Yogyakarta, September 15, 2025 – The Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), invited performing arts practitioner Anon Suneko, S.Sn., M.Sn. to deliver a guest lecture themed “Transforming Ancient Manuscripts into Performing Arts.” In his presentation, Anon provided an in-depth discussion on the creative process and challenges in composing musical accompaniment for dance drama.
According to him, composing musical accompaniment involves a structured sequence of stages, beginning with the formulation of concepts and themes, followed by research and musical exploration, intensive discussions with the director, and the drafting of initial sketches. The process then develops into a complete composition through the selection of appropriate instrumentation, the arrangement of transitions between sections, and the creation of variations to maintain dynamics and avoid monotony.
However, the process is not without challenges. Among them are balancing the dominance between music and performance, translating abstract concepts into concrete sounds, coping with time and resource limitations, bridging differences in vision among creators, and adapting to changes in choreography.
The lecture highlighted that performing arts are not merely a medium of expression but also a space for dialogue between tradition and innovation. Such creative efforts form part of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education, which emphasizes culture-based knowledge development, and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, which underscores the preservation of cultural heritage within modern society.
Through this program, FIB UGM reaffirms its role as an academic hub that not only studies ancient texts but also revitalizes them through performing arts, ensuring that traditions remain alive and can be passed on across generations.
[Public Relation of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]
