An Indonesian/Javanese version of Stravinsky’s L’Histoire du Soldat modernist music. Stravinsky wrote this visionary, demanding work during the postwar crisis in 1918 for a group of poor, unemployed artists and musicians. As a one of a kind, travelling theatre production with a political content it historically paved the way for social critical music theatre productions during the radical Interbellum period such as Bertold Brecht’s. of a soldier selling his soul (violin) to the devil. An indictment to the corrupting power of money. Stravinsky invented this interdisciplinary production for a compact, mobile ensemble with the instruction to represent it throughout the world with the use of the local cultural context. There is, for example,an Eskimo version. 2011 in Yogyakarta, and experienced a fully booked and acclaimed tour along Javanese theatres. A new, improved version of this production will be launched now with another, new star cast. This time with a specially made and more contemporary text by worldwide acclaimed Indonesian poet, journalist and activist Goenawan Mohamad.

The text is spoken in Indonesian by Rudy Wowor but a Dutch translation will be projected simultaneously. is turned into a more abstract representation with historical, visual and narrative references and metaphors. This connects the original story with today’s reality such as the socio-political situation in contemporary Indonesia. Hereby enabling Stravinsky’s wish to move his music and concept into a different cultural environment. was a major challenge, not without risk. The Indonesian performing arts world is characterized by a lack of infrastructure and chaotic situations where rapid improvisation is needed.