Laziness a threat to Javanese opera

Laziness a threat to Javanese opera

YOGYAKARTA: The traditional Javanese opera of Ketoprak is fast losing popularity because the performers are too lazy to rehearse. The result has been a substantial loss in the quality of their performances.

The concern was voiced by a senior ketoprak actor, Widayat, in a workshop at the Javanese Culture Institute here on Saturday. Widayat is director of the state-run radio station RRI Yogyakarta's ketoprak group.

Widayat said the opera has been losing popularity since the 1980s because it is difficult to find truly professional and dedicated actors.

"I am afraid ketoprak will eventually go extinct unless something is done to save it," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

In the past, actors rehearsed regularly because they had to perform every week. Now, he said, actors are too lazy to practice while the public is demanding that the art be continuously upgraded. (16)