Experimental Shadow Theater in Contemporary Bali, Indonesia

In recent years, several dalang (shadow masters) in both Bali and Java have presented reinterpreted shadow puppet performances of ancient Indonesian texts as part of considering religious pluralism and tolerance. It is within these texts, produced between 1100 and 1400 A.D. by the Javanese Hindu-Buddhist sages Mpu Kunturan and Mpu Tantular, that the Indonesian national motto bhineka tunggal ika (unity in diversity) first appeared. Cosponsored with the Indonesian Embassy, Education and Culture Section. Speaker Biography: Gusti Sudarta is a Balinese shadow master, musician, composer, dancer and choreographer. He is a renowned performer of Balinese traditional forms and is at the forefront of contemporary experimentation. Speaker Biography: Andy McGraw is an associate professor of music at the University of Richmond, Virginia. He has published extensively on traditional and experimental music in Southeast Asia. For transcript and more information, visit http://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feat...