The vibrant colors, sounds and flavors of Indonesia filled the air of the Earle Ernst Lab Theatre as UH leadership, faculty and special guests gathered for an evening of Balinese theatricality in appreciation of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Asian Theatre program. Those in attendance also celebrated the opening night of Battle of the Monkey Kings-Subali-Sugriwa, a mixed-media adaptation of a traditional Balinese shadow theatre and the program’s most recent production. Recognized as one of the finest university-based centers for the study and practice of Asian performance, the Asian Theatre Program is a shining example of a culturally rich, cross-disciplinary program that combines rigorous curriculum with performance. Guests got a taste of the work and dedication that goes into production as well as a demonstration of the shadow puppetry used in Battle of the Monkey Kings-Subali-Sugriwa.
UH Mānoa Chancellor Robert Bley-Vroman began the reception by welcoming guests and introducing director Kirsten Pauka, who gave a brief background on the production and the complexity of such a unique form of storytelling. Gods, ogres and monkeys came to life as cast members demonstrated the use of the shadow puppets used in the production. Also present at the reception were two cast members in full costume, who enchanted guests with their intricate garments and dramatic movements. Concluding the reception was Dean Peter Arnade of the College of Arts and Humanities, who spoke of the Asian Theatre Program’s unmatched reputation as a national leader in Asian theatre.
Said Arnade, “What you’re going to see tonight, you can’t see anywhere else in the United States. Our Asian Theatre Program, of which the Indonesian component is a part, is unparalleled outside of Asia. It’s just an indication of the richness and dedication of our students and faculty here at the university.”
