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Topeng Dalem Arsa Wijaya

We are delighted to make available a video clip of 'Topeng Dalem Arsa Wijaya' danced by Margaret Coldiron, accompanied by Lila Cita, at the Jerwood Hall, LSO St Luke's in March 2007. Video clip courtesy of the London Symphony Orchestra.

Margaret Coldiron writes:

‘Topeng Dalem Arsa Wijaya’ is a solo dance taken from the Balinese masked dance tradition called topeng – a term that means ‘mask’ and refers both to the mask object and the performance genre.

'The term ‘Dalem’ literally means ‘interior’ but, in the context of topeng, refers to the character of the refined king – remote, mysterious and fascinating.

'The white face shows that the character is manis (sweet) and alus (refined) as opposed to keras (coarse or strong), which would be indicated by a stronger coloured mask. The gilded crown and cudamani denote his rank, and his calm expression, along with his delicate features and slightly lidded eyes reveal intelligence, purity and a softness that borders on asexuality. Yet as well as gentleness and grace, there is an element of controlled power in the Dalem’s enigmatically smiling mouth, a power which, one feels, could suddenly be made manifest with dangerous consequences. These qualities of the mask are mirrored in the character’s sinuous and restrained, almost effeminate movement which occasionally breaks out in sudden, strong gestures of the head and arms and quick changes of direction'.

Quoted from 'The Image of the Ideal King: Part 2 – Dancing the Dalem', Seleh Notes, Volume 14 No 3 by Margaret Coldiron.

Margaret Coldiron has studied the role of Dalem for some 10 years and has written two articles for Seleh Notes on the subject. See also 'The Image of the Ideal King: Part 1 - Making the Dalem Mask', Seleh Notes Volume 14 No 2.