Yogjakarta is universally considered by Indonesians to be the cultural center of the country. Inasmuch, this is the place where historically all Eastern religions meet and mingle. There are Buddhist Temples, Islamic Mosques and Hindu Temples all competing for space and beauty across the entire city. One particularly famous temple is the Hindu Prambanan Temple. Although this temple has fallen victim to the most recent earthquake and many of the structures are surrounded by scaffolding, it is nontheless an amazing glimpse into the history of Indonesia.
Missing the arts of London, we decided to attend a Hindu ballet called Ramayana that famously performs at night with the Prambanan as a backdrop. Unfortunately, it is monsoon season and our show was performed indoors. However, despite the indoor stage, this was one of the most amazing dances I have ever seen. In the Orissi style of Indian dance, all the movements are incredibly slow and deliberate. The motion of a hand, the flicker of an eye or the flip of a foot are all it takes to tell the story. These slow and intimate movements combined with intricate makeup and beautiful costumes are simply mesmerizing. In the background is a gamelon orchestra (typical Indonesian music compilition with large brass dongs, bamboo zylophones, a drummer and various human singers and noise-makers) setting the tone of the story. I was rapt for two hours. Nick took some amazing photos. The evening was memorable to say the least.
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