Rwa Bhineda: The Sacred Balance

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$25.00 Day-of Purchases; $22.00 In Advance; $17.00 Students, Seniors, Symphony Space Members

About This Show

Gamelan Dharma Swara performs Rwa Bhineda: The Sacred Balance, culminating in the spectacular clash between the gruesome witch Rangda and the Barong protector dragon. The performance features guest artistic director I Wayan Dibia, former head of Bali’s National Arts Institute (ISI), as the Barong and nearly fifteen dancers in traditional Balinese costume, backed by twenty-five musicians performing on bronze gamelan instruments.

The term rwa bhineda refers to the Balinese Hindu religion’s prolific use of music, dance, and drama as sacred mediators that negotiate harmony between the forces of good and evil. In the performance, these forces are personified by two brothers – one mild-mannered, one tough and coarse – who receive nearly untouchable powers from heaven. But when beautiful angels ignite their passions, jealousy transforms them into the gruesome witch Rangda and the Barong protector dragon, locked in a fight to the death.

This program is presented with support from the Asian American Arts Alliance SOAR program.

Show Details

Dates: One Night Only: February 17, 2007