It is early morning August 17, 1945, and Sukarno prepares to declare Indonesian Independence to the world, finally ending colonialism in Indonesia, following 350 years of rule by the Dutch and Japanese.
Besok Atau Tidak Sama Sekali (Tomorrow Or Never) reveals the challenges faced by Sukarno during the fall of Japanese occupation in the three days leading up to this declaration, where he became Indonesia’s first president. Adapted and performed by renowned Indonesian actor Wawan Sofwan, integrating English subtitles into the design, this work will appeal to anyone interested in politics, history or acting by one of Indonesia’s finest.
“Wawan Sofwan’s version of Orpheus carries all the regal presence of great music legends such as Elvis or Elton.”
-Stage Whispers on Hades Fading
“Wawan mampu menjelma menjadi Bung Karno dan mengekspresikan dialog sehingga mampu tersampaikan dengan baik kepada penikmat seni.”
– Renitasari Adrian, Program Director Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation, 2017
Directed and performed by Wawan Sofwan
Music Composition: Kurnia Eka Fajar
Visual Design: Aep Suherman
Translation: Endah D Jenura and Sandra Fiona Long
Stage management/Operator: Cole McKenna
Sound Operator/Production manager: Nirvana Vania
Melbourne Producer: Sandra Fiona Long
Image by Galeri Indonesia Kaya Photographer
Following the performance, audiences are invited to join us for refreshments and to watch a short film ‘Indonesia calling’ directed by a young Dutchman named Joris Ivens (1945). The film tells the story of boycott of the Dutch ships by the Australian Maritime Labour union to support Indonesia’s Declaration of Independence. This is presented by the Indonesia Diaspora Network Victoria, with a discussion.There will also be a small exhibition prepared by the IDN.
Seats are limited so please book so we know how much gorengan and bandrek to prepare!
Access Information:
75% Visual Content: The event is fully subtitled or has minimal dialogue, some background music and/or sounds, so d/Deaf and hard of hearing audiences can have close to the full experience of the event.
Aural Rating 50%: Has both sound and visual components, but sight isn’t essential to be able to engage with the event.