing life into his story in the form of a musical is both an alternative entertainment and a source of information to music lovers. Throughout the production, I also provided suggestions for the production team, especially in screenwriting. I hope that this series of musicals will bring a wind of change among the younger generation,” said the author.

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