May Monsters for Music Maniacs
Attention Jakarta! A Monster is upon us! This is not a drill. Described by USA Today as a “Big Fat Hit!” and the Sunday Telegraph as “Shrektacular!” Help! Help us get tickets… The English language production of SHREK THE MUSICAL with the book and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize®winner David Lindsay-Abaire, music by Olivier Award-winner Jeanine Tesori as well as
Good Music: Bare Necessities of Our Lives
When I was a child, music was always playing in the background – ever present like the gratitude of electricity, a bed to sleep in, and the comforts of a stable home. The old car played FM and cassette tapes continuously from ignition to parking. The living room spun records and weekend countdowns on the
Concerts En Juin
French pianist Jean-Louis Haguenauer will visit Jakarta and perform at the Soehanna Hall (Energy Building) on Sunday, 5th of June at 4 p.m. This concert is made possible through the collaboration between Institut Francais d’Indonesie (IFI), The Ananda Sukarlan Center and Soehanna Hall. Jean-Louis Haguenauer has performed extensively throughout Europe and the United States, appearing
Old Town Jakarta’s Hidden Fine Art
In January 1976, during the inauguration of Basoeki Abdullah’s exhibition of paintings at the Hotel Borobudur by Madame Tien Soeharto, Indonesia’s first lady at the time, the painter called for the attention of the government to propose the creation of a national museum of art. “He suggested that the building of the Ministry of Finance
The Second Coming
June is a rather peculiar month this year as it sees a roster of sequels – specifically, second installments – trying their luck at the box office. Some are quite timely, some are as late as 20 years. Some are highly anticipated, some would be lucky if audiences still even remember the original film. But
For the love of Books
When he was still a kid, Bisma Aryono fell in love with reading – not least because of his parents who always encouraged their son to develop a passion for the written word. JBC Booth at Indonesia Readers Festival in December 2015 “We actually had a family tradition”, the 35-year-old recalls. “On the weekends, my
Exhibition Showcases Textiles and Fabrics With Sentimental Value
Many people keep holding on to things with a sentimental value as they remind them of a happy (or difficult) time in their life, of a special person, or a certain event. While yearbooks, letters and photographs are among the more common things to keep as memento, curator Ika Vantiani has asked Jakartans to submit
NOW! Jakarta’s Photo Competition: The City’s Best Skyscraper Snaps
Jakarta’s glossy high-rise buildings are a reflection of the city’s modernity and power. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that skyscrapers are the source of inspiration that provoke ideas and dreams for many people. This month, we invited NOW! Jakarta’s readers to capture their favourite skyscraper moment in Jakarta through our Photo Competition. Here
South Sea Pearls: Hidden Gems in Indonesia’s Oceans
The vast oceans of Indonesia contain a lot of marine resources – among others sea pearls, which have high economic value. According to the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, when it comes to South Sea Pearls, Indonesia is on top of the list as a producer in the world’s pearl market. But unfortunately,
Rifky Effendy Talks about His Curatorial Philosophy
In the local art scene, Rifky “Goro” Effendy is a name to be reckoned with. The 49-year-old curator has played an essential role in many prestigious art exhibitions. In late 2001, he established and directed the 1st Bandung Biennale, and in 2004 became a fellow of the New York-based Asia Cultural Council (ACC). In 2009,
Something’s Coming, Something Good
West Side Story, one of the most beloved and popular musicals of all time, is coming to Jakarta from 12 to 14 May, presented by the Jakarta Performing Arts Community (JPAC). When the musical West Side Story premiered on Broadway in midtown Manhattan, New York City in September 1957, both audience and critics were swept
British Painter Finds Inspiration in Indonesia’s Landscapes
Artistic inspiration can come from many different sources. British painter Siobhan King, the wife of Belgium’s Ambassador to Indonesia, says that her life as a global nomad has had an immense influence on her artistic oeuvre, which ranges from abstraction to realism. “For me, art is where it all began,” Siobhan says. “I’ve been painting
German Filmmakers Explore Indonesia’s Remote Islands
For “5 Islands/ 5 Villages”, young German filmmakers traveled to remote islands of the archipelago to make short films based on their observations. In the second phase of the project, which takes place later this year, Indonesian filmmakers will in return stay in German villages to explore the great unknown. Initiated last year by the
