Balinese Dance-drama
The Ramayana for Children
The Indian epic, “The Ramayana”, was composed more than
two thousand years ago and was introduced to Bali around the
12th century. In Bali, some essential episodes of the
Ramayana story can be seen in Wayang Kulit (shadow puppet
theater), stone sculptures, wood carvings and paintings. The
most popular form of the Ramayana story is told through dance.
The Ramayana is a myth depicting the classic struggle of good
versus evil. It is a spiritual adventure with animal powers, which
surely would nurture and appeal to young hearts in our
country. The original Ramayana dance drama lasts almost one
and half hours. Purnama Sari presents the shorten version of
the Ramayana especially for American children. It is a
participatory play that gives the young audience a rare
opportunity to experience allure of this great Hindu epic and
magic of Balinese dance.
The Ramayana for Children
The Indian epic, “The Ramayana”, was composed more than
two thousand years ago and was introduced to Bali around the
12th century. In Bali, some essential episodes of the
Ramayana story can be seen in Wayang Kulit (shadow puppet
theater), stone sculptures, wood carvings and paintings. The
most popular form of the Ramayana story is told through dance.
The Ramayana is a myth depicting the classic struggle of good
versus evil. It is a spiritual adventure with animal powers, which
surely would nurture and appeal to young hearts in our
country. The original Ramayana dance drama lasts almost one
and half hours. Purnama Sari presents the shorten version of
the Ramayana especially for American children. It is a
participatory play that gives the young audience a rare
opportunity to experience allure of this great Hindu epic and
magic of Balinese dance.
“Purnama Sari performed a folktale dance for our patrons of all ages at the Venice Public Library. The audience was
delighted by the adventurous and courageous tale. Colorful costumes, set and music, audience participation and
cultural enrichment all added to the wonder and education of their presentation.”
Joanne Lize
Youth Manager
Venice Public Library
delighted by the adventurous and courageous tale. Colorful costumes, set and music, audience participation and
cultural enrichment all added to the wonder and education of their presentation.”
Joanne Lize
Youth Manager
Venice Public Library
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| Copyright © 2009 Purnama Sari Balinese Dance Company. All rights reserved. |
| PURNAMA SARI BALINESE DANCE COMPANY |
Rajapala
Rajapala is a lovely Balinese creation myth. It
depicts a romance between a celestial nymph
(Heaven) and a young hunter (Earth). Their
offspring, Rajapala, is considered the first
Balinese born into this world. This story
illustrates the Balinese belief of “belonging both
to Heaven and Earth.” The myth was developed
from a Buddhist story that appears in Jataka
Tales. Similar stories have been recorded
throughout Southeastern and Far-eastern Asia.
Rajapala is a lovely Balinese creation myth. It
depicts a romance between a celestial nymph
(Heaven) and a young hunter (Earth). Their
offspring, Rajapala, is considered the first
Balinese born into this world. This story
illustrates the Balinese belief of “belonging both
to Heaven and Earth.” The myth was developed
from a Buddhist story that appears in Jataka
Tales. Similar stories have been recorded
throughout Southeastern and Far-eastern Asia.
