Gamelan Sekar Jaya dancers have brought the epic story of "Legong Lasem" to life during the California shelter-in-place order.
Join us for the YouTube premiere this Saturday at 4:00pm Pacific. You'll have the option to chat in live time with other viewers, and see live chat commentary about the piece as you watch.
The Story of "Legong Lasem"
"Legong Lasem" tells the story of Princess Langkesari who is kidnapped by King Lasem. Princess Langkesari's outraged family goes to war because of the kidnapping. Before the war begins, the eagle garuda appears as an omen of ill fortune ahead.
About the Dance
Legong is one of Bali's most famous dances. Its form comes from the sacred dance of the dedari (divine nymphs). "Legong Lasem" comes from "Legong Keraton", a legong created in the 1930s for the sultan's palace in Surakarta, Central Java. A complete legong can last an hour or more, and draws on more stories from Balinese mythology and folklore.
All are welcome to freely enjoy our video offerings. If you appreciate these videos and are able to contribute, your generosity helps support Balinese artists and keep rent paid at our Berkeley community center by replacing income once earned through performances.
Credits
Dance Director: Shoko Yamamuro
Music Director: I Dewa Putu Berata
Video editor: Lydia Martín
Dancers: Noni Andarawati, Anna Deering, Maurissa Dorn, Katie Harrell, Susan Lamberth, Dewa Ayu Dewi Larassanti, Casey Lee-Sims, Lydia Martín, Amia Steele, Emiko Saraswati Susilo, Odin Szabados, Shoko Yamamuro
Music: Sekehe Gong Sadha Budaya Ubud, GSJ Fall 2020 newcomers’ ensemble, GSJ Fall 2020 zoom suling ensemble
Videography: James Allen, Daniel Capo, Bea Deering, Dewa Gde Sanjaya, Pete Steele, Erik Szabados, Andrea Yee
Featuring art by: I Made Moja
