Another Source of Thrill
Monday, July 30th, 2007 by Sidarta WijayaLike any other people, Balinese are also thrill-seekers, enjoy watching others take great risks and live to tell the tale, although Balinese have no tradition of wire walking or high diving or other dangerous athletic pursuits. But in the realm of magic they can found abundant of thrill to satisfy thirst for dangerous excitement.
The source of this magical excitement is the Calonarang drama performance. In a scene in this performance, a performer in Rangda mask usually someone who is able to counteract the power of black magicians and other people who can turn themselves into leyak, or terrifying creatures, challenges all the local sorcerers to fight him with their magic. The performer cry in his highest voice, calling and forcing them to come forth whether they want or not. Sometimes the performer, the Rangda dancers feels so exultantly invulnerable that he strips off the mask and invites the sorcerers to attack him: ‘all you leyak, come on! Attack me altogether! ME! Attack! Attack! Attack ME!’






