PADANG, forumsumbar –— Amid the unceasing surge of digital entertainment—from blockbuster films to streaming content—live theatre continues to hold an irreplaceable power. It delivers genuine human interaction and deep emotional resonance that no screen can fully replicate.
Fauzul el Nurca, a multi-talented artist and founder of Studio Sangkaduo, is just one day away from bringing his latest work to the stage. On Friday, August 15, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. WIB, at the West Sumatra Cultural Office Auditorium, he will present his solo monologue, “The General.” According to Fauzul, the piece is far more than a performance—it delves into the human dimensions of power, loyalty, and vulnerability.
“I want to show the person behind the title and the insignia. Every rank carries responsibility, but also vulnerability, doubt, and the need for loyalty,” Fauzul said on Wednesday (August 13, 2025).
Fauzul began his artistic journey in 1982, leaving his mark in theatre, literature, and the visual arts of West Sumatra. In 1989, he founded Studio Sangkaduo—short for Sanggar Kerja Kreatif—as a personal philosophy to continue producing meaningful works. In addition to being a director, he is also known as a writer, poet, and editor of various poetry anthologies. In 2025, the Jakarta Arts Council formally recognized him as a poet who has made significant contributions to Indonesia’s arts and culture.
Originally written in 2019 as a two-character play, “The General” has been adapted for this production into a solo monologue in which Fauzul performs all three characters himself.
“This decision was not just a technical consideration. It’s an artistic challenge to convey the complexity of the characters with depth,” he explained.
The production has involved intensive rehearsal, focusing on mastery of gesture, intonation, and emotional delivery. Every movement and word has been crafted to immerse the audience in the general’s inner struggles.
The story revolves around “The General”, a high-ranking military officer facing both moral and emotional dilemmas. Alongside him is Likolah Patuik, his loyal aide and personal masseur, who serves as an emotional mirror to the protagonist. The tension between trust, loyalty, and fear is depicted with such realism that audiences can feel the psychological weight of the characters.
“This is a universal story. Anyone with responsibility has faced the choice between asserting authority and placing trust in others,” Fauzul added.
In today’s digital era, entertainment is often consumed quickly and instantly. Fauzul emphasizes that live theatre offers a different experience—one where the energy of actor and audience flows together, creating a collective moment that cannot be replaced. The integration of technology, including live streaming and post-performance online discussions, extends the production’s reach without diminishing the essence of the live experience.
The performance brings together a professional creative team: Dadang Leona – Stage Manager; Tusriadi & Bambang Art – Videography & Documentation; Joni Wahid – Artistic Director; Efrizal YE – Lighting; and Hasnawi Hasan – Music.
“Every element works together to convey the inner world of the general. Sound, lighting, and stage movement combine to create a complete experience for the audience,” Fauzul affirmed.
Fauzul invites everyone—from students and families to art communities—to attend and feel the energy of the stage for themselves.
“Let’s explore the characters’ emotions together, engage in live dialogue, and make this experience vivid and meaningful,” he said.
The monologue “The General” proves that live theatre remains vital and relevant—capable of stirring emotions and prompting critical awareness. With profound acting, complex character philosophy, and striking stage aesthetics, the performance promises to send audiences home with a rare reflective experience in the age of digital entertainment.
Save the Date: Friday, August 15, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. WIB, West Sumatra Cultural Office Auditorium, Jl. Samudera, Padang.
Bring your family, friends, or community group. Feel the stage energy—and be part of a living dialogue on humanity.
(Leni Marlina)
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