Boeat Amal

This article discusses charity fundraising through theatre that was popular in the Dutch East Indies (today Indonesia) in the first part of the 20th century. During this time, art and charity had become mutually beneficial practices. Miss Riboet’s Orion theatre was a popular troupe that dominated the theatre scene in the 1930s. Over the course of its career, Miss Riboet’s performances became an effective way to raise funds for charity. The passion of Miss Riboet’s group, its broad appeal and use of entertainment for fundraising came together in a form that was very attractive to donors. This article argues that their fundraising practices were inclusively established, aligning with the values of Miss Riboet, as reflected in the diverse composition of both performers and audience members. The theatre group organised ‘charity performance nights’ to support philanthropic institutions working in various fields, such as health, education and social care.