I didn’t quite know what to expect when my friend Claudia invited me to watch Achroma, a musical production she had put together with her friends at InSIM Club, the international students club for Indonesians in SIM (InSIM). All I knew then was it had taken them five hardworking months to bring everything from concept to life. So I had to be there to see for myself what the show was all about.
It blew me away!
Everything – from story to music, acting, makeup and set – was done so professionally and incredibly well that it was hard to believe that students were behind it. It left me so impressed that I had to ask Claudia how the entire production was put together.
Here’s what she shared.
Me: You wrote the story for Achroma. What was your inspiration?
Claudia: Achroma’s story is set 100 years in the future, where people hold seemingly ‘useless’ activities, such as singing and dancing, in contempt. Meanwhile, just outside the city, a group of beggars live a perfectly contented life that’s full of colour and music.
I was inspired by our modern-day, fast-paced lifestyle to write Achroma. So many of us are intent on pursuing a career and making a fortune that we forget to enjoy the simple things in life, like laughter and singing. That’s why Achroma’s story emphasizes the importance of family and togetherness, as well as the sacrifices that we sometimes have to make in order to achieve the greater good.
Me: The entire musical took 5 months to produce. What was the process like?
Claudia: We began selections of directors and recruitment of members for various departments as early as September last year. In total, we have 8 departments responsible for various aspects of the production like: Cast & Singers, Dancers, Musicians, Make up & Wardrobe, Sets, Props & Logistics, Creative & Advertising and lastly, Commerce and Ticketing. Once we have everyone onboard, we started on the preparations full-swing. There was choreography to be learned, sponsorship proposals to be sent out, and sets and props to be hammered away! Things can get really hectic a month before the performance when we have our dry and full rehearsals. This is also when you witness the production slowly coming to life with the completed sets, props and costumes. It’s really quite a feeling to see it unfolding.
Me: What was the biggest challenge you faced?
Claudia: Time management. I was in the middle of a particularly busy term, and there were days when I only had 3 or 4 hours of sleep. Nevertheless, I learned to divide my time between practice and studies by avoiding distractions – such as watching movies and eating out – until I had caught up with my work. Eventually, I managed to strike a balance between the two.
Me: It must have been stressful! Would you do it again?
Claudia: Definitely! All my fatigue melted away the second the curtains drew open. Seeing all the performers and backstage crew working together to bring laughter and tears to the audience filled me with such a strong sense of pride and accomplishment. It’s not every day that we get a chance to express ourselves and passion in such a grand production. I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. In fact, I will be involved in next year’s production of InSIGHT so stay tuned!
If you are inspired to be a part of a large community that organizes activities and events, just like InSIGHT: Achroma, check out these international student clubs on campus!
Till the next post friends,
Beatrice
