The Great Guest, Our Indonesian Performance That Marks The Awakening Of The Arts In The New Normal Era

Performance of the play "Grand Guest" (photo: doc. between)

JAKARTA – Artist Butet Kartaredjasa and writer Agus Noor again held a theater performance. This time, the event, titled Indonesia Kita, was combined with music and dance.

The stage this time featured the play "Tamu Agung" which was held at the Ciputra Artpreneur Theater from 17 to 18 June 2022.

"Incidentally, this is an attempt to reflect today's situation. When many leaders, officials, high-ranking officials, celebrities suddenly want to become leaders. Then there are various tricks to be used to get elected," said Agus Noor as the author of "Tamu Agung" who was met by Antara in South Jakarta, Friday night, 17 June.

"They understand that to become a leader, they must have the blessing of the Grand Guest. So, how about ambition, hope and tactics in the shadow of their imagination. Finally they know who the Grand Guest really is," he continued.

In this 36th show written and directed by Agus Noor, Indonesia Kita features Indonesian stage actors and actresses. Starting from Butet Kartaredjasa, Cak Lontong, Marwoto, Akbar, Marsha Timothy, Endah Laras, Mucle, Yu Ningsih, Woro Mustiko, F. Nadia, Mia Ismi, Yolanda Nainggolan, Joned, Wisben, and Joind Bayuwinanda.

Their appearance was supported by dancers from the Dansity Dance Company and musicians from the Jakarta Street Music group.

The play "The Grand Guest" tells the story of an area that will celebrate the success of the city and the retirement of its leader who has served for two terms. Ahead of the celebration, a delegation from the center came to announce the arrival of the Great Guest without mentioning the actual figure of this guest.

Just in case, the city officials prepared everything so that everything looked in order. The arrival of the Grand Guest turned out to reveal many things that had been hidden by the city. Everyone seems to want to take advantage of the arrival of the Great Guest for their own interests.

One of the government officials took advantage of this panic, who then ordered a female homeless person to pretend to be the Grand Guest and dress her in such a way.

"Hopefully this show will be part of the new normal for our performing arts life. Where we try to adapt to the post-pandemic situation," concluded Agus.