EKI tackles new theme with 'China Moon'<\/p>\n
Yusuf Susilo Hartono, Contributor, Jakarta<\/p>\n
After its success exploring the most sensual of man's senses in
\nlast year's Gallery of Kisses, the Eksotika Karmawibhangga
\nIndonesia (EKI) dance company is returning to the stage
\nwith the Chinese-themed show The 3rd Urban Ritual China Moon.<\/p>\n
The show, which will be staged from March 6 to March 8 at the
\nGoetheHaus in Menteng, Central Jakarta, marks the group's first
\nexploration of this theme.<\/p>\n
"We have wanted to stage a Chinese-themed show for a long
\ntime. But non-Chinese themes always come first. Now we feel
\nready, though previously we felt awkward because many of us are
\nChinese-Indonesians," EKI choreographer and director Rusdy
\nRukmarata, a graduate of the London Contemporary School, said
\nwhile preparing the show.<\/p>\n
The performance explores a key phrase among Chinese-
\nIndonesians: "I am not Chinese".<\/p>\n
China Moon is a composite of dance, song and acting centered
\naround a married couple, Wei Wei and Ce Cien. The wife is a
\ntailor while her husband does not have a steady job, spending
\nmost of his time at home taking care of his Lou Han fish, which
\nhe believes will bring him kang tau (fortune).<\/p>\n
Wei Wei calls himself "not Chinese" because he is poor. It is
\nthis perception that is at the center of the 90-minute
\nperformance. It also tells of Wei Wei's son, who mingles with
\nhoodlums, their housekeeper, who plays a dominant role in the
\nhouse, memories of love and being terrorized by "street singers"
\n-- six saxophonists.<\/p>\n
With jazz in the background, Betawi-style comedic scenes and
\nballet dancing with a touch of Betawi and Banyuwangi give the
\nshow its enchantment.<\/p>\n
Created by Rusdi, the show requires the EKI dancers --
\nincluding Takako Leen, Lilis, Kojack, Hendy Leonathan and Gede --
\nto work hard because of the different styles of dances.<\/p>\n
Overall, the show, with Firman Ichsan and Iskandar K. Loedin
\nas artistic directors, and Oni Krisnerwinto and his group
\nHyperzax providing the music, is entertaining.<\/p>\n
Takako, as expected, delivers a stunning performance, but
\nLilis also deserves credit for her excellent acting as Ce Cien.<\/p>\n
EKI dance company president director Aiko Senosoenoto said the
\nshow was scheduled to be staged in Singapore next year, with
\ndialog in English. The group is also planning another Chinese-
\nthemed show, Dragon in Waiting: May Passion, Pride and Poison,
\nfor next year.<\/p>\n
China Moon, however, is missing one thing, the fact that some
\nChinese-Indonesian say, "I'm not Chinese but I am a Chinese-
\nIndonesian who wants to preserve Chinese traditions here". For
\nthese people, Chinese culture is their identity.<\/p>\n
One such person, soothsayer The Eng Tjai, or Suhu Acai as he
\nis better known, the head of the Lestari Kebudayaan Tionghoa
\nIndonesia Foundation, works hard to revitalize Chinese culture in
\nIndonesia.<\/p>\n
He said efforts to revitalize Chinese culture here would help
\nthe ethnic Chinese enrich the country's culture. One of the
\nfoundation's programs is the planned construction of the Dragon
\nMuseum in West Java. The museum would be based along the same
\nlines as Taman Mini in East Jakarta, showcasing traditional
\nChinese architecture and crafts.<\/p>\n
The 3rd Urban Ritual China Moon; GoetheHaus; Jl. Sam Ratulangi No.
\n9-15, Central Jakarta; For further information tel. 021-23550208.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/eki-tackles-new-theme-with-china-moon-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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