Megalomania: A Monologue on a Troubled Soul on Stage

Senior Teater Koma actor Budi Ros captivated audiences with his monologue "Megalomania" at the Gedung Kesenian Jakarta on July 16-17, 2026. The performance presented a psychological portrait of a megalomaniac, delving into the character's inner turmoil.

Written by Ros himself, the play, which he began in 2008 and revised in 2020, leans more towards psychological drama than sharp political satire. It depicts an ambitious individual who strives to control every situation, projecting an image of honor while hiding a fragile self on the verge of collapse. The character's struggle extends beyond the pursuit of power to his daily life, as he navigates a world of delusion and reality.

Ros, who also acts as president and party chairman in the play, draws parallels to political figures in Indonesia. The character claims he never aspired to be president, but circumstances led him there, his true ambition being a director. This ironic tale of success highlights the pressures and illusions associated with power, suggesting that external forces can propel individuals into positions they never sought.