Masks in Indonesian Dance Drama
Topeng (“art-performance”)
Animates doctrines of gods and ancestors with a special vocabulary of movement
Actor must be adept in sense of humor
Documentation of performances and teachings is scant (especially in Bali).
People view masks as actual manifestation of divine power, esp. in pre-Hindu
area.
Topeng Babakan - Java
Performed by the Dalang Topeng, a highly respected spiritual & moral figure.
The best dancers are often 60-70 years old.
5 main masks: Panji, Sambah, Rumiang, Tumengung, and Ruwana. Some represent
aspects of the birth process.
Clown characters joke between main ones.
The dance is strongly connected to the Gamelan music.
Topeng in Bali
Main source material is The Chronicles of the Kings, stories of Balinese
dynasties
Improvisation & satire give new spice to the old stories – people keep
coming back.
8th-9th century – Wandering priests used masks in the teachings of the Buddha.
Topeng was used to criticize Dutch rule in the 20th century & repressed
under Japanese rule during World War II.
Balinese Death Rituals
No ritual of higher significance than the liberation of the soul through
cremation
Cremation usually follows soon after death, but a body may be temporarily
interred as a family gathers money.
Celebrations at the temple of death include Barougs – masks that stand 15’
tall including the actors.
Baroug Ceremonies
Purification – removes stains or bad spirits acquired from the earth. Makes
wood receptive to the Spirit of the Mask.
Animation & Connection – high priest sanctifies the mask & brings it
back to life with spritual properties.
Transformation – strength of omnipotence enters the mask. With the actor in
trance, a god enters the mask. The Consciousness of the Divine guides the actor
in dance until sacred powers are infused in the mask.
Kakul the Dance Master
Performed the sacred Topeng Pajegan
Famous for satirical interpretations of the Topeng along with his five-man
troupe
Danced Gambuh, classical adventure epics of the hero Panji
Sang Arja romances and choreographed Warrior battles.
United his knowledge with playfulness
Taught young dancers with great discipline
Sources
Bali, Behind the Mask – book by Ana Daniel
Topeng Babakan, Solo Masked Dance of West Java – video
Theatres of Asia: an Introduction – video by Dr. David George
Wayang Golek: Performing Arts of Sunda (West Java) – video
