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| The
incredible story of king Bedahulu |
traditional performance of Topeng padjegan
adapted and translated by Enrico Masseroli
Master I Made Djimat
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In the island of Bali, theatre music and dance are the core of the enduring
social and religious life, expression of a culture in which aesthetic
and devotion are interlocked with astonishing harmony.
Topeng is one of the most old and popular performances, as its masks
are integrated in the traditional liturgy. It is called padjegan,
when only one actor, changing his wooden masks in sight, dances all the
characters. Their entrance reflects the old feudal hierarchy, from the refined dances
of the court, to the scurrilous gags of the fool in a very "Commedia
dell'Arte" style.
This play tells the extraordinary story of the king Bedahulu, a reckless
ascetic who got a pig head, singular version of a world spread myth
"the cut head". Indeed it recalls one of the most significant happening in the history
of the island: by the fall of his king (XIV century) Bali became a province
of the Javanese empire Majapahit.
The 13 masks, the costume and the recorded music are strictly original.
The translation of dialogs (in Italian, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese and
English… according to the audience), allows even spectators no trained
in eastern theatre and the children, to follow easily the content and
its plot. The free jumps into updateD and local reality reflect the real
style of Topeng, as it is performed in Bali.
After
is debut in 1996 The incredible story of king Bedahulu
has been presented in the following years by festival in many Italian
cities, in Austria, Germany, Corsica, Peru, Poland,Swiss, Sweden, Spain, Malta, Brazil.
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technical requirements:
Amplification system for CD or USB, a chair and a big table, ornamental plants
A simple lightening on the stage area (at least 4 x 4 meters)
The play may be performed in every kind of indoor or open space
Duration: 70' without intermission.
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