As someone who has read nearly all the “Subud books” published since the early classics, I can say that Latifah’s Ha Ha Among the Trumpets—An Improvisational Journey is arguably the best—and that includes my own Stories I Remember (2009). The book is comprised of two parts.
Part I focuses on her San Francisco years, 1962-1972, and the exciting story of the development and life of The Committee, the iconic improv company that she and her former husband created and nurtured to maturity. As it happened, many of its members came to Subud (or from Subud) like Hamid Hamilton Camp and Mursalin (Lewis) Arquette, whom many of us remember and still miss. Part Two, then, describes Latifah’s ten-year stint, 1972-1982, in Jakarta at the world Subud center, Wisma Subud in Cilandak, South Jakarta, during the latter part of which stay she taught acting and staged plays and musicals at what was then called the Jakarta International School. In this section of the book, we come to see Bapak and his second wife, “the” Ibu for us old-timers, Siti Sumari, in action as well as the stalwarts of the Sekretariat—Sudarto, Brojo, and Prio—and Bapak’s translator, Usman, who, with his wife Aminah accompanied Bapak on his early world tours.
Latifah’s book is beautifully written, an absolute page turner. Okay, you may think: Ruslan, you came to Subud in ’61, so for you, it’s a stroll down memory lane. But my wife, Cedar Barstow, who’s been in Subud just 14 ½ years, proves my case. She couldn’t put it down either. Moreover, she commented that she could now vicariously experience the magic of those pioneer days of Subud in the West and especially of what it was like back then to spend time in a place we referred to as “Cilandak.” Subud took us from a black-and-white world into one of full, fantastic color. Everything was new, bright, and enchanted. And in this book, she had felt that for herself. So whether you are a brand-new member or someone who has grown up in Subud over the decades, run, do not walk, to buy Latifah’s book and in fact, consider as I am buying it to give to your Subud friends or family members as a Holiday present. Among other things, Ha Ha proves what Bapak told us when SICA was founded, in part at Latifah’s initiative, at the Anugraha Congress in England: that the power of the latihan will manifest through the creative work of Subud members and touch those who experience that work. Congratulations, Latifah, on this wonderful, Great Life Force-filled book. It has certainly touched me.
P.S. When ordering the book, make sure to use Latifah Taormina’s full name and/or the book’s complete title. Otherwise, you might end up getting a book on jazz!
Thanks Ruslan! Am thrilled you liked it. By the way, that wonderful book cover— and the formatting of the entire book inside and out—was done by Marcus Bolt of Subud UK. Marcus is a wonderful artist and writer in his own right and a long Subud member Andrew Hall, our brother in Canada, was a most active proof reader and editor, and some of the photos included in the book were done by photographer extraordinaire, Simon Cherpitel. And thank YOU, Rosina, for putting together this wonderful newsletter for us all!
Thank you Ruslan. Good review! I agree with all you said. I donated a copy of Ha Ha to Subud Sacramento’s library, and have mentioned it. Will continue encouraging others to read it. It is a trip!
Thank you Ruslan, and a huge thanks to Latifah for telling this marvelous life story. I always wondered about the relationships, connections and your history in theater. I figured it must have been formidable as evidenced by your amazing and inspiring confidence and appealing dramatic flair! But I knew nothing. Now we can all see your journey, see your work, and your devotion to the inner guidance we all seek. Thank you with love.
It was exciting to open up and get reading! About my native Marin Subud history, The Committee, it’s founding, and members, Indonesia, the woman’s perspective on things, theatrical education, so much is included, Thank you, Dear Latifah (Lahf-A ti).
Hosanna Bauer
Thank you! Ruslan: A well crafted review. The rhythm and notes sing.
Thank you, Latifah! Your inner self come across Blessings, Robert
This is a book that will bring people to Subud.
They were certainly wonderful times.
I concur with all the above comments! A well written view of Latifah’s and Subud’s history!
I want to read it, how do I order it?