GERAK INDAH: RENDRA’S IMPROVISATION TECHNIQUE

Abstract

This paper discusses about W.S. Rendra, an Indonesian dramatist, poet, activist, performer, actor and director. After studying English literature and culture at Gajah Mada University in Yogyakarta, he chose not to graduate because he was already gainfully employed with his first theatrical project. Because of the nature of his poetry readings and his flamboyant performances on the stage, the press gave him the nickname “Burung Merak” (the Peacock). Rendra is a well-known name in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Holland, Germany and USA. His work, “Gerak Indah”, has made a great impact to the author, who is now teaching it and adopting it to younger generation in his classes of Act of Acting, Acting and Improvisation 1, Acting and Improvisation 2, and Solo Performance. These classes are successful and produced many talented students.