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)