The Great 50 Show: A Fifty-Year Old Legacy of Indonesian Oriental Circus

What comes into your mind when you hear the word circus? Some people might imagine an acrobatic show or animal performance in a big tent. True! The circus is famous for its definition as entertainment which shows animal performance. However, you will find something different here, The Great 50 Show, an animal-free circus.

In the beginning, The Great 50 Show’s concept was suggested to celebrate the 50th birthday of Oriental Circus Indonesia (OCI) with the existing members who have joined it since 1967. Although The Great 50 Show has an animal-free circus concept, still it has its traditional circus act. Some unique elements like acrobats, juggling and clown, can even be seen.

This free-animal circus has been running for a year. And it has got a lot of supports from many people.

“Looking at Cirque de Soleil, Dancing Water and The Lion King, which have been world-class circus shows, they are no longer showing animals. And this new concept that we use has been a success and has got a lot of positive reviews because there is no animal.” Said Chief Luiginni as the head of the circus.

Luiginni also thinks that the story in The Great 50 Show is made to be memorable. “We have survived this business for 50 years because people enjoy the circus. The difference is, if we take a closer look, there’s a subliminal message based on our founder’s story,” he said.

The Great 50 Show which has held since 6 November - 15 December in PIK will show a journey of Hadi Manansang as a founder of OCI in building his circus business.

There are some rounds with a lot of attractions that you can enjoy. Some circus rounds have music performed by Ring Master. Not only that, during the show, Chief Luiginni also shows his talent in playing the drum as the background music.

Ring Master figure will be a storyteller for the audience. During the show, he will tell what someone had experienced when they built a circus up. The RingMaster in The Great 50 Show himself is an Indonesian guy named Bran Vargas.

Bran has become one of those 23 members. At first, Bran took part in this circus after joining an audition as a singer for The Great 50 Show where at the end he was accepted as part of the entertainment.

As a Ring Master, Bran shows up with a European costume. He must have the ability to act and sing when he is on stage. Therefore he needs to use his voice wisely. For Bran, a stage act is essential no matter what. No wonder he once held his pain because of a leg injury in front of the audience.

Not only Bran, but other members also feel that the stage is their home, so all of the obstacles disappear once they see the enthusiasm from the audience.

“90 per cent of them have been trained since they were kids, so it has become a habit - from the way they eat, rehearse, etc. They live to perform. That’s our dedication,” said Chief Luiginni.

For those who are curious about The Great 50 Show performance, just come right away to Golf Island Pantai Indah Kapuk. The performance is every day except Monday. From Tuesday to Friday, the performance starts from 7 pm whereas Saturday or Sunday starts at 1 pm, 4 pm and 7 pm.

You can’t miss The Great 50 Show this time, since 25 December 2019, will be their last show. What are you waiting for? Let’s watch the show in PIK andbook your ticket here!