ubud
writers & readers
festival 2005
October 8 - 11
workshops 6 – 11
www.ubudwritersfestival.com
Putu Wijaya is one of Indonesia’s foremost writers and directors. He has earned 19 national and international awards and literary contributions include 40 scripts and novels, 1000 short stories, 18 screenplays, 3 film screenplays and 200 episodes of TV serials. A number of his works have been translated into Dutch, English, French, Russian, Japanese, Thai, German and Arabian.
In 1971, Putu Wijaya founded what is known as Teater Mandiri, in Jakarta. "Mandiri" is Indonesian for self-sufficient and independent but at the same time working together as a team. Teater Mandiri believes that theatre is a spiritual expression and therefore strives to create a lasting and spiritual experience deep in the heart of the audience. The members consist of people from all walks of life: former thieves who have just come out of prison, labourers, students, young executives and actors. Some members of Teater Mandiri are illiterate. They are required to help in all aspects of theatre performance and production. In essence, the theatre is not unlike the banjar system where all members work alongside each other for the common cause.
Putu Wijaya appeared at the Ubud writers and readers festival in 2004 and was one of the most energizing and inspiring speakers of the event. He spoke of the Balinese psyche and its impact on his life as a writer and performer. A spell bound audience listened to his tales of growing up in Singaraja, his life as a young Balinese boy and his memories of his father. Putu now calls himself a “contaminated Balinese” for the reason that he left Bali as young man to live in Jakarta. However, the fundamental Hindu beliefs and humility still remain. His stories about injustice and the human spirit had the audience wiping tears from their eyes.
When asked, “What projects are you working on now?” Putu explained that he has been deeply moved by the tsunami and is now developing a theatre piece about this sad tragedy. He is also completing a new novel called Dangdut, which will be published later this year by Metafor, as well as, working on a novel to be published as a serial for an Indonesian newspaper.
Putu maintains that the most memorable project in his life so far has been the birth of his son in 1996, after eleven years of marriage. 2004 was a year of great success and sadness for Putu. He lead a production in Belgrade in July and toured parts of Indonesia in October with Teater Mandiri. In November, Harry Roesly, the musical director of Teater Mandiri, passed away. And, of course, tragedy followed in December with the tsunami.
When asked what he thought about the Ubud writers and readers festival, Putu Wijaya said it is “a great event that should be continued.” Putu Wijaya will be appearing at the ubud writers and readers festival in 2005. We look forward to another dynamic session with one of Indonesia’s greatest talents.
