Indonesia Theatre Newsroom

On February 22 and 23, the Japanese theater group Shindora returned to the stage with their latest musical, Kaneko Mama and the Jolly Folks at Teater Kecil, Taman Ismail Marzuki. This original musical is set in Japan at the end of the Showa era (late 1980s), bringing with it a unique retro charm and themes of family and community.

What did our critic think of LEGACY at Gedung Kesenian Jakarta?

The musical community Jaksical held their latest production, Kapan Nikah? (“When Are You Getting Married?”) on February 21-23 2025 at Teater Salihara. This is the second installment in the ‘Kapan?’ series, which started with Kapan Resign? (“When Are You Resigning?”) in 2023.

What did our critic think of MAR at ArtSwara?

What did our critic think of CHIISANA AI NO UTA at Bungaku Universitas Kristen Maranatha?

On February 21, 2025, Global Sevilla Pulo Mas put on a production of Lutung Kasarung: The Warrior’s Heart. This musical production is an adaptation of the Sundanese legend Lutung Kasarung. Banyu headed the show as its director, scriptwriter, and songwriter. He collaborated with Nindya Tri Harbanu and Muhammad Nur Muhammady as music directors, as well as Christina Sekar and Rajasa Rahaditya as co-directors (Christina Sekar also served as the dance coordinator).

Grease was first staged in 1971, with music, lyrics, and a book by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. It had its debut on Broadway in 1972 until it was eventually adapted into a movie starring John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John in 1978. This play and its consequent movie were a cultural icon, with songs that persist through time and are deeply rooted in modern pop culture. And for the first time, in 2025, it was performed in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The musical Mirah was staged on 22-23 February 2025, at Teater Besar Taman Ismail Marzuki in Jakarta. The production house presented four performances, featuring two different pairs of main leads, with each duo performing twice. This show was produced by Ir. Dery Syrna, directed by Rudolf Puspa and Dolfry Inda Suri. The team from Broadway World Indonesia was given the opportunity to watch their last show on February 23rd, and here’s our review.

On February 14 and 15, 2025, the private school Global Jaya staged a production of Mary Poppins Jr. at their theater. This show was directed by teacher Mutiara Fallahdani and featured a cast of the school’s students from elementary through high school. The Broadwayworld Indonesia team was invited to watch show 3, which took place on Saturday afternoon.

A newcomer has arrived to the Jakarta performing arts scene. Founded by artist Kezia Haniel and bearing the name of Pranalika – meaning system or connection in Sanskrit – they offer a consulting and production service for all things performing arts. And, appropriately enough for an artistic enterprise, Pranalika took their first step into the spotlight through a show: Footlights and Friendships.

What did our critic think of THE MUSICAL PLATTER at Chega Entertainment?

From originals to licensed musicals, check out the shows opening in February and March 2025.

What did our critic think of TREM BERNAMA DESIRE at GRAHA BHAKTI BUDAYA?

What did our critic think of OMK SANMARE'S ARAH PULANG IS A HEARTWARMING AND CONTEMPORARY CHRISTMAS STORY at OMK Santa Maria Regina?

Joining the PNNY collective on Monday 3rd Feb is Amsterdam DJ - Tjade, who has been part of the Dutch underground dance scene for more than ten years and has seen a meteoric rise throughout Europe ever since he started producing his own music.

Hi Jakarta Production has taken to YouTube to share a video of its dance company, Hi Jakarta Dance, performing a number from Light It Up 2024. The children of this company engaged in an energetic performance which can be seen in the video here!

Hi Jakarta Dance will host a 6 week dance program called Sixplosion. Get a chance to expand your love for dance by learning some groovy moves and perform on stage!

I had my first experience of watching Nick Payne’s Constellations on the National Theatre website. The production I watched was produced by DONMAR, directed by Michael Longhurst, and performed by Peter Capaldi and Zoë Wanamaker. Although the stage was empty, the use of colour and empty space enhanced by the blue and white balloons surrounding them made the play feel spectacularly otherworldly. I was instantly in love.

Discover the best shows 2024 had to offer and the 2025 shows we're most looking forward to!

Just recently, Jakarta Art House hosted its latest stage production, Catch Me If You Can the Musical. This was an adaptation of the 2002 movie of the same name starring Leonardo DiCaprio, following the same storyline: the alleged true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., a convicted felon who committed plenty of frauds at his young age and has now reformed as a security consultant. 

Ivan Tangkulung, a cross-genre musician and composer, has released the song Terang on December 20, 2024. This song, originally written by the late Glenn Fredly, is performed by the Ivan Tangkulung Big Band featuring renowned vocalist Louise Monique. This version of Terang is made in the dynamic and expressive musical style of the big band genre.

When it was first announced back in May, Musikal Dangdut: Kukejar Kau Sayang (lit. Dangdut Musical: I’ll Chase You My Love) made waves throughout the Indonesian musical theater community. It was a provocative, intriguing proposition: dangdut AND musical theater? It’s unheard of.

Polarisasi – the original musical about Indonesian politics by Da Lopez Brothers – returned to the stage of Graha Bhakti Budaya on October 10-13, following its initial run in February. This rerun (also called Leg 2) brought new direction, new artistic design, and few new cast members, while telling mostly the same story as before.

Hi Jakarta Production will present a day of performances later this month. LIT 3 will feature a captivating Musical Theater Mini Showcase and dance.

Hi Jakarta Dance will host a dance camp this December. At this event, participants can elevate their dance skills and have a chance to perform at the final showcase on December 14.