Yogyakarta is an incubator for creative and artistic talent. Countless artists, from painters to musicians, were born here and have become well-known, making the city a true home for diverse art movements. Among the many talented artists in Yogyakarta, we met the Kahanane Project, a performing arts group that tells stories to children in a fun and interactive way.
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Kahanane Project, also known as Rumah Rakit Kahanane (@kahanane.project on Instagram), was founded in 2021 by Ricky Setiawan and his wife, Tita Dian Wulansari. Rumah Rakit Kahanane presents theatrical performances that respond to everyday household objects, blending them with humorous acting for children.
Kahanane Project: An Ordinary Way to Teach Social Learning through Theatrical Performance
Kahanane Project holds a significant presence in Yogyakarta’s arts scene, known for performing at various art shows and cultural festivals across the city. Targeting a young audience, Ricky and Tita consistently deliver fresh and engaging stories. Their performances incorporate songs and interaction with the audience, often using household items as props or even just an imaginary line. This is what makes the Kahanane Project authentic, as each performance becomes one of a kind.
Kahanane Project performs a diverse range of story genres and always emphasizes that stories don’t necessarily need a happy ending. With his ukulele, Ricky adds a lively atmosphere to every performance. They also serve as a learning medium for parents, grounded in the belief that every child should have the opportunity to experience a full range of emotions, from joy and sadness to anger.
Kahanane has performed at the Gulali Festival, ARTJOG, Parampa Festival, Pasar Wiguna, Gya! Dolan Sesarengan and more during their 4-year journey together. Ricky and Tita have always been passionate about storytelling performances since they joined the same community theater group, Teater Garasi, in 2007.
Background Story of Kahanane Project
Not many people know that the Kahanane Project was initially created by five people—Tita, Ricky, Anto (their designer and videographer), and their two children, who served as additional team members. Their first project took place at the Gulali Festival in 2021, held during the pandemic, with all performances presented online. In Javanese, “Kahanane” refers to a mediocre condition, which is why Tita and Ricky often use household items as their main props during their performance.
One path leads to many others. Since their performance at the Gulali Festival, Tita and Ricky have dedicated each show to being both entertaining and educational for children. Every story they create feels close to our hearts, as it is often drawn from everyday life.
That is how we discovered the Kahanane Project. They caught our attention with stories that bring both laughter and smiles. Kahanane Project has taught us that imagination is a pathway to maximizing our creative potential. Discover more from Kahanane Project on Instagram @kahanane.project.