A room inside the Margono Soeradji Building, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM) fell silent and dim, except for a single spotlight illuminating the lone actor at the center of the stage. The light shifted colors as music played softly in the background, following the narrative flow and the emotions expressed by the performer. This was the scene before the judges and audience during the Monologue competition at the 2025 Porsenigama, held on Oct. 25–26.
A monologue is a theatrical performance that features only one actor who delivers a story or reflection directly to the audience without a dialogue partner.
Over the course of two days, fifteen participants from various faculties at UGM took turns showcasing their best performances, each lasting up to 25 minutes.
This year’s first-place winner, Flannery Angela Eirene Beatriciawaoma from the Faculty of Psychology (Class of 2025), performed Tolong (“Help”) by playwright N. Riantiarno.
Beatriciawaoma explained that the piece tells the story of Atikah, an Indonesian migrant worker who travels abroad in search of a better life but instead experiences violence.
According to Beatriciawaoma, the work offers a critique of the government, which is portrayed as indifferent to the struggles of its people.
“It shows how those in power seem more focused on exploiting the people rather than protecting them. That’s the social and political criticism embedded in Tolong,” she said.
Beatriciawaoma shared that her preparation for the performance lasted less than a week, only about three days of optimal practice.
“First, it was midterm exam week, and second, the trainer and crew had difficulty matching schedules. So, in total, we only managed about three full practice days at most,” she said.
Meanwhile, Prasista Nasya Zerlinda from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (Class of 2024), who won second place, performed Balada Sumarah by Tentrem Lestari.
The piece tells the story of Sumarah, a woman whose life falls apart after her father is accused of being a member of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI). Forced to become a migrant worker overseas, she continues to face suffering and trauma throughout her life.
Zerlinda said she wanted to present a different interpretation of Sumarah, rather than portraying her solely as a victim; she depicted her as a strong and empowered woman.
“Most people see Sumarah as a symbol of suffering, but I imagine her as a woman of strength. She’s ready to face death; that shows her power as a migrant worker. She’s resilient,” the second-place winner explained.
Her total preparation took around five days, with intense focus during the final nights leading up to the performance. Zerlinda added that for her, art can be a form of resistance.
“As a woman, I believe art gives us a voice. We may not confront issues directly, but when women dare to create and fight for their rights through art, that’s what makes them truly powerful,” she concluded.
Author: Leony
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Salma
Photographer: Salwa