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Night at the Gamelan
Last night my wife and I went to the Gamelan Gita Sari concert at Holy Cross where she works. They have them twice a year and we went to one last year too. They’re very good, especially for a free show.
I guess I’m not the only one who thinks so as we got there an hour early and it was already more than 1/4 full. I’d say it was totally full 1/2 hour before. By quarter of, people were sitting the aisles.
It was very warm. I’d say it was at least 80F when we got there. As the place filled up, it got even warmer. But, Bali. They’re trying to recreate the atmosphere, right?
For the longest time, the seat next to my wife remained open. I’m sure it was just because it was a single seat and most people were in at least pairs if not larger groups. People were sitting in the aisles and on the floor, but not taking that one chair. I joked maybe we were leaving it for Elijah. Then, a young woman sat in it. So, maybe she is...
It is a very complex concert. They have a couple of dozen people playing instruments and at least a dozen dancing. Most of the instruments are percussion. I think there was one small flute, every thing else was hit or banged together. It is very loud. Good, but if it were my iPod, I would have turned down the volume.
I love the big gongs in the back.
If anyone ever has the need to buy me a really expensive present some day, keep that in mind.
The first piece was musical. All of the others in the first half had dancing.
My favorite is the Barong Ket Dance.
I had been thinking how hot it was in that costume. Then I said “Wait, they do this in Bali in June. This must be arctic for them.”
I liked the head pieces of the dancers on this one.
It wasn’t just women who danced.
(Although I’m pretty sure there is at least one woman in there with the men. And, I wondered the opposite about one of the “women” dancers too.)
One of the things the professor said at the start of this is that it is all a group effort. There are no stars. Everyone has to do a part.
So, the least number of dancers was two.
My favorite part of the show is when the director of the group gives a short (10-15 minute) talk while people change costumes. He explains some of the background of the chants and shouts. He explains the eye, face and hand movements. And, he explains just how much practice he had to do growing up to learn it. It’s very interesting and he is extremely expressive.
Then, they do the Cak Dance. According to the director, this is a fairly “new” dance for Bali being only 1 century old. And, from what he says, in Bali it goes on for about 2 hours. Their version last night was about 20 minutes. I’d love to see the full one some day.
Then, back out into the cold to go home. Sitting in that hot room for an hour and a half, it seemed really cold when we went out.
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Let me know when the next show is - I'd really like to check this out!
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And they have a couple a school year.
I can let you know when the next is going to happen...
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That is very different...I would definitely check it out if they had something like it here!
Thanks for posting all the pics!
I love the ones of the director...my kind of guy. :-)
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Although this is free to the general public, I didn't know about it until my wife started working there. They don't generally promote it off of campus.
So, who knows what may be lurking at the colleges near you?
(Worcester has a LOT of colleges for a small city, so has an unfair advantage in that respect.)
The director is the best part of the show for me. It's an interesting performance and all, but having it put into contexts makes a huge difference for me.