HB VII Lereh Keprabon Story Tragedy Staged

Jogja, Jogjatrip – Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono VII is back with an incredible spirit of a king in the ketoprak play entitled “Lereh Keprabon” (stepping down) performed by Sapta Wandawa, the family organization of Ng. DSDIKS Hamengku Buwono VII’s generation. Hamengku Buwono (HB) VII was a great king that knew the limit of his own capability and authority.

The play was held two days straight, on Friday and Saturday (July 23^rd—24^th 2010) in the concert hall of Taman Budaya Yogyakarta. The theatrical production indeed had the power to move one’s heart to fight for his/her people. Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono VII himself had served his people a lot before knowing the limit of his power and finally decided to step down (lereh keprabon).

The 2.5 hours long stage performance depicted the life of HB VII, also known as Gusti Raden Mas Murtejo, who was taught by his mother, Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Hageng, to start from the scratch. GRM Murtejo once served as a royal servant, during which he got spiritual experience in many places, including Pandansimo Beach and Mount Lanang. Being inaugurated as Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono VII, GRM Murtejo started to build up his kingdom, Yogyakarta, moreover after a devastating earthquake shortly before. He rebuilt the Tugu Monument and renovated the Royal Palace. HB VII will always be remembered although it has been over centuries since he sat in the throne. In the end of his tenure, he voluntarily stepped back and chose to lead an ascetic life.

The attendants was moved when the drama displayed the people of Yogyakarta were drowned in grief, suffering from great bereavement when Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono passed away on Thursday Wage (a day in Javanese calendar), December 30^th 1921. The ketoprak play was performed by senior actors such as Den Baguse Ngarso, Sronto, Yuningsih “Yu Beruk”, Marwoto, Wisben, and also some of HB VII’s descendants.

Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X in his opening letter expressed his pride and positive response about this big “Lereh Keprabon” play. This performance was wrapped in ketoprak format, which is a traditional performing art born during the time of HB VII, i.e. circa 1839-1921. With this play being staged, Sri Sultan HB X hoped that people would give local arts more appreciation, always remember the service of HB VII, and take some lessons from this story. (Andreas Eko Wahyu)

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