Most recently we have been working on the scene where Ravana kidnaps Sita, in preparation for performing at the Kimball Theater in the near future. I think that the performance style we've been studying is interesting particularly because everyone is always participating, whether it be acting in the center of the circle, singing the "sir-tit-pung-tit," or chanting "chak." I felt like there was a really natural flow to the performance and that our run-through at the end of the session was surprisingly smooth. It seems like we're finally able to portray the things we've been talking about and working on.

A couple of weeks ago we worked on a different scene, the one where Ravana lashes out and nearly kills Sita, only to be stopped by one of his advisers. I spent most of the class in the outside circle until Francis challenged me to act as one of the members of the harem. I won't lie, I felt very weird doing that, but having done that I think just about any other portrayal will be quite simple in comparison. I have to credit Francis for forcing me out of my comfort zone.

I'd also like to comment on the class in which Francis had to leave. I thought it was remarkable that pretty much everyone stayed around so that we could continue working. I think that really says something about how this class stands out from others.


In closing I'd like to congratulate everyone from our class who took part in Expressions.
I know there was a lot of effort put into it, and I had a wonderful time watching it.

To the Banjar

It has been a couple of weeks since my last post, so there is a lot to reflect on. First of all, Francis has asked all of us to think about how we have progressed and what we want to achieve. I believe that I have really improved the dance steps since the beginning of the semester, but where I could improve is being more creative with them. An important part of this class has been the idea of surrendering, and I feel like I have not put enough effort into doing that. I am reserved by nature, so this is my biggest challenge. I think that I may have been putting too much focus on just doing the dance steps and hand movements. Francis said that this is not like other classes where you leave your emotions and everything from the outside world at the door, but I find that I still do that. If I am able to get past that obstacle, being able to surrender, I think that my creativity will improve and I will get more out of performing.

In the last class, we started the storytelling. The Ramayana is very long and has a lot of action, but with everyone in the banjar working together to retell the story, I think we covered most of the plot. We mostly just had trouble recalling the names. We also got to wear the clothing that we will be wearing during the performance. It is going to make movement a little more difficult and will make even sitting down more of a challenge.

I am willing to play any role in the performance, I’m not really set on a particular character or scene. I think it would be challenging but fun to participate in one of the fight scenes, and there are many to choose from.

I have gotten a lot out of this class so far. When I signed up on a whim last spring, I had no clue what I was getting into, but it has been a great experience. I think I can get even more out of it if I let myself go and try to be more creative with what I have learned.

This class has only gotten better with each day, and that says a lot since I enjoyed it from the outset. With most classes it is the other way around and I get less enthusiastic as the semester progresses. Every day is a new adventure here. Last week we learned several new steps to build on what Kalyani already taught us. We also did an activity balancing plastic cups on our head while trying to portray Rama and Lakshmana. I really liked seeing how the steps and the mudras can be combined to portray the characters.

At the end of that class we started learning the chant while sitting in the Kecak circle. When we watched the video the previous week, I was amazed by how the one performer recited that entire chant. It seemed impossible, especially since it’s in a foreign language, but the way Francis broke it down made it possible to learn a few of the lines in just a few minutes. I continued singing it to myself for a while after the class.

Monday we spent the class outside, which made it even better since the weather was beautiful. What particularly stayed in my mind from this class was the discussion of what we give to the circle and what we get from the circle, our so-called fish. For most people the class helps them to relax. It serves as a break from the conventional classroom and all the other things that stress them out. I feel the same way. This class is my last of five classes on Monday and Wednesday, but I always feel refreshed and energized when I walk out. It helps me get through my morning and early afternoon.

I am ready to see what tomorrow will bring.

9/10/08

Today we watched a previous performance of the Ramayana. I liked watching how some of the things we have been learning were incorporated into the story, and it was interesting to see the portrayal of some of the scenes I remember from reading the first parts of the epic. One scene that was particularly interesting was at the beginning when several people were narrating in different languages. The entire performance was remarkable, and it will be challenging trying to match the standard those performers set.

9/8/08

Today we built off of the movement from last Wednesday in which we apologize to the ground for stomping on it. We spent a lot of time working on movements with three and four counts. This was a bit more painful than the other classes because of the squatting and stomping. My legs were a bit sore and my feet hurt from the stomping, but hopefully that will improve with practice. I feel clumsy doing it right now, but it looks really impressive when done correctly.

At the end of class we formed the Kecak circles again and were introduced to a couple of different chants. We learned the “sir-tit-pung-tit” chant, in which we bob our heads from left to right and sing the chant. We also worked on a movement in which we raise our hands, lean forward and back and forward again, all while chanting “ang,” “ung,” and “mang.” It’s definitely a different form of performance than anything I have ever experienced, but I enjoy learning all of the new things in class each day.

9/3/08

This class was a bit less of the dancing and performance aspects that we had been working on and more of a lecture style. At the beginning of the class we learned a movement in which we apologize to the ground for stomping on it. Within the movement are several mudras, or hand positions. It’s somewhat difficult to keep track of all of the mudras and how to pronounce them.

We dedicated the end of the class to Kecak, which was completely new to me. I think it’s an interesting concept with the concentric circles and a performer in the center. All the energy from the people in the circles is channeled into the center by saying “chok-chok.” I’m curious to see how we are going to incorporate this into the Ramayana epic.

9/1/08 Day 2

Today was another very interesting class. After sitting through 4 classes earlier in the day, it was nice to come to this one which I find to be very relaxing for my mind and body. We began the class by learning the salutation, which seems very simple, but is an important part of the preparation. We proceeded with several stretches and movements, some of which were difficult. I anticipate that with time and practice these movements will become more fluid.

Francis told us about his own experiences traveling in Bali and learning what he is teaching us now. He asked us all to explain our reasons for taking the class. It was very interesting listening to everyone. Some people have lived in India and other parts of Asia, some are familiar with the stories of the Ramayana, and others like myself simply wanted to try something different. Whatever our reasons for joining and our experiences, I think we share a genuine interest in learning about the Ramayana and eventually performing it.


I admit I was somewhat nervous the first day simply because the style of the class is so different to that of any other I have taken at the college, so I wasn't sure what to expect. After today,
I no longer feel that anxiety, and I enjoy working on all the exercises. It doesn't even seem like a class. I look forward to what is to come.