Performing Arts Experiment of Central Java Amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The research aimed to investigate three cultural events: Panggung Kahanan, Lembah Gana Festival, and Semarang musicians' movement, along with their cultural strategy amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. The method used in the research was the Sociology of Art approach, focusing on the event and artwork productions. The data were collected from the interviews with the artists involved in Panggung Kahanan and Lembah Gana Festival events and Semarang musicians. The data collection methods used in the research were observation and in-depth interviews. The observation method covered the data related to the event and work productions. The in-depth interview covered the data related to the event and work concepts. The analytical method used in the research was to investigate how far the art experiment had an impact on the performing arts ecosystem in Central Java and the cultural strategy for the art and cultural resilience amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. The research showed that the Covid-19 pandemic opened many new opportunities to continue experimenting and adapting in the art and cultural areas in Central Java.