Tens of Thousands of Netizens Watch Ramayana Ballet's First Performance

The premiere performance of the Prambanan Ramayana Ballet, Saturday (6/9/2020), went smoothly and brilliantly. The online performance, which was held in collaboration between PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan & Ratu Boko (Persero) and the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) Mumbai and supported by the Indonesian Embassy in New Delhi and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, was held to commemorate the 71-year bilateral relations between India and Indonesia.

The show, which was previously on hiatus since early March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, received a warm and special welcome from fans, both domestically and abroad. As many as 35 thousand viewers were seen accessing the Youtube account @BorobudurPark which broadcast the live broadcast of this show. In addition, this online show was also watched by hundreds of Indian citizens via the zoom application.

A total of 60 dancers and 20 gamelan players combined in a charming performance that lasted for approximately 60 minutes at the Open Teater Ramayana. The performance that has been around since 1961 continues to implement Covid-19 prevention health protocols, such as the use of face shields by dancers and adjustments to dance movements, especially in the body contact between dancers.

"Although there is no touch, the chemistry must still be built, for example through eye contact or body gestures. So it doesn't have to be touching but it can still build romance between Rama and Shinta," said Tutu Wisti Sabila, the actress who plays Shinta in the Ramayana Ballet performance.

GM of Ramayana Pentas Theater Chrisnamurti Adiningrum said that this performance was different from the usual performances. “We prepared for almost two weeks. There were adjustments to comply with health protocols such as limiting the number of dancers. We went through this to show that the Ramayana Ballet still exists. Hopefully we can get through this situation and be able to release the show again.” He explained.

Meanwhile, Marketing and Service Director of PT TWC Hetty Herawati explained that her party continues to communicate with the DIY Provincial Task Force regarding the opening of the Ramayana Ballet performance. "The point is we continue to monitor developments. Even if it is still not good, at least this moment can channel the energy of these talented artists to dance again. Because for them, dancing is a source of spirit." She said.