Masalah Teater Musikal di Indonesia | POVJOV

Summary

This video explores the challenges and potential of musical theater in Indonesia. The speaker highlights that, despite a rich pool of stories and talented performers, the industry faces cultural, financial, and infrastructural barriers. Success stories like Desmonda and LH Latif, who trained locally and performed internationally, demonstrate the possibilities for Indonesian actors. The discussion emphasizes the need for professional theaters, government funding, high-quality productions, and role models to inspire young talent. By learning from international standards and fostering an ecosystem that supports both creativity and sustainability, Indonesian musical theater can grow and capture the audience’s imagination.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lack of awareness: Many people in Indonesia are unaware of musical theater, as it is not as mainstream as other forms of entertainment like movies or concerts.
• 😀 Financial barriers: Producing a musical is expensive, with costs for venues, sets, costumes, and talent. Smaller shows often struggle to generate enough revenue, limiting their sustainability.
• 😀 Limited infrastructure: While some theaters exist in Indonesia, they are underutilized due to high costs and a lack of business models to support regular shows.
• 😀 Role models are scarce: There are few widely recognized Indonesian musical theater figures, making it harder for young people to envision a career in the arts.
• 😀 International success: Indonesian actors like Desmonda and LH Latif have succeeded in international theater, highlighting that local talent can excel on global stages with the right training.
• 😀 Community theater as a stepping stone: Actors can build their craft by starting in smaller, community-run theater groups before advancing to larger, more professional productions.
• 😀 Importance of education: The need for more theater programs in schools is emphasized, integrating theater into education to help nurture the next generation of talent.
• 😀 Funding systems abroad: Countries like the UK provide arts council funding to support theater production, making it easier for creators to bring shows to life without relying solely on ticket sales.
• 😀 Magical theater experiences: International musicals, like *Wicked* and *Back to the Future*, offer awe-inspiring moments (e.g., flying actors and moving cars) that create unforgettable experiences for audiences.
• 😀 Solutions for growth: The Indonesian theater scene can thrive if the government and private sector invest in infrastructure, provide funding, support theater education, and ensure high-quality productions.

Q & A

What are the main challenges facing musical theater in Indonesia?

The main challenges facing musical theater in Indonesia include a lack of widespread awareness, limited infrastructure (such as professional theaters and rehearsal spaces), high production costs, and insufficient funding. Additionally, there is a shortage of role models for young aspiring performers, making it difficult to develop the industry further.

Why is there a limited interest in musical theater in Indonesia?

Musical theater in Indonesia is often viewed as obscure, and people rarely suggest going to see a musical. There's a general lack of awareness, and it's not as deeply ingrained in the culture as it is in places like Broadway or the West End, where attending theater is a regular activity.

How does the infrastructure in Indonesia affect the development of musical theater?

The infrastructure for musical theater in Indonesia is limited, with few professional theaters, rehearsal rooms, or specialized stages. High rental costs for available spaces further restrict the creative use of these venues, making it difficult to develop the necessary production capabilities and attract more audiences.

What makes the funding landscape difficult for Indonesian musical theater?

Funding for musical theater in Indonesia is scarce. Most productions rely on private groups and brands to cover costs. Without government support for infrastructure or production, the financial burden remains high. There are also no significant subsidies or grants available to support the growth of local theater.

Can you give an example of how some Indonesian actors have succeeded internationally?

Actors like Desmonda and LH Latif have successfully built international careers in musical theater, demonstrating that theater experience in Indonesia can act as a stepping stone for further opportunities abroad.

How can Indonesia improve its musical theater scene?

To improve, Indonesia should focus on developing better infrastructure, securing government funding for productions and theater spaces, and offering training programs for emerging artists. Creating more opportunities for young performers, increasing the quality of local productions, and fostering role models for the next generation could also help grow the scene.

What role does education play in developing the musical theater industry in Indonesia?

Education is crucial for developing musical theater talent. The lack of formal educational programs and exposure to professional theater leaves many young artists underprepared. Establishing specialized training programs in schools and universities can help develop new talent and grow the industry's depth.

How does the UK’s arts funding system differ from Indonesia’s?

In the UK, there is substantial government funding for the arts, including grants from organizations like the Arts Council. This funding is used to support shows, theaters, and educational programs. In contrast, Indonesia lacks similar public funding, relying more on private funding and corporate sponsorships.

What is the significance of the National Theatre in the UK?

The National Theatre in the UK is a publicly funded venue that offers a wide range of productions. It is subsidized by taxpayers and plays a significant role in making theater accessible to the public. Schools often organize trips to attend performances, further ingraining theater in the culture.

Why does Desmonda prefer watching theater abroad?

Desmonda enjoys watching theater abroad because she finds the experiences to be more magical and innovative, such as the flying scenes in *Wicked* or the futuristic scenes in *Back to the Future*. These kinds of performances are rare in Indonesia, where the industry is still developing and has limited resources.