Feature: MUSIKAL BELAKANG PANGGUNG is Broadcast for Free Until This Sunday

MUSIKAL BELAKANG PANGGUNG, an original musical produced by the advocacy community Lentera Sintas Indonesia in 2020, is made available to watch until Sunday, October 20 2024. This broadcast is meant to educate people on sexual harassment and sexual violence happening in art spaces, inspired by a recent string of such cases in the local art scene.

The video can be watched here, totaling 2 hours and 14 minutes in duration, with English subtitles available.

The musical is co-written by Mario Hasan and Andrew Trigg, the latter of whom also serves as the director. The original music is written by AMI winner Wishnu Dewanta with lyrics by Mario Hasan. Airin Efferin serves as the producer.

MUSIKAL BELAKANG PANGGUNG tells the story of a Jakarta theater group preparing their upcoming production, an adaptation of the legend Ramayana. Behind the scenes, the lead actor is making unwanted advances on the lead actress, culminating in a sexual assault. The show dissects how different parties react to the actress's statement, much of them influenced by the rampant patriatrchy and conservatism culture. 

The show brings an important message of empowerment and support for survivors of sexual abuse. Artistically, it's a solid piece of theater with an intriguing use of the 'play-within-a-play' structure, as it draws parallels between the show that the troupe is putting on and the drama off stage. Read our full review here. 

The show features various renowned film and theater actors, including Mian Tiara, Rama Widi, Muhammad Khan, Marissa Anita, Kiki Narendra, Claudya Hutasoit, Erik Lasmono, and Windy Liem.