Students of the English Literature Study Program at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, Class of 2024, who are currently in their fourth semester, are actively preparing for a theatrical performance entitled Mimpi, Mati dan Tirani. As part of the annual Teater Pandora program, the production is adapted from the renowned allegorical novel Animal Farm by George Orwell and is scheduled to be staged in August 2026. As the performance date approaches, both the cast and production crew continue to refine various technical and non-technical aspects of the production.

The primary focus of the preparation currently lies in the actors’ intensive rehearsals. Acting practices are held regularly every Wednesday and Friday at the ESKA Theater Hall of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta. Under the guidance of the directing team, the actors are continuously trained to deepen their understanding of their respective characters, improve vocal articulation, and perfect stage blocking to ensure a smooth and compelling performance on the day of the show.

In addition to the acting aspect, financial management has become another crucial pillar that the committee is taking seriously. To meet the production's budgetary needs, the students rely on a combination of five main funding sources: internal membership contributions, independent fundraising activities, sponsorship proposals, the purchase of unofficial Pandora T-shirts by members, and financial support from the faculty.

Regarding fundraising efforts, the Head of the Fundraising Division divided the members into eight working groups, each of which was given the freedom to develop creative sales and fundraising strategies. Yusfa Miftahul Jannah, Head of the Fundraising Division, stated that all groups had successfully completed their responsibilities this week. “All fundraising groups have reportedly achieved the financial targets that were set for them,” she said.

As preparations enter the middle phase in June, the focus of the production and directing teams has gradually shifted toward venue preparation. Teater Pandora is confirmed to be held at the Concert Hall of Taman Budaya Yogyakarta (TBY). The production and directing teams are expected to conduct an on-site visit soon to measure the stage layout, study the hall’s acoustics, and design the lighting scheme as well as the actors’ entrances and exits.

Significant progress can also be seen among the supporting divisions, particularly the Wardrobe Division. Members of the division are currently occupied with selecting and sourcing costumes that best fit the background and setting of the story. In addition, to help meet costume requirements, the division plans to launch a clothing donation program that welcomes contributions of wearable garments from external donors. Similar initiatives are being carried out by other supporting divisions, including the Property and Set Design Division, Lighting Division, Music Division, Make-Up Division, and Media Division, all of which have begun developing their respective concepts and work plans.

Demas, the Production Manager of Teater Pandora, stated that coordination among divisions has so far proceeded according to the timeline established by the committee. “The main challenge in a class-wide project like this is maintaining everyone's focus amid their individual responsibilities. However, seeing that our fundraising efforts have reached their targets and that actor rehearsals are becoming increasingly intensive, we are optimistic that the performance in August will run successfully,” Demas said when asked about the progress of Teater Pandora’s preparations.(SUF/SNJ/NNS/DNI)