World class opera house opens at Taman Mini
World class opera house opens at Taman Mini
JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto inaugurated yesterday a
world-class opera house, Teater Tanah Airku, at Taman Mini
Indonesia Indah in East Jakarta, as part of the park's 23rd
anniversary celebrations.
Tjahjono Soerjodibroto, the chief commissioner of theater
developer PT Yasawirya Indah Megamedia, noted that the theater
was no less sophisticated than other world-class theaters like
L'Opera in Paris, the Royal Opera House in London and Sydney
Opera House in Australia.
Tjahjono, also president of the publicly listed satellite
operator PT Indosat, acknowledged that some people might consider
the construction of the mega arts center a waste of money given
the country's economic hardship.
However, "We want to see it from a positive point of view
because under such a difficult situation we need an atmosphere
that boosts creativity," said Tjahjono.
With the existence of the sophisticated theater, which will be
able to accommodate an audience of 1,070, productions such as
Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, and Les Miserables will now be
possible in Indonesia.
The building is equipped with a laser video projector, 60
aerial wires, and a hydraulically operated stage which is able to
replace a 10-ton set within 10 seconds.
The cost of its construction was not disclosed but some
speculated that it exceeded Rp 30 billion (US$4 million).
The President and some 500 guests, including the President's
grandchildren, enjoyed yesterday a shortened version of Hanoman
-- the story about the struggle of a giant white ape, Hanoman, to
free Princess Sinta from the evil Rahwana in the Ramayana epic.
"We hope this will help familiarize Indonesian children with
stories other than Batman or Doraemon (a Javanese cartoon),"
Tjahjono noted.
The 36-minute show was directed by Nano Riantiarno, the
founder of Teater Koma. Its music was composed by Djaduk Ferianto
and arranged by Addie MS.
PT Yasawirya Indah Megamedia is owned by PT Indosat Mega
Media, PT Yasawirya Tama Cipta and Taman Mini.
The company expects the 72-minute opera will be ready for the
public in June.
Entrance ticket are expected to be about Rp 15,000. The park
hopes the opera will attract 20 percent of Taman Mini's annual
7.5 million visitors. (prb)