After the succes of Titik Koma on Java Teater Qi and Theatre Embassy are proud to continue using attractive theatre to inform Indonesian society about the dangers of HIV/aids. Titik Koma II will be staged in Kota Baru (Pulau Laut, South-Kalimantan). Starting 19th of november 2008 artists from Teater Qi will work together with local artists from Kota Baru.
Apart from the creation of a theatre show, which will have it's climax on the 1st of december (World Aids Day), we are collaborating on different levels (production, management, promotion, etc.) so as to develop arts as well as arts management in Kota Baru.
One of the stages where Titik Koma II will be performed
Survey
To look at the potential of arts in the region members of Teater Qi and Theatre Embassy visited Kota Baru early october. This survey made clear that enthousiasm is high and facilities are sufficient, though in the areas of production and (stage)management we saw a lot of room for improvement.
During a meeting with local health officials (Dinas Kesehetan) we learned that the number of HIV/aids infections are few, and infections were discovered during later stages of the disease, so diagnosed patients all died within weeks after discovery.
Kota Baru is a city of new-comers, with more and more people arriving and settling each year, therefore the virus is most likely to be brought by migrants. Drug use involving needles and prostitution (most likely causes for HIV/aids to spread in Indonesia) are not common in Kota Baru, but no definite research has been conducted. Sadly all local hospitals lack the facilities for testing patiences blood on HIV/aids.
The head of the health department was delighted with the arrival of our initiative, and made all participants aware of the threat posed by the HIV/aids virus. He stated in clear words that if no action is taking now, thousands of Indonesian will have died before the year 2015. A great sign to finally hear local officials saying these words!
A highlight during the survey was the "welcoming of the sea" ceremony. Together with the head of tourism and the head of cultural affairs we joined hundreds of beautifully decorated boats to witness a ritual where local magic turns salt water into sweet water........Click on Sambutan Laut for the pictures!
Together with Pak Mahmud (head of tourims dept.) and Pak Karim (head of the cultural dept.)
Teater Qi is now rehearsing and we are all very eager to head back to Kota Baru the 19th of november.
Please visit again for more info.....
Salam
Egbert Wits
Titik Koma II is made possible by
