The Concept of NEO Theater Performances: Appreciation for Acting

Abstract

This research investigates NEO Theatre (NT) by using historical approach. It
has several significances; i.e. firstly, NT is one of modern theater groups that
influences modern theater development in Bandung; secondly, though it is still
relatively new, the creativity of NT cannot be separated from the history of
Fathul A. Husein’s creativity development as its director. By applying method
of history through several stages from heuristics, critics, interpretation, to
historiography; NT’s creativity pattern can be constructed; it is in accordance
with the aim of this research, to achieve the historical illustration of NT’s
creativity pattern in realizing the prototype of theater performance entitled
Tritik Segaris Putih. Fathul A. Husein, as the NT leader, was one of the founders
of theater Actors Unlimited (AUL) established in mid 1990s. Having it ended,
Fathul A. Husein, who acted more as a director, founded NT on 18 April 2012.
Based on the works Fathul directed since his time in AUL, the creative process
of NT shows similar creativity with the Studiklub Theater Bandung (STB). An
important fact to support this statement is that as a modern theater observer
and critic, Fathul had ever joined in some productions of STB during the time
of Suyatna Anirun (RIP) before he decided to join in the founding of AUL. Thus,
it can be said that the model of STB theater creativity pattern is also reflected
on the creativity pattern of NT in each of its theater production.
Keywords: theater history; theater production; NEO Theater