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The history of establishment of wayang wong* began at about the beginning of 19^th century. At the time, the king of Klungkung, I Dewa Agung Sakti, ordered the establishment of dance group consisting of thirty six people, half which were to play the role of simian army of Rama, and the other half was act the role of Rahwana’s army giants. At the time of its establishment, the group members all wore masks which characterized their role as monkeys or as giant, in the performance. The clothing worn by the monkeys was made from plant fibres (prasok) to stimulate fur.

Wayang Wong performance on The Annual Bali Arts Festival 2006

This dance group depicted stories from the Ramayana dealing with the fight between the simian and giant armies. The performance was known as Barong Blasan or Barong Kedingkling. This Barong became very popular not only in the palace but also in the village especially when performed on the holiday. The performers in monkey masks and costume would enters the village and go from house to house, clowning and entertaining the people as they went, the villager donated some money, a coconut or other kitchen utensil. The simians would even climb the coconut trees and fetch the donation themselves. These performances were always greeted with great enthusiasm by the villagers for reason other than mere enjoyment and entertaining spectacle.

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New York’s BALAM Dance Theatre & Bali’s Semara Ratih Gamelan Ensemble Join Forces for a collaborative performance Saturday, August 12, 2006 at Pura Dalem, Ubud.

BALAM Dance Theatre, a contemporary dance company inspired by Balinese theatre was founded in 1979 by Islene Pinder and later joined by co-artistic director, Carlos Fittante. BALAM fuses the expressive details of Balinese dance with athletic boldness of Contemporary Western movement. This collaborative performances is an outgrowth of BALAM’s enduring relationship with the renowned Semara Ratih Gamelan.

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Young Indian Culture Group, Inc - Sruti Youth Ensemble
29^th JUNE 2006, Ksirarnawa Stage 20.00 PM

Ramavana Dharma Saagara The Ocean of Dharma in the Ramayana

It is a unique compilation of Music, Dance and Storytelling, capturing the Ramayana tradition, which has an infinite appeal to people of all ages. This is a celebration of Valmiki Ramayana. We bring a small amount of water from its rich ocean of values and experiences. The Ramayana is tilled with compelling dialogues, addressing universal issues of love, sorrow, fear, adventure, anger, greed. We bring some of the famous episodes in the Ramayana to you and they bring Dharma alive.

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Sitarasmi Mask Dance

Dancer : Ayu Bulantrisna Djelantik
Choreography : I Wayan Dibia and Bulantrisna
Masks : Ida Bagus Anom
Costume Designer : Harry Darsono
Costume crafter : I Md Redha
Gamelan Composer : Putu Putrawan

Synopsis:
This is newly created solo mask dance for woman, first launched in Bali on May 7th 2006 with performances at DANES ART GALLERY and later at the QUEST FOR GLOBAL HEALING CONFERENCE, UBUD BALI. This mask dance expresses the emotions of Sita in the latest stages of the Ramayana story written by Bagawan Valmiki 1000 yrs BC.

Happiness:
after taken captive by the demon King Rahwana for fifteen years, Sita was freed by her husband King Rama and his army. She prepares herself happily to at last be united again with her beloved.

Grief:
her happiness and longing, was overshadowed with sadness to leave her ladies in waiting, who have protected and accompanied her during captivity.

Pain and Despair:
when they united, King Rama and his people could not believe that his wife was faithful and rejects her. She felt the deepest pain and anger and turns away.

Healing and Strength:
Although she proofed her purity by remaining unscathed by the fire she jumped in, she rises up from the ashes, finds her healing and inner calmness and decided to leave Rama…

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