Indonesian poet Rendra tours Australia

Distinguished poet W.S. Rendra

The voice of Indonesia's social and political conscience for fifty years, W.S. Rendra's poetry and plays challenged corruption, political repression and the destruction of the environment at a time when few dared to speak out. Incarcerated by both the Soekarno and Soeharto governments and banned from performing for much of the 1980s, Rendra has been internationally recognised for his contribution to human rights and social justice in Indonesia. He has received numerous awards for his creative works. His collected poetry volumes and works have been translated into and published in over fifteen languages.

As a dramatist he uniquely combines Javanese, Balinese and other performance forms and practices; inspiring many contemporary theatre groups in Indonesia and abroad. With his theatre troupe Bengkel Teater Rendra (BTR) which was established in the late 1960s, Rendra has performed his plays in New York, Tokyo and South Korea.

Rendra starts his Australian tour in Melbourne on Wednesday 28 September, after which he will travel to Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane. His events are being held in conjunction with his wife Ken Zuraida and musician Sawung Jabo.

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MELBOURNE

Public Forum: "The Role of Religion and Cultural Pluralism in World Peace" & Poetry Reading
Venue: Basement Theatre, Sidney Myer Asia Centre, University of Melbourne
Date: Wednesday 28 September, 6pm - 7.30pm (Public Forum); 8pm - 9pm (Poetry)
Entry: Free of Charge
RSVP: Send an email to events@asialink.unimelb.edu.au with "Rendra" in the subject line
Enquiries: Contact Asialink on (03) 8344 4800

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SYDNEY

Public Forum: "The Evolution of Indonesia's Future"
Venue: University of Technology Sydney CB06.05.51
Date: Friday 7 October, 6pm
Entry: Free of Charge

Rendra Poetry reading with Ken Zuraida, music by Sawung Jabo
Venue: Downstairs Theatre, Seymour Centre
Date: Saturday 8 October, 3.30pm - 5pm
Tickets: $15/$20
Enquiries: Contact Sue Piper wot@iprimus.com.au or phone 0410 716 553, or contact the Seymour Centre Box Office


Bengkel Teater Rendra drama workshop with Rendra, Ken Zuraida and Sawung Jabo
Venue: Bankstown
Date: Saturday 22 October, 10am - 4pm
Tickets: $55 - places limited
Enquiries: Contact Sue Piper wot@iprimus.com.au or phone 0410 716 553

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CANBERRA

Rendra Poetry reading with Ken Zuraida, musical accompaniment by Sawung Jabo
Venue: TBC
Date: Monday 10 October, 5.30pm - 7pm
Tickets: $15/$20
Enquiries: Contact Sue Piper wot@iprimus.com.au or phone 0410 716 553

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BRISBANE

Public Forum: "The Evolution of Indonesia's Future"
Venue: Queensland Art Gallery
Date: Thursday 13 October, 6pm - 7pm
Entry: Free of charge
RSVP: Cassandra Van Wyk by Friday 7 October 2005. Email c.vanwyk@griffith.edu.au or phone 3875 3730

Rendra Poetry reading with Ken Zuraida, musical accompaniment by Sawung Jabo
Venue: Turbine Platform, Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm
Date: Sunday 16 October, 3pm
Entry: Free of charge