Batubulan, Bali
Duration
1 hours
Tour Guide
Tour by local
Cancellation
2 days before
Languages
English
Barong and Kris Dance is one of the island's most iconic dance-dramas,
on par with the Legong Dance and Kecak Dance. Those with a keen interest
in arts and culture will appreciate the performances the most, with daily
shows scheduled at various stages throughout the islands main tourism areas.
Shows are locally managed locally; dances performed by villagers, and live
gamelan orchestra accompanies the full length of the show. As one the most
popular show in Bali, Barong and Kris Dance is always included on Bali tour
package itineraries.
The 12th century classical tale of good versus evil, Calon Arang, serves as
the backdrop for the Barong and Kris dance. The Barong, a benevolent spirit
in beast form must protect a kingdom against the vengeful wrath of the widow
and witch queen, Rangda. Two male dancers work out the movements of the heavily
ornate Barong costume, much in resemblance of the Chinese lion dance, while
supporting dancers portray monkeys, priests and village men.
Pamphlets containing synopses are handed out at the ticket booths prior
to the start of the show. Otherwise, it can be difficult to follow the
story as the scenes unfold, due to the lack of narration. Normally,
vibrant gamelan overtures begin as the audience is seated, then the
drama unfolds, with dancing monkeys entering the stage, playfully
teasing around the orderly and peaceful forest, and with the Barong
that later enters the scene.
This peace is disturbed by troublemakers who turn out to be disciples
of Rangda, and a scuffle ensues. Turns out that Rangda has set out to
spread her reign of black magic by recruiting more followers, who turn
into malevolent beings themselves. Even palace guards submit to her black
magic. The Barong tries to defend the kingdom and faces off with Rangda,
who brandishes her main weapon: a magical white cloth that casts malevolent
spells with each swoosh.
The climactic scene has the palace guards in trance, turning on themselves
by screaming and stabbing their chests fiercely with their kris daggers,
but without harm due to the black magic. Barong comes to the rescue,
lifting the spell off all those inflicted, and a priest comes around
sprinkling holy water to fully revive the kingdom as the famine subsides,
and Rangda is defeated. There are varying versions of scenes among each
stage performances.
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