A young hero by the name of Sie Jin Kwie (or known as Xue Ren Gui in Mandarin) appears in the dream of Li Si Bin, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty. Sie Jin Kwie then rescued him from certain death. Li Si Bin became curious, he wanted to meet the Dreamed Hero. He would do anything to meet Sie Jin Kwie.
Setting: In the Middle of 7th century China.
Synopsis: from the accompanying booklet
At about the same time, Ko Le Kok country, a commonwealth of Tang’s empire was facing a though time. The King who was technically dethroned by General Kae So Bun was forced to declare a war with the Tang Empire.
As a good citizen of Tang, Sie Jin Kwie, who was well trained in martial arts enlisted himself in the army. Devoid of any ulterior motive he simply wanted to fight for the glory of the kingdom. But because of the lies told by Army Commander Thio Su Kwie –who loves to claim other people’s chivalrous deeds as his own- Sie Jin Kwie then was led to believe that the Tang’s Emperor wanted to eliminate him. So the young man stayed low and worked in the imperial army kitchen while slowly building the very formidable Kitchen Army of Tangs or KA-Tang.
Unexpectedly, KA-Tang soldiers become the most accomplished heroes of the Ko Le Kok War. But nevertheless Thio Su Kwie was still keeping Sie Jin Kwie secret under his wings, even concocting a murderous plan to befall upon the young hero. What fate will Sie Jin Kwie meet in the end? Would Emperor Li Si Bin able to meet him?
This is a story of heroism, chivalry, patriotism and the sincerity of a young man to fight for one’s country amidst the running corrupt officials. Beautiful costumes blended with dazzling dance numbers, unique musical treat, presenting an entertaining show, yet still meaningful and contemplative. A drama, blended in Chinese Opera style, Golek Menak, Potehi Dolls (Bu Dai Xi), Wayang Wong and the ingenious Wayang Tavip.
Performing in Graha Bhakti Budaya, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Sie Jin Kwie is the 119th production of Theater Koma, to commemorate its 33rd anniversary. Until Feb 21st, 2010.
My Take on This:
Lovely, enchanting, and motivational. A way to return to the cultural history that was long forgotten (or forbidden) by the descendant of Chinese people living Indonesia. Somehow when the “universe” had chosen a great task for you to do, no matter how your feet would lead your ways, a star will eventually be born.
See how delightful Dalang Tavip brought back the historical Sino-Javanese leather/ paper puppets to life with his own Wayang Tavip creation. He ain’t no ordinary dalang as he put the experimental modern lighting, curving screen and his mastery on controlling shadow puppets created this amazing colorful puppet show extravaganza. The historical Sino-Javanese puppetry died out since its banishment in the Suharto era, now securely locked in Jogjakarta’s Puppet (Wayang) Museum.
Sie Jin Kwie – Ceng Tang/ Eastern War, the play was the first installment of a trilogy. The second of the series, Sie Jin Kwie – Framed, will be performed in 2011. The third of the series, Sie Jin Kwie – Ceng See/ Magical Land will be performed in 2012. Go watch this one now or you’ll be sorry later!
I really enjoyed the musical treatment that was going on the entire show. Traditional Chinese music would meet Javanese gamelan then went on Rocking and Rapping in a hip hop style, not to mention some very jazzy number and romantic ballads.
The grandiose set was amazing, the movement was very fluid, and everything was deliberately done. It was a very nice way to spend 4.5 hours in the theater (an intermission break included) on the same day that I was celebrating Chinese New Year earlier with my family.
Happy Tiger Year everyone! Gong.
Prof. Utonium
Copyright: Images are from personal collection © 2010
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