Jakarta arts festival makes its return<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Local art enthusiasts will have the chance
\nbetween Aug. 19 and Sept. 9 to see world class performing arts in
\nan international festival they missed last year because of the
\neconomic and security crisis.<\/p>\n
Local and foreign artists will present their best skills at
\nthe Gedung Kesenian Jakarta International Festival -- formerly
\ncalled Jakarta International Performing Arts Festival.<\/p>\n
Billed as this year's premier performing arts event, the
\nfestival anticipates success similar to previous festivals held
\nevery two years since 1990.<\/p>\n
In the past, the festival lasted from one to four months; this
\nyear's festival will last for only two weeks.<\/p>\n
\"It's been three years since we staged the latest festival. We
\nwant it to resume. We have been 'sleeping' for three years. Now
\nwe're revitalized thanks, to the improving situation,\" the
\nmanaging and artistic director of the festival, Farida Oetoyo,
\ntold The Jakarta Post.<\/p>\n
Riots and economic crisis forced the cancellation of the
\nfestival last year.<\/p>\n
She expressed optimism that the festival will repeat the
\nprevious success.<\/p>\n
\"We expect at least five local groups and five foreign groups
\nto take part in the event,\" said Farida.<\/p>\n
The number of groups participating in this year's festival is
\nmuch lower than those of past events.<\/p>\n
She was speaking after meeting with representatives from
\nforeign cultural attaches and cultural foundations in Jakarta,
\nincluding Ben Suzuki of the Japan Foundation, Gil Westaway of the
\nBritish Council, G. Ericke Schongen of the Goethe Institute,
\nOscar Esparza of the Mexican embassy, Maria Lukaszuc of Poland
\nembassy, Sun Jianhua of the Chinese embassy and Yego Velaso of
\nthe Chilean Embassy.<\/p>\n
The four month festival of 1990 presented 31 groups from 14
\ncountries and the second festival in 1992, that lasted for two
\nmonths, featured 24 groups from 11 countries.<\/p>\n
The third festival in 1994 featured 13 groups from eight
\ncountries, while the last festival in 1997 featured 31 groups
\nfrom seven countries. Both those festivals lasted for one month.<\/p>\n
\"We see positive response (from invitees), and we still expect
\nmore (participants),\" Farida said.<\/p>\n
This year's festival promises not only quality performances,
\nbut also workshops, lecture-demonstrations, post-performance
\ndiscussions, and exhibitions to encourage the concept that people
\nof all nations can share their cultural and diverse heritage
\nthrough art.<\/p>\n
\"Our mission is to promote international understanding by
\npresenting a variety of entertaining performing arts events to
\nencourage, sustain and educate audiences of all ages and
\ninterests,\" Farida said.<\/p>\n
Since it was set up in 1987, Gedung Kesenian Jakarta has
\nstaged 934 performances of well-known local and foreign groups.
\nLocal groups included Teater Koma, Teater Ketjil, Sardono Dance
\nCompany and Sena Didi Mime, while foreign groups included Bremer
\nTanz Theater, CCP Ballet of the Philippines, Elisa Monte Dance
\nCompany, Katakhali Indian Theater, Kyogen Classical Comedy
\nTheater, Tokyo Musical Ensemble, Trakia Folk Dance of Bulgaria,
\nand Youn Duck Kyung Dance Company. (ste)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/jakarta-arts-festival-makes-its-return-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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