Just days after leaving the Constitutional Court office, where I served as the court’s Justice for five years, I suddenly found myself involved in an ambiance that I had left years ago: the world of art i.e. drama. Kadek Suardana, a close friend who had founded the Arti Foundation with me, succeeded in dragging me back into the realm that was an important part of my formative years as a young man. Kadek traveled tirelessly back and forth between Denpasar and Jakarta, vehemently describing his artistic concept, to convince me that the story of Sri Tanjung was worth considering as the theme for Arti Foundation’s next production. I know, when Kadek is in a such “crazy” level of excitement, he will move forward with all his heart to materialize his idea into a strange-but-artistic creation. It is only natural then, for me to be here.

Why Sri Tanjung? Wise man say that “Every legend has its roots in society”, and so it is in the case of Sri Tanjung. The Kidung Sri Tanjung is a work of poetry from East Java which dates back to the 17th century. Regardless of its East Javanese origin, the story was once very popular amongst the Balinese people, performed in the many forms of artistic expressions in Bali, be it arja (a kind of Balinese opera) or wayang kulit (shadow puppet theater), for example. What was interesting about this story was that here, the theme of love is effectively blended with another important message, the idea of ruwatan (spiritual purification). This aspect of the story, described in highly aesthetically middle Javanese language rich with beautiful parables and proverbs, is widely open for artistic interpretations in terms of choreography and musical composition as well. A member of the creative team, Mari Nabeshima took on the task of studying through the various references regarding the story, even traveling to the archaeological sites in East and Central Java before the working on the performance was begun.

The Sri Tanjung: the Scent of Innocence is not intended to bring you to tears. We, as a nation, observe our present day filled with negative spirits – anger, hatred, suspicion, selfishness, greed, etc. More often, it feels as if we are living in a never-never land – a terra incognito where everything looks so strange to our eyes. That’s why we desperately need ruwatan, we need to grasp the heart of Sri Tanjung where pure love and kindness reside.

We hope you will enjoy the performance.

Reference : www.artifoundation.org

Recent Article :

1. Sri Tanjung : Welcome
2. Sri Tanjung : Welcome Mayor of Denpasar
3. Sri Tanjung : Looking for Taksu Inbetween Tradition and Modernity
4. Sri Tanjung : Mulat Sarira as The Basic Concept
5. Sri Tanjung : About Sri Tanjung
6. Sri Tanjung : The Women Who Purifies The World
7. Sri Tanjung : Audience’s Guide
8. Music For Sri Tanjung : The Scent of Innocence Tactics of Innovation
9. The Story of Sri Tanjung Within The Performing Arts of Bali
10. Sri Tanjung: The Scent of Innocence was Finally Staged

Popularity: 30% [?]