From Krakatoa To Sufi Poetry, Indonesia Heads To Venice

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Two Indonesian contemporary theater productions will bring stories of disaster, resilience, and spiritual reflection to the 54th International Theatre Festival of La Biennale di Venezia in Italy on June 16-19, 2026. The performances, Under the Volcano and Hikayat Perahu/The Tale of Boat, were selected to represent Indonesia at one of the world's leading performing arts festivals.

While differing in theme and artistic approach, both productions draw deeply from Indonesia’s cultural heritage. Together, they present narratives rooted in Sumatra that speak to universal human experiences.

Directed by Yusril Katil, Under the Volcano is inspired by Syair Lampung Karam, a literary work by Muhammad Saleh that chronicles the devastating eruption of Krakatoa in 1883. The production explores how communities endure tragedy and rebuild their lives in the aftermath of disaster.

Rather than focusing solely on destruction, the performance highlights solidarity and recovery. Contemporary dance movements inspired by Minangkabau martial arts become a language through which memories of loss and resilience are expressed on stage.

The second production, Hikayat Perahu/The Tale of Boat, takes audiences on a different journey. Directed by Sri Qadariatin, the work reinterprets Syair Perahu by the 16th-century Sufi poet Hamzah Fansuri, whose writings were recognized by UNESCO's Memory of the World register in 2025.

Using the metaphor of a boat crossing a vast ocean, the performance reflects on humanity's search for meaning and inner peace. Traditional oral expressions from Aceh are woven into a contemporary theatrical form, creating a dialogue between past and present.

The two productions were showcased during a dress rehearsal at the Center for Arts and Cultural Training (PPSB) in Central Jakarta, Tuesday, on June 9, before their departure to Italy. The preview offered a glimpse of how Indonesian artists are reimagining traditional stories for international audiences.

Beyond cultural representation, the Venice performances underscore Indonesia’s growing presence in global contemporary arts. By transforming historical memory and classical literature into modern stage works, the artists aim to demonstrate that local stories can resonate far beyond their place of origin.