A three event series on Javanese danced, music and aesthetic presented by renowned gamelan ensemble, Langen Suka. The event was spread out into three days from June to July. This event will be filled with vibrant and rich performing arts for guests to enhance their knowledge on the traditional Javanese Dance and Art.
On the 20th of June They held a Raga to Wiraga performing arts transforming the body through posture, movement and costume in classical Javanese dance. Raga refers to the physical body, while wiraga is the body in motion. The concept is it involves mastering the exact, specific movements required in Javanese dance. This includes precise angles of the feet, the elegant shaping of fingers, the tilt of the head and proper posture. On the day they delve into the highly codified vocabulary of Javanese dance with particular attention to the ways a character is articulated through choreography.
Next event will be held on 4th of July which will showcase the Lagu within Irama. Lagu within Irama is a musical concept from Javanese gamelan. In other word translates to ‘the song within the rhythm’. Irama is the underlying pulse, speed and time cycle of the music. It acts as a guide or an anchor for the whole ensemble. Lagu is the core tune , usually played by the lead instruments or sung by the choir. This class will be focusing on the musical structure and principles. It will build on concepts explored in previous lecture and emphasise the construction of melody within the Javanese concept of Irama.
And upcoming the last class of the three day event will be held on 11th of July. A free public performances celebrating over 40 years of partnership with the Australian Museum. This class session will be on at 2 -3 pm and is a free entry for guests and visitors to join in the fun with a free one hour performance featuring the full ensemble of Langen Suka and classical Javanese dance by Melbourne based artist Mirasstity Akacia Putri.
If you are interested in learning more of the traditional Javanese performing arts visit: https://australian.museum/event/mystical-worlds-of-javanese-performing-arts/ for more information.
