BWW Preview: OPERA KECOA: 146th Productions of Teater Koma

Following the success of "SEMAR GUGAT" last March, Teater Koma supported by Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation present a play titled "OPERA KECOA" in Graha Bhakti Budaya - Taman Ismail Marzuki, every day for 11 days starting from the November 10th to 20th 2016, at 7:30 PM (except Sunday, at 1:30 PM)

"Teater Koma is one of the theaters that are still actively producing theatre works to date. They always deliver an interesting and entertaining performance. Consistency producing materials, so they're such an inspiration for many Indonesian young artists to always be creative at work. We will continue to support and appreciate as an effort to preserve and increase the people's interest on local performing arts, "said Renitasari Andrian, Program Director Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation.

In addition to supporting the show, Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation also participate in Teater Koma's performing arts appreciation program, a program that aims to bring 200 theatre workers, teachers, and students in Jakarta to watch their shows. The program is expected to provide an appreciation from the community, especially those who never see Teater Koma's work before, so they can find a reference regarding the artistic presentation and detailed dramaturgical concept of Teater Koma.

OPERA KECOA tells the story of marginal people who face the harsh reality. The main cast rounded up by a petty bandit, his Sex Workers' love interest and her lover, the transvestites. This is a story about the struggle of minorities who lived and suffered, huddle in a dark alley behind the grandeur of a tall building, looking for a justice of the leaders.

"OPERA KECOA will be presented in the form of singing and Teater Koma's typical movement. After 31 years since OPERA KECOA's first stage, turns out that this play is still relevant in current situation. I hope the audience can take a moral message we're trying to convey in this play, "said Nano Riantiarno, screenwriter and director of Teater Koma.

OPERA KECOA first staged in 1985. In 1990, the play was banned in Jakarta Art Building and was not given permission to toured around Japan. Then in 1992, was staged under the title "COCKROACH OPERA" by Belvoir Theatre in Sydney, Australia. In 2013, the play is staged again at the Jakarta Arts Building, 13 years after its ban. In 2016, Teater Koma will stage the play again in Graha Bhakti Budaya, Taman Ismail Marzuki, the same place with the play's first staged.

OPERA KECOA 2016 are featuring Ratna Riantiarno, Budi Ros, Rita Matu Mona, Dorias Pribadi, Alex Fatahillah, Daisy Lantang, Sri Yatun, Ratna Ully, Raheli Dharmawan, Julius Buyung, Ina Kaka, Ledi Yoga, Dodi Gustaman, Sir Ilham Jambak, Bangkit Sanjaya, Rangga Riantiarno, Adri Prasetyo, Tuti Hartati, Bayu Dharmawan Saleh, Didi Hasyim and Joind Bayuwinanda.

The lyrics composed by N. Riantiarno will be accompanied by musical compositions from the late Harry Roesli, with arrangements by Fero Aldiansya Stefanus, Choreography by Ratna Ully and Vocal Coach by Naomi Lumban Gaol. Costume Designer by Alex Fatahillah, Artistic Layout and Lighting by Taufan S. Chandranegara, supported by Pimpinan Panggung Sari Madjid, Technical Director by Tinton Prianggoro, Executive Producer by Ratna Riantiarno, under the direction of Co-Director Ohan Adiputra and Directed by N. Riantiarno.

Photo Credit: Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation / Teater Koma