Photos Courtesy of: Vox Populi Publicists/Nick Hanoatubun
Last Thursday evening, the Ciputra Artpreneur Theater in Jakarta came alive with the premiere of MAR, a musical drama presented by ArtSwara. The production, inspired by the timeless songs of maestro Ismail Marzuki, delivered a performance so moving and spectacular that it earned a standing ovation from the 1,000-strong audience.
A heartfelt tribute to the late Arifin Panigoro and Raisis Arifin Panigoro, MAR was conceptualized by Executive Producer Maera Panigoro, who expressed her deep gratitude for the audience’s overwhelming reception. “I am truly touched to witness the love of the audience tonight for MAR,” she said. “Thank you for being moved, mesmerized, and amazed by our performance. The timeless work of Ismail Marzuki will continue to inspire.”
Beyond its captivating narrative, MAR excelled in its execution, with stellar performances by lead actors Galabby Tahira as Aryati and Gabriel Harvianto as Sergeant Major Mar. Supporting cast members Bima Zeno Pooroe, Barly Putra Amandita, Diana Putri, Ni Made Ayu Vania, and Chandra Satria further enriched the production, delivering compelling portrayals that resonated with the audience. The musical’s powerful stage design, lighting, and orchestral arrangements—masterfully directed by Dian HP—created an immersive experience that brought 1946 Bandung to life.
Set against the backdrop of post-independence Indonesia, MAR tells the poignant love story of Mar, a soldier of the People’s Security Army (TKR), and Aryati, a hospital volunteer. Their romance is tested by the tumultuous events of the time, culminating in the historic Bandung Lautan Api incident, which separates them under heartbreaking circumstances. Narrated through the reflections of Nin to her granddaughter Mara, the story pays homage to Indonesia’s past while weaving a timeless tale of love, sacrifice, and memory.
The production of MAR has been in the works since 2021, underscoring the meticulous effort that went into its script, music, and choreography. Producer Narindra Kukila emphasized that MAR is not just a theatrical performance but a tribute to Indonesia’s cultural heritage. “We hope MAR inspires audiences, especially the younger generation, to appreciate Ismail Marzuki’s legacy and Indonesian history,” Narindra shared. By introducing Marzuki’s compositions to modern audiences, MAR bridges the past and present, ensuring that these musical treasures remain relevant.
As ArtSwara’s 13th production, MAR stands as a testament to the company’s dedication to high-quality musical theater. Since its founding in 2009, ArtSwara has been a driving force in the Indonesian performing arts scene, committed to producing educational and artistically rich musical dramas. With a vision to cultivate talent and elevate musical theater as a mainstream entertainment genre, ArtSwara continues to push creative boundaries while preserving Indonesia’s artistic heritage.
Following its triumphant premiere, MAR runs from February 26–28, 2025, at Ciputra Artpreneur, entertaining more audiences the opportunity to experience its emotional depth and artistic brilliance. With its unforgettable storytelling, remarkable performances, and deep cultural resonance, MAR cements itself as a must-watch musical drama of the year.
