Continue the Story of 'Soekma Djaja', Teater Abang None Stages 'Janji Soekma' Lifts a Story that Relates to the Present Time

Kapanlagi.com - Written by Anjellia Alfina Verronica

After a decade has passed since the performance of "Soekma Djaja" in 2013, precisely in 2023, the story of "Soekma Djaja" is brought back through its sequel titled "Janji Soekma: Langgam Gambang Kehidupan" presented by Teater Abang None Jakarta, initiated by Maudy Koesnadi (None 1983) together with Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation.

Just like in the previous performances of Teater Abang None in the past 14 years, which have played a role in contributing and preserving Betawi culture, this latest Teater Abnon performance preserves Betawi culture by introducing the Gambang Kromong orchestra art, which is now starting to be overlooked or even unfamiliar to the current generation.

Billy Gamaliel, Program Manager of Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation, expressed, "We hope that the performance that will highlight the uniqueness of gambang kromong can be a presentation that not only entertains but also enriches the knowledge of art enthusiasts." he said through a press conference on Thursday (21/9).

Although themed with art and culture, this performance will be interesting because it lifts a story that is still relevant to the present time, you know. What is it like? Let's find out more information about this art performance below!

1. Lift the Theme of Gambang Kromong Art in a Relevant Condition with the Present Time

Maudy Koesnady, Billy Gamaliel, and the cast

Starring the main cast who also participated in the first sequel performance, Fitria Aprilia as Lia, Luthfi Adriansyah as Daus, the performance that uses the theme song titled "Selaras" by Kunto Aji, tells the story of Lia, the youngest generation in the Soekma Djaja artist family, struggling to fulfill the promise to her adoptive father, Maman Djaja, to preserve the ancestral heritage of Gambang Kromong Soekma Djaja.

However, the plans and strategies that have been designed are hindered by a dangerous situation caused by a member involved in illegal online loans (pinjol). Lia must decide between preserving gambang kromong or selling it for the safety of everyone.

In addition to highlighting and reviving the uniqueness of the typical Betawi orchestra, gambang kromong, this story depicts how young artists who have a high concern for culture must struggle and make sacrifices to preserve culture post-pandemic.

The phenomenon of illegal online loans that has spread in Indonesia post-pandemic is the inspiration behind the latest performance by Teater Abang None, which will surely be interesting, especially with the music of gambang kromong that will bring this performance to life.

2. Show Schedule and Ticket Prices

Gambang Kromong Performance by the Cast (photo credit: KapanLagi.com/Anjellia Alfina)

Although cultural art performances are sometimes overlooked or not popular, Maudy Koesnadi, as the producer and conceptor of this show, expressed, "This show is presented with the handsome, beautiful, and extraordinary talented Abang None Jakarta, so that it can be enjoyed by them (the younger generation). This show will be very light and can be enjoyed and related to the present time. The characteristic of Teater Abang None is to incorporate Betawi cultural messages and insights, but with a very youthful packaging," he said during a press conference at Galeri Indonesia Kaya, Jakarta.

Therefore, it is hoped that this show can be enjoyed well and attract the attention of the younger generation to get to know, love, and preserve Betawi culture. By watching art performances or being enthusiastic about art performances, we are also participating in preserving the culture that we should preserve.

Now, the show "Janji Soekma: Langgam Gambang Kehidupan" presented by Teater Abang None Jakarta can be watched on October 6, 7, and 8, 2023, at 14:00 and 19:00 at Gedung Kesenian Jakarta. For this show, the tickets are divided into 3 classes: VIP: Rp. 515,000, Class I: Rp. 260,000, and Class II: Rp. 155,000, and can be obtained through the Tiket.com platform.

(kpl/ajl)