Exuding richness of harmony and a fun-loving attitude, performances reflected the rich and diverse culture of Indonesia through a Balinese dance workshop and a detailed presentation on Javanese wedding ceremonies.
Indonesian Ambassador Burhan Muhammad welcomed the guests, saying the workshop was dedicated to Pakistani students from universities and schools in a bid to highlight the colourful culture that Indonesia shares with Pakistan.
From bridal showers to the union of the newly-weds, the elaborate proceedings were nuanced with festivity, food and flowers. PHOTOS: HUMA CHOUDHARY/EXPRESS
“The cultural performances reflect creativity and cooperation and aim to provide the opportunity to our Pakistani students to build their skills, learn something new and to experience the cultural diversity from a new Indonesia,” he said.
Muhammad also played music in sync with a band of Indonesian performers as other members of the show strutted down the stage, showing their costumes, unique moves and vocals in one case. The shimmering sarongs bore different patterns and motifs, for different meanings.
Jro Tjampuhan, a Balinese dancer who was specially invited for the event, performed some traditional dance sequences with elegance and grace. She also invited a total of 10 volunteers from the audience on stage to demonstrate the rhythmic, gentle steps that symbolise harmony, gratitude and love for God, nature and people. The performance had a certain meditative quality to it.
Progressing into the rituals of the Javanese wedding, the highly-ornamented and lively presentation showed a bride and groom, their respective parents, young flower girls and best men and intermittent dancers to ward off evil spirits and bless the couple. From bridal showers to the union of the newly-weds, the elaborate proceedings were nuanced with festivity, food and flowers. The processions and rituals were punctuated by lively dance performances. The makeup artist, Nina, played a pivotal role in assisting the wedding ceremony.
Donning masks during his spaced-out performances, 18-year-old Gede Widya enchanted the audience with his traditional and dramatic dance moves. The dances he performed were Topeng Keras and Topeng Tua which narrate fables of kings, heroes and other myths, accompanied by Gamelan music. In a country that honours its performers, Widya has been dancing since he was a toddler.
From bridal showers to the union of the newly-weds, the elaborate proceedings were nuanced with festivity, food and flowers. PHOTOS: HUMA CHOUDHARY/EXPRESS
Zahra, an audience member, said she was surprised to see striking similarities with South Asian culture in terms of costumes and movements. “Both the costumes and the dance movements reminded me of the Indian dance, Kathakali. Overall, it was an interesting experience,” she added.
The event was organised by the Indonesian embassy in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts, PTV World and the International Grammar School.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 27th, 2014.
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Indonesia JAYA and Pakistan ZINDABAD!