Ismail Marzuki's Songs Become Inspirations For The MAR Musical Drama To Be Featured For Three Days In Jakarta

Cast and musical drama team MAR (doc. ArtSwara)

JAKARTA - ArtSwara's musical drama MAR is ready to be staged for three days at Ciputra Artpreneur Theater, South Jakarta, 26-28 February.

MAR is a musical drama performance inspired by Ismail Marzuki's songs, as well as a tribute to (late) Arifin Panigoro and (late) Raisis Arifin Panigoro who really admires the maestro's works.

Dian HP, who was appointed as a music director and composer, said he was happy with his involvement in the musical drama MAR. The reason is, he feels close to Ismail Marzuki's works.

"I have loved Marzuki's songs since childhood, they are beautiful and inspiring, encouraging us to develop them into various musical genres from the past and the present," said Dian HP in a statement, Wednesday, February 19.

In the later performance, Dian strives to merge the elements of Jazz oldies with modern music into more than 40 repertoires that are established throughout the flow of this musical story.

An old jazz approach was chosen to reflect the condition of Bandung in the 1940s as a setting, where jazz music during that period was well known worldwide, including Indonesia.

The sound of the philosophy typical of oldies songs and resistive elements integrated in the dialogue presented by actors and actresses will enrich the musical experience for the audience.

"My respect for Ismail Marzuki is through the arrangement that I created, combining vocal elements and ensembles that combine old jazz that actually strengthens the atmosphere and the spirit of patriotism in the maestro's works," continued Dian.

Meanwhile, Davit Fitric and Hamada as choreographers at this performance said the dance movement in "MAR" reflects not only the scenes and stories that are conveyed, but also includes aspects of the historical nuances in it.

"The time context in the production of musical 'MAR' is a strong element when we choose movements and choreography, to connect it with the storyline," said Davit.

Meanwhile, the musical drama MAR was directed by Wawan Sofwan with a script written by Titien Wattimena. This performance promises experience in the form of alloys between history, music and romance, by displaying a love story and fortitude with the background of Indonesia's struggle after independence followed by a historic tragic incident, Bandung Lautan Api.

"We aim to create production that not only respects Ismail Marzuki's legacy, but also resonates with the audience personally. The historical context and emotional journey of the character is neatly woven into the narrative, making the story interesting and relevant."

Meanwhile, those who will appear on stage are Gabriel Harvianto as the main character, with his girlfriend played by Galabby Thahira. In addition, there are also Taufan Purbo Kusumo, Ni Made Ayu Vania Aurellia, Bima Zeno Pooroe, and Witririe.

"On the one hand, we are dealing with fictitious love stories, but on the other hand, we are working with historical facts. We are researching locations in Bandung, such as Immanuel Hospital and military barracks in Tegalega. We want to have a clearer picture of the situation displayed in this musical story," concluded the director.