Art embraces all in multicultural Bali
Art embraces all in multicultural Bali
Rita A.Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar
Art has no boundaries. It encompasses religion, culture, race
and geographical borders.
"Only in art forums, we can sit or stand equally. We seek no
differences but similarities. No anger and jealousy but love and
respect," said Kadek Suardana of Arti Foundation during the
opening of Festival Seni Perdamaian 2002, Arts for Peace
Festival, at the Bali Arts Center in Denpasar over the weekend.
The three-day festival, which ran from April 6 until April 8,
successfully embraced artists of diverse religious, cultural and
regional backgrounds. It was opened by Denpasar Mayor A.A.
Puspayoga.
The performance of Teater Got's Dalam Dunia Diam (In the
Silent World), a contemplation of our existence, was a perfect
blend of theatrical elements and amazing installation art on
stage depicting destroyed humans and creatures. Directed by young
artist Eksa Agung Wijaya, the play explored human conscience,
with honesty as the essence of its installation art.
"If we are ready to be honest with ourselves, surrender
ourselves to the stillness, we would be able to enter other
people's doors to understand their minds and their feelings."
Social observer Putu Suasta writes that Bali was once a
multicultural society, a heaven for people of diverse cultural
and religious backgrounds.
"Now, Balinese people tend to feel threatened by the presence
of "outsiders" who were treated in the past as our own brothers."
Many things -- the warmth, cheerfulness, kindness and honesty
-- are hard to find in present Balinese society.
Meanwhile, Bali's natural environment has drastically changed.
Lush forested areas, golden paddy fields and pristine beaches
have been replaced by hundreds of hotels, resorts, golf courses
and luxury villas. Once called "the morning of the world" by
Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru when visiting the island
in l955, Bali is fast reaching midnight.
Putu added the cultural and social shifts from agricultural to
tourism-minded society has brought significant changes in how the
Balinese people view their nyama-nyama selam (Islam, Buddhist,
Christian and Catholic brothers).
"Respect for diversity has worn thin. Conflicts and
ethnocentrism are growing like a plant on fertile land," he said.
It is believed that only arts activities could still embrace
"our brothers". And the three-day festival really reflected
cultural, religious and social harmony, at least among
participants.
Legong Sakura dance, choreographed by Balinese-Japanese Ami
Hasegawa, exposed the beauty of the Sakura flower and elegant
Legong dance movement. Like the Sakura flower, which blooms every
spring to end the cold winter days, the Legong Sakura brought
cheerfulness.
Burda, Islamic ritual music, from Pegayaman village in
Buleleng regency, North Bali, was proof that Muslims and Hindus
have lived side by side in peace for hundreds of years on the
island.
Other performances included the Barongsay (lion dance) from
the Chinese community, choir groups from Buddhist, Christian and
Catholic communities as well as cute performances by children.
The Ritus Legong and Liturgis dances were really enchanting.
The festival closed with the energetic performance of Tajen
(cockfight).