TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - One by one the participants of the 'Sharing Class' read their stories. Sumarni Arianto, chose to read a short story entitled ‘Pelajaran Mengarang’ (Writing Lessons). Marni -- as Sumarni usually called -- read and guided the participants to follow the story written by Seno Gumira Ajidarma. The participants, which were not more than 10 people, comfortably sitting in a circle.

“Miss Tati, the teacher, offers three titles that she writes on a white board. The titles are ‘Our Happy Family’, and ‘Holiday to Grandmother House and Mother’,” Marni started her reading.

The tale was about 10-year-old Sandra who faces a dilemma when her teacher asked to make writing about her family, because Sandra has no happy story about her mother or other family members.

Once Marni finished reading the thousand-words short story, the participants were asked to tell their personal experiences in monologue.

"Monologue is as simple as telling a story," said Luna Vidya, the speaker in the Sharing Class.

That afternoon, the class brought up the theme of "Monologue" and it was held at the Bakti Building in Jl. Mappanyukki, Makassar. In the occasion, Luna asked participants to read short stories, song lyrics, some even telling his personal experience.

Luna explained in details that the monologue is an activity of story telling with addition of lights and background music. This composition is then set into a show.

"So, the monologue actor still needs to have the ability to tell a story,” Luna explained. “Stand-Up comedy is also a monologue.”

In presenting a monologue, said Luna, a person must be convincing in uttering every sentence.

"Monologue is about what we are doing, not just telling," said the Papua-born Luna.

If the story is delivered confidently and rhythmically, it will help the audiences to receive the messages. Still according to Luna, it is good to transfer the emotion into the said words to give a power into the story.

Not just words and messages, in a monologue stage, actor must also be able to represent more than one character. The skills of tuning the voice tone, or gestures are all matter. Even a small gesture can be important in delivering a meaningful story.

To bring an interesting monologue performances. Luna usually preapres a chart for each scene in order to strengthen her memory about the storyline and get to know the characters in the story. For the audience to focus on the story, Luna suggested to use a bright light that shines over a small bench or chair, which is her favorite supporting properties.

REZKI ALVIONITASARI