International Cross-Cultural Exchange & Creation
Western Theatre Force Collective, Bouche Theatre Collective, PEPADI Indonesian Society of Wayang Puppetry & Sanggar Paripurna (Bono, Bali, Indonesia)
East meets West:
Variations in Light
In association with The University of Saskatchewan & The Presentation House Theatre
Conceived of by Jack Paterson, Made Georgiana Triwinadi, I. Nyoman Sedana, & I. Made Sidia
Considered one of the longest uninterrupted performance traditions in the world, the Balinese traditional performing arts are unique, rich, and complex. Deeply embedded in Balinese spiritual life (Balinese Hinduism), virtually every form of music, dance, and drama has its origin in ritual, if not a ritual itself. Practices like Wayang Kulit (shadow puppetry) reach back to 1500 BC.
This residency examined of what new is sparked when different cultural rivers come together in equal respect through creative exchange of knowledge and combining of practices.
A devised creation inspired by selected elements of “The Ramayana”, Variations in Light was a multi-cultural exchange performed in Indonesian including western devised creation, found object puppetry, new media, projection and instillation and Balinese Traditional Dance, Gamelan Orchestra, and Wayang (shadow puppetry).
Canadian Creative Ensemble Members:
Joel Grinke, Jack Paterson, Deneh’Cho Thompson, & Vanka Salim.
Balinese Creative Ensemble Members:
Nyoman Atheny Pramasastra Dewi & Made Georgiana Triwinadi, I Kadek Hendra Adi Saputra,I Wayan Pratama Nugraha, Putu Daniel Ardinatha, I Putu Adika Aryasena, Kadek Suwargita Gadistya Candrakasih, Ida Made Panji Gotama, Ida Bagus Putu Sidiantara, Ni Nyoman Liana Darmawati, Made Anggun Pradnya Paramita, Ni Made Raisa Cening Kirana, I Dewa Ayu Kartika Sari Dewi, I Putu Arya Adi Saputra, Ni Kadek Candra Parameyta, Ni Made Imas Berliana, I Komang Adi Piyana, I Made Danu Pranata, I Made Dwi Darma Putra, Balawan, Pande Kompyang Wiguna Rupatama, Ida Ayu Sri Widnyani, & Ida Bagus Ari Kanaka.
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.
Gallery
Artist Testimonials
Having the opportunity to be immersed in Balinese artistic culture has given me an opportunity to reflect on my own practice. The relationships and new ideas that built during our time will surely lead to future artistic collaborations and discoveries.
The opportunity to witness and participate in artistic exchange with Balinese masters was life changing. My artistic practice undoubtedly grew, but more importantly my artistic Raison D’Etre was transformed to include dynamic and community integrated thinking. As an artist and an educator I am already dreaming of future bilateral transpacific exchange programs that will generate more thoughtful and caring artistry through intentional and generative cross-cultural discourse and co-creation.
I’ve always known a bit about Balinese culture, being raised Indonesian and learning a bit of Balinese dancing when I was very young, but to be able to work closely with local dancers and musicians, to join their spaces, and to have the honour of being invited and participating in so many ceremonies and live performances was an incredible learning experience.
About
THE INDONESIAN SOCIETY OF WAYANG PUPPETRY – BALI (PEPADI)
We couldn’t ask for a better or more knowledgeable creative partners and hosts. THE INDONESIAN SOCIETY OF WAYANG PUPPETRY (PEPADI) is the Indonesian national organization of professional puppeteers, puppet makers and other specialty arts expertise (individuals and groups). Founded by General Surono in 1971, PEPADI’s mission is to preserve and develop the art as the supreme treasures of national culture, promote artistic and cultural discourse, enhance human dignity, developing the next generation of professional artists.
Venue Host:
SANGGAR PARIPURNA & I MADE SIDIA
SANGGAR PARIPURNA was founded in 1990 by multi-talented artists from the village of Bona, Blahbatuh, and covers a wide range of arts, such as puppetry, puppet building and creation, percussion and music, dance, mask and the art making offerings, and more. Since it’s inception, the studio has been dedicated to the preservation, development and creation of art and culture of Bali. The company is an intergenerational with a special focus on community. www.sanggarparipurna.com.
I MADE SIDIA is an acclaimed innovator in the Balinese Performing Arts. He has collaborated with many national and international productions such as the “Theft of Sita” and has toured extensively across the U.S., Europe, Australia and Asia. He is the co-creator and director of the tourist spectacle Bali Agung Show featuring 180 performers in a fusion Balinese and Western forms.
We gratefully acknowledge the support of:
