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 Lush forested areas, golden paddy fields and pristine beaches have been replaced by hundreds of hotels, resorts, golf courses and luxury villas.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).