Koma Persembuhkan Theater Looking For Semar, When Puppet Characters Get Lost In Futuristic World

JAKARTA - The Koma Theater in collaboration with the Djarum Foundation Cultural Service is ready to present a new theater performance entitled Looking for Semar. This is a fantasy play that combines two different elements, namely Javanese mythology with a futuristic world.

This performance will take place on August 13-17, 2025 at Ciputra Artpreneur, Jakarta. This performance is ready to present the strength of the story, visual wealth, music, dance and stage technology in one immersive theatrical experience.

We believe that art has the power to touch, inspire, and bridge generations in recognizing the nation's cultural wealth. Our commitment to building an art ecosystem for performances in Indonesia is manifested through various supports, one of which is to the Comma Theater, which for decades has consistently presented quality works that reflect the nation's life and culture, and we are proud to be part of this journey. We hope that Indonesian performing arts can continue to grow and become a true host in their own country," said Billy Gamaliel, Program Manager of Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation at a press conference at Gallery Indonesia Kaya, Jakarta on 31 July.

Rangga Riantiarno jumped as a scriptwriter and director for the role of Looking for Semar this time. He tells the story of Semar, the wise friend who keeps a magic heirloom called Kalimasada in his body in retirement.

Over time, the Nimacha Empire, a futuristic civilization that lives on the basis of the Main Order, faces the threat of extinction from an Order that has been rewritten many times, five Agents sent to find a way out. They find historical records of Kalimasada and believe that it is able to rewrite the Main Order. In order to master it, the Agents were assigned to search for Semar and bring it to the White Space, an illusion space designed to pull Kalimasada out.

This play tries to describe a world of a future that loses direction, then looks for wisdom that originated in the past. Semar is not just a puppet figure, it is a symbol of the voice of the people, the guardian of balance, and a reflection of noble values that today are increasingly needed, "explained Rangga.

At the age of 48, this performance is the production of the 235th Coma Theater with modern stage stages and visuals rich in imagination. Under the direction of Deden Bulqini as a Skenographer, the performance of Looking for Semar combines futuristic stage sets, dynamical lighting, multimedia elements, to interactive visual projections that allow the atmosphere to change drastically as time and space moves in the story. These elements are presented not only as a background, but as part of creating an immersive and communicative stage experience with the audience.

In finding Semar, we try to bring the concept of skenography closer to a responsive visual experience. That is, the set not only strengthens the atmosphere, but also becomes part of dramaturgy. With the help of projection technology, sound elements, and integrated light governance, we present a time dimension that is not static, in line with the story of Semar that is trapped in a time round. This is our effort to bring the audience not only to see, but to feel trapped in the Semar world," said Deden Bulqini, Skenographer looking for Semar.

At the same time, the typical elements of the Comma Theater remain strong, ranging from colorful costumes, humorous singing, to theatrical dances and smart humor that are relevant to the current situation. With a cinematic visual approach and flexible stage structure, this performance is expected to provide a fresh, relevant, and cross-generational captivating theater experience.

Through looking for Semar, we want to continue to celebrate the stage as a space for freedom of expression. This is a collaboration between imagination, love for culture, and courage to face the future by adhering to local cultural values. We invite the audience to participate in this fantastic journey, and hopefully the messages we convey can inspire hearts and minds," said Ratna Riantiarno, producer of this performance.

Looking for Semar will last for five days from August 13 to 17, 2025, at 19.30 WIB, with two special shows on Saturday (August 16) at 13.30 and 19.30, and Sunday (17 August) at 13.30 WIB.

Show tickets are available and can be obtained through the official Teater Koma website and through the ticket purchase platform. Ticket prices vary from Rp100,000 to Rp850,000.