The Three Queens of Bali
Dubbed in : English ( Original )
Why do so few women mask dancers pursue careers in Bali? The answer to this question is revealed in the documentary feature, "The Three Queens of Bali." Superb dancing, great music, and high drama ent…
The Three Queens of Bali
Dubbed in : English ( Original )
Why do so few women mask dancers pursue careers in Bali? The answer to this question is revealed in the documentary feature, "The Three Queens of Bali." Superb dancing, great music, and high drama entertain as well as inform the viewer. "My thoughts were, why can men do Topeng Panca? We, as women, must do the same thing as men so we won't be defeated by them," states Ibu Tjandri, a well-known Balinese dancer. Balinese women have long lamented that fewer roles exist for women who want to pursue a career in dance. Topeng Panca--a Balinese masked dance drama--is a prime example. This dance must be performed on religious occasions to ensure peace and prosperity in the community. Yet most of the characters are male and played by men. Women have pointed out that the characters wear masks and have stated that the male movements are easy. So why can't women play these parts? The film starts with a Pendet or Welcome dance, traditionally played by young girls. It features the work of women who have successfully performed Topeng Panca. It culminates in a full Topeng Panca performance with women playing both the female and male roles. It ends with women carrying beautiful offerings to the temple--considered a woman's job.
The Three Queens of Bali
Documentary
Film Details
Why do so few women mask dancers pursue careers in Bali? The answer to this question is revealed in the documentary feature, "The Three Queens of Bali." Superb dancing, great music, and high drama entertain as well as inform the viewer. "My thoughts were, why can men do Topeng Panca? We, as women, must do the same thing as men so we won't be defeated by them," states Ibu Tjandri, a well-known Balinese dancer. Balinese women have long lamented that fewer roles exist for women who want to pursue a career in dance.
Topeng Panca--a Balinese masked dance drama--is a prime example. This dance must be performed on religious occasions to ensure peace and prosperity in the community. Yet most of the characters are male and played by men.
Women have pointed out that the characters wear masks and have stated that the male movements are easy. So why can't women play these parts? The film starts with a Pendet or Welcome dance, traditionally played by young girls. It features the work of women who have successfully performed Topeng Panca.
It culminates in a full Topeng Panca performance with women playing both the female and male roles. It ends with women carrying beautiful offerings to the temple--considered a woman's job..