For my next blog entry, I decided that it would be prudent to discuss my favorite performance lesson of the semester: kecak. It's the Asian theater that I enjoyed the most for many reasons: for one, I think it has an addictive sound complimented by the ever-changing rhythms that add a sense of character and life to the songs. In addition, I love the fact that in order for kecak to have its full effect the whole banjar must be involved. Four or five people just cannot match the output of an entire community.
I inserted a link of my favorite kecak video that I found on youtube (that I've been listening to while composing this blog) here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGXcnWUqV-Y
The most important concept that I've taken away from this class is the idea of the banjar, community, and theater for the community. I feel that kecak gels with this idea perfectly as it is representative of all these things. In addition, the Balinese monkey chant seems to be rooted deeply in the past- far before the existence of our literate society. Because of that, I feel as though I am listening in on ancient cultures when I listen to kecak. And that mysterious quality is something unparalleled by any Western theaters that I have ever experienced.
Needless to say, kecak is certainly something I would like to experience in person one day- but until then, at least I can take comfort in the idea that I am already one of the banjar.
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