Jakarta, IO – Teater Koma, supported by Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation, will present its newest production, Matahari Papua (the Sun of Papua). The play will be more than special, as it marks Teater Koma’s 230th production, with a script written by the late Norbertus Riantiarno, a.k.a. Nano Riantiarno or N. Riantiarno. The performance will be held from June 7-9, 2024, at Graha Bhakti Budaya in Taman Ismail Marzuki.
“For 47 years, Teater Koma has consistently entertained and enriched the minds of art enthusiasts with stories full of moral messages and positive values. Matahari Papua has a profound meaning because it is the final work of the late N. Riantiarno, the founder of Teater Koma. During his life, he made extraordinary contributions to theaters in Indonesia, with heart-warming and meaningful stories. His latest work boasts his earnest dedication and passion for the performing arts. Hopefully, his legacy will continue to inspire and encourage future generations to celebrate and appreciate the magnificence of Indonesian arts and culture,” said Renitasari Adrian, Program Director of Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation.
Matahari Papua is personally endearing to Teater Koma, not only because it was the final script written by N. Riantiarno but also because the performance will be held close to N. Riantiarno’s birthday, on June 6. This performance will mark Teater Koma’s return to Graha Bhakti Budaya after performing in different venues over the last few years due to renovations and the pandemic.
“Our performance back at Graha Bhakti Budaya contains a special meaning because we have a history with this place: it has witnessed many of Teater Koma’s performances. Now we will return – although without Nano. However, his role as our teacher, father, brother, and friend will always stay in our hearts. His advice and teachings are always with us in our every move. Because we will never stop moving; we will never be a period, always a comma,” promised Ratna Riantiarno, Teater Koma’s producer.
Set in the Kamoro region in Papua, Matahari Papua tells the story of Biwar, a young man who was raised by his mother, Yakomina, and was guided by a shaman, Dukun Koreri. While fshing, Biwar helps Nadiva escape an attack by Tiga Biawak (three water monitors), the subordinate of Naga (dragon) who terrorizes the Land of Papua.
After Biwar tells his story to his mother, she reveals a painful memory from the past. Biwar’s father and three uncles were killed by Naga. His mother, who was pregnant at that time, managed to escape and gave birth to Biwar. Biwar promises to take revenge, to kill Naga. Will Biwar be able to kill Naga?
Rangga Riantiarno, the play director of Matahari Papua, elaborated that the Matahari Papua playscript was first written in 2014, as a short script for a performance called Cahaya dari Papua (the Light from Papua) at Galeri Indonesia Kaya. “When the pandemic broke out, and we all had to work at home, Nano remained productive by writing various works, one of which involved developing the Cahaya dari Papua playscript and giving it a new title, Matahari Papua. The script was then submitted anonymously to the 2022 Rawayan Award (Jakarta Arts Council Script Writing Competition) and was selected as one of the winners. The playscript testifies to Nano’s dedication and tenacious passion for his work, even in difficult times. His work continues to illuminate Indonesian plays and theaters and leaves a legacy that will always be remembered,” said Rangga.
The Matahari Papua performance in June 2024 casts Tuti Hartati, Lutf Ardiansyah, Joind Bayuwinanda, Netta Kusumah Dewi, Daisy Lantang, Bayu Dharmawan Saleh, Sir Ilham Jambak and Sri Qadariatin. A lineup of experienced actors performing in the play includes Zulf Ramdoni, Angga Yasti, Rita Matumona, Dana Hassan, Adri Prasetyo, Andhini Puteri, Dodi Gustaman, Indrie Djati, Pandu Raka Pangestu, Hapsari Andira, Radhen Darwin, Edo Paha and many others.
Matahari Papua is directed by Rangga Riantiarno and co-directed by Nino Bukir. The artistic and multimedia design will be managed by Deden Jalaludin Bulqini, music by Fero A. Stefanus, make-up by Subarkah Hadisarjana, fashion by Rima Ananda Omar, hair by Sena Sukarya, lighting by Deray Setyadi, movement design by Ratna Ully, sound design by Bona, vocal direction by Ajeng Destrian and graphic design by Saut Irianto Manik. Production director Rasapta Candrika will be assisted by technical director Tinton Prianggoro as well as stage manager Sari Madjid Prianggoro and producer Ratna Riantiarno.
Matahari Papua will be performed at Graha Bhakti Budaya, Taman Ismail Marzuki on: Friday, June 7 at 7:30 PM Saturday, June 8 at 1 PM and 7:30 PM Sunday, June 9 at 1 PM. (des/ast)