Topeng

Topeng

Topeng is an Indonesian form of dance drama in which one or more dancers wear masks and perform ancient stories, often concerning semi-mythical kings and princes. It has origins in the 17th century. The dancer is usually accompanied by music from one of the many forms of gamelan.

It is believed that the use of masks is related to the cult of the ancestors, which considered dancers the interpreters of the gods. The traditional masks are those of "Topeng Kras" (a violent, authoritarian character representing the power) and "Topeng Tua" (an old character representing the ascetic ideal). They're usually accompanied by the "Penasar" (buffoons), "Dalem" (a sovereign) and some comical masks symbolizing the people.In the Topeng theater, there's a permanent alternation between the sacred and the profane, beauty and ugliness, refinement and caricature. [Bohème Magazine Online, [http://www.boheme-magazine.net/php/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=28 The Secret of Masks] , June 2003.]

Topeng dances are most prevalent in Bali and Java but are also found in other Indonesian islands such as Madura (off the coast of East Java). The word "topeng" means mask in Indonesian.

Notes

External links

* [http://www.nagamas.co.uk/0302_topeng.htm Information on topeng dances from program notes of a performance in Glasgow in 2003]


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