The development of performing arts today, especially theater, has undergone a connection of events across time explored by artists. In the Indonesian context, the discourse on tradition and local cultural wisdom often becomes a primary subject on stage. The Mandar people, as an ethnic group on the western coast of Sulawesi, maintain an intimate relationship with the sea. This community uses small boats called Sandeq, capable of navigating the ocean solely by wind navigation and ancestral astronomical knowledge. They uphold the maritime ecosystem through rituals and mantras as expressions of respect for nature and its Creator. The creation method employed is descriptive qualitative, starting with research interviews with informants to uncover symbolic meanings and practices related to the sea. The research results indicate that this relationship can be effectively explored in theatrical performances through the interpretation and transformation of dialogue, gestures, and visual elements that reflect the identity of the Mandar sailors. This study also demonstrates that the integration of local elements not only enriches the narrative of the performance but also serves as a catalyst for collective awareness of the importance of maintaining balance between humanity and nature. This performance is expected to be an initial medium to showcase the universal discourse of the Mandar community with the sea and to encourage critical reflection on the current human-environment relationship through the lens of theatrical performance.

Authors:
M Irwan, Yogyakarta Indonesian Institute of the Arts, Indonesia

About the Presenter(s)
M Irwan, currently still actively researching and writing literary works from oral traditions in his hometown. Preparing a theater performance from the myths and spells of the community's sailor, Mandar Sulawesi.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Friday Schedule

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