In Balinese drama performance social and political critics have been an indispensable part of a performance. Social and political critic can be found in all kind of traditional drama performance, from Wayang Kulit (shadow puppet) to Drama Gong, from Arja (Balinese traditional opera) to Masked dance performance.

The inclusion of social and political critic in traditional drama performance is not a new invention. Since the first time shadow puppet was performed in the island of Bali in the 896 AD, during the reign of King Ugrasena, it has already incorporated some social and political critics in it. The critics usually come up in the conversation between the clown, between the clown and price, between spirit and god, between clown and demon, and between king and god.

(more…)

This Saturday, 17th May, 2008, Tumpek Wayang, one of my favorite Agama Hindu Bali Holydays honors, respects and celebrates Wayang Kulit shadow play. On this day the Dalang, (shadow artists) display their Wayang (shadow characters) and place offerings around the characters, Gamelan instruments, and other objects (the screen, lamp, etc) used in shadow performances.

About 15 hours after this ritual occurs on Bali, especially in the Banjar Babakan community of Sukawati, it happens again in a tiny section of California, in the Banjar Mission Hills community of Los Angeles, where devoted students of Wayang and Gamelan reside. Since we are unable to find flowers like cempaka or ylang2, or snacks like jajan kampung, we must substitute. Desa, kala, patra - a teacher once told me - do what you can depending on where you are, when it is, and what you can obtain, something like - it’s the thought that counts!

(more…)

Tonight is full moon here in Bali, and of course full moon in Bali offers something more than ordinary days especially in Denpasar where full-moon fever reach its highest point compare to other areas in Bali; but what is the good thing to do on a full moon in Denpasar.

Well, for those who want to enjoy full moon in solitude, enjoying a moonrise from good old Sanur beach or from the restaurants along the beach is surely a great thing to do. Enjoying the reflection of the moonlight on the ocean with two or three anglers casting their net unaware of the beauty of the surrounding is what you can get in Sanur in addition to the rise of the moon from vast ocean.

(more…)

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.

(more…)

From a tiny village of Tenganan comes the rare geringsing cloth that put this little village among the best in textile technology. The geringsing cloth with its double ikat technique – a method in which resist patterns are applied to both the wrap and the welt before weaving, so that the final pattern appears only on completion – is the most spectacular ever produced by the textile art in Southeast Asia.

(more…)

Banana (”biu” in Balinese) in Balinese life is a non-substitutable part, that have merged into the Balinese daily life and become a necessity whether for ceremonial purpose or secular one. Banana in Bali is usually grown on the backyard of the house or crowded the backyard, as a matter of fact.

flickr.com/photos/lisa63/

English maybe satisfied with a general word “banana” for all species banana but Balinese prefer to do something in complicated way, and with Banana, Balinese language coins a word for each species of Banana. There is red one, called biu udang, meaning ”shrimp banana.” There are delicious tiny ones, no longer than the length of your finger, called milk bananas, biu susu. Biu kate plants are dwarfs but the fruit is normal size. Biu gadang is still quite green when ripe and ready to eat. Biu mas is of a deep golden color. Biu kayu is long and skinny. Biu dak sangket resembles a hook. Biu raja, king banana is as big as banana that are sell in supermarket or maybe it is.

(more…)