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India Currents gave me a voice in days I was very lost. Having my articles selected for publishing was very validating – Shailaja Dixit, Executive Director, Narika, Fremont
Gamelan Burat Wangi, an ensemble of 25 musicians and 14 dancers perform an exquisite adaption of the Ramayana, brought to Bali, Indonesia, from India well over a millennium ago.
This dance drama of lust and abduction, of war, love, and loyalty, is filled with characters who may look like birds or monkeys but who are kings and gods. The electrifying dances of the monkey general Hanuman who helps Rama rescue Sita from the clutches of the evil king, Ravana, bring powerful variations to the Indian origin.
Choreography and musical direction are by the distinguished duo I Nyoman Wenten and Nanik Wenten. The production features three guest artists, master drummer I Wayan Budha, dancers I Made Dwi Putra Yoga as Rama, and Anak Agung Gedhe Rahma Putra as Hanuman.
Presented by The Music Circle, the project was the vision of artistic director Harihar Rao, who wanted to give Indian audiences the opportunity to see the magnificent way the Balinese interpret and perform the Ramayana, brought from India sometime during the early centuries of the Christian Era and the 9th century A.D.
To enhance the experience of the audiences, ethnomusicologist Sue Carole DeVale will introduce each performance with a multimedia presentation, “Uncovering the Aesthetics of Hindu-Balinese Performing Arts.”
Nov. 6-7, 8:30 p.m.; Nov. 8, 3 p.m. Redcat Theater, Disney Concert Hall, 631 W. Second Ave., Los Angeles. Tickets: (213) 237-2800, Ext. 1. $30 general; $18 students. (626) 449-6987. www.MusicCircle.org.