Wahono Simba from Indonesia

Interview with CPI alumni(2017 CPI participant of National Theater of Korea)

Wahono Simba from Indonesia

QUESTION 01

Please introduce yourself briefly.

Hi my name is Wahono, my popular name is Wahono Simbah. I am a CPI particiapant of NToK in 2017. I was born in Bantul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

I am a traditional Indonesian artist. I am productive in the fields of Gamelan, Wayang (traditional puppets made of buffalo skin), Tetembangan (Javanese traditional songs), Batik . At the moment I also teach Batik art (batik is a typical fabric from Indonesia) and Gamelan. Gamelan is a traditional Javanese, Indonesian musical instrument.

I have a traditional art studio named CANKA MAHAMERU which is active in the area of Javanese traditional arts, Indonesia. Me and our studio often hold collaboration with international classes.

QUESTION 02

What was the most memorable while you staying in Korea?

Basically everything in korea is very impressive. But something that impressed me the most is how the Korean how the Korean government was able to balance Korean Cultural Traditions, Modernity in Korea, and Technological Development. Traditional, modern and pop art can be equally balanced, this is very memorable for me.

QUESTION 03

Please share some representative activities in your field since participating in CPI program.

After becoming a CPI participant, I am currently a guest lecturer at every international summer school event in several well-known universities in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. I was a guest lecturer at the culture session. I am also often invited by campuses as a speaker in developing networks and self branding at the international level. Besides that until now I have remained productive in creating songs that have a tradition of collaboration with young artists in Yogyakarta. I also teach Gamelan, Puppet, Batik in our studio "Canka Mahameru" with other teams.

I developed Korean language skills, Korean songs and other arts that I got during the CPI program in Korea. I also did some research on ancient traditions from several countries.

QUESTION 04

Is there any project you are planning to do which is related to Korea-Indonesia, please introduce them briefly.

Until now I am still productive in developing what I have gained from Korea. I made videos of Korean traditional songs such as Holo Arirang, Onara and etc. I have a plan to hold an orchestra concert and a Korean-Indonesian Culture Festival in my city of Yogyakarta that involves Korean students and Korean educational institutions in Yogyakarta. There is a workshop on literacy, food, traditional arts, talk shows and Korean-Indonesian concerts at the event.

QUESTION 05

Is there any comments you want to say to participants in the future as a senior participant?

The CPI program is a very useful program for developing relationships between artists in various countries and even continents. therefore I say to the CPI participants who will come please really take advantage of your time while in Korea.

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