Sounds And Sights Of Indonesia Presented This Week At The Southern Theater

The cultural of Indonesian art comes alive this weekend as Sumunar Indonesian Music and Dance presents two programs at The Southern Theater. Endang Nawangsih: Thirst for Water, presented as a dance drama, is based on a folk tale of a young woman's quest to secure fresh water for her village, while encountering a prince and evil ogres along the way. Featured guest dancers Wisnu Wicaksono and Baghawan Ciptoning will join the Sumunar Dance Ensemble to perform contemporary and traditional Indonesian dance in this performance on Thursday and Friday evening at 7:30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2pm.

Saturday evening's performance Javanese Classics highlights the traditional music of Java. Again featuring distinguished guest dancers Wicaksono and Ciptoning, this performance also showcases world-renowned Javanese Gamelan musicians I.M. Harjito, Midiyanto, Djoko Walujo, and Darsono Hadiraharjo. Both programs bring the beautiful artistry of Indonesian music and dance to the forefront. Ornate costumes accompany the musical gamelan ensemble, featuring bronze percussion instruments and gongs that echo the sounds of the Islands.

For those wanting to experience a bit of the artistry first hand, Sumunar is offering a free dance workshop with Wisnu Wicaksono on Tuesday, October 16, 5:30-7 p.m., at the Southern Theater. Show dates and times:

Thursday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 19 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, October 20 at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 20 at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets:

Tickets available at southerntheater.org General admission: $20 online, $24 at the door. Students and seniors 65+: $12 ARTshare members: Free

About Sumunar Indonesian Music and Dance

In Indonesia, the word sumunar means a glowing, brilliant light-one that is radiant and beautiful, and one that illuminates and warms the soul. Dedicated to teaching, performing and sharing the arts and culture of Indonesia, Sumunar's mission is to promote understanding and appreciation for Indonesian music dance and culture through education and performance. Established in 2002, Sumunar offers community classes in Javanese gamelan and dance; school residencies that teach traditional music, dance, and puppetry; and public performances of music dance and wayang kulit (shadow puppets). More information can be found at www.sumunar.org

About The Southern Theater

A historic Minneapolis theater, The Southern opened its doors in 1910, offering a variety of entertainment. Throughout the 20th century, The Southern played many roles: arts venue, warehouse, antique shop and restaurant, to name a few. The Southern resumed its role as a theater when the Guthrie Theater renovated the space for use as a Second Stage. With the assistance of the Minneapolis Arts Commission, The Southern Theater Foundation emerged in its present nonprofit structure in 1983. Today The Southern remains a performing arts venue offering almost 50 weeks of programming to its patrons per year. In 2018, The Southern's signature ARTshare initiative will collaborate with more than 25 artists and companies to present a wide range of performances. Audiences may purchase monthly ARTshare memberships which provides access to all ARTshare shows. Learn more at www.southerntheater.org.