Sunday, December 20, 2015
Kecak Ramayana and Fire Dance
After taking the tour of the Pura Luhur Uluwatu we (well, our tour guide) bought tickets for the Kecak performance. It is held on the grounds in an outdoor theater setting with a breathtaking view of the ocean at sunset. It was advised not to wear glasses, sunglasses, hats or have water bottles, or bags -- because the monkeys would steal them.
It was originally a trance or ritual, but in the 1930's it was adapted as a drama based on the famous epic Hindu story of the Ramayana. The men's chorus chants the words 'ke-cak' over and over again, in rhythm. It consists of about 50 (or many more) men wearing checked cloths around their waists, while moving their arms and hands. The drama includes two young princes, a demon king, a damsel in distress and a very mischievous monkey. It culminates into an impressive fire dance at the conclusion.
The very mischievous monkey came into the audience and stole someone's glasses.
One last look at the sunset before we return.
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