As a country rich in cultural values, it is not surprising that every region in Indonesia has traditions beautifully wrapped in stunning performing arts. As one of the sub sectors of the creative economy in Indonesia, performing arts cannot be separated from the presence of performing arts buildings, which are a forum for creative people.

These buildings were constructed as centers for developing and disseminating culture through performing arts rich in moral messages. Despite being constantly bombarded with various modern performances, these legendary halls continue to exist and host multiple performing arts. Here are some of the legendary performing arts buildings in Indonesia that still exist today:

Wayang Orang Bharata Building

The Wayang Orang Bharata Building, located at Senen in Central Jakarta, has existed since 1961. Initially, it was a cinema, but it later underwent repurposing as a wayang orang (human puppet) performing arts building in 1972. The name "Bharata" was coined by a senior artist named Jadup Jaya Kusuma. It is an acronym for Bhawa Rasa Tala, representing a movement that emerges from deep within the heart accompanied by a musical tone.

They built this building to educate and involve the public in the performing arts, including arts training, workshops, dance and theater practice, and cultural discussions. Some titles staged in this performing arts building include Gatutkoco Lahir, Durno Gugur, Punokawan Murca, Karno Tanding, and Taliroso Rosotali.

Miss Tjitjih Arts Building

Another legendary performing arts building in Jakarta is located at Cempaka Baru, Kemayoran, Central Jakarta. The Miss Tjitjih Arts Building was built in 1986 to appreciate the Sundanese drama group Miss Tjitjih from Sumedang.

The Miss Tjitjih Arts Building can accommodate an audience of up to 250 people, with two-floor spectator seats. This performing arts building has complete facilities, such as audio and lighting standards. The building is prioritized for the preservation and development of Sundanese performing arts. However, you can also rent it for other performing arts events.

Rumentang Siang Building

Bandung City also holds a lot of historical value in the performing arts sub sector. One historical proof is the Rumentang Siang Building on Jalan Baranang Siang No. 1, Sumur, Bandung City. This building was built in 1935 and initially functioned as a cinema, but in 1975, it was converted into the Rumentang Siang performing arts building.

Until now, Rumentang Siang has become an arts and culture center that plays an important role in exploring, developing, and introducing local arts. Rumentang Siang has a regular program that has been around since 1990: the Sundanese Language Drama Festival. Rumentang Siang regularly hosts various art events, exhibitions, and theater performances.

Purawisata

In Yogyakarta, there is a legendary performing arts venue called Purawisata, which has existed since 1975 and is located on Jl. Brigjend Katamso, Yogyakarta City.

Interestingly, this place managed to get a MURI record for staging the Ramayana Ballet nonstop every night for 43 years. Now, Purawisata Yogyakarta not only stages the Ramayana Ballet, but many performing arts can be seen in this building, including ketoprak humor, standup comedy, and dangdut music performances.

Photo: Performing arts building at Taman Budaya Yogyakarta (Shutterstock/Sutrisno Gallery)

Taman Budaya Yogyakarta

Still in Yogyakarta, another legendary performing arts building has existed since 1977, namely Taman Budaya Yogyakarta (Yogyakarta Cultural Park). This place is designated as one of the art laboratories in Indonesia. Taman Budaya Yogyakarta has two main buildings, the Concert Hall and the Societet Militair building.

The Concert Hall, with its Dutch architecture, functions as a place for literary discussions, exhibitions, and training. Meanwhile, the Societet Militair building is used for theater, dance, music performances, and other performing arts. It is located on Jl. Sriwedani No.1, Gondomanan, Yogyakarta City.

Taman Sriwedari

The city of Solo also has a legendary performing arts building in the Taman Sriwedari Complex, Jalan Slamet Riyadi, Laweyan, Solo. Inside Taman Sriwedari (Sriwedari Park), there is a wayang orang (human puppet) performance building that has been around since 1910 and is listed as one of the oldest performing arts buildings in Indonesia. This venue can host up to 1,000 spectators, and the "Wayang Orang Sriwedari" performance is still regularly staged every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. 

Gajayana Arts Building

This performing arts building, founded in 1934, is on Jalan Nusakambangan No. 19, Klojen, Malang City. Previously, this building was called the "Tjendrawasih Building" and then changed its name to the Gajayana Arts Building in 1989. This building often hosts performances such as Kethoprak Siswobudoyo, Komedia Lokaria, Wayang Orang Pancabudi, and Kwartet S. Not only that, this building has been a concert venue for legendary Indonesian musicians, such as Aneka Nada, Dara Puspita, Titik Puspa, Koes Bersaudara, and The Rollies.

Cak Durasim Arts Building

Located in the same complex as Taman Budaya Jawa Timur (East Java Cultural Park), the Cak Durasim performing arts building can accommodate up to 600 spectators. This building comes from the famous ludruk artist Cak Gondo Durasim, who consistently criticized the Dutch colonial government during the colonial period. Until now, the Cak Durasim Arts Building still regularly holds performing arts, ranging from traditional dance, traditional music, and ludruk to kethoprak.