Gambuh: an archetype for the Balinese Scenic Arts (with a note by Mirella Schino)

Abstract

Gambuh is at the roots of Balinese dance-theatre. It is also one of the oldest forms of living spectacle in the world, after Japanese Noh theatre. Cristina Wistari performs and researches Gambuh. In this article she defines the various aspects of the ancient tradition which were recently brought to light in a book in Indonesian that she has edited. The author sums up the sources, characters, stories, language, origins, and esoteric dimensions of this theatrical form. She describes the performance, the movements of the actor-dancers, the scenic space, and analyses the music and instruments.