Adresse: Jl. Raya Ubud 35, Griya Agung Tebesaya, Ubud
Who didn’t play, as a child, with the shadows of their own hands to create animals on the wall? Balinese shadow play summons childhood memories, uses simple and poetic images made of light and shadow and is enjoyable for just this reason, a lighthearted idea still capable of recalling marvels of the past. Even without understanding the local language, watching a performance of a shadow play is a unique experience which comes to life in front of and behind the curtain upon which the silhouettes of the characters are cast. In fact, it’s the tone of voice, modulated in various ways for the various characters by the dalang, the “puppeteer”, the whirlwind of action and the live music which highlights essential passages and makes the story accessible to all. The scene unravels with a clear distinction between Good and Evil, borrowing from traditional tales and epic poems, with moral and religious teachings, but also irony to lighten things up and capture the public. The true soul of the show is the dalang who can move up to 12 marionettes simultaneously, giving each a distinct character, laughing and singing while one or two assistants pass the other characters to the dalang and a small orchestra plays under lamplight, all creating a stunning illusion of reality. A fundamental and fascinating way of approaching the local culture.
A collection fit for a king at the Buleleng museum
A particular museum, intended to preserve the cultural heritage of Northern Bali and whose collection, consisting of statues, sarcophagi, weapons and other relics, is mainly due to donations from the family of King Buleleng Ki Gusti Anglurah Panji Sakti.
Chinese New Year welcomes the arrival of the Year of the Dragon
Although predominantly Hindu, Bali is home to an important Chinese community which on the occasion of the New Year organizes uniquely aesthetic events with a mix of Chinese traditions, Balinese charm and fusion cuisine.
The purity of the offering to the gods in the Rejang Dance
Only very young dancers, a symbol of purity and sacredness, can perform the Rejang Dance in the internal area of the temple as an offering to the Gods.