Watch out! A beautiful ghost is out and about

Watch out! A beautiful ghost is out and about

JAKARTA (JP): A ghost is roaming town, but don't be afraid.
She is beautiful and is ready to entertain you.

Si Manis Jembatan Ancol (The Beauty of Ancol Bridge), a play
featuring the legend of a beautiful ghost who often appears on
Ancol Bridge in North Jakarta, is on at Teater Tanah Airku
playhouse in Taman Mini, East Jakarta.

The play, performed by the Miss Tjitjih Sundanese theater
group, is set during the Dutch occupation in Indonesia. It is a
mix between a traditional Sundanese play from West Java and a
Betawi (traditional Jakartan) lenong comedy.

The story revolves around a beautiful woman named Mariah who
is loved by two men, a rich young Dutchman and an old landlord.

Yet she still can not find a happiness, since the love of the
two men only makes her life more confusing.

When she finally meets a suitor of her kind, a poor rujak
(spicy fruit salad) seller named Usin, they decide to get married
soon.

Just when it seems that things will get better, Mariah is
killed by a ghostly creature who drowns her in the river under
Ancol Bridge.

Since that time, the ghost is believed to haunt people under
the bridge.

Miss Tjitjih group, formed in 1928, got its own playhouse at
Cempaka Baru, Central Jakarta, in 1987. It was built by the city
government and West Java Development Foundation.

In April 1997, the Miss Tjitjih playhouse and all of its
equipment were destroyed by fire. The city government promised to
rebuild the place. They never did.

Si Manis Jembatan Ancol is the group's major comeback after
playing some minor productions at Berdikari film theater on Jl.
Teluk Gong, North Jakarta.

The performance runs from July 8 to July 16 at 8 p.m., except
on the last day when it plays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. For
reservations, call Teater Tanah Airku at 877-93369. (08)