The Adaptation of Novel “Bumi Manusia” Into Theater Performance

Abstract

Novel Bumi Manusia (Earth of Mankind) written by Pramoedya Ananta Toer has received Magsaysay award and has been translated into several languages. This humanist novel is also adapted by Faiza Marzuki into theatre play script entitled “Nyai Ontosoroh”. Feminism issues are presented in the acts by showing the character of Nyai as a strong figure in the context of gender equalities. Her efforts in managing house, and the administration are not appreciated at all by the Dutch law. She does not even have the right to fight for her children. The adaptation process from the novel into a play script and a theatre performance can take place either intrinsically (physical form) or extrinsically (mental form) through creative process realized in theatre expression. The adaptation process’ Pavis can be conducted by: 1. Reposition the work from one genre to another; 2. Change the literature text into performance (dramaturgy); 3. Translate the text adjusted and loyal to the source text. The article is written based on the experience and practice in the creative process; the analysis of the novel into adaptation process in the play script (re-thinking) becomes a form of performance (dramaturgy). This article can be a model of creativity.