Experience the colours of Indonesia at Etcetera
THREE is the magic number this year as organisers of Etcetera – Melbourne University’s Indonesian Students’ Association – promise audiences triple the fun at their annual Indonesian cultural showcase.
To be held this ANZAC Day on April 25, the theme of Etcetera this year is “Colours of Indonesia”, and the event is a precious opportunity to tap into Indonesia’s rich arts and cultural roots.
Sentanu Reksalegora of MUISA, says the event is “not all about the formality”.
“We try to make it fun for everyone,” he says.
“In the past years, we have had several cultural performances such as, Tari Saman, Tari Kecak, Tari Pendet, and Gamelan. We also had top Indonesian jazz musicians such as Aditya, Balawan, and Maliq n d’Essential perform, to show everyone our pop culture.”
In line with Etcetera’s theme for 2012, audiences can expect a colourful line up of performances, including an appearance by the newly-formed group Trio Lestari made up of music maestros Tompi, Glenn Fredly, and Sandhy Sandoro.
And though the group has just been minted, all three performers are soloists in their own right. Tompi is no stranger to Melbourne audiences with his unique voicebox acts, Fredly performed for Etcetera in 2010 with the launch of his new album Lovelution, and Sandoro’s New Wave performances have achieved acclaim in Latvia.
With their sense of humour, you can also expect them to elicit more than a few laughs from the audience.
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Those new to Indonesian culture will enjoy watching the Tari Topeng Cirebon – a unique traditional dance somewhat like puppetry: the dancers don masks and portray various characters to tell a story, usually from folklore, accompanied by traditional music.
But there is a twist – the performance will be put on by local Aussies instead.
MUISA also has a tradition of donating the majority of the proceeds from Etcetera to charities in Indonesia, and this year, their nominated charity is Yayasan Kanker Anak Indonesia – an organisation that helps support disadvantaged children diagnosed with cancer in Indonesia.
“We see bright futures in these children… and your attendance will help support their lives,” Sentanu says.
“And bring your friends along too, the more the merrier.”
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Colours of Indonesia, Etcetera 2012, will be held at 5pm April 25 at the Melbourne Convention Centre (do arrive early to get the best seats). Early bird tickets are on sale now for $20, or $25 after April 17.
For more information or to book, contact: Andi0425557292, Tania 0430056818, Andro 0425553003, or Marsha: 0433992609.