Reza Rahadian Helps Revive Artists and Cultural Figures During the Pandemic Through 'Taksu Ubud'

Kapanlagi.com - Bali may be more known for its world-renowned tourism sector. However, if we delve a little deeper, Bali is not only about beautiful beaches and islands. Yes, Bali is also known for its strong customs and traditions, and has the potential to become a unique tourist attraction, both for domestic and international tourists.

Unfortunately, the prolonged pandemic has had a negative impact on Bali's cultural sector. Various art performances and cultural events have not been seen in various parts of the city for the past year. As a result, artists and cultural figures have had to struggle to survive in various other ways.

Based on the above facts, the Titimangsa Foundation, under the leadership of Happy Salma, has initiated a performance entitled 'Taksu Ubud', which focuses on the expression of Ubud artists in conveying their feelings towards nature and the creator. Happy Salma has also collaborated with the Directorate General of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia.

This performance is also supported by the Deputy for Tourism Products and Event Organization of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, ARMA Museum & Resort, ISI Denpasar, Bumi Bajra Sandhi Foundation, Purnham Event Planner, Antida Music Production, Silubarong CO, Circle Lighting Indonesia, Tarra Healthcare, Suarti, Tulola, Cok Abi, CYN Bali, UBUD Performing Art, Napak Tuju, Swaradanta, and Janahita Mandala Ubud Foundation.

1. Synopsis of 'Taksu Ubud'

Photo Credit: Titimangsa Foundation

'Taksu Ubud' is a performing arts show that showcases drama, dance, and music, highlighting Ubud as an important part of Bali's identity through a simple story. This performance is a small initiative to create a space for Ubud artists to rebuild the atmosphere of Ubud, which is rich in Balinese customs and traditions.

Ubud serves as a stronghold for preserving ancestral customs and traditions in Balinese society. Almost the entire community there lives closely with customs and traditions. During the day, they work as farmers, traders, and teachers. At night, they live as performing artists in Ubud. The income they generate from their daily work is reinvested in the development of customs.

This performance tells the story of a young man from Ubud named Umbara, who has been living far away from Ubud and his mother since he was a child. Then, at a certain moment, his mother asks Umbara to come back to Ubud. Instantly, Umbara is faced with a dilemma because he is now living comfortably elsewhere. Should he leave behind all his achievements for the love of his mother and his unfamiliar hometown of Ubud?

2. Involving Top Artists Like Reza Rahadian

Credit Photo: Titimangsa Foundation

For approximately 4 months, the work 'Taksu Ubud' has been a collaborative effort involving many parties, especially artists and cultural figures from Ubud. Several renowned artists with a background in theater have also been involved, such as Reza Rahadian and Christine Hakim.

Meanwhile, there are also senior artists from Bali who have been dedicated to art and cultural development for decades, such as Agung Oka Dalem and Cok Sri (dance artists), Aryani Williems (senior actor), Desak Nyoman Suarti (traditional motif artist), and Made Sukadana Gender (puppeteer artist). This performance also features dances, percussion, and chants involving many groups of dancers and musicians, such as Gamelan Yuganada, Bumi Bajra Sandhi Foundation, Kertha Art Performance, Cudamani Studio, Ubud Performing Art, Napak Tuju, Swaradanta, and Janahita Mandala Ubud Foundation.

3. Testimony from Happy Salma to Director

Credit Photo: Titimangsa Foundation

Hilmar Farid, as the Director General of Culture, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, explained that through art, the Ubud community connects with their God and also fosters good relationships with fellow humans. The customs and traditions of the Ubud community are also attractive to local and international tourists, who come to Ubud to see and experience its taksu.

"Art for the Balinese people, especially in Ubud, is not just a cultural activity, but also a form of worship to their God, an identity for themselves and their community, as well as an embodiment of taksu, the soul of the Ubud community," said Hilmar.

Happy Salma, who acts as the producer for this performance, explained that 'Taksu Ubud' is inspired by nature, movement, speech, and sincere feelings that never give up from her friends in Bali, especially in Ubud, which is personally close to her heart.

"The most important point in this process is to unite the energy of collaborative work. A feeling that, in my opinion, is necessary in difficult situations like the current one. Uniting the sense of togetherness with responsibility and bringing forth optimistic energy and a sense of mutual support for a creative work that comes from the heart, due to devotion and love for art, customs, and traditions," explained Happy.

Ida Ayu Wayan Arya Satyani, or better known as Dayu Ani, as the Director of Movement, revealed that this performance is a unique and challenging work due to the collaborative effort.

"We do not place one element as supporting the other elements. All positions are equally important, whether it's the music, choreography, theatricality, setting, and so on. But I believe that the work dedicated as an offering/prayer/mantra, that vibration is far more important than understanding. Understanding will follow later," explained Dayu.

The Tabuh Director, I Wayan Sudirana, agrees that the process of composing the performance composition is challenging and enjoyable when adapting to the theme and concept that emerges from the collective process.

"For example, like the music number 'Orkestra Semesta' which opens the stage." The composition is indeed long in duration because it contains a cycle of notes in nine cardinal directions. My imagination immediately goes to the universal notes, how those notes are in their cardinal points and interact with other notes," said Sudi, his nickname.

The performance 'Taksu Ubud' was recorded some time ago at the Arma Museum, Ubud as the host. The public can enjoy the 'Taksu Ubud' performance online, which premiered on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at 19.00 WIB on the Budaya Saya YouTube channel. 'Taksu Ubud' can also be freely watched for one week until July 12, 2021.

(kpl/gtr)