JAMUAN Bisu...PARAdis_e...?: A Gendered Depiction

Written by Deborah Wong

The final weekend of the Dance Reflections 2007 on the 28th of September marked the debut of the Indonesian dance production, JAMUAN Bisu...PARAdis_e...?, in Singapore. The dance production, which spanned a surprisingly short one hour interval, had previously premiered in Indonesia on the 1st of September.         In trying to convey the story of the Minangkabau community of West Sumatra and exploring matriarchal issues and symbols such as the concept of Jamuan Bisu (silent devotion), Boi Sakti, together with Gerard Mosterd infused theatrical elements into the production that enhanced the clarity and understanding of their intentions by the audience.         The choreography illustrates the delicate inter-gender balance between males and females in the society through the use of masculine and feminine forms in dance.         Using props such as the Suntiang, a headdress that women wear during their marriage ritual as a metaphor of a yoke - carrying the burden of life, and a theatrical video backdrop, the entire production was a visual spectacle that served to capture the audience's attention throughout its entire run.         Consisting of an international cast of 7 dancers, from Indonesia, Portugal, Spain and Japan, the ensemble produced a technically exceptional work. Looking immaculately polished and well rehearsed, every step was executed with control and precision. All of the members of the ensemble were in complete sync with each other and attention was equitably distributed among all of them.         As an art form, dance invokes the use of movement and music to narrate the plot. Herein lies both its strength and weakness. While it permits creativity and freedom for the audience to interpret the story behind the dance, this inherent subjectivity involved in the interpretation of dance items implies that it is difficult to form a deterministic opinion on them.         JAMUAN Bisu...PARAdis_e...?'s creative and thought provoking dramatization of its storyline through dance therefore, could also prove to be its downfall as its mode of presentation might hinder its ability to convey its message with clarity, especially to an audience who is relatively less-informed about dance techniques.         However, the impeccable technique and beauty of the dance movements exemplified in the production will undoubtedly more than suffice to draw in the crowds and appeal to the masses, a complete understanding of the storyline of the production notwithstanding.         JAMUAN Bisu...PARAdis_e...? proved to be a wildly entertaining production that bestowed upon its audience a sense of technical precision and fluidity. It was able to do this while bringing to the forefront, the relevant issue of gender differentiation in modern society. Enlightening, indeed. hooked Comments Write Comment Name: Guest Title: Comment:

 

< Prev		Next >