At first it looked like it might rain. But then the mood lightened and it was a bright and crisp day. As I walked down the path to Cristina’s house, it hit me. I will never walk this path again. I entered the archway where her helpers, Ibu Ketut and Pak Made had decorated with coconut fronds. Two big “offerings” of fruit and flowers flanked her doorway.

Rio had printed up a lovely photo of Cristina by a river holding her favorite mask, Dalem the king and hung it on the outside door. She was looking up at us. I walked into her living space and there was another photo of her looking out to the actual river and the view outside, in profile with the mask side by side with her, in profile As well.

The kitchen was filled with coffee, tea and Balinese cakes that Asri had organized. I started Working on a “buku kenangan” or memorial book (thank you, Tom Hunter for that idea!), filling it with photos from Cristina’s albums. Everyone who came signed it, saying good bye to Cristina for The last time.

The Gambuh troupe filtered in, we could see them coming down the path carrying their instruments, all the Men in long blue t-shirts and kain (sarongs). They set up the instruments and were given coffee and cakes.

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On Wednesday, 7/30/08, a memorial ceremony to commemorate the late Cristina Wistari Formaggia, 62, a great dancer and key person behind the Gambuh Preservation Project in Batuan, at her home behind the Ibah Hotel in Campuhan, Ubud. This memorial was not just attended by Cristina’s friends but also by The Pura Desa Gambuh troupe of Batuan, which present a gambuh performance to honor Cristina’s great contribution in preserving classical performance in Bali, especially in Batuan village.

The memorial ceremony was opened with speeches from family, friends, and representative Pura Desa Gambuh troupe of Batuan, but the highlight of this memorial was the performance of Pura Desa Gambuh troupe of Batuan, which came right after the speeches.

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Cristina Wistari Formaggia, 62, died peacefully of cancer in her hometown of Milano, Italy on 19 July 2008. She will always be known in Bali as the woman behind the Gambuh Preservation Project in Batuan village. Her dedication to the classical performing arts of Bali knew no bounds.

A memorial will be held for Cristina on Wednesday, 30 July 2008 from 3 – 6 p.m. at Cristina’s home behind the Ibah Hotel in Campuhan, Ubud. The Pura Desa Gambuh troupe will hold a short rehearsal in her honor. Please feel free to bring a flower or piece of fruit.

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