ÇUDAMANI PERFORMANCE
This performance was more of a summarized and introductory act rather than the full 3 part series that is usually presented in Balinese culture. I attended an only male ensemble performance which is not a common sight in recent times given the cultural shift that has allowed women to be taught and be a part of this sacred performance. The performance is a combination of multiple dances and instrumental music that is blended together into an eye-catching spectacle which also represents a very unique cultural experience from the Balinese culture. All the members of the ensemble began by performing a very interesting piece which involved striking all the musical instruments at the same time causing a disturbing noise which later transitioned into an amazing piece as though they magically but slowly seemed to read each other’s minds and telepathically connect to form an amazing rhythm. They later on performed multiple group and individual dances to conclude the event. This performance directly relates to our class because it has elements of identity and culture from a specific group of people. (Bali in Indonesian)
A very obvious theme among the ones we discussed in class was the one of identity. Through performance and expression, all the individual dancers and composers approached the stage and expressed their pieces in a very personal manner, the reason being that they spend a great portion of their lives mastering the artistry which later becomes a part of their identity as they intend to perform the pieces over and over again throughout their lives.
I seemed to notice that engaging the crowd is a very important part of the performance. The pauses in between the performances allowed one of the translators to explain the significance of each move and it’s meaning or how it is taught back in Bali. These small pauses also allowed the crowd to appreciate and take notes of what had just been presented as they awaited and prepared for the next segment of the performance to occur. This was a very crucial segment in terms of Identity performance because the audience is not only given the opportunity to experience the visual identity expression but also given a much deeper understanding of what they have just witnessed.
Although I attended an only male ensemble performance, the male dancers decided to divide and mimic what the female dancers would have done if they had been present at the event. This was a clear representation of the gender aspect of the performance. I really liked how they specifically explained through the translator that the true modern Çudamani performance is not complete without the feminine touch blending with the masculine one for the true experience , and clear representation of real Balinese culture. Even the musical instruments were divided into gender, for example the so-called male drum was said to have a higher sound effect unlike the female one but it was crucial to play them at the same time in order to produce a beautiful melody.