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)