Japan aids Solo theater group

Japan aids Solo theater group

JAKARTA (JP): The Sriwedari Wayang Orang (wayang dancers)
Theater in Surakarta (Solo), Central Java, yesterday received 45
million yen (US$418,600) in cultural grant aid from Japan.

The signing and exchange of diplomatic notes was conducted by
Japanese ambassador to Indonesia Kimio Fujita and Surakarta Mayor
R. Hartomo at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"The aid will be used to purchase lighting and sound system
facilities for the theater," said Fujita.

He added that the city's government would be responsible for
maintaining the equipment as it touched on the culture and
substance of the art.

"We, as foreigners, can only contribute to the physical and
mechanical aspects of the Javanese culture," he said.

Hartomo said that the wayang orang performances, which are
typical of Central Javanese culture, have a bright future despite
the increasing "modern" arts of today.

He said the theater used to attract 25 to 30 people daily, of
which 10 to 15 percent were foreign tourists, "but lately the
number has increased to 100."

Hartomo attributed the increase to the various side-
attractions such as locally-renowned guest stars and all-night
shows.

The theater, located in Sriwedari Park, was founded in 1935
and renovated in 1974. Managed by the Surakarta municipality, the
wayang orang shows are the park's main attraction. (pwn)