Yogyakarta, IO – As part of the efforts to preserve traditional culture, the local government needs to support activities that can be a medium for cultural expression. Various branches of art that grow and develop in society need a forum and media to channel all ideas and creativity so that they can become a place for self-actualization and establish synergy with various parties.
“Yogyakarta never stops producing works of art, showing that the process of movement in society, especially among artists, is always progressing dynamically. The development of the art scene needs direction and assistance from the stakeholders including the Yogyakarta City Government, academia, corporations and others,” said Yetti Martanti, head of the Yogyakarta Culture Agency.
The city of Yogyakarta, renowned for its arts and culture, both traditional and contemporary, provides a space for artistic expression. The existence of the Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace and the Pakualaman Temple as pillars of arts and culture make the city a “living lab” for efforts to preserve and develop the arts, one being the Sendratari. On the other hand, the multiculturalism of Yogyakarta City as the heart of the Special Region of Yogyakarta also faces quite big challenges.
“The openness of Yogyakarta City to changes and the influence of foreign cultures does not rule out the possibility of displacement of long-established traditional arts and culture of Yogyakarta City. The regeneration of artists ultimately hinders the preservation of Sendratari, threatening the characteristics and image of Yogyakarta City as a City of Culture. The lack of interest from the younger generation is one of the reasons why the regeneration of Sendratari art is facing obstacle,” explained Yetti.
In response to the challenges, Yogyakarta City Government through the Yogyakarta City Culture Agency (Kundha Kabudayan) will once again hold a Sendratari Performing Arts Recital. This activity is aimed at the people of Yogyakarta City, especially the younger generation under the age of 30 to repopularize Sendratari art in the city. Through the provision of materials, workshops and recitals, it is hoped that this initiative can become a regeneration media that will produce many Yogyakarta City artists who have the capability and skills to perform Sendratari.
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With the provision of knowledge and skills provided by the speakers during the workshop, the young dancers of Yogyakarta City tried to revive Sendratari arts in order to adapt to the challenges of the changing times. The Sendratari recital held on August 28 at the Pendopo Ndalem Yudonegaran involved 50 young dancers from Yogyakarta City from Kemantren in the Yogyakarta City area presenting three dance repertoires and a Sendratari performance, including, Anteping Nayaka, Nayaka, depicting a female warrior practicing archery as self-defense. The firmness, courage, and toughness in every movement are taken from the character of a warrior.
There was also the Tindha Niskala Ballet performance. Emotionally stirring, it invites the audience to interpret and contemplate the meaning of sacrifice in an atmosphere accentuated with tension and serenity to symbolize the purity of love that creates the strength and motivation of life, “Sabar iku ingaran mustikaning laku” (acting with patience is a very beautiful thing in a life). (*Adv)