The Arsalan Festival

The Arsalan Festival, a highly anticipated event, is scheduled for the end of August. It was in mid-August that Viona and her classmates, after weeks of dedicated practice, had finally mastered their intricate dance routines. And now, on the day of the costume fitting, the excitement was palpable.

In the backstage dressing room, Viona and her fellow performers were in the midst of donning their meticulously crafted costumes. The room buzzed with energy and anticipation. As is often the case, the male performers had the advantage of a quicker transformation, being the first to step into their outfits.

Viona, however, stood out with her remarkable ability to transform herself. She flawlessly embraced the role of a prince, meticulously adjusting every detail of her attire without any assistance from the costume department. Her hair was elegantly rolled up, and the carefully prepared wig was placed with precision. Next came the fake sword, securely fastened at her waist. With a clearing of her throat, Viona stepped into the character of Romeo flawlessly.

In one secluded corner of the dressing room, Viona, now fully in character, practiced her swordplay with a flourish. Occasionally, her lips would move, but no sound emerged. Meanwhile, the female performers were still engrossed in the intricate process of arranging their wigs.

Once the female students completed their transformation into male characters, embodying both the feuding Montague and Capulet families and other pivotal roles, it was time for the male performers to join the ensemble.

As Alvian Saputra, playing the role of Juliet, emerged from the dressing room with a visibly flushed face, a burst of laughter echoed from the female performers. Viona, momentarily breaking character, turned to gaze at him with an amused and entertained expression.

Alvian, in stark contrast to his fellow performers, still found himself in the early stages of his transformation. He stood somewhat awkwardly in the form-fitting dress, his athletic physique creating a striking contrast with his short, military-style hair. It was a peculiar sight, one that made Viona struggle to contain her amusement as she discreetly covered her mouth with her hand, hoping to stifle the laughter that threatened to burst forth. Alvian's bemused expression and the incongruity of his appearance added an unexpected layer of humor to the already lighthearted atmosphere in the dressing room.

Shortly after Alvian's unconventional entrance into the world of Juliet, the dressing room door swung open once again. This time, it was the turn of Yanto Kurniawan and Kareem Alfi, tasked with portraying the roles of Lady Capulet and The Nurse of Capulet, to make their grand appearance. The two entered the room with exaggerated, self-assured strides that were more fitting for gallant knights than female characters. As they stepped into the spotlight, their attempts to fully embody these female roles clashed comically with their inherently masculine appearances, eliciting even more amusement from their fellow performers.

Yanto, portraying Lady Capulet, towered over the other actors in his elaborate dress, his broad shoulders and imposing presence making it all the more amusing. He struggled with the flowing gown, its voluminous layers appearing somewhat unwieldy on his sturdy frame. Kareem, as The Nurse of Capulet, didn't fare much better. His deep voice and muscular build were at odds with the character's traditionally maternal and nurturing image. Attempting to maintain an air of femininity, he exaggerated his gestures and facial expressions to comical effect.

Viona, who had been witness to the comical transformation of her fellow performers, couldn't help but join in the laughter that filled the room. The dressing room had transformed into a realm of hilarity, where the unexpected humor of the situation had everyone in stitches.

As the dressing room resounded with laughter, the atmosphere was electric with the infectious joy of the performers. Viona and her fellow students couldn't help but relish the entertainment value of their roles and the delightful absurdity of their costumes. With every passing moment, the room seemed to echo with the harmonious melody of their laughter.

As the male students gradually emerged from behind the dressing screens, they did so with a sense of liberation that only their flamboyant attire could provide. Each step they took in their dresses, though initially awkward, was accompanied by hearty laughter and playful jests from their peers. It was a symphony of mirth, and the dressing room was its stage.

In the midst of this uproarious spectacle, the female performers were ushered to their designated seats, forming a circle of beauty and grace amidst the colorful chaos. It was time for the finishing touches—the artistry of makeup application and the delicate adjustment of wigs.

With each stroke of the makeup brush and each strand of hair meticulously arranged, the transformation was completed. Forty-five minutes later, the students stood transformed in their costumes, resplendent in their roles. The female performers, once again, exuded an undeniable elegance and charm. Their eyes were adorned with shimmering shadows, their lips with shades of allure, and their wigs flowed like cascading silk.

Yet, as these radiant figures breathed life into their characters, the illusion was momentarily shattered when their voices emerged in deep, resonant tones. The room erupted once more in unrestrained laughter, an uncontainable reaction to the delightful contrast between appearance and vocalization.

Adimas David, who had been portraying Lady Montague with earnest dedication, couldn't help but voice his exasperation amidst the laughter. "Whoever came up with the idea of crossdressing for these roles... is an evil genius. I can't... I really... I can't handle being a woman," he lamented, his frustration palpable on his expressive face. His dramatic sighs and exaggerated gestures added to the comedic spectacle. "I envy the girls who can dress lightly and simply!" he continued, casting an envious glance at the female students who appeared remarkably composed as they focused on their scripts, their tranquil demeanor a stark contrast to the hilarity around them.

Alvian's genuine admiration for Viona's transformation had brought a moment of levity to the room, a welcome pause in the whirlwind of laughter and costume chaos. As he approached Viona with earnest enthusiasm, his exclamation cut through the merriment, "Wow! My Romeo looks incredibly handsome!" His thumbs shot upward in a theatrical display of approval, an exuberant thumbs-up from a fellow performer who had momentarily stepped out of character.

Viona, the consummate actor, responded with a warm smile that effortlessly melted back into her character's demeanor. "I will do whatever it takes to reach you, oh Juliet," she declared in a deep, resonant voice that once again captured the essence of her role. With a gentlemanly gesture, she extended her hand towards Alvian, sealing the authenticity of their on-stage connection.

This moment of dramatic exchange, however, had not gone unnoticed by the other female students in the room. Several pairs of eyes were now fixed on Viona with a mixture of fascination and admiration, their cheeks flushed with a shade of pink that mirrored the romantic intensity of the play.

"KYAAAAAA, HER VOICE!!!" Keeva couldn't contain her excitement, her voice filled with awe as she held her reddened cheeks, the embodiment of the ardent Juliet's admirer. Her exclamation resonated with the shared sentiment of the other girls who nodded in agreement, their collective admiration for Viona's remarkable portrayal evident in their eyes.

Alvian, on the other hand, found himself in the midst of an unexpected situation. He hadn't anticipated Viona's ability to transition so seamlessly into her role, particularly the commanding depth of her voice. Caught off guard, he attempted to regain his composure. "How can you speak like that, my Romeo? I don't want you to sacrifice yourself for me. My love doesn't require you to- hoeekkss!!" Alvian abruptly halted his sentence, his own words and voice causing him a sudden, involuntary shiver of cringe.

The room was once again filled with the delightful sound of laughter, as the students continued to revel in the camaraderie and shared hilarity that had become an integral part of their preparations. Playfully, they teased one another about their roles, offering good-natured jests and affectionate ribbing.