6 Fun Photos Of Maudy Koesnaedi's Collaboration, Sitri Badriah, And Theater Abang None Jakarta Continue Soekma Djaja's Story

Performance Soekma Djaja (ist)

JAKARTA - Maudy Koesnaedi presents a sequel or sequel to the story of Soekma Djaja's performance which was staged before art connoisseurs a decade ago. As a show producer, Maudy collaborated with the None Jakarta Abang Theater in presenting an art performance entitled Promise Soekma: Langgam Gembang Hidup.

The show, which is the 14th production of the None Jakarta Abang Theater, took place on October 6-8 at the Jakarta Arts Building. "This show has a deep meaning for me personally, because the formation of the None Jakarta Abang Theater started with the promise of soekma or my soul promise on the night of the final election of Abang None Jakarta 30 years ago, to be precise in 1993 to preserve and spread Betawi culture in front of the community. Observing this promise is a form of commitment to yourself to achieve a victory of the heart," said Maudy Koesnaedi, producer and conceptator at the show Promise Soekma: Langgam Gembang Kehidupan in a media statement received Monday, October 9th.

This show reminds members of the Abang None Jakarta Theater of fond memories of various processes, efforts to the struggles we are making to present our best performances in front of art connoisseurs.

"At the end of this show, we also carried out a freelance ceremony, which is a typical Betawi ritual related to nazars from the owner of the promise. Hopefully this show can foster the love of the younger generation with Betawi culture," he explained. The demonstration of Promise Soekma: Langgam Gembang Life is a continuation of the story or sequel to the Soekma Djaja performance which was shown in 2013 at the Jakarta Arts Building. Using the theme song titled Selaras from Kunto Aji, the sequel to Soekma Djaja tells the story of Lia, the youngest generation in the family of Soekma Djaja artist, struggling to fulfill her promise to her late adopted father, Maman Djajaja, to support the legacy of the ancestors of Gembang Krimong Soekma Djaja.

However, the plans and strategies that have been designed are hindered by dangerous situations due to a person being involved in an illegal online loan (pinjol) debt. Lia had to decide between guarding the game or selling it for the safety of everyone.

A typical Betawi joke that seems moral but honest, makes this performance condensed in the aroma of Betawi culture. Moreover, it is supported by the music strains from gambang krong led by Iman Firmansyah and a special appearance from Siti Badriah as a dangdut singer who is increasingly bringing this show to life.

Being involved in the show Promise Soekma: This Langgam Gembang Kehidupan is a very pleasant experience, because this is my first experience on the performing arts stage. Hopefully our performance can entertain and spread cultural spirit in front of art connoisseurs about Betawi culture," said Siti Badriah. In addition to lifting and reviving uniqueness from the typical Betawi orchestra, gambang krong, this story illustrates how young artists who have high concern with culture must fight and make sacrifices to preserve post-pandemic culture.

"This performance is also a real reflection of Lia's struggle to fulfill her promise. In this performance, Lia displays her creativity to attract the attention of the younger generation to get to know, love, and preserve Betawi culture. We hope that in addition to spreading messages to love culture, this performance can open the eyes of art lovers about the various struggles made by art workers after the pandemic," said Wawan Sofwan, director of the Promise of Soekma: Langgam Gembang Hidup. Two cast of Soekma's Promise, namely Fitria Aprilia as Lia, Lutfi Ardiansyah as Daus is the two main characters who also played a role in Soekma Djaja's performance.

This performance involved more than 70 Abang and None Jakarta from various forces and areas such as Ita Dachrin as Nyak, Rinaldy Zulkarnain as Chandra, Vidan Marthensz as Boy, Billy Gamaliel as Koh Liong, Mia Ismi Halida as Biduanita, Dicky Maharditya as Ji i, Fadli Hafizan as Gembul, Andri Sena as vegetable maker, Andes Gumilang H as baker. In addition, there is also Adelaide Hermawan as Maemunah, Astry Ovie as Ipeh, Meita Rizki N as Nadine and many others as dancers and ensembles.

"Teater Abang None Jakarta is a forum for us Abang and None Jakarta to preserve Betawi culture, especially in the field of performing arts. I am happy to be able to return to play Lia in front of art connoisseurs and with friends who are members of the None Jakarta Abang Theater after being poor across various shows and playing various other characters. Hopefully, our performances can be well accepted by art connoisseurs," said Fitria Aprilia as Lia's actor.

Renitasari Adrian, Program Director of Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation, revealed, In the last 14 years, the None Jakarta Abang Theater has become one of the groups that has played a role in advancing and preserving Indonesian culture, especially Betawi in the form of performing arts. In this latest performance, the group initiated by Maudy Koesnaedi will present a sequel to or a continuation of the story of the Soekma Djaja performance that has been staged before art connoisseurs a decade ago. We hope that the performance that will raise about the uniqueness of this kompong can be a presentation that is not only entertaining, but can also add insight to art connoisseurs.