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Surakarta prepares Rp 40 billion for Sriwedari restoration
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A performance by human puppet troupe Wayang Orang Sriwedari in Surakarta, Central Java. (JP /Ganug Nugroho Adi)
T
he Surakarta administration in Central Java has prepared Rp 40 billion to revitalize the human puppet troupe Wayang Orang (WO) Sriwedari, including its building, lighting equipment, sound system, musical instruments (gamelan) and management.
Since its establishment in 1922, the Sriwedari building has been restored twice, in 1951 and in 1992. At present, the building is dilapidated and poses safety risks to performers and audiences.
WO Sriwedari is still running regular shows from Monday to Saturday, with tickets sold at Rp 5,000 (38 US cents). On average, the performing art group attracts about 100 audience members on weekdays and 200 on weekends.
Surakarta Mayor FX “Rudy” Rudyatmo said restoration was among efforts to return WO Sriwedari to its heyday in the 1970s to 1980s.
Rudy said the show would employ modernized equipment, for example the stage backdrop would be electronic, not manual. The lighting system would also be digital, he said.
Rudy said wayang orang performances were on par with the Chinese opera, but wayang orang had lagged behind in marketing and stage equipment.
Surakarta Spatial Planning Agency Agus Djoko Witiarso said the restoration would also include the surrounding areas. He said the building would also be open for outside use. (evi)
