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JAMUAN Bisu...PARAdis_e...?: A Gendered Depiction |
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Written by Deborah Wong
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The
final weekend of the Dance Reflections 2007 on the 28th of
September marked the debut of the Indonesian dance production, JAMUAN
Bisu...PARAdis_e...?, in Singapore. The dance production, which spanned
a surprisingly short one hour interval, had previously premiered in
Indonesia on the 1st of September.
In
trying to convey the story of the Minangkabau community of West Sumatra
and exploring matriarchal issues and symbols such as the concept of
Jamuan Bisu (silent devotion), Boi Sakti, together with Gerard Mosterd
infused theatrical elements into the production that enhanced the clarity and understanding of their intentions by the audience.
The choreography
illustrates the delicate inter-gender balance between males and females
in the society through the use of masculine and feminine forms in
dance.
Using props such as the Suntiang, a headdress that women wear
during their marriage ritual as a metaphor of a yoke - carrying the
burden of life, and a theatrical video backdrop, the entire production
was a visual spectacle that served to capture the audience's attention
throughout its entire run.
Consisting
of an international cast of 7 dancers, from Indonesia, Portugal, Spain
and Japan, the ensemble produced a technically exceptional work. Looking
immaculately polished and well rehearsed, every step was executed with
control and precision. All of the members of the ensemble were in complete
sync with each other and attention was equitably distributed among all
of them.
As
an art form, dance invokes the use of movement and music to narrate
the plot. Herein lies both its strength and weakness. While it permits
creativity and freedom for the audience to interpret the
story behind the dance, this inherent subjectivity involved in the interpretation
of dance items implies that it is difficult to form a deterministic
opinion on them.
JAMUAN Bisu...PARAdis_e...?'s creative and thought
provoking dramatization of its storyline through dance therefore, could
also prove to be its downfall as its mode of presentation might hinder
its ability to convey its message with clarity, especially to an audience
who is relatively less-informed about dance techniques.
However, the
impeccable technique and beauty of the dance movements exemplified in
the production will undoubtedly more than suffice to draw in the crowds
and appeal to the masses, a complete understanding of the storyline
of the production notwithstanding.
JAMUAN
Bisu...PARAdis_e...? proved to be a wildly entertaining production that
bestowed upon its audience a sense of technical precision and fluidity.
It was able to do this while bringing to the forefront, the relevant
issue of gender differentiation in modern society. Enlightening, indeed. hooked
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