“MAR” musical drama choreographers, partners Davit Fitrik and Hamada, along with the music director Dian HP, shared their vision and inspiration towards the historical aspects of the production serving as the backdrop for the story: Bandung in the 1940s!
The dance movements in “MAR” reflect not only the scenes and stories conveyed but also the nuances of history within them.
“The time context in the production of the musical ‘MAR’ became a strong element in designing the movements and choreograph the dance, intertwining them into the storyline,” the choreographers explained.
Dian HP, the music director and composer for “MAR,” expressed her familiarity with the works of the Maestro Ismail Marzuki as she explained how she attempted to blend elements of oldies jazz music with modern music, resulting in more than 40 repertoires throughout the musical.
The old jazz approach was chosen to reflect Bandung in the 1940s, a period when jazz music was quite popular. The ensembles were designed to mimic the sound of old recordings while the recitative elements integrated into the dialogues performed by the actors and actresses further enrich the musical and dramatical experience.
“I have loved Marzuki’s songs since I was a child—they are beautiful and inspiring, intriguing to be develop into various other musical genres both in the past and in the present.” Dian HP explained.
“My tribute is in my arrangements, combining vocal and ensemble elements that blend old jazz, which serve to strengthen the atmosphere and patriotism in the Maestro’s works,” she continued.
Musical Drama “MAR”
One of Indonesia’s treasures; the works of renowned composer, Ismail Marzuki, will indeed be brought to life through the highly anticipated musical drama “MAR” by ArtSwara. Scheduled to be held from February 26-28, 2025, at Ciputra Artpreneur Theatre, “MAR” is a musical drama inspired by the songs of Ismail Marzuki, simultaneously serving as a tribute to the late Mr. Arifin Panigoro and Mrs. Raisis Arifin Panigoro, who greatly admired the Maestro’s timeless works which have left indelible marks on our nation’s cultural landscape.
Directed by Wawan Sofwan with a script written by the renowned writer Titien Wattimena, “MAR” promises an unforgettable experience in the form of a blend of history, music, and romance, featuring a love story and resilience set against the backdrop of Indonesia’s struggle after independence as followed by the historically tragic incident: Bandung Lautan Api.
