Abstract:
Since the turn of the century, after the fall of repressive regime of Soeharto in 1998, Indonesia has been experiencing a more open version of democracy. Some of these freedoms of expression are manifested in works of contemporary performing arts. The post-reform opennes has brought more articulative approach thought on human tragedy. Although, within the same period the country has seen the rising conservatism and intolerance that are, paradoxically, threatening democracy and the freedom of expression. The issue of human rights, corruption, and marginalized communities in performing arts have not only been advocation of injustice, but also subjects of invitations from international festivals. The case of Papermoon Puppet Theatre’s Mwathirika and Teater Garasi’s Je.ja.l.an that allure internatonal festivals. This paper will explore such phenomenon to see the relations between creative exploration of human crisis and the aesthetic means of the spectacles. In what ways do art festivals claim the value of such transnational performances, and how they are perceived by the media.
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