Sriwedari Exits Stage Left

Tuesday, May 6, 2003

Members of the Sriwedari Javanese troupe are facing quiet nights, with only a dozen or so people arriving each night to watch their performance. Solo-based Balekambang Ketoprak group, which performs historical Javanese drama, is in a similarly miserable condition. To cover living expenses, its members are forced to take side jobs. Some even become pedicab drivers. A breakthrough is needed to bring back the glory of traditional arts. Quite a challenge, given the heavy burden of daily life that can get the better of the creativity and energy of these groups.

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Behind the stage curtain, the male and female players of the Javanese traditional stage show were busy making up their faces. Holding a small mirror, one diligently spread powder across her cheeks and applied some lipstick. As they took in their own painted expressions in the mirror, the usual hope surged in their hearts: loud applause from a packed audience.

As the director of Solo-based Taman Sriwedari Traditional Javanese stage show troupe, Ha

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