Colon Theater is not at pull stop yet

Please forgive the word pun.

But word pun is the heavily presence at Theater Koma’s last performance, Why Leonardo, and a signature throughout their career.

I was attracted first by their reputation of social critics during New Order era, numerous banning by the official confirm their opposition status. They certainly have a way to mould a critic inside a laughter, and nothing the regime fear than being mocked and laugh at. I have been an avid watcher since my undergrad time.

After the fall of New Order, the performance become more subdued since anyone can speak up now. But I still try to watch all the performance of Colon Theater.

The theme on mental hospital is commonly used in literary. I especially admire Veronica Decide to Die by Paulo Coulho. There is a mirror where we can see and question our own sanity among the insane.

But the script ot Why Leonardo goes further by asking what is it mean to be human. Is it to be anle to speak in dozens of language, playing musical instruments and memorizing dictionary? Or to be able to know how you feel and the feeling of others?

The perfect timing of the actors (also to draw laughter when the scene is too timid) and effective staging (which drew upon paintings of Van Gogh that died in insanity) certainly add up the enjoyment.

After watching the performance, I am satisfied by a feeling that I am still a human inside, one way or another.

Ten Steps to Happines

1. Marry the right person. This one decision will determine 90% of your happiness or misery.

2. Work at something you enjoy and that's worthy of your time and talent.

3. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

4. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.

5. Be forgiving of yourself and others.

6. Be generous.

7. Have a grateful heart.

8. Persistence, persistence, persistence.

9. Discipline yourself to save money on even the most modest salary.

10. Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.

Hmm.. so much to do for 10 %.

New Year 2008

This is my first new year in Jakarta for 5 years.

The sound of playing risk game (like monopoly but on personal finance.. could not find the weblink) for 4 hours at new year eve might not be seem appalling but turn out to be a great time spent.

I was playing it with my cunlce, cousins and brother+sisters and become the richest man at the end of the game (I only edged my uncle at the last half hour after he got a death card and out of the game). Not a bad way to start a year :-D

Among the numerous sms I received, I like this one the most.

What ever you have done in the past year
trust that you have done your best
What ever happened in he past year
trust that you have learn the lesson and become smarter & wiser
What ever the challenges in 2008
trust that you have earn your way to face it down

May it be true for all of us...