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Jakarta-based theater group to perform Latin American-inspired play in Bangkok
Jakarta-based performing arts community Empu Sendok Arts Station is gearing up to bring Latin American-inspired play Xalisco, a Place to the Low Fat Art Festival stage in Bangkok.
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Set in Mexico, the play was first performed in Salihara, Jakarta, in 2017. The script has since been updated by dramaturge Rhoda Grauer for the latest installment set to be performed in Bangkok, with a stronger emphasis on its narrative and text. (Shutterstock/File)
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akarta-based performing arts community Empu Sendok Arts Station, also referred to as [ESAS], is set to bring Latin American-inspired play Xalisco, a Place to the Low Fat Art Festival in Bangkok, with performances slated for Feb. 16-17.
“Inspired by Latin American writers, this theater piece brings out imprints from the memory that are universal and familiar with any culture. A son arriving at a town only with the mother’s memory as his guide,” [ESAS] founder Felia Salim said in a statement.
Set in Mexico, the play was first performed in Salihara, Jakarta, in 2017. The script has since been updated by dramaturge Rhoda Grauer for the latest installment set to be performed in Bangkok, with a stronger emphasis on its narrative and text.
While the dialog is still predominantly in English, the upcoming version will include a dedicated scene that will be recited in Spanish, as an ode to the play's Latin American roots.
The production is also set to involve a diverse cast and crew, including from Indonesia, namely Auguste Soesastro as costume designer, Yasmina Zulkarnain as stage manager and Iwan Hutapea as lighting designer.
Directed by Ines Somellera, the play will star Singaporean actors Sharda Maxine and Salif Hardie, as well as feature dancers Norhaizad Adam and Caroline Chin.
Read also: 2018 in review: A year of theatrical experiments
The performance at the festival will take place at Bumroong Vicha School in the Thai capital.
The Low Fat Art Festival, which runs from Feb. 8 to 17, is held within a residential area on the banks of the Thonburi River, an area that has yet to be overly exposed to art scenes. The neighborhood also consists of diverse cultures, including Thai, Chinese, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians.
“Presenting Xalisco, a Placeis an invaluable experience for our festival and also audience to further develop their awareness and knowledge of contemporary performing arts outside across the world and establish new relationships with new art appreciation,” said Wayla Amatathammachad, the Low Fat Art Festival director. (liz/wng)
