Peduli Anak Children’s Stage Performance
After a long wait, students from grade 5 and 6 of Peduli Anak School finished their drama performance on the stage last week. It was inspired by a special event in one of the cultural traditions celebrated in the sub-district of West Lombok, known as “Perang Topat.” This is one of the symbolic actions to be performed in order to represent the diversity and unity among Hindu and Muslim communities residing in Lingsar; thus, it is an excellent topic to be dramatized by the children.
The children of Peduli Anak had prepared for this performance all along for a couple of months. This was part of a larger education program called ‘Gerakan Seniman Masuk Sekolah’, a performing arts program organized at schools with the aim of nurturing students’ creative talents. Since this rehearsal session started, these children have tried so hard to practice acting in order to show a story of Perang Topat to the audience.
“This event is a wonderful opportunity for the children to express their creative ability and to understand our diverse cultural tradition. We would like to give them an opportunity to develop their skills and build their confidence through the art program,” said Mr. Fandi, one of the teachers and coordinators of the art program at Peduli Anak.
Collaboration with Local Schools
This was a cultural show, not only exclusively for the students of Peduli Anak. Our kids were given opportunities to collaborate with the artistic students of SMP 3 Lingsar and SD 1 Gelogor. These schools played their role by performing Gendang Beleq, a traditional music instrument native to Lombok. The strong and rhythmic beats of Gendang Beleq brought more emotional feel to the drama and even made the acting of kids more irresistible for the audience.
Perform in Taman Budaya Narmada
After weeks of almost daily practices and rehearsals, the children finally performed in Taman Budaya Narmada, one of the cultural centers in West Lombok. It had been well attended by students from all schools in the district of West Lombok, inclusive of officials from the Ministry of Cultural Education.
The audience was mum during the performance and was very touched by how nice the kids portrayed unity in diversity. Before the last scene was over, the whole place erupted into applause—most of the audience members gave standing ovations to the great performance presented by the kids.
A Thrilling Experience for Peduli Anak’s Students
The children of Peduli Anak felt very grateful to be in such a position that they could participate in such an important event. In this instance, they were bubbling over, performing, and displaying all their talents, including seizing the opportunity to share their works with other schools. These have created opportunities for friendship, building of confidence, and explorations of artistic abilities within a local cultural and collaborative context.
How You Can Support Peduli Anak
At Peduli Anak, we strongly believe that education and the arts are amongst the best ways to empower children. The cultural show is just one of many activities we promote in order to develop creativity and teamwork within the children under our care. Your support for Peduli Anak will go a long way toward helping these unfortunate children further their talents and make their dreams come true. You can be a sponsor or a regular donor to give these children an opportunity to reach their bright future.
