The Kecak (pronounced: "KEH-chahk") is a Balinese music drama performed primarily by men, interestingly enough, with no musical accompaniment. Also known as the Ramayana Monkey Chant, the piece is performed by a circle of 100 or more performers wearing checked cloth around their waists, percussively chanting "cak" throwing their arms in the air. The men not only provide the rhythm for this dance but also act as the various monkey armies that are featured in the story and as the undulating snake in one of the scenes. In the 1930s Wayan Limbak worked with German painter Walter Spies to create the Kecak from movements and themes in the traditional ‘Sanghyang’ exorcism ritual and the portions of the Ramayana. This collaboration between artists worked to create a dance that was both authentic to Balinese traditions but also palatable to Western tourist's narrow tastes at the time. Wayan Limbak popularized the dance by traveling throughout the world with Balinese performance groups.
It depicts an epic battle from the Ramayana where Prince Rama fights the evil King Rahwana, with the help of the white monkey army, to rescue his kidnapped wife Dewi Sinta.
It is an impressive dramatic performance not to be missed, especially against the backdrop of the Tanah Lot Temple at sunset. ( www.bali2008.com )
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