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Aspek Sosial & Simbolik Teater Rakyat Indonesia
by James L. Peacock (1968)

Originally published in English as Rites of Modernization: Symbolic and Social Aspects of Indonesian Proletarian Drama by the University of Chicago in 1968, Ritus Modernisasi studies the (pre-’65 gestapu) historical, social and artistic importance of this “proletarian drama”, ludruk.

Peacock wrote clear and structured comparison and studies of (specific) roles, symbolism, and plot, which, while now outdated, offers the ancient skeletal artefact of this performance art. In observing the background, as ludruk was commonly performed in East Java and centred in Surabaya, a significant proportion of the book describes the history of Surabaya, its political climate observed at its application level and in its pre-65 relation as a popular entertainment (and therefore, propaganda media) to political parties (PKI and military). In dissecting its symbolism and cultural significance, Peacock drew widely from Geertz’ Religion of Java, comparing it with his (and surveys of others’) first-hand experiences of ludruk.

I have not yet read the original English version, but it seems quite well-translated. While some of the analysis seem presumptuous if not outdated in the light of today, it offers not just in-depth study of a specific performance art, but also plenty of insights on social, economic, politic and cultural changes as related to particular eras and regions.

Tags:art, Books-in-Indonesian-Language, history, Indonesia, social science, theatre