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)