The Story of `Gatutkaca Luweng’

March 30th, 2008 | By Barrie | No Comments »

Following is a synopsis of the Gatutkaca Luweng drama, which the Wayang Wong Bharata performed on Jan. 5, 2008, from 8:30-11:15 p.m. at their home theater:

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The Panji Legends

September 25th, 2007 | By Barrie | No Comments »

The Mahabharata and Ramayana Indian epics are reasonably familiar to literati in the West where they’ve been infrequently performed. The Panji legends, once well-known throughout Southeast Asia, are now foreign outside Java — and to much of the present generation of Indonesians who prefer TV to live theater.

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Indonesians in Focus: Faiza Mardzoeki

August 26th, 2007 | By Barrie | No Comments »

Siti Faiza Hidayati Mardzoeki (Faiza Mardzoeki), 35, sat relaxed on a bench at a small cafe in Central Jakarta. Once in a while, she took a sip from her favorite drink — orange juice. She had just attended a meeting with the crew after concluding the three-day performance of Nyai Ontosoroh, for which she was the scriptwriter.

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Ancient Theater Kept Alive: Jakarta, West Java

June 20th, 2007 | By Barrie | No Comments »

The lights went out inside the Bharata Wayang Orang Theater in Senen, Central Jakarta. The dim sound of the traditional gamelan orchestra gained in intensity, silencing the chatter of the audience. The dark maroon curtain lifted to reveal performers in colorful traditional costumes. The show had begun.

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Jakarta Fair to Go Upmarket: Jakarta, West Java

June 11th, 2007 | By Barrie | No Comments »

Having long been known as a festival for the city’s lower-to-middle class residents, the 2007 Jakarta Fair is reaching out to more upmarket visitors, organizers said. The marketing director for the organizer, PT Jakarta International Expo (JIEXPO), Budi Santoso, said the company had been working hard over the past year to improve the quality of facilities at the event in order to entice more visitors to the month-long shopping and entertainment festival.

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Bogor Cultural Festival: Bogor, West Java

January 30th, 2007 | By Barrie | No Comments »

Sundanese cultural leaders in Sindang Barang heritage village in Pasir Eurih subdistrict, Bogor, will hold the Seren Taun Guru Bumi (annual offering to the earth ceremony) in early February.

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Jazz, Opera and Women’s Puppetry: Jakarta Playhouse, Jakarta

January 17th, 2007 | By Barrie | No Comments »

Jakarta is a place of culture and of that there is no doubt, and, there is always something going on to suit all tastes. One of the great places to see a potpourri of drama, dance and music performances is at the Jakarta Playhouse.

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Fifth Film Banned at Festival: Jakarta, Indonesia

December 16th, 2006 | By Barrie | No Comments »

The whole situation with censorship in Indonesia is just getting out-of-hand. Another film has been sent to the recycling bin albeit verbally. You just can’t go flashing a bit of boob, a cleavage perhaps or any appendage without causing controversy. The same goes for panties, bras, jocks, and, of course the old French kiss. Ho Hum.

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Gusmao Documentary – Jakarta International Film Festival: Jakarta, Indonesia

December 16th, 2006 | By Barrie | No Comments »

In yesterday’s JP there was an excellent article about a documentary, A Hero’s Journey, by East Timorese leader, Xanana Gusmao.

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The Performance of Calon Arang: Indonesia

December 12th, 2006 | By Wombat | 1 Comment »

I noticed on my travels in the archipelago recently there was much emphasis in the media on a production of Calon Arang – a legend of Indonesia and adopted as sacred by the Balinese.
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