CCN, Cilegon – In a remarkable display of artistic beauty and captivating stage performance, two ritual theater shows on the same day mesmerized the audience with their artistic elegance and stunning stage design. The event took place at GSG Unival on June 24, 2023, and became the talk of the town among the art and cultural community in Cilegon, Banten. This performance merged impressive ritualistic elements with extraordinary creativity.
One of the shows, titled “Ritus,” tackled highly relevant and engaging issues surrounding land ownership, such as excessive exploitation of natural resources, cases of certificate fraud, and prolonged land encroachment. It shed light on the deteriorating human relationships caused by greed, exacerbating animosity within society. Even the sense of gratitude towards the universal forces seemed insignificant in the face of human greed.
The colossal theater performance “Ritus” was produced under the guidance of Saiful Iskandar S. Hum, directed and scripted by Ega Prayoga, choreographed by Agus R Ramdan, with music composed by Miko Afrila, cinematography by Fahrurrozy, artistic direction by Gentha Jamaludin, and featuring talented actors, musicians, dancers, and other creative team members.
The audience was taken on a profound spiritual journey through brilliant visual and theatrical interpretations. The uniqueness of the show lied in the fusion of theatrical artistry with ancient rituals, creating an unforgettable experience for each individual present.
From an artistic standpoint, this performance reached new heights. The creativity and imagination of the artistic designers were evident in the spectacular stage setup. Meticulously crafted backdrops created a magical ambiance, blending natural elements with ancient symbols. The combination of dramatic lighting and innovative visual effects added a captivating visual dimension, creating a deep and mysterious atmosphere.
Furthermore, carefully selected costumes and makeup reflected the themes and characters of the rituals portrayed. Symbolic details and intricate ornaments adorned the costumes, adding an authentic touch and enhancing the overall artistic visualization.
The stage design was meticulously crafted to create a unique space and reinforce the ritualistic effects. The fusion of natural elements and grand architectural structures generated a powerful atmosphere, radiating a captivating spiritual aura to the audience. Precisely choreographed movements and stage arrangements explored the power of rituals, immersing the audience in a thought-provoking and emotionally engaging narrative.
Gentha Jamaludin, the Chairperson of Sebawon Unival and the Artistic Director, emphasized the significance of this performance in implementing artistic elements in theater, be it in setting backgrounds or other properties. He emphasized that every element played a vital role in creating artistic innovation, such as the use of specific elements like soil, dry trees, and other symbolic representations integrated into the narrative. Gentha added that this show was the result of an extraordinary collaborative process involving an aesthetic and artistic team, requiring meticulous preparation and extensive reconstruction of the necessary artistic components.
The theater performance not only impressed visually but also stirred emotions and touched the souls of the audience. Through the fusion of artistic elements and a strong stage presence, each viewer could experience the spiritual presence and contemplate the meanings embedded in the rituals presented.
The ritual theater performance successfully captured the hearts of the audience and received widespread acclaim from art critics. It is hoped that this event will mark a new milestone in the exploration of theatrical art and inspire future generation.
(translated by ahdi)
