Behind The Stages: Pertemuan dengan Temanku

Pertemuan dengan Temanku adalah judul yang tepat untuk memulai tulisan ini. Setelah sekian lama tidak menulis dalam bahasa Indonesia di blog ini, akhirnya tulisan curhat kecil tentang pengalaman menerjemahkan teks teater berhasil mendobrak kebiasaan saya. Sebenarnya menulis dengan bahasa Inggris menjadi salah satu metode saya untuk belajar bahasa Inggris, yah, walaupun mungkin masih ada saja grammar yang tidak tepat, tapi usaha kecil juga pasti berdampak pada diri, bukan.

Bukan suatu hal yang asing ketika akhirnya Rangga berada pada titik ia harus menyelesaikan studinya, dan saya dengan senang hati membantu. Bantuan pertama yang bisa saya berikan adalah menerjemahkan teks yang akan dia gunakan dalam pertunjukan tugas akhirnya. Judul naskah asli yang akan digunakan untuk pertunjukan tugas akhirnya adalah Tomodachi ga kita, sebuah naskah Jepang, tapi saya tidak begitu mahir dalam bahasa Jepang, jadi kami memilih menerjemahkan teks bahasa Inggrisnya dengan judul My Friend Has Come terjemahan James Yaegashi, seorang aktor Amerika keturunan Jepang. Penulis naskah ini adalah Toshiro Suzue-san yang dengan sangat ramah menyambut permintaan saya untuk menerjemahkan naskah beliau. 

Awalnya sangat susah mencari sumber informasi mengenai beliau dan naskahnya dalam bahasa Indonesia, bahkan dalam bahasa Inggris. Karena sampai saat ini, baru naskah Kunang - Kunang yang telah diterjemahkan ke dalam bahasa Indonesia. Dengan bantuan teman saya bernama Yoko, saya berhasil menemukan website resmi Toshiro Suzue-san. Tanpa ragu dan bahasa Jepang seadanya, saya menghubungi beliau melalui email. Mungkin ini adalah jalan semesta, niat baik saya untuk menghubungi beliau disambut hangat, bahkan beliau bersedia menjawab pertanyaan saya seputar naskah tersebut.

Saya sebelumnya pernah menerjemahkan naskah Monolog untuk Rangga yang kita ambil dari film Bronson, dengan mengutip bagian - bagian dialog dari film, kami menyusun naskah monolog tersebut. Selain itu, disaat yang bersamaan juga saya menerjemahkan naskah Hellen Keller untuk tugas akhir Lala. Namun, menjadi tantangan tersendiri bagi saya menerjemahkan naskah ini. Naskah ini terdiri dari sembilan adegan, atau sekitar 30-an halaman. Bercerita tentang tokoh Aku, di suatu siang saat Musim Panas. Latar tempat adalah ruang tengah tokoh Aku yang menghadap ke halaman belakang. Saya harus membaca teks dalam bahasa Inggrisnya berulang - ulang, meski kata - kata yang digunakan cukup sederhana, namun Toshiro Suzue-san sangat detail menuliskan setiap laku yang dimainkan oleh tokoh. Bahkan ketika pertama kali menyelesaikan membaca naskah ini, saya merasa terpukul dan seperti ada beban yang menghantam dada saya. Benar, bahkan untuk memberikan pertolongan pun sudah tidak sempat. Ini pengalaman pertama saya membaca naskah teater dan dibuat menangis.

Naskah selesai dalam waktu kurang lebih 2 bulan. Setelah selesai, saya memberikan keleluasaan bagi Rangga untuk menyesuaikan kata dan kalimat yang ada di dalamnya. Karena tidak mudah memilih kata yang tepat untuk mewakili sebuah ide dari bahasa yang bukan bahasa Ibu kita. I feel so honored bisa menyelesaikan naskah ini dan memberikannya kepada Suzue-san. Saya merasa banyak sekali keajaiban di tahun 2017 ini. Akan ada cerita lanjutan tentang pengalaman ini di blog, I will not tell the story here, it will be a surprise. If you wonder how it turns out on stage, please do come and feel the moment.

Silahkan datang menemani kami membicarakan hidup sebuah pohon kesemek di halaman belakang sambil menikmati segelas teh barley dingin.

Info tentang pertunjukan silahkan klik di sini: bit.ly/2AYfUmC

Performing Arts Workshop at Ruang Kreatif Seni Pertunjukan

Several days ago, I took three days off from work to join workshop in Jakarta. My group, Flying Balloons Puppet, submitted proposal for Ruang Kreatif Seni Pertunjukan Galeri Indonesia Kaya sponsored by Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation with Garin Workshop. Actually we did not expect we will be accepted to be top 25 from all over Indonesia. We would join the workshop and pitched our ideas in front of the committee. This is how universe made scenario for us.

As an observant, I will quite reserved and taken back a little while before joining a conversation. I do not know, but that is my nature on starting a social relations. I am quite eager learning new things and I think that this is a great opportunity for me to learn more about performing arts (especially the management). I do not have any background on performing arts or arts in general and guess what, most of the people joining the workshop studied or studying in art institution. There are a lot of things going on in my mind and I am pretty sure that I am super nervous.

25 delegations from all over Indonesia!

The intense workshop from day to night not only giving me a lot of insights about how to be a producer. Every time the speaker talked about how they handle a project or how their experience in the field, my mind is buzzing about how my group works and how could we improve and develop it. By the end of the workshop, on the last day to be exact, each of us will presented our ideas to the panelist.

After a hectic night submitting the presentation for pitching on the last day of workshop. I woke up early to read cue card I made for the presentation. I was super nervous but it turns out that I could do it. I am able to talk about our group and ideas that we have. It was really nice to prove that what my mind tells me all the time is not right (You know how it feels when you are an anxious human being 😂😂)

Me, pitching about NATUH by Flying Balloons Puppet

It was awesome experience. I met many young talented artists from all over Indonesia. During the workshop we listened and discussed with experts about their journey and how they positioned themselves on the map. It was great to learn so many things right from the person itself. It was also my first time pitching concept that @flyingballoons.puppet develop in front of panelists.

Let’s hope for the best and thank you for the opportunity and experience. See you again! 👋🙌

After Teater Koma performance, Sie Jin Kwie Melawan Siluman Barat

These are my conclusions from the workshop,

• You do not need to have an art degree to be in an art project, all you need is passion and of course commitment.
• No road is easy, not only for performers but for the rest of people.
• We need to challenge ourselves every day to be a best version we could be.
• I know, nobody is perfect, but no efforts is less worth it, right?
• Everything you do with heart will be delivered with heart as well

Cheers!

Thoughts: Why some trends are over-rated

Have you been into some trends lately? Or wanting to buy that new sweatshirts everyone else are into. How about weekend and try a new gelato stands where everyone in town are craving for. Each one of us have been or being in the phase, I bet so because I did the same thing in some stages of my life. But, as I get older (probably wiser) I wonder why trends are over-rated. Is it the story covered by rainbow and sprinkle that makes it a must-have or simply because it was trend that it is why it is over-rated (get it?)

No doubt, the rise of social media especially Instagram are the machine of all these trends even though people are following trends since it was put on the magazine you were buying when you are in middle school. The hype, though, is super real! I realize this when a lot of people starting to try the electronic cigarette or what they called vapor here in Indonesia. I saw how my brother are into this kind of trends despite the truth whether he really needs it or not.

People born with desire and I know that it is one of biggest challenges everyone are trying to suppress since Adam and Eve are thrown to earth. Desire. Big word with a ton of meaning. Back on the trends, actually human can survive without all of it, right? You naturally fulfilling your basic needs like food, clothes, and shelter. But, in reality, the basic needs even change through time. Say Hi to globalization that makes everything possible.

There is always the dark side of new cool things, right? Even technologies, it has a ton of advantages to human life, but on the other side it has bad side that we realize it or not. Following the trend not only about how social media announce and spread the words on that topics or certain items, but how each individual perceived the needs of things. It is fact that the social media has a big role in shaping how people respond and act on certain issues.

So, why some trends are over-rated? It is probably because people keep on posting on that. Once someone knew the trend, they will follow and post it in Instagram, simple! Especially the influencers, once they follow the trend, every followers will do the same. It is bandwagon effects. Everyone do what everyone else is doing despite what they believe in.

Trends come and go but personal style is timeless

No matter how big the ads showed by social media every single hour even seconds. Once you found your gem within you. You will survive little diamonds!

Welcome to the age when people need to get smarter than technology.

Cheers!

Writings: I might regret this in the future

This would be distinctive  entry I have ever written. Actually, I try to write this short random writings right after my group involved in the project that focus on the topic of sexual harassment. It might be related to some point and the effect of the harassment itself. Enjoy reading! You can comment your thoughts about this topic as well. Thank you.

I might regret this in the future

When someone I knew for so long changing into unknown creepy stranger.

I don’t know where to turn to.

Orange sky that once filled with natural perfume of spring’s flower turn into an ashy and nauseated smell.

I try to run and jumped from one bus to another just to removed the smell.

But, sadly, it followed me.

I managed to escaped from his big arms.

I managed to make the room filled with red and yellow.

He hurt so freaking bad that he pisses himself.

I run.

I run.

I run.

As I walked away, I tried to remember about anyone I know. But, I barely remember any of them.

I was deaf and blind, and forgot about the life I led before.

I run till my feet hurt.

I run till my tears dry.

I run till I am nowhere.

I knew one thing. I faced him, I thought it was a proper confrontation at first.

The more I run, the more I would regret this in the future.

I hurt. He hurt.

I did not want to turn into other beast, I did not want to be like him.

All I want is freedom.

But being free was expensive, you could not  just exchange it with some golds. You need to sacrifice more than you think you should.

I sacrificed my beliefs, my heart for irresponsible human being like him.

I might regret my confrontation, but I would regret if I did not do it.

I might regret that I did not give myself an options to live the life where I could be anything I wanted to be.

I could be a bird, I could be an artist, I could be a grandma that live her old days with all her favorite people.

Would it be possible for me? For I am here, lying on the wet, smelly dirt.

Create your own opportunity in life! You deserve to decide what kind of life you live. Spread your wings little owl, explore and choose anywhere you want to be. Build your own nest.

50 Seemingly Fun Bucket List

Hi!

Today I would like to talk about Bucket List, my own bucket list. I have wrote about this topic before, you can check it here. I want to write a new version of it. This list actually another wish list, but it is more mature one, (Haha! Probably, I hope so)

Bucket list talks about list of things that someone wants to do or achieve before they die. The term gained the popularity when movie titled Bucket List starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson aired in 2007. Have you seen the movie? It was a great movie. Two old men try to fulfill their dream after they get terminal illness that brought them up together despite of their background.

Okay back to the business. Disclaimer, the bucket list that I will write here consists of things that I consider to achieve (I put a lot of thoughts on it) and things that spontaneously and seemingly fun to do before I hide among the dirt.

Without no further due, here we go!

1. Go back to Spain and spend some beautiful summer morning by the beach.
2. Have a small house with a garden full of veggies. (Hey! Don’t forget my dogs and cats)
3. Continue my study to higher degree. (Cultural Diplomacy major!)
4. Developing the puppet theater group I am currently with.
5. Start working and creating with my besties (the dark humor merch)
6. Going to Madagascar
7. Eat a sago worms in Papua
8. Cook paella with a real saffron
9. Surf in Lakey with my partner 😌
10. Go to United States of America
11. Road trip in Grand Canyon
12. Spend a week in Thailand
13. Go to Japan before 30
14. A day in Ghibli Museum
15. Meet my Facebook friends in their home country
16. Visit Petra, Jordan
17. Camping with my best friend in one of Lombok’s beaches
18. Get married and plan my own wedding
19. Climb a mountain once in a lifetime
20. Collect all hand machines
21. Has a secretive tattoo 😏
22. Build my own bookcase
23. Write and publish book
24. Sail in Komodo island
25. Cook and serve dinner for my bestfriend and special one
26. Going somewhere for artist residency
27. Sew my future kids their own clothes
28. Sew my own wedding dress
29. Holiday trip with my two best buddies (Arta and Ditto) Yay!
30. Spend a month in Italy
31. Go to Iceland and watch Sigur Ros
32. Go to summer music festival
33. Own a small garden
34. Harvest and cook veggies from my own garden
35. Perform puppet theater abroad
36. Have my own DIY workshop
37. Join half marathon
38. Snorkeling in Karimun Jawa
39. Spend a week in Natuna with Rangga
40. Visit the treasure hunter museum
41. Enjoy an afternoon in Montmartre
42. Go to Rome with train
43. Visit Germany and stay in one of cool airbnb accommodation
44. Trip to all Southeast Asian countries
45. Visit Budapest
46. Eat kebab in Bismillah Restaurant in Barcelona (Again)
47. Swim in dead sea
48. Visit Hawaii
49. Have my own exhibition
50. Play in snowy road

The list could go on and on actually. But, I stop in number 50 because this 50 seemingly fun items need years to be completed.

I do not want to set time for all these adventures, I just want to enjoy every single of it. No pressure to myself if I cannot finish all of it. Life could lead you into different direction and most of the things are mistery for us to be found.

Keep dreaming little owl.

Cheers!

City of Love: Gotta be there again!

Eiffel, captured from Paris Metro. Photo: Personal property

Hola amigos!

I am back with another story of how my childhood dream come true.

While I was in Spain for student exchange, I spent my short winter vacation to France and Italy. It was worth visiting, definitely. Actually, I am not the type of adventurer-kinda girl. I prefer to stay at my room listening to a good music, while reading or crafting. But, France is like on top of my bucket list. I have to go there. It was my dream since I was a kid.

Right before I booked my flight and accommodation, Paris got bombed by some irresponsible adult called themselves as muslim. I am as a muslim condemned that action. It is never right to killed innocent people, my religion never teach such action. I knew that the situation will be very different, the security would be higher than before. But, I decided to booked my flight on 9th december, from Valencia to Paris. Since, it was my only chance to visit while I was in Europe. I booked the cheapest flight, it was cheaper than flight cost from Jogja to my hometown Lombok. It costs me 10 euros for one flight, I booked two more from Paris to Pisa, and my flight back from Pisa to Barcelona.

I was so excited that I listed all of places I wanted to go to. But, I know two days would not be enough to explore Paris, I insisted to go to most of the places though. It was very tiring but worth it. I spent my short holiday with two friends, Ditto and Ianthe. I will post another entry on my trip in Paris and some tips from what I experienced.

It was a really fascinating journey. I have watched Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amelie Poulain a thousand times and I really wanted to go to Sacre Coeur, (remember the scene when Amelie return the photo album). I wanted to see Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and how Paris metro is. We went from 10am in the morning until 11pm on and off the metro, walked on cobble stones, tasted eclair and croissant.

I never imagine that my childhood dream was right in front of my very eyes, crystal clear. And it's still feel unreal until this very moment. I used to draw Eiffel tower since I was in primary school, get so excited about Paris, learnt French for a while, bought wallpaper shaped like Sacre Coeur. I even created book of dream when I was in junior high school, and of course this city is on my list. I am glad, I created such dream and make it happen.

I will post another entry on my favorite spots in Paris. Thank you for visiting my blog.

Cheers!

Little Walk to the Unknown Faces

Hi!

It is quite a while, I guess 2013 was the last time when I write my visits to Jogja Biennale and joined the blog competition.

On 22nd August 2017, one of my friend, Ruth Marbun or I called mba Utay opened her exhibition in Jogja Contemporary. Prologue: Image not Found by Ruth Marbun, is her second exhibition. It will be open until 5th September 2017. If you are in Jogja now, I suggest you to take a look and enjoy little journey with new faces you will see at the venue.

The poster

As you walk to the exhibition room, you will see many faces. It could be someone you know or someone you made the story about in your head. As mba Utay said, she does not give the exact narration to her works, but rather she let the audience to see and make their own story about it. I like the ideas when we have to imagine the story behind each of the faces. Most of the painting mediums are watercolor, but for bigger paintings, it was painted in canvas with acrylic.

Rangga thinking out loud. My favorite faces is the one on the top, number 3 from the left

When you entered the venue, there will be a wall with small frames hanged on it. There are faces of people, with sentence written on top of it ‘Nama - nama yang terlupakan di doa Senin pagi” or the forgotten names in monday morning prayer. This is one of my favorite section of the exhibition. I could relate the faces I saw with famous and familiar people I knew. The exciting part is you will definitely has different ideas about those faces with your friends.

Don't mind my facial expression. Rangga said something funny while taking this picture

Another favorite part is the big painting with words written under it “Pada petang hari aib menyewa pembunuh bayaran yang belum makan siang”, you can translate it by yourself. Rangga attention focus on the little sardine on the paintings. Maybe because, sometimes I will cook sardine for him on the weekend. (Haha!)

That is all from me, you could go and check this cool exhibition this weekend. (a good place to spend your weekend with your bestfriend or significant other ;))

The venue maps: Jogja Contemporary Maps. It is located within the area of Jogja National Museum (JNM)

Happy Weekend a tous!