YOGYAKARTA - Regional clothing has stories, value systems, philosophies, and life experiences that are passed down from generation to generation. This is the idea that was raised in the theater performance "Bajuku, Bajumu, Bhinneka in Fashion" which was held at the ISI Yogyakarta Graduate Gallery Room on June 25 and 26, 2026. Directed by Verry Handayani, this performance invites the audience to see regional clothing that is not only a symbol of culture. Regional clothing is seen as part of personal experience, storing memories, and the dynamics of daily life that continues to evolve.
This performance, in collaboration with fashion designer Luthfi Majid, owner of the Limaniac brand. His presence as an assistant director gives perspective on how regional clothing continues to adapt to the times and finds new spaces in the world of contemporary fashion.
What makes this performance different is the use of the Playback Theatre approach, an interactive form of theater that raises real stories from the narrators and/or the audience. Stories about regional clothing, from the philosophy, how and rules for wearing it, to memories attached to certain clothes, are processed into scenes that are staged live on stage.
The audience not only becomes a witness, but also has the opportunity to share stories about their experiences wearing regional clothing items or textiles that have special meaning in daily life. Stories from the audience are composed by the actors spontaneously into scenes on stage. The scenes in this performance, played by the actors, include Davin Ezra Pradipta, Mailani Sumelang, Muhammad Dinu Imansyah, Regina Gandes Mutiary, and Veronika Erlina Harimastuti.
According to Verry Handayani as the director and initiator of this performance, regional clothing not only represents the richness of Indonesian culture, but also holds various stories that are important to understand. "Regional clothing symbolizes the richness of Indonesian culture. Maybe it's good too, while trying to continue to raise it to a wider level, we know the story on the other side, so that pride in our Indonesian-ness as a nation that is bhinneka becomes more meaningful," he said.
In addition to watching the performance, visitors can also visit stalls that present various artisan products and services with an ethnic nuance. This area becomes a space for interaction between the audience and creative business actors who raise cultural wealth through their works. Carrying the spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, "Bajuku, Bajumu, Bhinneka in Fashion" presents a meeting space for various voices, experiences, and stories about clothes that have meaning. This performance also shows that regional clothing that is passed down across generations, also accompanies daily activities, to become a medium of self-expression. Regional clothing is a cultural heritage that continues to live, develop, and be relevant in the lives of Indonesian people today.
This performance received support from the Indonesian Culture Ministry and LPDP through the Culture Endowment Fund program as part of efforts to strengthen art practices that connect cultural expression, creativity, and public participation. In the implementation of this performance, the team also collaborated with the rental of Siwa Nata Raja costumes, event equipment rental services and Sewarsa displays, and the Yogyakarta Actor Forum.
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