Bali Agung, Bali culture well reflected

Inspired by the historic and legendary 12th century accounts of King Sri Jaya Pangus and his beloved wife Kang Ching Wie, the daughter of a Chinese merchant. poured through a sendratari’s of Bali Agung. Beautiful and well performance, very original and reflect the bali’s cultural perspective.

Bali Agung, an epic legend that revolves around the king of Balingkang kingdom. Many years have passed but no sign of a child, so the King decides to leave his wife for a journey across the waters to find his taksu. Following the storm at the sea the King is washed ashore into strange and magical island with baby animals surrounded him. He finds his place for meditation not long until he is awaken with the rise of Dewi Danu, the water goddess of the volcanic lake Batur. Accompanied by her forest spirits, Dewi Danu seduces the King. He can not resist. In addition, Kang Ching Wie gather the courage to seek her husband, until she found her husband with Dewi Danu already have children, there was a battle, with the power of Dewi Danu, the king and princess Kang Ching Wie became the statue. This story
ends with the origin of 'Barong Landung' which is presented as a living embodiment of their former King and Queen to this day. Kang Ching Wie is one of the two supreme deities in Balinese tradition and is considered to be the Goddess of Prosperity. Her shrines are erected at every trading location and merchant’s home. Dewi Danu is the other supreme deity and is considered to be the symbol of fertility. Dewi Danu is also the goddess of lake Batur which is the source of the water that irrigates the island abundant farmland. Barong Landung, effigies of the King and his wife, Kang Ching Wie are paraded only once in every 210 days through the streets of Bali as an ogre-like ‘Barong Landung’, warding off bad luck and evil spirits.

This story inspired the performance of Bali Agung that portrays in a beautiful and remarkable show. A fusion of traditional Balinese gamelan and music orchestra, supported by a dancer, puppeteer, musicians, even the trained animals. No half-hearted, this show mixed and produced in cooperation between the iconic figures Balinese artists with professional teams from Australia with the international scale. Director, composer and costume designer in this production never directly involved in such mega show Olympic opening in Doha, Sydney, and the Asian Games.

The story describes the imaging perspective with all the uniqueness of Balinese culture and values contained in them are summarized in Bali Agung well performances. It is to be an important aspect in the maintenance of native culture that would be a tremendous investment for Indonesia, Bali in particular.
The tourists who come to Bali will be completely carried away and feel a strong cultural atmosphere, supported by beautiful natural scenery, of a society that is still steeped in their traditional cultural values, and will add an unforgettable experience when we watch Bali Agung at Bali Theatre, enjoy every storyline which arranged so neat, beautiful and attractive, the strains of gamelan combined with typical Balinese dances really brought us into it. We will see a reflection of a culture that is really extraordinary, so original and thick with cultural values. Things that will make us proud to be part of this nation, as form of appreciation of our cultural richness as well as preservation of cultural values.

Bali Agung becomes great performance for people to gain more understanding about wealth of art and culture that we have. The distinguished theater able to accommodate more than 1,200 spectators is equipped with sophisticated technology, sound, and lighting made of internationally standardize; Bali Agung an art exhibition which obliged us to enjoy. An experience that I guarantee will be stories that do not forgotten in your lifetime.