Opera Jawa

As its title indicates, Opera Jawa is a filmed Javanese opera. Everything is conveyed through a peculiarly beautiful soundscape, with unusual harmonies to a Western ear. Indonesia’s foremost dance ensembles are engaged as the main performers and the scenography is by some of today’s most celebrated Javanese artists.

A story from the classic Ramayana is transferred to a contemporary framework, both through narrative devices and through making the action relevant to a time of social rebellion and street fighting. Opera Jawa is a challenging, multidisciplinary work of art that no one with an interest in contemporary cinema and art should miss. bb