Teater Koma stages 'Semar Gugat'
Teater Koma stages 'Semar Gugat'
JAKARTA (JP): Not to be deterred by the previous bannings of its works, Teater Koma is currently staging its 78th production titled Semar Gugat at the Graha Bhakti Budaya in the Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) Arts Center.
Semar Gugat (Semar Remonstrates) is adapted from various myths about the character Semar, a reincarnated god and servant at the royal palace, from the Javanese version of the Mahabharata. Semar Minta Bagus, Semar Hanjantur, Semar Papa, Petruk Dados Ratu and Srikandi Maguru Manah, a wayang story written by the Sultan of Solo K.G.P.A.A Mangkunegoro VII, are all various takes on this famous character, which actually does not exist in the original Mahabharata epic from India.
The play, which opened last night with a running time of three hours, is performed in the wayang style and focuses on the journey of Semar in search of his identity. Like its previous productions, Semar Gugat is an entertaining blend of fierce social criticism and light comedy.
The story starts with a scene from the wedding ceremony of Srikandi and Arjuna. During the ceremony, Srikandi asks Arjuna to bring her Semar's jambul (tuft of hair) as a token of his love.
Semar is humiliated. Semar and Bagong fly to Batara Guru in surgaloka (heaven) to ask Batara to restore his former appearance. No gods will refuse Semar's request. Semar is later transformed into Prabu Sanggadonya, king of Simpang Bawana Nuraniti. But, when Semar as Prabu Sanggodonya asks his wife to accompany him to the palace, she refuses because she knows that the king is not her husband. She only recognizes Semar as his husband. Prabu is very disappointed and very angry. He wants to be Semar once again.
In this latest production, director Nano Riantiarno combines three styles of traditional dramas: Ludruk, Srimulat and Wayang Orang, which stress spontaneous acting on stage.
Nano casts Budi Ros as Semar, Daisy Kojansow as Arjuna, O'han Adiputra as Srikandi and a host of other newcomers. A number of famous artists including choreographer Sentot S. and art director Jim Bary Aditya also make great contributions to the play.
Teater Koma's previous works include Opera Kecoa (Cockroach Opera -- l985), Wanita Wanita Parlemen (Women in Parliament -- l986), Suksesi (Succession), Orang Kaya Baru (Nouveau Rich), Tenung (The Crucible) and Opera Ular Putih (Lady White Snake).
The group, established in l977, succeeded in drawing crowds of more than 20,000 and establishing a record performance run of 23 days in 1992. In this latest production, Teater Koma might attract an even larger crowd.
Semar Gugat is scheduled to play through Dec. 8, though its run could easily be interrupted as has happened all too often in the past. (raw)