Under the Volcano Brings the Story of Krakatoa to the Venice Stage 2026
- 10 Jun 2026 12:28 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Key Points
- Under the Volcano was selected to represent Indonesia in the 2026 Venice International Theatre Festival after a rigorous curation process.
- Directed by Yusril Katil, this work was inspired by the Syair Lampung Karam (Syair Lampung Karam) and explores the tragedy of the 1883 Krakatoa eruption through a combination of local language, dance, and Minangkabau martial arts.
- According to Restu Imansari Kusumaningrum, the performance highlights hope, solidarity, and the spirit of rising together after a disaster.
RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The performance Under the Volcano will represent Indonesia at the 2026 Venice International Theatre Festival. The production by Bumi Purnati Indonesia was selected after a rigorous festival curation process.
Directed by Yusril Katil and inspired by Muhammad Saleh's poem Syair Lampung Karam, the work dramatizes the tragedy of Mount Krakatoa's 1883 eruption.
"This performance is a homecoming to the roots of memory and my birthplace. For us, the mountain is not a backdrop but the pulse of life and an ever-present anxiety," Yusril told reporters at the Jakarta Center for Arts Training on Tuesday, 9 June 2026.
In the production, local language is shaped into living rhythms and sounds. Those elements merge with a movement inspired by Minangkabau silat, a traditional martial art.
"I treat language as a physical material that carries the vibration of the earth. It recalls collective memories about disaster and community life," he said.
Artistic director and independent producer at Bumi Purnati Indonesia, Restu Imansari Kusumaningrum, said the work speaks about hope. She noted that disasters bring not only suffering but also solidarity.
"The steps on stage symbolize rescue and human struggle. Amid disaster, there is always a spirit to rise together," said Restu.
Alongside Under the Volcano, Bumi Purnati Indonesia will also present Hikayat Perahu/The Tale of Boat. Both pieces will showcase the richness of Indonesian culture on the world stage. (Annaila Azzahra/EN)
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