Meanings behind community resistance in the play Leng and their cultural relevance: a theater-semiotics analysis

The displacement of individuals from their homes, farms, rice fields, and other livelihood sources, particularly among marginalized populations, remains a pertinent issue in contemporary society. Bambang Widoyo SP’s play Leng reflects events that exemplify the authoritarian and materialistic tendencies of those in power. This research endeavors to examine the various meanings of resistance evident in Leng, particularly in relation to materialism and authoritarianism, and to identify the role of local wisdom in the play. Employing qualitative methods and Kriipendorf’s content analysis, this study interprets the play through the lens of theater-semiotics. The findings illustrate that the resistance exhibited by characters such as Bongkrek and his peers against the oppressive and materialistic Juragan reflects the struggles of small communities against corrupt and authoritarian regimes, exemplified by Indonesia’s New Order regime, which prioritized personal wealth accumulation. Furthermore, Mbok Senik’s character embodies the importance of local wisdom as a means of achieving a contented life, especially in the twenty-first century. © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.