The Last King of Bali
A brand new, original Wayang Listrik production of a traditional Balinese folk tale. This is Shadow Theatre featuring puppets, shadow actors, dancers, and live gamelan music.
Traditional Balinese folk tale adapted by I Ketut Wirtawan and I Madé Moja
Directed by Kirstin Pauka and I Madé Moja
Compositions and Musical Direction by I Madé Widana
February 7-8 and 14-15, 2020 at 7:30 PM (Friday/Saturday shows)
February 16, 2020 at 2:00 PM (Sunday show)
Schooltime Shows for Students February 12 & 13, 2020.
On the Kennedy Theatre Mainstage, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
About the Spring 2020 production: The Last King of Bali
The story of the “Last King of Bali” is taken from the Babad Dalem – a semi-historical text chronicling key events in Balinese political history surrounding the lives of Balinese kings, often blended with legends and myths. One famous late 17th century account tells the story of Dalem Dimade, son of the famed Dalem Waturenggong, who reigned from the Klungkung regency, during a period considered to be the “Golden Era” of Balinese history.
The plot offers an exciting feast for the senses, ranging from scenes depicting ideal love and loyalty, to dramatic battle scenes replete with intrigue and unexpected turns — all brought to life on a large 30’ x 15’ screen through shadow puppetry, stylized acting, dance, and original live Balinese gamelan music. Comic relief and narration of the ensuing confrontation is provided by the beloved punakawan or clown characters.
This famous story has traditionally been told through the Balinese topeng or mask dance genre. This production will be the first time that it is adapted for the contemporary wayang listrik theatre genre. Balinese guest master artists I Ketut Wirtawan, I Madé Moja and I Madé Widana, along with the Asian Theatre Program’s very own Kirstin Pauka and Annie Reynolds will work with theatre, music, and dance students to put together another other-worldly performance for this Hawai‘i and world premiere.
Synopsis: One night during a traditional Hindu ceremony in a community on Nusa Penida (a small neighbor island to Bali) the demon possessing supernatural power, Dalem Bungkut, causes chaos, disrupting the ceremony and causing sickness and misery among the people. The village leader must travel to Bali to request the assistance of King Dalem Dimade in driving out the demon.
The king agrees to help and sends his trusted minister, Jelantik Bogol, and his wife, Ayu Kaler, to challenge the demon in an epic battle of physical might, technical skill, and spiritual powers. Will the revered Last King of Bali and his emissaries have the power to overcome the demon?
Featuring punakawan (clown characters), dramatic love scenes, and epic battles, this story comes to life through shadow puppetry, stylized acting, and dance, all accompanied by original live gamelan music.
2019-2020 Teacher Resource Guide
Outreach visit to the garden isle of Kauaʻi
DALEM DIMADE: The Last King of Bali, an exhibition at Hamilton Library, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Balinese Wayang Listrik at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa 