Topeng Balinese Theate Dance with Masks

The Theatre Studies Programme with the collaboration of the Koperattiva Kulturali Universitarja, Precincts Office and BOV Club is organising a public lecture entitled Topeng Balinese Theatre Dance with Masks. The guest speaker is Ms Carmencita Palermo.

Date & Time: Friday 16 April 1999 at 7.00pm
Venue: Mediterranean Institute Theatre Programme, St Christopher Street, Valletta
(entrance free)

The Practical Workshops will be held on:
Saturday 17th April 1999 (9.00 - 13.00)
Sunday 18th April 1999 (9.00 - 13.00)

The Speaker
Ms. Palermo obtained her Masters Degree in Theatre Studies from the University of Bologna. She trained for three years with theatre masters in Bali and specialised in Topeng theatre dance. This dance includes the use of various masks and movement. She is currently on a 3-month scholarship at the University of Malta where she is carrying out research in the field of Balinese theatre dance together with Dr. Vicki Ann Cremona.

Details of Workshop on Topeng
Aims
To provide elements for a direct grasp of the work that the Balinese actor has to do upon himself in order to construct his physical presence.

Plan of workshop

  • Physical Warm-up
  • Learning the basic techniques and code of Balinese dance - how to walk, first elements of Balinese movement
  • Searching for foci of energy that bring the mask "to life"
  • Keras and Manis (strong and refined energy) - understanding the two poles through which bodily energy is transmitted in Topeng.
  • Use of the mask - how to move wearing a mask
  • Beyond technique - how to go beyond the technique of Balinese theatre dance and use only the principles in order to construct a character in a "European" dimension.


    • April 1999