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Ramayana

EgoPo Classic Theater
Abak, the giant puppet who loves to hug, created by Papermoon Puppet Theatre. Photo courtesy of Papermoon Puppet Theatre.
Abak, the giant puppet who loves to hug, created by Papermoon Puppet Theatre. Photo courtesy of Papermoon Puppet Theatre.
Kalanari Theatre Movement, Pelaku, written and directed by Ibed Surgana Yuga. Pictured: M. Dinu Imansyah, Mathori Brilyan, Dayu Prismawati, Rosalia Novia Ariswari, Assabti Nur Hudan, Penata Rias and Busana. Photo by Witjak Widhi Cahya for Komunitas Salihara.
Kalanari Theatre Movement, Pelaku, written and directed by Ibed Surgana Yuga. Pictured: M. Dinu Imansyah, Mathori Brilyan, Dayu Prismawati, Rosalia Novia Ariswari, Assabti Nur Hudan, Penata Rias and Busana. Photo by Witjak Widhi Cahya for Komunitas Salihara.
EgoPo Classic Theater, lead collaborators for Ramayana, during a script development retreat at Papermoon's workshop, 2020, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Pictured from L to R: Ibid Surgana Yuga, Lane Savadove, and Maria Sulistyani. Photo courtesy of Papermoon Puppet Theater.
EgoPo Classic Theater, lead collaborators for Ramayana, during a script development retreat at Papermoon's workshop, 2020, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Pictured from L to R: Ibid Surgana Yuga, Lane Savadove, and Maria Sulistyani. Photo courtesy of Papermoon Puppet Theater.

EgoPo collaborates with two Indonesian theater companies, Papermoon Puppet Theatre and Kalanari Theatre Movement, to present a contemporary retelling of the ancient epic poem Ramayana. The new interpretation explores the crossing of cultural borders and blends contemporary and traditional puppetry, dance, music, and theater. The three companies’ artistic directors—Ria Sulistyani, Ibed Surgana Yuga, and Lane Savadove—co-write and co-direct the work in collaboration with master Javanese dancer Mugiyono Kasido. The performance takes place in an open-air tent in the Navy Yard. EgoPo partners with the Philadelphia Folklore Project to produce an accompanying festival of Southeast Asian food, crafts, music, and dance.

The total grant amount represents project funding plus an additional 20% in unrestricted general operating support.
 

uestions of ractice
EgoPo Classic Theater, rehearsal for Ramayana with Papermoon Puppet Theatre and Kalanari Theatre Movement, 2023, Java, Indonesia. Photo courtesy of EgoPo. 
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Projects in Process: Wilma Theater and EgoPo on Creative Collaborations

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EgoPo Classic Theater

EgoPo Classic Theater

EgoPo Classic Theater transforms classic theater and literature into provocative performances, placing equal emphasis on text, vocals, and movement. Its work re-examines well-known classics, brings to life rarely produced works, and adopts challenging prose. Founded in New Orleans in 1991, EgoPo relocated to Philadelphia following Hurricane Katrina. Under the direction of Lane Savadove, the ensemble has staged over 50 productions and performed nationally and internationally in New York, Chicago, Washington, DC, Indonesia, and Croatia.

 

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EgoPo Classic Theater, rehearsal for Ramayana with Papermoon Puppet Theatre and Kalanari Theatre Movement, 2023, Java, Indonesia. Photo courtesy of EgoPo. 

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