Review: LASKAR BAYARAN by Indonesia Kita 2017

In 25 and 26 August 2017, Project Indonesia Kita 2017 performed their 25th show titled LASKAR BAYARAN in Teater Jakarta, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Cikini. Script and Director by Agus Noor. Creative Team by Butet Kertaredjasa, Djaduk Ferianto, Agus Noor and Putu Fajar Arcana. Tradtional music and electric traditional puppet by I Made Sidja, I Made Sidia and I Kadek Sugi Sidiarta, also featuring Balawan and Balawan Gamelan Fusion. Cast are Lola Amaria, Balawan, Cak Lontong, Marwoto, Akbar, Agung Ocha, Angelina Arcana, Jean Couteau, Pino Confessa, GAM Trio (Gareng, Wisben, Joned), Anggis Devaki, Melyananda, and Clekontong Mas.

LASKAR BAYARAN set in the future, in a fictional island called Paradize Capitol (also dub as the global corporation). The daily life, love, mind to the ritual being is tightly controlled and taxed by them. To keep things in order, Paradize Capitol formed an "army of mercenaries" (laskar bayaran) to watch and control society.
Using Balinese influence and displayEd Balinese myth and figure, they want to show the harmony and balance in the life philosophy of Balinese people.

Despite the technical error, the cast improvise their scenes so well (lights are out during the scene involving the army, the French tourist, the Princess and her step-dad) and throughout the duration of the play, the audience grasp the idea on how those peaceful and open harmony destroyed by Paradize Capitol, who dictate and compel behavior of the people.

Indonesia Kita shows are always successful in balancing local tradition, anecdotes and jokes with theatrical performances. Just like Butet Kertaredjasa always said at the end of Indonesia Kita's show: "Never stop being an Indonesian".

Kudos to Indonesia Kita team!

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