Garin Nugroho on “Nurbaya” Series: from Literature to Virtual Theatrical Musical

If you feel bored that you have stayed at home longer during quarantine, Indonesia Kaya may be able to give you a little refresher. As you are aware, Indonesia Kaya provides a wide range of contents to share Indonesian culture and arts in many different formats starting with articles, video footage, webseries, and art performances. Recently, they launched “Nurbaya” musical and #MusikalDirumahAja series on their official youtube channel.

“Nurbaya” was adapted from a classical novel written by Marah Rusli, “Siti Nurbaya: Kasih Tak Sampai.” The show has gained public attention since it was first launched back in July 2021 and has been viewed for 18 millions times to date! WOOW, Awesome right?

Inspired by the literature that was first published in 1992, “Nurbaya” is not only bringing a piece of Padang’s culture to the scenes combined with delightful dance performance and theatrical music arrangement, but the show is also offering a new approach to the discourse around women empowerment and gender equality - which remains relevant to the youth today.

Looks like Budi is too focus on reading Siti Nurbaya’s book ;)

The show was produced under supervision of Garin Nugroho - one of Indonesia’s best filmmakers who is appointed as the executive producer of Galeri Indonesia Kaya. It is such a privilege for us to learn from him and get the opportunity to dig into the creative process behind it.

It was Renitasari, Program Director of Galeri Indonesia Kaya who first approached Garin Nugroho to reinvent a new approach in introducing Indonesian culture to the massive audiences, especially when the on site art performances were not eligible during the pandemic. Both agreed that this is the right time to start off the virtual musical show.

Due to its popularity, Youtube was chosen to be the main channel. This project aimed to present a new platform for art workers to express their best performance while we are all forced to stay at home. Despite all the limitations, the production was all managed well. The world without arts would be like Budi without Susi right? #eaaa

Garin decided to choose a musical format as it combines three core elements of Indonesian cultures: dances, musics, and acts. Furthermore, the drama musical is considered as the right medium to initiate conversations on social issues like women empowerment and gender equality, especially for the youth aged 18-30 years old who mostly use social media as their main communication channels and primary source of information.

Well, the actual executions would not be as simple as you may think. Garin was helped by two directors to balance the performance with both theatrical and filmmaking perspectives. Naya Anindita was assigned as the film director, while Venitha Yoshianthini took the lead as theatre director.

Let’s give a round of applause for these two amazing Serial Musikal Nurabya’s directors <3

Had to synchronize all elements of the performance, Garin understood that his role would require him to oversee the whole process. Understanding the visions of the team is a mandatory for him to be able to fixate the show concept. He have to look at the choreography, music arrangement, and decoration, ensured that it aligned with the dialog and acts scenario. He also supervised the casting process to consider that each cast was strong enough to represent characters on the stage.

“I was so anxious at the moment that I had to lead this project. I need to understand their vision. I need to re-learn the aesthetic elements on each part of the show, be it the camera angles, lighting, background and accessories. I tried to grasp all the aspects and packed it to be a single entertaining show, without losing its meaning and team’s aspirations. I realise this is not easy at all. Being mindful and sharing empathy is the key,” said Garin.

Here’s a snippets of the process of creating Serial Musikal Nurbaya! From the audition to shoots~

A successful modern musical that was adapted from classical literature can be measured on how it extracted the story without sacrificing the focus and distracting the audiences with too heavy dialogues. This is how storytelling plays a vital role.

“There is a different formula for musicals too. Previously we normally completed one idea in 12 series, but now we try to finish one conflict in a single episode. So, the next episodes will focus on different conflicts. We also acknowledged that presenting musicals on youtube is different from producing movies. Therefore, we learn to develop a new concept that is acceptable to most Indonesian audiences. Hope you enjoy it.”

Garin closed the discussion by sharing his hope that this musical can inspire the youth that human rights will always be challenged from time to time, and we will always have the option to fight for it. So, be brave and keep learning!

“Be ready for the change, as the world would keep evolving. Those who are not learning and adapting, would end up living in the past and no longer relevant.” Garin stated.

Visit Galeri Indonesia Kaya on YouTube, and go watch (again) the amazing musical series “NURBAYA” NOW!

Here’s a quotes from Siti Nurbaya that could motivate you! <3

Executive Writer: Radia Luthfina

Co-Writer & Editor: Sesa / Kolaku.co

Ilustration: Kharen Chandra