Panji/Inao -- Topeng Malang -- Gumarang the Bull / Lambu Gumarang (Indonesia)

This mask dance theatre is known as Topeng Malang from East Java, Indonesia, performed here by a village troupe. It is an ancient form of theatrical dance and is closely linked to the history of the early kingdoms of East Java. Each story performed is called lakon in Javanese, generally relating the history of East Java's Kediri-Majapahit era. At the beginning of the performance, there is an opening ritual during which offerings are given to the spirits. The Panji episode presented here tells the story of Princess Dewi Walang Wati who is so renowned for her beauty that kings from a thousand kingdoms come to court her. Fearing that she becomes the centre of envy, her father hides her in a cave in the company of her younger brother, Panji Walang Semirang. Overcome with temptation and possessed by an evil spirit, Panji Walang Semirang wants to marry his own sister. Their father becomes enraged and his children are then cursed, he becoming a raging bull, called Gumarang, and she a green fly, Lalerijo. Of the many kings who try to subdue Gumarang, only Panji Asmoro Bangun succeeds, freeing the brother and sister from the curse and returning them to their true human form. The masks used in the performance were made by the troupe's director, Bapak Handoyo and his family, and can be bought on his website (add URL). http://www.topengmalang.com/tag/mas-h...