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Good reasons to catch 'Semar Gugat'
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Semar Gugat is staged at Gedung Kesenian Jakarta on Thursday. People who enjoyed the show over 20 years ago can expect a similar experience as many of the original production crew and cast has returned for the revival.
(Teater Koma/-)
R
enowned theater troupe Teater Koma is reviving the story of Semar Gugat (Semar Accuses), which criticizes social realities in Indonesia, at Gedung Kesenian Jakarta on March 3-10.
The three-hour play was first staged in 1995 at Taman Ismail Marzuki arts center in Central Jakarta for two weeks, for which the troupe's director and scriptwriter Nano Riantiarno received the Southeast Asian Writers award three years later.
Here are several reasons why you should consider catching a performance.
The story is still relevant
Semar Gugat tells the story of the uproar that occurs in the kingdom of Amarta as protagonist Semar seeks revenge on Arjuna, who cuts off a tuft of Semar's hair and presents it as a wedding gift to Srikandi, an act that brings great dishonor to Semar and his family. Although Srikandi is said to have asked for the gift, it is actually a ploy by Betari Permoni so that she can posses Srikandi's body and spend her nights with Arjuna.
Meanwhile, under Arjuna's rule, the people of Amarta live miserably. Semar, who represents the common people, challenges the powers that be.
Written over 20 years ago, Semar Gugat is loaded with sociopolitical critiques; not only from the story and characters, but also from the dialogue and costumes. Performed today, it is still entertaining as the jokes are still relevant, using current lingo and political conditions in Indonesia as the material.
Similar production crew and cast
Audiences who have enjoyed the show over 20 years ago can expect a similar experience as many of the original production crew and cast has returned for the revival.
In addition to Nano Riantiarno returning as scriptwriter and director, Sentot S., Ratna Riantiarno, Idrus Madani and Fero A. Stefanus also make a comeback as choreographer, production head, music composer and music arranger, respectively.
As for the actors, those returning are Budi Ros (Semar), Dorias Pribadi (Bagong), Daisy Lantang (Arjuna), Emanuel Handoyo (Gareng), Raheli Dharmawan (Sadewa/Balaupata), Asmin Timbil (Nakula/Cingkarabala) and Toni Tokim (Bima).
Spectacular stage and costumes
The Beauty and the Beast-like backdrop during Arjuna and Srikandi’s wedding and large, shiny coconut trees as the gates to heaven, are among the spectacular attributes audiences can expect to view from their seat during the show. The show is also not limited to the stage; as when Bagong tries to run from Balaupata and Cingkarabala, he can be seen running from one side of the stage, up to the seating area.
The actors’ costumes, designed by Rima Ananda Omar, are equally gorgeous. Betari Permoni’s costume, for instance, is decorated with sequins. She also has amazing bloody-red messy hair with a horn on her forehead.
Semar Gugat runs from March 3 until March 10 at Gedung Kesenian Jakarta. Weekday shows start at 6:30 p.m. (kes)
