In this second part of the article, inclover continued the quest to peer into the world of Jakarta’s theater scene.
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DINAS KEBUDAYAAN DKI JAKARTA
Balai Budaya Condet (Condet Cultural Hall)
The Condet Cultural Hall stands as a beacon of creativity for local artists of East Jakarta. Established in the 1990s, the venue was originally known as the Laboratorium Tari dan Karawitan Condet (Condet Dance and Karawitan Laboratory), a place dedicated to the cultivation of art and tradition, serving as a vibrant workshop for cultural arts.
In a significant transformation, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Culture Service assumed stewardship of the premises, bestowing upon it the new title of Balai Budaya Condet.
Its rebirth was celebrated on November 11, 2023, marked by a grand inauguration ceremony led by the Head of the DKI Jakarta Culture Service, following an extensive three-month refurbishment. The hall boasts a suite of amenities designed to support the performing arts, including preparation areas for performers, seating for audience members, make-up rooms, and restrooms. Additionally, the facility is home to an amphitheater that can accommodate approximately 100 guests, alongside a spacious hall measuring 10 x 9 meters. This establishment warmly welcomes all art enthusiasts and cultural practitioners, offering a space where they can engage in and promote their artistic endeavors.
Jl. Balai Rakyat No.88
Balekambang, East Jakarta
Gedung Kesenian Miss Tjitjih (Miss Tjitjih Arts Building)
The Miss Tjitjih Arts Building is a testament to the enduring legacy of Nyi Tjitjih, a celebrated theater performer from Sumedang City, West Java. As a young talent, Nyi Tjitjih captivated audiences in her hometown before joining the Valencia Opera Group in 1926, at the tender age of 18, upon their visit to West Java. The group, subsequently renamed Sandiwara Miss Tjitjih, flourished with Nyi Tjitjih’s growing fame. By 1928, they had established themselves in Jakarta, and in 1951, they found a home on Jalan Kramat Raya No. 43, Central Jakarta, marking the zenith of their popularity. The group was lauded for preserving traditional arts, drawing crowds and acclaim alike.
Following the passing of Nyi Tjitjih and the group’s leader, Bafaqih, the troupe relocated. In the spirit of artistic continuity, Harun Bafagih, Abu Bakar Bafagih’s son, sought to honor his father’s legacy by establishing a new venue on Jalan Stasiun Angke, No.2, West Jakarta. Despite facing eviction in 1987, the group’s resilience led to the establishment of the Miss Tjitjih Arts Building in Cempaka Baru, Kemayoran, under the auspices of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Culture Service.
Today, the building not only serves as a performance space but also as a hub for theater practice and artistic endeavors. The Miss Tjitjih drama group, rooted in traditional Sundanese culture, continues to thrive, showcasing the rich tapestry of cultural heritage passed down through generations.
The venue, with a seating capacity of 257, features a 15 x 10 meter stage, complete with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems. It also includes essential facilities such as practice rooms, make-up rooms, restrooms, and a parking area, ensuring a comprehensive experience for both performers and audiences alike
Jl. Kabel Pendek
Kemayoran, Central Jakarta
Gedung Pertunjukan Wayang Orang Bharata
The Wayang Orang Bharata performance building in the Pasar Senen area, Central Jakarta, was previously a Realto or Rialto Cinema building. The Rialto Cinema operated until 1942 when the Dutch handed over their residence in Indonesia to Japan. On the way, the building was converted into a wayang orang performance building. The group that performs in the building is the Pantjamurti People’s Wayang group. Then in 1972, Wayang Orang Pantjamurti had to leave the building. But some players chose to stay. Then, on July 5 1972 the remaining wayang artists formed a new wayang orang group with the name Wayang Orang Bharata.
The name Bharata was coined by a film artist from IKJ, Jadup Jaya Kusuma, which comes from three syllables, namely; Bha – Ra – TA and is an acronym for Bhawa Rasa Tala which is interpreted as movement that comes from the depths of the heart accompanied by a tone or song. At that time, the Bharata People’s Wayang performance was performed almost every day. However, in 1999, the group went on hiatus due to building renovations for 6 years. After that, Wayang Orang Bharata was active again and is now at the bottom under the auspices of the DKI Regional Government through the DKI Jakarta Provincial Culture Service.
The building was renovated in 2022 by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Culture Service through the Cultural Arts Performance Building Management Unit planned by the then Governor Anies Baswedan. The Bharata People’s Puppet Show Hall displays wayang people’s performances. Arts enthusiasts can use this building for other arts activities such as dance practice, as well as theater or performing arts. This building has an audience capacity of 238 seats. This building is also equipped with various supporting performance spaces such as a players’ waiting room, audience waiting room, toilets, lobby, reception desk and other facilities
Jl. Kali Lio No.15
Senen, Central Jakarta
