The Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies Study Program (PSPSR) at the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada presented a dance drama performance entitled “Taru Atutur” in commemoration of its 35th anniversary. The performance was held on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 19.00 WIB, in the first floor of the Grha Sabha Pramana Building at Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta.
This 35th anniversary represents a substantial milestone in the trajectory of the PSPSR UGM. This study program has made a significant contribution to the development of arts and culture in Indonesia. Over the course of its 35-year history, PSPSR UGM has produced academics, artists, researchers, and artistic thinkers who have contributed to the development of performing arts, visual arts, and the study of Indonesian culture.
Etymologically, “Taru” signifies “tree” or “plant,” thus symbolizing life, growth, and strong roots. Meanwhile, “Atutur” is derived from Old Javanese vocabulary, denoting the act of speaking, recounting, or narrating a story. Therefore, “Taru Atutur” can be interpreted as “The Storytelling Tree,” a metaphor for the journey of PSPSR UGM, which continues to grow, rooted in knowledge, and tells stories of art and culture through academic and creative work.
The Kalpataru tree is employed as the logo and symbol of the performance. This symbol represents the diversity of artistic discourse that has grown alongside PSPSR UGM, a study program dedicated to multidisciplinary art studies. The performance utilizes the tree symbol to convey the notion that art and knowledge are dynamic, evolving entities that facilitate diverse forms of thought and expression.
As a dance drama, “Taru Atutur” integrates various elements of Indonesian art, including dance, music, theater, and visual arts. The performance also features a combination of ethnic musical instruments, traditional dance movements, theatrical games, lighting, and modern video mapping. This interdisciplinary collaboration is indicative of the character of PSPSR UGM, which does not restrict arts studies to a single field but rather acknowledges diversity as both an academic and artistic strength.
The play in this performance chronicles the cosmological journey between humanity, nature, and knowledge. The narrative is articulated through the use of symbolic figures, including Bathara Guru, Sang Hyang Indra, and a diverse array of creatures native to the Indonesian archipelago. The presence of these characters not only enhances the dramatic element of the performance but also presents values of local wisdom that reflect the relationship between humanity and nature, spirituality, and culture.
The “Taru Atutur” performance functions as a medium for both creative expression and intellectual reflection on this journey. The event will encompass a variety of academic program components, including master’s and doctoral students, faculty members, and alumni. This collaborative endeavor transforms the anniversary from a mere ceremonial commemoration into a forum for creativity and expression, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity within the PSPSR UGM academic community.
The 35th anniversary celebration of PSPSR UGM is an initiative designed to foster creativity among the academic community while fostering a sense of solidarity, cohesion, and academic identity within the study program. This activity is also part of an effort to highlight and promote the diversity of Indonesian arts to the wider community as a form of preservation and development of national culture.
The “Taru Atutur” performance signifies the culmination of PSPSR UGM’s 35-year journey, marking not only the institution’s age but also the origins of knowledge, the evolution of creativity, and its sustained contribution to Indonesian art and culture. As a living organism that endures and continues to manifest, PSPSR UGM is anticipated to persist in its role as a prolific academic environment conducive to the genesis of ideas, artistic creations, and scholarly endeavors that hold relevance and significance for the broader societal context.
This activity represents one of the concrete steps taken by the UGM Graduate School to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 4 (Quality Education), focuses on the provision of quality education. This objective is pursued by facilitating collaborative reflection among a diverse group of stakeholders, including students, alumni, lecturers, and the general public.
- SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), focuses on industry, innovation, and infrastructure. It encourages the development of new and innovative interdisciplinary performances.
- SDG 13 (Climate Action), is to promote the conservation of the environment.
- SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), is to establish synergy with behind-the-scenes arts workers to achieve successful performances. (BBAP)
