JAKARTA – Jakarta Arts Building last night, Thursday (10/03/2024), witnessed the first musical theater performance about Palestine in Indonesia, the heartfelt “Land ofthe Imprisoned”. The event initiated by Dompet Dhuafa and Titimangsa succeeded in uniting hundreds of audiences in one goal: building strong solidarity in raising voices for Palestine.
By combining elements of drama, music, and poetry, the show succeeded in bringing 400 audiences to feel the struggle of the Palestinian people. The story presented was about the daily life of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. Under the direction of a skilled director, Sahlan Mujtaba, the show was able to evoke a deep sense of empathy and solidarity from the audience.
Through the touching story of Hasan, a falafel seller who struggles to protect his son Abdel in the midst of war, the show managed to touch the hearts and evoke empathy from the audience. The various events presented were able to stir the audience’s emotions, ranging from sadness, anger, to hope.
Read also: From the Land of the Imprisoned: An Unquenchable Call for the Struggle of the Palestinian People
Director Sahlan Mujtaba managed to package this tragic story nicely. The audience is invited to follow the journey of Hasan and Abdel, who have to struggle to survive in the midst of genocide. On the other hand, the story of Diva, a young woman who was initially indifferent to the Palestinian issue, is also highlighted. Her encounter with Hasan and Abdel’s story changed her perspective and encouraged her to get involved in the humanitarian struggle.
“Hasan and Abdel’s story is a reflection of the millions of Palestinians who have to live in fear and uncertainty. Through this show, we want to encourage the audience to care more and get involved in helping Palestine,” said Sahlan Mujtaba.
Performers such as Antasena Witular, Nadine Nadilla, Rizal Iwan, with narrator Happy Salma, and poetry readers Marcella Zalianti, Guzelya Mariyosa, Zelqueen Insyroh Suaka, Agus Idzwar Jumhadi, Juperta Panji Utama, Annisa Tere, and managed to bring the characters in the story to life very well. Their acting and poetry, accompanied by the music of Panji Sakti and Pusakata, as well as Danu Kusuma’s heart-wrenching violin strokes, succeeded in stirring the emotions of the audience.
“We hope that through this performance, the Indonesian people will be more moved to help ease the burden of our brothers and sisters in Palestine. Our solidarity means a lot to those who are struggling for freedom,” said Ahmad Juwaini, Chairman of the Board of Dompet Dhuafa Republika Foundation.
The questions raised in the synopsis, such as “Will Hasan and Abdel survive?”, “Will Diva remain silent?”, and “Will we also remain silent?”, successfully invite the audience to continue thinking and searching for answers. The show not only provides entertainment, but also serves as a call to action to contribute to humanitarian efforts.
Divided into three main segments, the show takes the audience on a journey through the lives of the Palestinian people. The first segment depicts the daily life of the Palestinian people before the massive attack on October 7, 2023. The second segment presents dramatic scenes depicting the atrocities of war and the suffering experienced by the Palestinian people. Meanwhile, the third segment highlights the life of the Palestinian people after the war, where they have to struggle to rise from adversity.
In addition to the three main segments, the show is also equipped with a heartfelt humanitarian oration segment, beautiful poetry musicalization, and an invitation to continue fighting for justice for Palestine. Through this performance, the audience is invited not only to feel empathy, but also to take real action.
Read also: Literacy Seminar for Teachers in Malacca Strengthens Local Education Development
On the same occasion, Dompet Dhuafa also launched the anthology book “One Million Letters to Palestine”. This book contains a collection of letters from 75 Indonesian children addressed to Palestinian children. These letters are proof that the young generation of Indonesia cares about the suffering of their brothers and sisters in Palestine.
The book is available for IDR 250,000, and all proceeds will be donated to Palestinian humanitarian aid through Dompet Dhuafa. Likewise, all proceeds from the ticket sales of Tanah Yang Terpenjara theater.
As a form of appreciation for the support that has been given, at the end of the session, Dompet Dhuafa gave awards to donors who have contributed greatly to helping Palestine. A metal trophy was awarded as a sign of gratitude for their concern. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photo: Riza Muthohar
Editor: Dhika Prabowo