Returning to our Ubud hotel, we were told that there was a traditional theater performance at the palace that evening, which we could see if we skipped dinner. Some of us decided to do that, and piled into a hotel car along with Andre, our tour leader. The traffic was so heavy, however (as it often is in the evenings in Ubud) that we eventually got out of the car and walked the last few blocks.
It turned out that the palace had been commandeered for a private event, but after some inquiries Andre found that the performance had been rescheduled to a hall a couple of blocks away. Our delays meant that we got to the hall only a few minutes before the performance was to start, and seats were no longer available. However, we were granted standing room at the back of the hall (as long as Andre paid for our admissions). This turned out to be a good thing, since sight lines for photography were much better standing up. (And I like the fringe of silhouetted audience heads at the bottom of most frames.)
I took many pictures, and editing them down to a reasonable number was a challenge. I decided to post one for each appearance of a new character or ensemble, along with two at the beginning - an overall view of the hall, and the gamelan accompanists - and one at the end of the assembled company taking bows.
I have no idea of what this play was about, or whom the characters represented, but was told that it portrayed the triumph of good over evil. And the performance, with its visual ornateness, color, sound, and vivid ritual, was a memorable experience - one of the highlights of my Bali experience.
It turned out that the palace had been commandeered for a private event, but after some inquiries Andre found that the performance had been rescheduled to a hall a couple of blocks away. Our delays meant that we got to the hall only a few minutes before the performance was to start, and seats were no longer available. However, we were granted standing room at the back of the hall (as long as Andre paid for our admissions). This turned out to be a good thing, since sight lines for photography were much better standing up. (And I like the fringe of silhouetted audience heads at the bottom of most frames.)
I took many pictures, and editing them down to a reasonable number was a challenge. I decided to post one for each appearance of a new character or ensemble, along with two at the beginning - an overall view of the hall, and the gamelan accompanists - and one at the end of the assembled company taking bows.
I have no idea of what this play was about, or whom the characters represented, but was told that it portrayed the triumph of good over evil. And the performance, with its visual ornateness, color, sound, and vivid ritual, was a memorable experience - one of the highlights of my Bali experience.
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