In palace a woman I knew years ago does not recognize me she carefully pleats her and folds her batik. Only the servant remains in full uniform of the past. She lives in the old world as things used to be 50-100 years ago. . I reflected how I had memorized the palace wondering if I would ever come back hear again.
She was the old woman who sang the “sinden” at the palace .Now the singers are younger before. In the old days, the old women wailed in broken tones. They have died.
Chandeliers in palace rumble
Their laced hooks interwoven
Birds trilling amongst a languishing
Gamelan, interlocking sounds
Painted striped green and white
Ornamental foyer
Sound of gamelan curbs around the space.
When we were in Java,Indonesia recently,I connected with the Princess (GKR Wandangsari) who is now married. They often go abroad to give dance performances in France and Korea. You can link to this marvelous ancient, little known dance that is so different than Balinese dance. It would be grand to have performers fom this court come to the United States on tour. This is an incredible gracious art form that must not be lost. Please spread the word. If a few universities would be interested,it could happen. I have their contact info and want to help make it possible.
Click here for
BEDOYO PERFORMANCE AT KRATON SURAKARTA KESUSUHUNAN
PERFORMANCE IN THEATER
GAMELAN
MORE BACKGROUND ON KRATON
ANOTHER LINK TO SERIMPI
Sha Sha Higby 