"A Song for Sangiran 17" is Prehistoric Body Theater's second feature performance in-process, honoring the Homo erectus populations who inhabited Java approximately one million years ago. The work draws inspiration from the Sangiran fossil site, located just 30 minutes north of the theater company's "Nest" basecamp. Sangiran 17, the most complete skull discovered at the site, provides crucial data for facial reconstruction and cranial analysis of these early hominids.

Originally commissioned by performance artist and curator Melati Suryodarmo for the site-responsive Indonesia Bertutur Festival, the work premiered on September 8, 2022, on a purpose-built stage at the iconic Borobudur Temple, Central Java, Indonesia. The initial development process spanned two months and involved extensive collaboration with Sangiran Museum science educators and local elders who discovered the original fossil skulls. The creative research included meditation sessions at the excavation sites and intensive 24-hour durational investigations in Javan jungles, simulating Homo erectus behavioral patterns. This methodology synthesized scientific knowledge with embodied experience and phenomenological exploration in nature.

Currently, the piece is undergoing a significant re-conceptualization and development phase for an adaptable touring version. This iteration aims to translate the site-specific elements into a versatile performance work that maintains the powerful connection between ancestral heritage and contemporary embodied practice while being suitable for diverse presentation contexts.

Indonesia Bertutur Credit Titles

Artistic Director: Ari Dharminalan Rudenko
General Manager: Suntoro Aji Nugroho
Performers + Co-Creators: Alan Iloen, Arya Zahi, Bagus Pulung Tilamas, Boy Mahmudi, Eti Purnama Sari, Eka Lutfi Febriyantono, Nada Soraya, Sofyan Joyo Utomo, Sri Cicik Handayani, Tirta Nopa Tarani, Widi Clepret
Composer: Iwan Karak, Elia Wisman
Lighting: Yunianto "Yonex" Dwi Nugroho
Production Team: Basuki Setiyawan, Mas Dani, Mas Depe
Crew: Arif Pambudi, Wahyu Darmawan
Documentation: Adi Risky, Denri Nurachman, Dwi Naryoko Putra, Rakha Yoni Suharto, Adith Ath-Thaariq
Special thanks to: Melati Suryodarmo, Indonesia Bertutur, Kemdikbud Indonesia, Balai Pelestarian Situs Manusia Purba Sangiran