New Indonesian Plays

Book excerpt: A unique anthology of hard-hitting contemporary plays exploring a wide range of themes and characters, from religious teens to sex workers to survivors of political turbulence, providing insight into the changing nature of Indonesian society today. THE SILENT SONG OF THE GENJER FLOWERS by Faiza Mardzoeki translated by Gratiagusti Chananya Rompas & Mikael Johani. Four women friends gather to help Nini reveal a painful secret to her granddaughter about their ordeal in a prison camp, and its consequences. Red Janger by Ibed Surgana Yuga translated by Andy Fuller. A village tries to lay lingering ghosts to rest through the spiritual purification of a mass grave, but one family faces surprising truths. CUT OUT by Riyadhus Shalihin translated by Alfian Sa’at. A vibrant mash-up of Indonesian history from the village to the top. SIN by Trisa Triandisa translated by John H. McGlynn from the novel Not a Virgin by Nuril Basri. A group of young men at a religious school explore their sexual identities at a gay nightclub and as sex-workers. BREAK IN by Agnes Christina A young woman locks herself in her bedroom, talking to the many voices around her. Can she find answers and connections? BEDFELLOWS by Hanna Fransisca translated by Cobina Gillitt. Centring on a local coffee shop, the play explores rising ethnic conflict and the protest by local people against a Chinese dragon statue. THE MAKASSAR TRILOGY by Shinta Febriany translated by Alfian Sa’at. Three short plays exploring the break-up of a community and the harmful effects of beach redevelopment on its people. Foreword by Muhammad Abe & Gunawan Maryanto Introduced by Rebecca Kezia Edited by Cheryl Robson The first collection of Indonesian plays in English post 2000 published in the world