Kulchur (With a K)

Contrary to much I have said, there are some interesting extra curricular activities in Jakarta. Not normally being one for the "highbrow end" of the entertainment scale here, I relented (for personal reasons) and decided to go along to this production. (Visions of the Marx Brothers movie at the Opera did run through my mind) 

It was actually rather good, well directed with some amazing vocal talent...

 

The main players were all Indonesian and to be honest, were superb. Every note and word were clearly audible with immense vocal range capabilities displayed throughout the evening..



Although using minimal stage props, the lighting and costumes made for a stunning visual experience.


 

The choreography was well executed, every player knew exactly where to be at just the right time and the main players positioning ensured maximum vocal delivery.

Backing the "stars" the Paramabiri Choir from the Bina Nusantara University were superb. Again, despite the use of complex enghlish language the students excelled in their performance

Also in the cast were children from the British International School, Victory Plus School Bekasi, Pembangunan Jaya School and the New Zealand International School who all gained places in the production through a highly slective audition process. The children were utilised in creating crowd effects, demonic presences, animals in the woods and startling wonderful vocal arrangements which counterpointed that off the main cast.  


 

All in all, exactly what opera is all about, colour, music, superb voices and as a bonus, a story...

 

With some children present in the audience I wondered how they would react to the evening, but, comic performance and visual effects created a muti-level entrtainment package for the whole family.

Brilliant Night out, even if there was no alcohol.


 

So for those that missed it....hard lines......