Groundbreaking silent musical in Jakarta changes how we see deaf performers
A deaf theatre group in Jakarta puts on Indonesiaʼs first-ever musical with non-hearing performers. The show transforms traditional musical theatre using visual aids and sign language to tell a powerful story
In a packed Jakarta venue the sound-system pumps out rhythmic beats while performers move in perfect sync - yet theres no singing to be heard. The ground-breaking show “Songs of Silence“ (performed by theatre group Fantasi Tuli) brings something totally new to Indonesian stage.
The innovative production uses screens with subtitles and lyrics while actors communicate through expressive hand-signs and facial movements (making traditional musical elements work in unexpected ways). Hasna Mufidah and Helga Theresia direct this unique show: their vision transforms how deaf artists participate in theatre.
We want to show that deaf and hearing people are equal - no one is superior
The shows cast includes over 60 deaf artists aged 16-40; they spent last summer practicing their moves. The US-based Deaf West Theatre inspired this local production which tackles important topics about deaf education in Indonesia where:
* Speech-training often gets more focus than sign language
* Students dont always get sign-language based teaching
* Special-needs schools need more inclusive methods
Performer Hanna Aretha Oktavia explains how they sync with music: “We feel tempo through vibrations and use large speakers to guide our moves. Its really cool because I love dancing - we match choreography by paying attention to beats with hearing aids“
The production highlights issues affecting about 2 million deaf indonesians including thousands of special-needs students; but it does this through art not activism
